There are many differences between mass-produced beer and craft or small batch beer. For one thing, a local brewery staff is likely to be friendly and personable to their visitors, whether they only sell beer in containers or run a local taproom. Local breweries also produce unique tasting beers because, like wine, the beer’s taste and aroma varies from season to season. The availability of a craft beer is dependent on how many batches are made, while larger beer companies make and package the same recipes year-round.

Texas has emerged as a leader in craft brewing in recent years. From visiting individual craft breweries to attending craft beer festivals, your support means a lot to smaller local breweries. But how much do you really know about Texas’ craft beer scene?

Now, it’s time to pick the brain of an experienced licensing consultant in Dallas, TX. Here’s a brief history of Texas’ craft breweries:

• Early Texas history shows small breweries beginning to establish themselves in the mid-1800s. Documents from the Texas State Historical Association have Western Brewery in San Antonio recorded as the first commercial Texas brewery, in 1855. By 1860, Texas had 11 breweries, and near 60 by 1876. Then something happened.
• As Texas’ small breweries grew their numbers, big companies like Anheuser-Busch made their product widely available at cheaper prices. This led to Western Brewery closing up shop, while other small breweries were able to stay afloat with local support.
• Soon after the big bust, Kreische Brewery opened up, deciding to build down a ravine. The ravine supplied fresh water and plenty of airflow to give the beer unique characteristics. They were going strong until the owner’s death in the 1880s.
• Because small local breweries, like St. Arnold in Houston, which has been around since 1994, have stuck out the ups and downs of the business, you can still enjoy a selection of old school craft beers. And although there were many breweries established between 2000 and 2010, they are actually not even the newest in the business.
• Texas craft breweries of today are optimistic, continuing to brew and sell craft beer to loyal locals. They continue to move forward, even in the wake of new beer laws.

 Recent beer laws in Texas

Unfortunately, the most recently passed beer law is undercutting some of Texas’ small craft breweries—and some are more heavily impacted than others. But will it hinder the growth of these smaller breweries in the area?

House Bill 3287, known locally as the “beer bill,” states that any independent Texas brewery producing more than 225,000 barrels per year on its own must adhere to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code’s three-tier system. This impacts breweries’ ability to sell beer on their own property. Read our recent blog post about the beer bill to learn more.

Fortunately, a beer licensing consultant in Dallas, TX can help you obtain your TABC liquid license or permit to sell. To get the process started, contact the experts at LaBarba Permit Service today!