So many breweries, so little time. It used to be my job to visit as many breweries as possible—from the West Coast to the East, and many across the pond. Now, it’s hard to find the time, but it’s no less fun.
I enjoy it when Beerknurds share stories about their beer travels with me. I’m guessing that most of them incorporate the brewery tours with a weekend getaway or plan out their yearly vacation in densely populated beer country.
Texas beer is booming again, with brewery openings taking place at a rapid pace. (There may actually be too many breweries soon.) One in particular that’s been interesting to watch is Karbach Brewing Company.
The Karbach team is made up of seasoned craft beer gurus, many of whom introduced me to different craft breweries in the past few decades: Chuck Robertson from Belukus, Ken Goodman from C.R. Goodman (perhaps the first craft beer distributor in Texas) and a brewer I’ve admired for a long while, Eric Warner. Eric comes from the Colorado brewing scene and carries 25 years of experience. Taste his beers, and you’ll see how well he knows his craft.
From L-R: Captain Keith, Ken Goodman and Blake Robertson
Ken Goodman (L) from C.R. Goodman
Since 2011, KBC has grown from just more than 8,000 barrels per year to a projected 54,000 this year. The team has moved quickly to accommodate this growth, as a few upgrades were obviously in order.
The Karbach barrel room
I had to go see it for myself, so I took a trip to Houston with some buds. Though the new brewhouse has been open awhile, the KBC folks wanted to have an “official unveiling.” The place looks amazing. They have a nice pub with plenty of space, a taproom with an upper patio, as well as a beer garden. They also have six giant 600-barrel fermenters outside with six more on the way.
Go see them when you’re in Houston. You won’t be disappointed.
The outdoor patio
600-barrel fermenters
