Austin’s top breweries of 2021 represent the best of the beer scene
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As the state reopens and craft beer fans emerge from their quarantine cocoons, there is a cautious excitement on the Austin beer scene. This steadfast community is also heartily appreciated on the part of brewers and consumers.
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards celebrate the spirit of this community by raising a glass to our 2021 Brewery Candidates. The Austin beer scene has proven time and again to be resilient, resourceful, and altruistic. And that is worth cheering.
Meet this year’s nominees below and join us at the Fair Market on August 5th when the Tastemaker Awards return with our one-of-a-kind tasting event and coveted awards program. Tickets are on sale now, but in the meantime, stop by these top Austin breweries for a pint or six-pack to take away.
Austin Beerworks
Sure, Austin Beer Works has been brewing the city’s unofficial beer for over a decade – the instantly recognizable German pilsner from the green can Pearl Snap – but no Austin bucket list is complete without visiting the spacious taproom to the north of this establishment, Craft Beer Geeks can enjoy a bevy of esoteric, masterfully crafted seasonal and micro releases.
Blue owl brows
This is one of Austin’s most unique brewing operations. Blue Owl’s patented sour mash brewing technique leads to a wonderfully tingly feeling on the tongue that is just as delicious in a light and crispy Mexican lager as in a thick and malty cherry stout. In February 2021, Blue Owl did the unthinkable: they brewed a selection of respectable non-sour IPAs and beers. But to really experience Blue Owl’s specialty, opt for a mixed six-pack that showcases their acids.
Fairweather Cider Co.
With a variety of super dry, superchuggable ciders, Fairweather Cider Co. has earned its place among North Austin’s most respected brewing operations. Whether you’re looking for something super-light in calories, hot ingredients with Anaheim chili, or something tasty with gin botanicals, Fairweather’s many options get all the kick out of the beer without the uncomfortable puff.
Hello Sign Brewing
In a world of fancy, tricky beers, Hi Sign Brewing proves that there is room for a place that sticks to the script (as long as it’s going really well). Craft beer fans will find seven fine ales year-round, including an addicting Mexican lager and a smacking west coast-style IPA. There are a few pleasant surprises up the sleeve of Hi Sign as well – Blueberry Blonde Ale, anyone?
Holdout brows
Never before has a local brewery had such a fitting name. Before debuting in 2020, local beer nerds waited years for Holdout Brewings’ promised range of Nordic-influenced ales, all courtesy of former real ale head brewer Brent Sapstead. Now, in 2021 – after months of takeaway-only service – Austinites can enjoy Holdout’s converted Quonset shack, which also serves a quality menu of American bar fare, including burgers, curly fries, wings, and a superb Mexican corn dog.
Meanwhile brewing company
If a well-kept public park, food truck court, and family-friendly outdoor music venue collided with a neighborhood microbrewery, the result would be pretty darn similar to the While Brewing Company. This relatively young company manages to do many things at once, while the beer tap of the master brewer William Jaquiss is one of the most diverse in the city. Where else can you find an Oolong Tea warehouse and a Gin Barrel-Aged Double IPA under one roof?
Roughhouse brows
Though technically located in San Marcos, ex-Blue Owl head brewer Davy Pasternak’s inspired offering of funky, barrel-aged farmhouse ales (many of which use locally harvested additives) is often hailed as one of the best the capital has to offer. In 2021, Roughhouse took nature-oriented brewing methods to a new level, launching the first Texas Cave-Aged Ale, a beer that was both fermented and matured in a natural limestone cave on Roughhouse’s farmland.
St. Elmo Brewing Co.
While you let yourself be carried away by the numerous weekly events, St. Elmo shines with its wide and varied tap wall. From the city’s most popular hot summer drink (the only Carl Kölsch) to the latest hoppy, hazy IPA trend, they brew something for every taste, and with impressive skill.
Job offer brewery
In his previous appearance as head brewer at Trumer Brewing Co. in California, Brent Watson only brewed one thing, perhaps the best beer in the nation. At his recently established brewery in South Austin, not only his pils, but also his ever-expanding range of juicy pales, crunchy American lagers and a truly standout sparkling golden ale prove that Watson is anything but a one-trick pony.
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