Texas Beer Experience
By Leo Longoria
Texas Beer ExperienceDec 24, 2022
Episode 42: Year End Blowout with Craft 96 and Squats and Hops
Our longest episode of the year!! We are joined by Corey Edwards, general manager of Craft 96 in Mt. Belvieu and Garson Skelton, owner of Squats and Hops.
Several great beers are enjoyed including a gin barrel aged wit from 512 Brewing, Divine Reserve 13 from Saint Arnold, DDH Ghost in the Machine from Parish Brewing and several other notable beers.
Thank you for listening to the show this year!
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Episode 41 : Check Yourself with Turkey Forrest Brewing
This week we got to hang out with our good friends Louie and Oscar from Turkey Forrest Brewing! We discuss their first year challenges and victories while sipping on some great beers.
We also discuss our collaboration beer, Check Yourself Oatmeal Stout, to help raise awareness for mental health. During the holidays, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to buy gifts and spend more money than we should. This can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
If you are struggling with any kind of mental health issues, it is ok to reach out to someone and just tell them what's going on. Sharing your struggles with a trusted friend can be a huge help.
Thanks for listening to the show!
Cheers!
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Episode 40: A Banner Year at No Label with Tom Paynter
Our first repeat guest is none other than Tom Paynter from No Label Brewing in Katy, TX! As they approach their 12th anniversary in November, we recap their incredible year as they cleaned up at the World Beer Cup with a Silver Medal in the IPA category with Cali Boy IPA and 8 Crushie Awards at the Craft Beer Marketing Awards.
They also have some great beers coming down the pipeline with Murky Myers Hazy IPA, a Halloween themed beer with a famous fictional serial killer as its inspiration. Also, their anniversary party on November 26th will have Perpetual Peace variants along with a can't wait to try barrel aged Belgian Quad.
Thanks for listening to the show!
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Episode 39: A Great Visit with North Austin's Circle Brewing
While in town for the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, we had a great visit with Glenna Nelson, marketing director for Circle Brewing. North Austin's oldest brewery is also the home brewery for the local MLS team Austin Anthem and fans gather for pre and post game festivities.
Several great brews were had including the Tuxedo T-Shirt Black IPA, Pacific Jade Dry-Hopped Saison and Whiskey Pig BBA Imperial Porter.
They will soon be opening a new production facility just a few miles down the road in Elgin, TX that will further expand the Circle Brewing footprint.
Thank for listening!
Cheers!!
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Episode 38: Hops and Houses with Hugh Hait
In this week's episode we are joined by Hugh Hait, beer and real estate master of Texas. We discuss everything from the housing market, delicious food and Thistle Draftshop and Hugh also makes Leo blush.
Cheers!!
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Episode 37: Great Times at Galveston Bay Brewing
In this week's episode we visit with good friends and occasional "adversaries", Skyler and Rudy from Galveston Bay Brewing. Opened in 2014 with Skyler as the only employee, they have grown to be one of the premier breweries on the Texas gulf coast with a brand new production and taproom facility opening soon in Clear Lake Shores.
Award winning beers like Captains Coffee Stout and Bull Shark Scotch Ale are great year round beers and their taproom exclusive beers like Cactus King Mexican Lager demand a visit to try them. They also have Firkin Friday once a month with even more exclusive and very limited beer to try.
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Episode 36: An Oasis of Beer and Live Music at Home Sweet Farms
In this episode we sat down with Cameron Crawford of Home Sweet Farms in Brenham, TX. In operation since 2004, HSF has become a hub for great live music and well curated craft beer lineup. Cameron has developed a keen sense for what keeps Texans coming to Brenham.
We discuss a myriad of topics including favorite beers and mental health awareness. Cameron is easily one of the best people to have a conversation with and I hope you enjoy this episode.
Cheers!
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Episode 35: What’s All The Fuss with Fass Brewing
For this week's episode we visited Fass Brewing, owned and operated by father and son team, Tom and Dylan Emmons,
Housed in the historic Gentry building in Conroe, TX, Fass Brewing has made a mark on the Houston beer scene with great takes on classic styles and newer styles as well.
We tried several beers including the Dial 25 Hazy Pale, All Green to Me Phantasm IPA and Cold Town Altbier made with Xela Coffee.
We also were fortunate to try a new Italian Pilsner that will launch a new series of rotating hop Italian pilsners from Fass this Summer.
Fass Brewing is open Tuesday thru Sunday with great beers that you can enjoy with pizza, pretzels and amazing bratwurst.
Thanks for listening! Cheers!
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Episode 34: A "Timely" Episode with Gary Marler from Brew:30
To say it's been awhile would be an understatement. Work and life have had it's challenges the last few months but we are back and have several great episodes coming starting with our good friend Gary Marler from Brew:30 in Cypress, TX.
Gary started Brew:30 with the idea of having a brewpub where they would feature their own beers plus several other well curated craft taps but 2000 had something else in mind. Fast forward to 2022 and they are now in full production producing great beers like On Time Red, Forever Blonde, Rye Here Rye Now and many other time themed beers.
The pub stays busy with weekly bingo nights, cornhole leagues, a mug club and many other fun events and activities. Open Tuesday thru Sunday you're sure to find a friendly face, a good time and a cold beer waiting for you at Brew:30.
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Episode 33: Friday Night Flights at The Cove
This week we’re back at one of our favorite local spots, The Cove, to kick off our new YouTube series, Friday Night Flights. Leo and his good buddy and craft beer enthusiast, Ronnie Risner, seek to expand their beer knowledge. Ronnie curates a strong selection of four Texas beers ranging from a Schwarzbier from Altstadt to an Imperial Stout from Peticolas. Follow Leo on Untappd, Txbrewdude, to see his public list of their Friday Night Flights beers.
Daniel Parks, The Cove’s craft beer expert, also joins us to talk beer and to help make an exciting announcement. The Cove will host the Texas Beer Experience’s Inaugural Chili Cook-Off! Come enjoy free samples on February 26th, or enter to compete for Texas chili supremacy. Check out the event on Facebook for more information. We enjoy the opportunity to taste a great variety of craft beers at The Cove. Pay a visit on Fridays for $8 flights, or check out their other daily specials.
Subscribe to TBX’s YouTube channel to watch our Friday Night Flights videos, and let us know what you think.
Thank you, Daniel and Ronnie. We had lots of laughs and drank some quality local beers, so you know it’s going to be a great episode.
Thanks for listening. Cheers to fantastic Texas beers!
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Episode 32: A Jam Session with the Joshes at Brazos Valley
It’s always a great time when we visit Brazos Valley Brewing in Brenham. This week Leo sat down with the two Joshes: Josh Bass (the Owner and Founder) and Josh Kahanek (the Sales Manager). Leo started off with Jam Session, a Session IPA with Mosaic and Comet hops. Brazos Valley’s staff love great music, so they incorporate music lingo into some of their beer names - the rare beers are called B Sides.
Some interesting beers were mentioned during our discussion about first beers, including Big Flats, a Walgreens exclusive back in the day, and the beer in a white can just labeled BEER in black lettering, which you can see at Houston’s Beer Can House and at Fredonia Brewery’s beer wall. Next, we discussed “the spectrum” of hazy beers while enjoying BVB’s Hazy Does It. We also discussed hobbies, including disc golf and camping. And Josh K. gives the most unique answer to the question, what is your essential road trip thing?
It was so much fun sitting down with Josh B. and Josh K. We love visiting Brazos Valley. They have a great outdoor area, and they often have food trucks, live music, and some killer soft pretzels. Their taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday. Check out their website to plan your trip. Thank you for having us, J.B. and J.K.
Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think. We love receiving feedback. Cheers y’all!
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Episode 31: Beer, Horror Movies, and Snacks at Misfit Outpost
Out in Cypress, Texas, you’ll find the coolest bunch of misfits you’ll ever meet. For our 31st episode, Leo visits Misfit Outpost and talks with Juan Sanchez (Brewer and Owner) and Sarah Nadeem (Social Media Beer Influencer). Some may call them “The Craft Beer Power Couple.” We discuss Juan’s history as a homebrewer and his collaboration with Fortress Beerworks and how that evolved into the partnership and opening of Misfit Outpost about 5 months ago.
They also share what their first craft beer experience was. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale came up in conversation several times as an exemplar beer. We couldn’t sit down with Sarah and not talk horror movies. She is a fan and expert of the genre. Our road trip conversation led to an extensive list of must-have snacks and the gloriousness that is HEB trail mix. Special shout out to Pints and Panels (pintsandpanels) on Instagram. She is an “award winning cartoonist making adorable #visualbeereducation.”
Misfit Outpost is open Wednesday through Sunday, and they have delicious food. They also have live music about every other weekend. We look forward to visiting again and seeing how they further utilize their 5 acres. Visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and go check them out in person. It’s not your typical brewery. They are misfits, in the best possible way. You can also follow Sarah on Instagram at hoppywonderwoman. Thank you for the hospitality and fun, Juan and Sarah.
Thank you for listening. Check back with us next week. We’ll be visiting Brazos Valley Brewing Company. Cheers!
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Episode 30: Making Friends at Elder Son Brewing
This really is our 30th episode! This week Leo visited a new brewery, Elder Son Brewing, in the Heights in Houston, and he interviewed Robert Frye, brewer and owner. They discussed where the name Elder Son came from, how the logo came to be, and their journey of finding their location. Leo and Robert also connect over the community of craft beer. Shout out to Preston at The Grain Cellar in Humble, a great teacher who has coached and encouraged so many great brewers, including Robert. Leo and Robert also mentioned other memorable connections, including Premium Draught, Back Pew, and Fredonia Brewery. Listen to the end to hear Robert’s choice for his last beer on earth - it’s a good one! Next time you’re in the Heights, check out Elder Son Brewing, right in the heart of the Heights. They are dog and kid friendly, and they typically have a food truck on site. Try Robert’s wife’s favorite beer, Grizzly Bolt, and the beer he has been making the longest, Yeller Weller. Robert, thank you for your time and for the delicious beers.
Thank you for listening. Robert says, “Serving beer is about making friends,” and we couldn’t agree more. Cheers, friends!
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Episode 29: Fun at Eureka Heights with Brent Davis
This has been one of the most fun episodes. Leo visited Eureka Heights in Houston to interview Brent Davis, Sales Manager Extraordinaire. There was a lot of laughter and maybe even some gushiness. Topics included Big Bend, Arrested Development, Hot Ones Wing Challenge, Gary Vaynerchuk, and so much more! We learn the meaning of Buckle Bunny and which Eureka Heights beer is a staff favorite and has inspired many tattoos. We also get to hear about how Brent discovered craft beer and how he got into beer sales.
Eureka Heights has a strong, positive team, and they have a special connection with their community. Their Patron Saint is Betty White, and every year they celebrate her birthday. This year, on January 14th, they will celebrate their Patron Saint with special IPAs, prizes, and games. Also happening next week, they will release Business Time, which will be on draft around town and in cans and on draft at the taproom.
It was a pleasure having Brent on the show. Make sure you follow Eureka Heights on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with all the good times and great brews.
Thank you for listening. Cheers!
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Episode 28: Island Time with Mark and Charday from Galveston Island Brewing
Welcome back! This week Leo shared some laughs and great stories with Mark and Charday from Galveston Island Brewing (GIB), our main sponsor and Leo’s employer. They reflect on the growth of the brewery and discuss management styles. Mark says of the people who work at GIB, “We are family,” and it shows.
They also share their craft beer origin stories. Charday discovered “the goodness of a Guinness,” while Mark was inadvertently introduced to craft beer when his wife brought home a six pack of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. He then “traveled down the wormhole” of learning about craft beer.
Listen to hear about the “beer fairy” and “the mom roll” and which beer Mark would shotgun if it were his last day on earth. Thank you, Galveston Island Brewing, for everything. Check out GIB’s shiny new building and their fantastic beers (now available in Houston), including Math Is Hard, a “delicious mistake” Double IPA. And don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with what’s going on at the brewery. Galveston Island Brewing has always held a special place in our hearts. Check out this blog post from Leo a few years ago.
Thank you for listening! Cheers and Happy New Year!
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Episode 27: Eleven Years at No Label with Tom Paynter
Next stop on our craft beer journey is in Katy, TX where we were joined by No Label Brewing co-owner Tom Paynter. Tom and Leo discuss the challenge of staying relevant during the pandemic and how No Label met the challenge head on and persevered.
We also tasted some great brews that included Golden Night Stout and Cali Boy IPA.
Brooks running shoes and Saint Arnold also enter the conversation as we learn about Tom's hobbies and inspirations.
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Episode 26: Mountain Fork Brewery and The Search for Bigfoot
This week we met up with Omar Viengar and Shonna Flournoy, the Texas sales team for Mountain Fork Brewery. Mountain Fork is located in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, but you can find them on draft and in cans around Texas. We had lively conversations with Omar and Shonna about the best Ramen, road trips with family and solo, and Bigfoot.
And, of course, we talked about the brewery and beer. They focus on brewing quality traditional styles of beer. Their flagship beer, Sneaky Snake, is a delicious Belgian Golden Ale that clocks in at 8.9%, but doesn’t drink like it. On sale and on display at H-E-B and Kroger is their Timber Creek Amber Ale, a versatile beer that pairs well with many types of food - great for the holidays! Look closely at their cans, and you’ll find Bigfoot! Omar and Shonna will be repping Mountain Fork around H-Town this month. Catch them doing tastings at H-E-B and Kroger.
Visit them at Thistle Draftshop on November 20th for a fundraiser for a women’s shelter. They’ll have a raffle, silent auction, and tie-dying. Kids are welcome. You can also visit them at the Wild West Brew Fest, one of the best festivals in town.
This was another fun episode recorded at The Cove. We are so thankful for them letting us use their space. Thank you for listening! Cheers!
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Episode 25: Squats and Hops with Garson Skelton
This week we were back at The Cove with Garson Skelton, owner of Squats and Hops. His motto is “Train smart, drink crafty,” and he says it’s all about balance. Garson has been a Strength Coach for over a decade, and he offers several different training programs with great beer-related names, such as the “Homebrew” and the “Rotating Tap.” Whatever level you’re at, he has something for everyone. To enroll in one of the programs, visit squatsandhops.com. Tell him you listened to this podcast, and you’ll get 30% off your first month along with stickers from Texas Beer Experience and 10% off our merchandise.
You can find Garson and more info on his training programs at the following links:
Website: squatsandhops.com
Instagram: squats_and_hops
Twitter: squats_and_hops
Facebook: squatsandhops1
A big thank you to Garson for sitting down with us and to The Cove for the delicious beers and wonderful atmosphere!
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Cheers!
Episode 24: Tank 7 Burgers and Beers with Scott and David
This week we visited Star Sailor for the last night of the Houston Tank 7 Burger Battle. It’s always a great time when we hang at Star Sailor, and this night was no exception. Scott Ganucheau from Boulevard Brewing gives us the story of their Tank 7 beer, and David Flores, Chef at Star Sailor, shares the details of his entry in the Burger Battle, a Smashburger that is freakin’ delicious.
We learn new things from Scott, such as pickleball and Khruangbin, and we have lively conversations about craft beer collections and how we first got into craft beer. We finish our conversation just in time to see the Astros become division champs!
Thank you for sharing your passions with us, Scott and David. Thank you, Star Sailor, for having us out for this fun event.
Go enjoy a Smashburger or any other amazing creation cooked up by Chef David Flores at Star Sailor, and drink a Tank 7 if you haven’t had it in a while. It pairs well with everything!
Thank you for listening! Cheers!
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Episode 23: The Steve Vongrimm Experience
We sat down this week with one of the kindest people in the beer business, Steve Vongrimm. Prior to working in craft beer, he worked in a group home and then for CPS. Steve shares how his past experiences inform his current position and how important empathy, authenticity, and relationships are to be successful and happy. Steve now works for Destihl Brewery, located in Normal, Illinois, and he covers their Texas accounts. At this year’s GABF, Destihl was awarded a bronze medal for their Haze of the Dead and a gold medal for Tour Bus. Destihl is also known for making some of the best sours in the game.
It was a pleasure getting to know Steve and hearing his insights on beer and life in general. Listen to the end to hear his unique road trip essential and last day on earth beer choice. He also invites you to Star Sailor Sunday, September 19th, starting at 3:00 pm for their End of Summer Charity BBQ. $20 gets you 2 BBQ meats and 2 sides, and all proceeds go to the Houston Food Bank.
Thank you, Steve, for sharing your time with us. Thank you to our friends at The Cove on Hamblen for welcoming us on a Thursday.
Visit 1886 Humble Backyard Saturday the 18th for the Humble Craft Beer Blowout. We met with them on our last episode. This festival is going to be a blast! Then visit Star Sailor Sunday the 19th for some delicious BBQ and to support the Houston community. Have a great weekend!
Cheers!
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Episode 22: Humble Craft Beer Blowout & Hot Cheetos
This week we visited a hidden gem in Humble: 1886 Humble Backyard. We spoke with Jason and Krista about the upcoming Humble Craft Beer Blowout. On September 18th, they will welcome 30+ breweries from all over Texas! There will be many special beers to try, and there will also be award-winning BBQ by Pitmaker, axe throwing, bull riding, and vendors. Live music will include Jay Bee Zay and the Nightcrawlers, The Weeds, and the Chris Castaneda Project.
Not only is 1886 Humble Backyard a kick-ass craft beer spot and a bar, but they are also an amazing venue. They have a beautiful outdoor patio with 27 taps in the outside bar. And if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, check out their legendary Bloody Marys. Visit their Facebook page for more of what’s going on and for more information on the upcoming festival.
Get your tickets today and mark your calendar for September 18th for the Humble Craft Beer Blowout! It’s going to be a blast!
BONUS!! On this week’s episode we are also premiering ‘Hot Cheetos’ a new song from our buddy Matt Lopez aka Matt Brian featuring Lord Lorenz! Make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear this great track!
Cheers!
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Episode 21: Celebrating Houston Beer Month
For this weeks episode we are once again joined by Sylvia Benavidez, Houston Beer Mother and Leader of the Houston Beer Guide Blog. August is Houston Beer Month and we discuss guest contributions on the blog including one from yours truly and the big celebration at Star Sailor on Saturday, August 28!
Several beers were had including the newest hazy pale ale, Harmony from Saint Arnold. We also discuss the Top 5 IPA's in Houston and my top 5 and it appears that I still have a lot of love for Spindle Tap IPA's!
Thanks for listening to the show!
Houston Beer Guide Links
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Episode 20: Vallensons' Family Tradition
This week we took a short jaunt to Pearland to visit with Valle and Brian, the head brewer/owner and brewer of Vallenson’s Brewing Company. Valle shared with us stories of his background and initiation into brewing amazing beer. We learned the origin of the name Vallensons’ and how involved his family is at the brewery. Including one son who is making soda that has become very popular!
Valle and Brian’s attention to detail and creativity are evident in the beers they brew. They focus on quality, the importance of water chemistry, and listening to their customers. Valle has been brewing for 25 years and the first beer he brewed as a homebrewer was his oatmeal stout. That beer became Settlers’ Oatmeal Stout, which was awarded a gold medal at GABF 2020!
Thank you, Valle and Brian, for making us feel welcome and for sharing your delicious Nobi wings and dumplings and your delicious beers.
Shout out to Lazarus Brewing Company in Austin, who came up in conversation about places you must visit on a road trip. We featured Lazarus in our blog post, Four Must Stop Breweries in Austin.
You can visit Vallensons’ Thursday through Sunday. Hang out in their beautiful taproom or their spacious outdoor area. They will make you feel like family!
Thank you for listening! Cheers!
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Episode 19: New Magnolia Brewing
What a joy it was to sit down with John Ferguson, Co-Founder and Manager of New Magnolia Brewing. Located on Bevis Street in Houston Heights, New Magnolia will celebrate its 2nd anniversary in November. They make some of the best beers in Houston, and we got to try some!
We started with the Heights Light Lager, a bronze medal winner at the U.S. Beer Open Championship. We also tasted Hella Pils, Czech Style Amber, WYSIWYG, and Tropical Splitz. We learned the origins of the names of WYSIWYG and Ennio Pils. And we talked about their Revolution IPA, a series using the same malt base with different hops.
Our road trip conversation diverged into a discussion about the best BBQ in Texas. And if you want to try the beers that John would drink if it were his last day on earth, you’ll need to visit the brewery. They are open 7 days a week. Make sure to check out their art wall. The art is for sale, and they rotate the artist every 3-4 months.
Our conversations with John were so good. Thank you, John, for spending time with us. Thank you, The Cove on Hamblen, for being so generous with your space. Thanks for listening!
Cheers!
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Episode 18: All Things Equal Parts
This week’s episode features Equal Parts Brewing. They are located in Houston’s 2nd ward, east of downtown. We were so excited to chat with Matt Peterson (Owner, CEO, Janitor, etc.) and Josh Samples (Sales Manager Extraordinaire). We started off by talking about what we were drinking: Entropic, on draft at The Cove on Hamblen. A delicious, tropical, balanced IPA. We learned that they went through 5 - 6 experimental batches until they got it just right. Next, we talked about the name change they went through, from Sigma to Equal Parts Brewing. They also have some unique names for their beers, and we delved into a few of those. The Big Lebowski is a big influence. Then, we discussed their Exotic Series. These are Tiki-inspired sour beers that are available in the taproom only. They mimic the taste of cocktails. Two of them are Pain Killer and Navy Grog.
Equal Parts just opened their new, beautiful taproom. It is open every day. You can also find their beers at H-E-B and other stores around Houston. And on August 12th, they will be in San Antonio at Elephant Cellar for their Brewer’s Dinner.
Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us, Matt and Josh. Thank you, also, to Daniel and the amazing staff at The Cove on Hamblen, for always making us feel welcome and for $4 drafts on Tuesday! You can pick up dinner at The Cove as well, a delicious home cooked meal from Cathy’s Kitchen. Pick up is Monday through Friday. I had the Mississippi Pot Roast with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. It was so good!
Lots of great stuff this week. Thanks for listening! Cheers!
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Episode 17: Pocket Pods at Star Sailor
Today we introduce Pocket Pods! That’s what we are calling our short segments of this week’s podcast. Instead of doing a full interview, we connected with several people who are part of the Houston beer scene. We set up a table at Star Sailor during their Christmas Eve in July celebration and invited our guests to grab a craft beer, sit down, and answer three fun questions. Sometimes the conversation branched out to other fun topics. We started off with a Texas Beer Experience regular, Jeremy Moore, head brewer at Texas Leaguer, followed by the fabulous owner of Star Sailor, Marin Slanina. Then, we chatted with Abby Hime, Sales Rep for Great Heights, and the H-Town Beer Guys, Brett and Cole. Stellar conversations all around.
Thank you, Star Sailor, for inviting us. Thank you, guests. It was a pleasure hanging out with you. And thank you, Galveston Island Brewing, for sponsoring us. Merry Christmas in July, everyone! Cheers!
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Episode 16: Local Group Brewing with Huggy Bear and Brandon Phelps
This week we are back at @thecoveonhamblen again enjoying $4 drafts of anything on their tap wall. We are joined by Huggy Bear, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Local Group Brewing, and Brandon Phelps, Sales Rep for Local Group. And, of course, we’re having one of their most popular beers on draft, Magic Flip. We also taste two other Local Group beers. Pink Nebula benefits the Pink Boots Society (@pinkbootshouston), an organization that supports and educates women in the beer industry. And Bake Sale is a fundraiser beer for the Texas Craft Brewers Guild (@TXcraftbrewers). Great beers with a great cause!
Local Group opened its doors on February 28, 2020. We discuss how they coped during the pandemic. We also talk about why they got into the industry, the origin of Huggy Bear’s name, Brandon’s experience working at Disney, and much more! We recommend you listen to the podcast, and then go visit Local Group! They have a full kitchen with delicious food, and they are air-conditioned.
A big thank you to our guests, to The Cove, and to our sponsor, Galveston Island Brewing. Cheers!
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Episode 15: The Turkey Forrest Brewing and Big Owl Craft Brew House
A new brewery and craft beer bar are coming to town! Today on Texas Beer Experience we meet the owners of Turkey Forrest Brewing and Big Owl Craft Brew House Al Gonzalez, Victoria Gonzalez, Oscar Gonzalez, and Louie Espinoza. Located a few blocks from the farmers market in North Houston Heights, this unique partnership of a craft beer bar and in-house brewery is looking to open in early August. We chat about how the idea came to be and how they came up with their names. We also got to taste one of the first beers they will have on tap, and it got us so excited for them to open!
Thank you to our guests. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to track their progress. And thank you to our host, The Cove in Kingwood, where every Tuesday all their drafts are only $4! Follow them and check out all the great deals they feature throughout the week.
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Episode 14: Channing Herrin of Nobi Public House is Pregnant!
Episode 14 was recorded via a Zoom call with Channing Herrin, General Manager of Nobi Public House in Webster, TX. Channing is one of the best people in craft and has been instrumental in cultivating an incredible culture. From a well curated draft and bottle selection to incredible Vietnamese cuisine it is an experience unlike any other.
While enjoying two amazing lagers from Eureka Heights we cover fatherhood, Hot Ones style questions, getting your kids to clean while cussing and brewing collaborations.
Also, your “amazing” host messed up the zoom video recording so there is no video. I hope he figures it out one day.
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Episode 13: Professional Texans and Their Curb Feelers at Fredonia Brewery
Episode 13 was recorded on location from Fredonia Brewery in Nacogdoches. We get the inside scoop on Nacogdoches and the brewery from three of its superstars: Paul Murray (Co-owner, Head Brewer), Alex Ranc (Social Media/Marketing Manager), and Jack Sullivan (Tap Room and Operations Manager). We learn about the history behind the brewery’s name and its evolution, and the story behind their “Curb Feeler” beer. We discuss the history of Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas.
And, of course, we talk about the beer! We tasted some fantastic brews, including the Brew Berry Cream Ale, the spotlight of the Blueberry Fest held in Nacogdoches every year, and Professional Texan, a delicious and very crushable Kolsch. We talk about which beers are available in cans and where you can find them. We also have a lively discussion about what makes a great date and why is it beer?
Fredonia Brewery is a hidden gem. We had a blast and loved the beer. We felt so welcomed by Paul, Alex, Jack, and all the staff and people we met there. We can’t wait to go back!
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Episode 12: Emergency Episode!!!!!
Life happens sometimes and you have to scramble! We had to do a short episode because the full one we recorded had some unusual audio issues. We will have a full episode next week!
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Episode 11: First Time Homebrew Extraordinaire Josh Castillo
Episode 11 was recorded at The Cove on Hamblen in Kingwood on Tore Up Tuesday. All drafts on Tuesdays are only $4! We enjoyed some tasty beers on draft, and we tasted some amazing homebrews by Josh Castillo, H-E-B Beer and Wine Steward and Homebrewer. We were also joined by Carlos Cortez, Sales Manager for SpindleTap.
We tasted three delicious homebrews while discussing beer styles, flavor profiles, and tasting notes. We also discussed Boston accents, the connection between Call of Duty and Heavy Hands, and the first beer we had when we turned 21. We bid farewell to Josh as he will be moving to Washington state. Listen to find out what he will miss most about Texas and what inspired our favorite beer of the night.
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Episode 10: So Happens It’s Tuesday with Matt Lopez and Daniel Parks
Episode 10 was recorded on Tuesday on location from The Cove Craft Beer and Wine on Hamblen in Kingwood. We sat down with Matt Lopez, a.k.a. Bad Child, and discussed everything from beer and music to bad movies and guilty pleasures. Matt and Leo also make a big announcement involving Tuesdays!
Daniel Parks, The Cove bartender extraordinaire, also joins us to talk more about the exciting things happening at The Cove. With a capacity for 31 beers on tap and wine and cider offerings, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. And Tuesdays are Tore Up Tuesdays at The Cove - all drafts are only $4!
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Episode 9: Just An Average Podcast with Chad Pilbeam
For Episode 9 of the Texas Beer Experience Podcast we recorded at Thistle Draft Shop in Spring, TX with a great mix of guests!
Kent Bray of the Just Hangin' Facebook group, famous beer drinker and amazing Simpsons voice impersonator Mario Ortiz, Jami Thomas of Bearded Fox Brewing and none other than Chad Pilbeam of What's On Tap Radio and Beer Logic!
We say our "final" goodbye to Chad as he prepares to abandon us for the beautiful summer weather in Michigan.
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Episode 8: 11 Below and Texas Craft Brewers Guild
Episode 8 was recorded on location at 11 Below Brewing with special guests Jeff Handojo, co-owner and founder of 11 Below and Charles Vallhonrat, executive director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. Six years in, Jeff and the team at 11 Below have created an amazing culture of passionate fans in Houston and of course some of the best beers you can get! From original brews like their Oso Bueno Amber to the super crushable Taco Tuesday blonde with salt and lime!
Charles and the team at the Texas Craft Brewers Guild have been hard at work for over a decade promoting the interests of their members in the Texas legislature that include Beer To Go and other measures. They also put on one of the best beer festivals that I've ever attended, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival! We also talk about the new Texas Brewers Passport app(available in the App Store and Google Play Store)which allows users a fun and easy way to support our state's great breweries and gives you access to some sweet swag as you reach certain passport levels. Go check it out!
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Episode 7: Texas Leaguer's Jeremy Moore and Baseball Inspired Beers
Episode 7 was recorded on location from Texas Leaguer Brewing in Missouri City. We were joined by head brewer and good friend Jeremy Moore. This baseball themed brewery is brewing some seriously great beers from a Czech style pilsner to highly anticipated mixed fermentation sours called the Farm System. We of course discuss baseball and our affinity for Texas League minor league baseball and the best team in the majors the Houston Astros! Cheers!
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Episode 6: Houston Beer Guide and Mother Sylvia Benavidez
Episode 6 is a little different form the norm. We did a Zoom call with one of Houston’s best known beer personalities, Sylvia Benavidez. We run the gamut on topics from Sylvia’s beer genesis story to pickle beer drama. Cheers!
Sylvia's Links
Texas Beer Collective Facebook Group
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Sylvia's Art Icon by FollowCultLeader
Episode 5: City Orchard
Episode 5 was a learning experience as we paid a visit to City Orchard Cidery in Houston. Our gracious host Patrick Kwiatkowski shared his vast knowledge and passion for cider and the in house beer they make. Our favorites were the Mr. Green, Cherry Red and the amazing Sweet Solstice Ice Cider. Cheers!
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Episode 4: Southern Yankee Hospitality
Episode 4 of the podcast had us at Southern Yankee Brewery in Houston, TX. We were joined by Owner and Head Brewer Sydney Porter Bradley who didn't even consider a career in beer until a few years ago when her home brewer father said, "We're opening a brewery and you're making all the beer!". Ok he didn't say it like that but it's kinda close. Tune in and hear her amazing story and the bright future in store for Southern Yankee!
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Episode 3: Back Pew Brewing 5 Year Anniversary!!
For episode 3 we recorded at Back Pew Brewing in Porter, TX for their 5 year anniversary. We were joined by Jeremy Moore of Texas Leaguer, Sylvia Benavidez and Matt Kirkland of Houston Beer Guide and friend of the show Amy Goodpasture. Our special guest was head brewer and Owner of Back Pew, Bobby Harl.
We run the gamut on topics including exploding Italian sausage, camping beer nerd stuff between Bobby and Jeremy and of course beer!!
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Episode 2: DECA Brewing
For Episode 2 of The Texas Beer Experience Podcast we recorded at DECA Brewing in Porter, TX. We were joined by 2 of the four owners, Jeff Angell and Heath Cleaver and had some delicious beers! Favorites were the Knox Road Porter and SMASH Mosaic IPA.
Also, Rodney brought food and didn't bring any to share.
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Episode 1: Introductions | SpindleTap Brewery Chili Cook Off | Sonic Hard Seltzer???
Howdy! Welcome to episode 1 of the Texas Beer Experience Podcast. For our first episode the team of Rodney Woodard, Bobby "Bobcat" Beasley and Leo Longoria joined up at the SpindleTap Brewery 5th Annual Chili Cook Off to discuss our favorite beers of the day.
Rodney talks about the inspiration behind his Women of Color in Craft Beer Calendar and we all chime in on Sonic Hard Seltzers.
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Texas Beer Experience Podcast Intro
Welcome to the Texas Beer Experience Podcast hosted by Leo Longoria
We will feature the stories, personalities and of course the best craft beers that Texas has to offer from Amarillo to Brownsville and El Paso to Beaumont and all points in between.
So kick back with a cold brew and enjoy the Texas Beer Experience.