Bare Arms Brewing- Paving the way for great beers in Central Texas

I got to visit with Justin and Keith at Bare Arms brewing in Waco today. These guys have completely mastered their recipes and have a great operation going.  They just got a 10 barrel system up and running in January so they can really ramp up production. All of their flagship beers are really good. Their Lux is their blonde lager, Nebulous Tart is a great sour, Turbulence is a well balanced IPA that is amber in color. Their stout was brewed with local coffee beans and is absolutely worth trying - Java Joule. To me, the best thing about Bare Arms is their Crowler program. Because they are registered as a brewpub, they are able to sell their beers in Crowlers. Really unique and a great idea. They're taproom has chalkboards everywhere and board games so it's great for kids to come as well. Their name "Bare Arms" is a play on words as rolling your sleeves and working bare arms, and the 2nd amendment, and the Baylor Bears tie in. They have had many restaurants and bars reach out to them wanting to put their beers on tap which proves there is a demand for great beer in Waco. Their taproom hours are 4-6 weekdays and 1-8 on Saturdays. This brewery is worth visiting and if you are in Waco, it is definitely worth the stop. They are off I-35 and easy to find. Look for great things still to come from Bare Arms and say hello to Justin and Keith when you stop by. Great guys who know their beer! 

Tyler's True Vine Brewing experiencing success

I visited with Greg at True Vine brewing in Tyler, Texas today. They were busy brewing up some "Mermaids and Unicorns" which is their very popular blonde ale.  Their taproom featured 10 different beers on tap. I was able to try a few of them and they have done a great job with their beer recipes. It is very encouraging to see what they have done in east Texas which presents more challenges than the DFW area. But the demand is there and bars and restaurants are wanting to put their beers on tap which is great. Their beers are available in the DFW area. They hope to start canning later this year. They have Open Taps this Saturday from 5-8 pm. Check their website at Truevinebrewing.com for future events. They have a stage behind the brewery where there is live music along with outdoor games. Look for more great things to come from True Vine and if you're out in Tyler visiting, stop by True Vine. 

Calendar of Events February 22nd!

Follow me on Twitter at @DFWBeer and on Untappd at Cldaggie.  Cheers!


Saturday February 22nd:

Rahr & Sons Brewery
701 Galveston Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104 
Brewery tour from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Cost - $10 and Includes glass and samples of beer.

Martin House Brewery
220 S. Sylvania Ave, suite 209
Fort Worth, TX 76111
More or less an open house from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Cost - $10 and includes a glass and 3 pints of beer.  Food and live music


Revolver Brewing
5600 Matlock Rd
Granbury, TX 76049
Open 12:00-3:00 p.m. Tour starts at 1:30 p.m.  Cost: $10 and includes a pint glass and beer tastings.

Franconia Brewery
495 Mckinney Pkwy
Mckinney, TX 75071
Tours start at 11:00 a.m. Takes about 2 hours. Cost: $5 and includes samples of the beer.


903 Brewers
1718 S. Elm Street
Sherman, TX 75090
Tours from 12-3:00 p.m.  Tours are free and 903 Brewers beer for sale.





Community Beer Company
1530 Inspiration Dr
Dallas, TX 75207
Open House and Tour 2:00-5:00 p.m. Cost: $10 and includes beers.  Food available

Deep Ellum Brewing
2823  St. Louis St
Dallas, TX 75226
Tours are from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 includes glass and beers.  Live Music and food trucks there every saturday

Rabbit Hole Brewing
608 Topeka Ave
Justin, TX 76247
Tours are from 12:00-4:00p.m. Cost: $10 includes pint glass, 3 pints of beer. Additional beers available for purchase

Firewheel Brewing Co
2806 Lawing Ln
Rowlett, TX 75088
Tours 11:00-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 and includes a glass and 3 "samples" of beer. Dog and family friendly

Cobra Brewing
146 Whatley Ave
Lewisville, TX 75057
Open from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Cost:$10 includes a glass and 3 samples of beers. Food and live music

Cedar Creek Brewery
244 E. Cedar Creek Parkway
Seven Points, TX 75143
Open from 12:00-9:00 p.m. Cost: $3 pints and $4 seasonals.  Pet Friendly

Four Corners Brewery
423 Singleton Blvd
Dallas, TX 75212
Free Tours every Saturday at 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. but limited to 50 guests.  Reserve your spot beforehand.  Their All Day AleHouse is open Wednesday through Friday from 5:00-10:00 p.m.  Saturday from 12:00-10:00p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Lakewood Brewing
Tours every Saturday from 12-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 Cash. Includes a glass and 4 samples of beer

Other Noteworthy Happenings

Grapevine Craft Brewery
These guys aren't doing Tours as of yet but are brewing some great beers. Currently their Monarch and Lakefire that are being served on tap all over DFW.  A new IPA is soon to come! They now have distribution to Waco and Austin.

Odell Brewing coming to DFW and calendar of events for their launch next week!

     Odell brewing in Fort Collins,Colorado no doubt has a following here in North Texas and starting next week, they'll be launching their beers here. Strangely, Odell's beers can already be found in Houston and San Antonio areas but not yet in DFW.  Founded in 1989, Odell's was just the second microbrewery in Colorado.  They started out in an old 1915 grain elevator on the outskirts of Fort Collins but in 1994 moved into their 8,000 square foot fully functioning brewery(seen below).

                                                                             

                                               

They offer a full line of great beers.  I've had their "90 Shilling" and "5 Barrel Pale Ale" and am looking forward to trying other new ones soon. Currently it looks as though they have 24 different beers with classics, seasonals, Woodcut series, Cellar series (bombers), Montage series, and 4 pack series.  The 90 Shilling is their flagship beer.  I'm not sure which ones will be available in North Texas next week, but the one I want to try most is their Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout.  For a list of their complete line of beers, click here.  Their North Texas launch starts next week and here's what's happening!

Monday February 24th

Tastings and meet the owners of Odell Brewing at Meddlesome Moth Dallas- 5:00 p.m.

Tastings and "Meet the Brewery" at Flying Saucer-Addison at 5:00 p.m.

Tap Takeover/Launch at Holy Grail Pub-Plano 

Tuesday February 25th 

World of Beer - Arlington Pint night - pint night with Odell brewing crew 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.  (I will be at this event. Say Hello if you see me there)

Odell Brewing night at The Common Table - Dallas 4:30-6:30 p.m.


Odell Launch at Flying Saucer on the lake (Rockwall) - 5:00 p.m.

Meet the Odell Brewer at Flying Saucer - Fort Worth - 6:30 p.m.

Odell Brewing at The Fillmore - 7:00 p.m.

Odell Launch at Lucky Lou's - Denton - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday February 26th

Pint Night at The Old Monk - Dallas - 5:00 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion at GoodFriend - Dallas - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Odell Tapping/Launch Pint Night at The Pub - Frisco 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Odell Launch Party/Tap Invasion and Pint Night at The Boiled Owl - Fort Worth 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion at East Side Social Club - Denton - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion (keep the glass) at The Bearded Lady - Fort Worth 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion at World of Beer - Dallas/SMU  - 7:30 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion (keep the glass) at Zio Carlo's  - Fort Worth - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday February 27th

Tastings at the Pour House In Fort Worth starting at 7:00 p.m.

Tastings at Wired Willy's Taphouse starting at 8:00 p.m.

Tap invasion at Henry's Tavern - Plano  5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Odell Launch at Magnolia Motor Lounge - Fort Worth - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Odell Tap Invasion at Idle Rich Pub - Dallas - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Tap Invasion at Kelly's - Allen - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Tap Invasion at Cool Beans Bar & Grill - Denton - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Odell Launch at the Social House - Dallas - 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

These are all the events happening for Odell brewing as of right now!! If more events pop up, I will update the blog!  Enjoy Odell Brewings beers and Cheers!  Follow me on twitter @DFWBeer and on Untappd at Cldaggie. 

Cobra Brewing - Beer with a Bite!

    The City of Lewisville has been trying recently to rejuvenate their downtown scene to make it more of a destination place.  No doubt that it was a big coo for them when Cobra Brewing decided to join the ranks of one of the newer, friendlier downtown businesses.  Just off Main Street, Cobra Brewing has recently opened up and is brewing some quality beers with lots of flavor.  Co-founder Bill Shaw showed me around the brewery and I was lucky enough to try a few of their tasty beers.  Their Hoppy Dazed-IPA is a smooth IPA with a sweet nice finish.  Something great to have at a Barbecue or at dinner.  A smooth and great beer.  

  

Co-Founder Bill Shaw at the bar with Cobra's taps and ingredients

      Their Best Mistake Stout brewed with chocolate brownie mix was easily one of my favorite beers from Cobra.  You can definitely taste the chocolate brownie! The Sumthin Strawberry definitely delivers the strawberry.  The beer pours a lighter color but the strawberry flavor at the end is delicious.  The Blonde Bomber II (brewed with Tettnanger Hops) boasts a nice mild hopiness with a sweet honey like finish which is a favorite among the women who visit the brewery. If you go to the brewery, be sure to try to a mix of half Best Mistake Stout and half Sumthin Strawberry. It is an amazing mix.  Kudos to Bill's son in law, Neil MacCuish, head brewer at Cobra Brewing.  Their style of brewing no doubt leads you to believe that they're always looking to try something new and never settling for the ordinary beer.  With recent seasonals like Jack Froth, Drunkin Pumkin, and Nitemare before Xmas, they're always looking to push the envelope and try something new.  The great thing about Cobra is their taps are always rotating taps with new beers and you may go there and not have the same beers that I tried.  The Hoppy Dazed IPA will debut for the first time outside of the brewery on February 19th at Craft and Growler in Dallas.

Ladder Ball and Darts at the brewery to play while enjoying good beers and music

The Pool tables and benches at the brewery

The Brewery itself is very welcoming and evident that they're trying hard to ensure that you have a great time when visiting the brewery on any Saturday.  The pool tables, darts, ladder ball with live music and food trucks every Saturday encourages a good time had by everyone.  There is a large patio out back that has room for the food trucks and space heaters are out there too for when it's cold out.  This Saturday they are having food offered by Lewisville's Square One Cafe and live music from "Crossing Main".  The tours are every Saturday from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. and costs $10 per person and that includes a Cobra Brewing glass and 3 beers.  Thanks to Bill and everyone at Cobra Brewing for hosting me and their hospitality. To find out more about Cobra Brewing, follow them on twitter at @CobraBrewing or check out their website here. When you go, tell them Clint from DFWBeerScene sent you.  Follow me on twitter at @DFWBeer and on Untappd at Cldaggie.  Drink local and Cheers!   

Plenty of room in the Brewery for socializing and having fun.

Cobra's three brewing tanks currently brewing a cherry wheat, an amber, and Golden Girl hop series beer

Outside Back Patio area includes room for Food Trucks and space heaters

Calendar of Events - Saturday February 1st

Follow me on Twitter at @DFWBeer and on Untappd at Cldaggie.  Cheers!


Saturday February 1st:

Rahr & Sons Brewery
701 Galveston Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104 
Brewery tour from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Cost - $10 and Includes glass and samples of beer.

Martin House Brewery
220 S. Sylvania Ave, suite 209
Fort Worth, TX 76111
More or less an open house from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Cost - $10 and includes a glass and 3 pints of beer.  Food and live music


Revolver Brewing
5600 Matlock Rd
Granbury, TX 76049
Open 12:00-3:00 p.m. Tour starts at 1:30 p.m.  Cost: $10 and includes a pint glass and beer tastings.

Franconia Brewery
495 Mckinney Pkwy
Mckinney, TX 75071
Tours start at 11:00 a.m. Takes about 2 hours. Cost: $5 and includes samples of the beer.


903 Brewers
1718 S. Elm Street
Sherman, TX 75090
Tours from 12-3:00 p.m.  This saturday they are celebrating the release of their new Sasquatch beer! Tours are free and 903 Brewers beer for sale.


Peticolas Brewing
2026 Farrington Street
Dallas, TX 75027
Tours are from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 CASH and includes Glass and 3 beers.  Food available


Community Beer Company
1530 Inspiration Dr
Dallas, TX 75207
Open House and Tour 2:00-5:00 p.m. Cost: $10 and includes beers.  Food available

Deep Ellum Brewing
2823  St. Louis St
Dallas, TX 75226
Tours are from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 includes glass and beers.  Live Music and food trucks there every saturday

Rabbit Hole Brewing
608 Topeka Ave
Justin, TX 76247
Tours are from 12:00-4:00p.m. Cost: $10 includes pint glass, 3 pints of beer. Additional beers available for purchase

Firewheel Brewing Co
2806 Lawing Ln
Rowlett, TX 75088
Tours 11:00-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 and includes a glass and 3 "samples" of beer. Dog and family friendly

Cobra Brewing
146 Whatley Ave
Lewisville, TX 75057
Open from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Cost:$10 includes a glass and 3 samples of beers. Food and live music

Cedar Creek Brewery
244 E. Cedar Creek Parkway
Seven Points, TX 75143
Open from 12:00-9:00 p.m. Cost: $3 pints and $4 seasonals.  Pet Friendly

Four Corners Brewery
423 Singleton Blvd
Dallas, TX 75212
Free Tours every Saturday at 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. but limited to 50 guests.  Reserve your spot beforehand.  Their All Day AleHouse is open Wednesday through Friday from 5:00-10:00 p.m.  Saturday from 12:00-10:00p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Lakewood Brewing
Tours every Saturday from 12-3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 Cash. Includes a glass and 4 samples of beer

Other Noteworthy Happenings

Grapevine Craft Brewery
These guys aren't doing Tours as of yet but are brewing some great beers. Currently their Monarch and Lakefire that are being served on tap all over DFW.  A new IPA is soon to come! They now have distribution to Waco and Austin.

Grapevine Craft Brewery - Going about brewing beer the right way!

I had a chance recently to catch up with the guys from Grapevine Craft Brewery and see how things are going over there.  Their brewing operation is located in Farmer's Branch.  It's an impressive operation, and the brews they've mastered are easy on the taste buds.  C.E.O. Gary Humble showed me around.  Their Lakefire Rye Pale Ale is smooth with definite hints of citrus and fruit. There's a great subtle hop flavor right at the front but fades with a smooth finish. This is a definite session beer that you could drink with friends tailgating, on the boat at the lake, or even at a nice dinner. It's available on tap all over DFW and you should be able to find it easily if you're in the Grapevine/Southlake area.  Their Monarch Filtered Wheat is a pleasant, lightly hopped wheat beer with a nice finish.  It's actually named after the Monarch Butterfly that stops in Grapevine en route to Mexico from Canada.  It too, is found all over DFW on tap.  I was lucky enough to get to try their newest beer, Lakefire Dry-hopped.  A hoppier version of Lakefire but still getting the rye flavor.  This will soon be released on tap as well.  They're brewing a Belgian Style IPA currently.  Gary says they are working on an English-Style Brown Ale infused with raspberry and cocoa that they are planning to have available for the Untapped festival in Fort Worth this year.  The theme with Grapevine's beers are that they are brewing beers that are easily enjoyed.  Gary says "By en large Grapevine Craft Brewery is approachable and sessionable". I definitely got that impression when sampling their beers.  They will soon have these beers available in cans and are targeting early April for release of their canned beers. Brewmaster Caton Orrell spent 10 years at Boulevard Brewing before deciding to come back to Texas.  The day that I was there, a truck was headed down to Waco and Austin to deliver to those areas.  They're now delivering to 60 accounts throughout DFW, Waco, and Austin. The growth they've had in only 8 weeks is positive and I'm looking forward to more good things from Grapevine Craft Brewery.  To find out where you can get Grapevine Craft brewery's beer near you, click here.  Thanks to the guys at Grapevine Craft Brewery. Follow me on twitter at @DFWBeer and on untappd at Cldaggie. 

Grapevine's brewing operation

From Left BrewMaster Caton Orrell, Assistant BrewMaster Jon Powell, C.E.O. Gary Humble(on right)