Houston…we have lift off at 10 a.m.!

I’m going to be honest, when we were planning our trip, we had no intention of stopping in Houston, TX. But, after researching the blossoming craft beer industry, meeting a ton of really cool folks and drinking some damn fine beers, we have changed our tune. Our morning started out meeting Rassul the owner of Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.  Rassul’s passion for brewing the finest craft beers convinced us to taste his flagship beer (at 10:oo am) the barrel aged 1836 whose tap is in the shape of Davy Crockett’s gun! It was delicious and went down really smooth. After that we tried a Hibiscus wit that knocked our socks off it was so crisp and great for summer. Buff Brew has only been open for 6 months and they have gained a wide following already. Kudos to them and we know that their Oowee Koozie coaster sets will sell well on their tours.

Next, we had lunch with our good friend Garrett with Stainless Cups Company, at an amazing local restaurant Downhouse (bacon, peach & arugula salad-yum). Garrett and his childhood friend Josh had the amazing idea to manufacture stainless steel 16 oz pint cups that are generally the same feel as your regular red Solo cup. After a bachelor weekend of beer pong and heavy drinking, the guys recognized the ridiculous-ness of the throw away cup culture and saw an need for a higher quality reusable cup. We are already thinking of friends who we can buy the beer pong sets that they plan on marketing. Together, with the *New Product Alert* Oowee Koozie Stainless Steel Pint Cup Koozie, these will make great beer gifts-and made to last!

We had heard that there was a year old brewery that was figuratively blowing up nearby, so we had to stop by Karbach Brewing Company.  David was an amazing host, despite the fact that we dropped in on him last minute, giving us a tour of the facility and we were floored to see what they had accomplished in just one year! It was a major production from kegs, to tours, and even canning. Thankfully, David gave us some samples to help take it all in. My favorite was the Hopadillo IPA and Gabe enjoyed the Sympathy for the Lager.

Our tour would not have been complete without visiting the oldest craft brewery in Texas, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, brewing since 1994. We enjoyed meeting with Deb, who started out as a volunteer at the brewery and now on staff. With a ping pong table in use in the offices, we can understand why so many people would like to work here. A tour of at least a bazillion people were at the long tasting tables, having a merry old time in this giant old mill. I tried the Elissa IPA and loved it of course, but Deb convinced me to try the Santo…that completely surprised me in liking it so much. It is a “black” Kolsch which apparently doesn’t even exist as a style-they just made it up.  Gabe had the Brown Ale which was rich and creamy. Cheers to St. Arnold for bringing great craft beer to Houston!