Ron's Corner Tavern

If you're like me and are a craft beer fan living in the mid-cities area you accept the fact that enjoying your favorite brew either means opening a bottle at home or driving to either Fort Worth or Dallas. Finally, a few months ago, we got our own craft beer pub, Ron's Corner Tavern.

The cozy spot is nestled in a strpi mall just off of Airport Freeway. The owner's were already operating Big Shots, a sports bar next door, when they decided there was a need in the area for a very different beer drinking experience. Ron's offer's several local and Texas beers on draft and bottles as well as craft beers from across the country. Wednesday night is tasting night when Ron's invites in craft brewers from around the state to introduce drinkers to their brews. In addition to available draughts, Ron's organizes its bottle selection by style. The staff is friendly and knowledgable so they can always offer suggestions.

Ron's has a small but solid menu. I liked the French Dip and they can put together a decent cheese plate. They also include a redneck version of the cheese board complete with bologna, saltines, american cheese and Boone's Farm. There is a small game area in the back and a cozy fire pit out front. Thank's Ron's for giving us another option.

Untapped Dallas

After hearing rave reviews of last April’s Untapped beer and independent music festival we decided to give the Dallas fall edition a visit. September 7th’s event was at Gilley’s Dallas on South Lamar. The event featured local and national brewers and some of the country’s best alternative artists.

With VIP tickets in hand we arrived for early entry, grabbed our swag bags and were ready to head straight for the rare tappings. While I was a little upset be the last minute decision to release a limited number wrist bands at a Friday night pre-party. I must say that the entrance process went pretty smoothly after ticket-holders figured out what line to go to. VIP gift bags, re-useable Central Market shopping bags, were stuffed with ear plugs, hangover remedies, coupons, earplugs and snack and water and served as a good survival kit for the day.  The only complaint was about the cheap quality and size of the tasting glasses. The $65 VIP ticket got a small plastic cup that was easily spilled, especially given the fact that beer was being poured in 100 degree heat. To get the taller glass tasting glasses you had to spring for Super VIP tickets. Our detailed program included the ever growing beer list, a map, the band schedule and a description of each of the DFW-area brewers. 

I was impressed with the variety and expanse of the sampling featured. Every local and Texas brewery was represented along with the more well known national craft brewers. Many featured seasonal  and rare tappings including several pumpkin, chocolate and barrel aged offerings which were tasty but still a little early to enjoy in the outdoor heat. My biggest complaint was that the VIP ticket advertised exclusive access to beers likely to run out when gates opened to general admission. While we were not there the entire time, we were there nearly 5 hours and did not find a tap that ran out but there was more than one brewer that held on to certain beers and ciders till later in the day. The only advantage to paying almost double for VIP was the early entry and the goodie bag. The VIP area on Gilley’s deck was overcrowded and had no available seating so we stayed inside the restaurant which was open to the public and took turns venturing out in the heat for more beer and music. 

I must say the selection of brewers and beers was amazing and hard to match at any other local festival. While we passed up some local favorite like Martin House and Firewheel because they were only serving their standard brews others brought special offerings. Locally I loved Rahr’s 2012 barrel aged winter warmer, Texican’s Summer Sandia Watermelon wheat ale and a version of Armadillo Ale Work’s Quakertown stout with cocoa nibs and coconut. Revolver premiered their Sidewinder, a slightly spicy American brown ale and Grid Iron a smoked rauchbier. I also liked Saint Arnold’s Icon gold which featured brown sugar and plums and had a pleasant light sweetness.

On the national scene my favorite finds were from Founders, Avery, Brooklyn Brewery and Maui Brewing Company. I normally love Founder’s dark scotch ale Dirty Bastard but the bourbon barrel aged version, Backwoods Bastard was even better. Avery had a very unusual stout called Tweak that used cappaucino. Brooklyn’s Post Road Pumpkin was my favorite pumpkin ale with just the right blend of spice and sweetness. New Belgium had hands down the best overall offerings. While I went to try their Coconut Curry Hefenweizen out of sheer curiosity they willingly offered small taste of the other two beers before pouring a full sample.  The hefeweizen was not to spicy and the Pumpkin had just the right amount of pumpkin and nutmeg. The Yuzu berlinerweiss was my favorite. This was a light, dry beer with a pale malt and the tartness of the yuzu fruit. The Yuzu and Coconut curry are both part of New Belgian’s Lips of Faith series which are small batch of strong and unusual flavored beers especially designed for the adventurous beer drinker.

I did not stay long enough to see most of the bands. However Blackalicious was entertaining and I enjoyed what I saw of Leagues.  The food truck offering were varied and gave more interesting but higher priced food options than Gilley’s BBQ and burgers. Central market was featuring a line of different beers from brewers participating in their Brewniversity. A few other vendors hawked shirts, hats, magnets, stickers, growlers, food items and other merch. All in all it was an enjoyable festival but may have been more so if some sampling were indoors or the festival was pushed back a little for cooler temps.  I am looking forward to the upcoming Canned and Untapped Fort Worth festival and  Untapped Houston was just announced. 

Labor of Love - Home Brew Competition

For the holiday weekend we headed over to Dallas’ Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s 2nd Annual Labor of Love Home Brew Competition. The event features local bands, food trucks, some Deep Ellum brews and unique offerings from home brewers across DFW. Your ticket got you a tasting glass, a can of Deep Ellum beer and a tasting card for six samples. 

Logistically the event was not set up well. The main stage was up front with two of the food trucks and a seating area with an accoustic stage and other food trucks out back. There were no tents outside to offer shad from the sweltering Texas heat and no fans in the overcrowded main brewery building were the home brewers were set up. There were areas selling Deep Ellum beer and merchandise and Labor of Love merch but no areas inside the competition area where you could stand aside and enjoy your samples. The more popular tables created bottle necks and congestion. We had to wait in line twice to get to our friends at Knowles Brothers.Three of the larger of the home brewers, Knowles Brothers, Oak Highlands, Mox Nix and the Manhattan Project were all placed next to each other creating back up and then newer home brewers were on opposite ends with little to no traffic. 

With that being said,  the home brew offerings were interesting, competition was strong and we saw a few groups that should be expanding to professional brewers soon. We wanted to try Knowles Brothers  because we met on of the brothers at a Saturday brewery tour. Their main offerings did not disappoint.  The Lady in Red was my favorite, it is a slight spicy, hoppy but smooth double IPA. The Hop Freakness I expected not to like just by the name but it was a smoky rich black IPA with a great toasty aroma. The hashtag is a slightly spicy and hoppy imperial double IPA with floral notes and the Lil’ Red Rooster Rooster is a classic American amber.Another popular brewer was Oak Highlands with their 10% avb Freaky Deaky that was a smooth belgian triple. Mox Nix, a home brew club based in Grapevine undoubtedly had some of the best names with the Citrabomb, Hassel Heff and wheat in tribute to David Hasslehoff and the LBJ ipa and LBJ2. The most interesting samplings  were a peach IPA,  sour watermelon, a fig and raisin flavored dark saison  and a peanut butter cup porter. 

I don’t know if I would do this event again on a hot labor day weekend but they did have good music, good food and good beer and it’s hard to go too wrong with that. 

Brewed

We discovered Brewed on our quest to find somewhere outside Dallas where we could fill up our recently acquired growler. Someone we talked to at Rahr brewery suggested the pub, eatery and coffee house on Magnolia in Fort Worth’s hospital district. They warned us that it can sometimes be swarming with hipsters, like most craft brew establishments, but Brewed is still worth the trip.

Brewed is not your average gastro pub. The decor struck me when we entered.The room was light colored, bright and strewn with salvaged antiques. The shabby chic decor and after work hospital crowd had me alarmed that our friend was right and we were stuck in a hipster haven. Then our knowledgeable server approached with our food menus and beer menus. He assured us that this was a bud / coors free pub that specializes in an extensive list of Texas craft beers. All the draughts were the best micro brews from DFW and Texas : Rahr, Lakewood, Revolver, Peticolas and Real Ale. The staff freely makes suggestions or if you can’t decide you can create your own flight. I was a little disappointed that a few of the selections were sold out but there were plenty more. We started with the smooth, caramel Velvet Hammer, an Imperial Red from Peticolas, and Leprechaun’s Pomegranate Cider; which had a little tartness but was dry and not too sweet.  We finished off the meal with a new brewery Cedar Creek from Seven Points and their Gone A-Rye Double IPA. While I don’t normally enjoy an IPA; the rye made this one crisp and light and event though it was slightly peaty  the hopps were not too assaulting. We also got the Growlers filled to go with Revolver's smooth and sweet Bloody and Honey. Growlers can be filled with any of the Texas draughts or Kombucha and if you don’t have your own you can buy a growler there. If bottles are more your thing, Brewed has a selection of craft brews from around the country divided into Introductions, adventurous and connoisseur lists, with each list marking texas offering and sharable size bottles. 

The food menu was also nothing to dismiss. The burger was made with prime cuts, prompting our server to say order it like you order your steak. I ordered the BLTB, a classic BLT with thick cut bacon and burrata cheese. The duck fat fries, sweet potato or regular, are season with garlic salt pepper and other herbs. Our waiter warned that it was a crime to put ketchup on them and he was right. They were the best fries I ever had. Brewed also features an extensive list of texas coffees, teas and  Kombucha. They also feature a tempting selection of desserts: s’mores in a mason jar, cookies  and mini donuts along with shakes that can be made with your choice of any porter or stout. 

Our last two trips to Brewed were for Sunday Brunch. The donut dippers and house blended coffee are almost as good as the beer. For the perfect beer lover brunch cocktail try a manmosa, an orange juice and wheat beer blend. The service is friendly and the patio is a great spot to hang out.

While Brewed is not the average gastro pub that’s what makes it enjoyable. The service is phenomenal and friendly, They are always open to suggestions of new brews. It is well worth braving the Hipsters. 

Rahr and Sons 9th Anniversary

An amazing time was had in Fort Worth Saturday, by myself and throngs of other craft beer fans, at the @Rahr & Sons 9th Anniversary. This was one of the biggest crowds I have seen at a brewery tour here, even more than for the 420 celebration and the Eleven Hundred Spring concert. But we had a good time, drank some great beers and bonded with friends old and new.  We all came out to celebrate one of the craft brewers that started it all here in Texas.

When Rahr started 9 years ago it was one of a handful of craft brewers in Texas. Now the state, and specifically DFW have an ever growing craft brew scene. Rahr was one of the innovators. It was also the first craft beer Karl and I drank and our first brewery tour. They continue to develop tasty new brews and to reinvent our favorites. Some of the best limited versions of the standard Rahr brews were the Winter Warmer with Avoca Coffee, Devil Pug, Hatch Chile Blonde, Snowmagedden with cocoa nibs and Angry Santa (a spiced version of winter warmer).  They also debuted the new black saison which was dark, smooth and malty with a slight almost fig-like sweetness. The ninth anniversary golden ale was light, sweet and fruity.

It was a bonus having a VIP ticket. It allowed us to score three or four tasters before the gates opened to  the public and gave as a chance to claim one of the few available tables. My only suggestions for future events with this many tastings is to have more stations serving firkins, one offs and the super rare tappings. The larger bars had the regular Rahr beers and a few seasonal beers. The majority of people here were regulars at the weekly tours and therefore sought out the firkins and wine casked brews which had unbelievable line. Before we left it was taking about 30 minutes or more to make your way through the firkin line. It seemed liked most regulars then started to turn to the not so rare but still seasonal or limited beers like the anniversary ale, Devil Pug ( a jalepeno infused Ugly Pug) and Bucktooth Punkin Head, La Grange and Tenderfoot. The music was good but the outside lot was way to crowded to be out there enjoying it. There was plenty of new merchandise in the store. The gang from Chadra Mezza brought out some tasty mediterranean food and and there was Ugly Chipugly salsa available to take home.

The Brewery also made some exciting announcements unveiling the new canning machine. Starting in March, Blonde and a new American Pale Ale will be available in cans just in time to make it out to the lakes and golf courses. There is no decision yet on what other favorite beers might also make it into cans.

We had a great time. I can't wait to see what stops Fritz and crew pull out for the 10th anniversary.

                                                   

Rahr Anniversary announcement

Rahr and Sons just announced they will start selling cans March 1st. They will also have a brand new beer, an American Pale ale also available in cans

Rahr Anniversary Update

Rahr and Sons Brewing Company updated their FaceBook page with tomorrow's beer menu. There are several special super limited tappings so pick your favorites and pace yourself. I have been waiting several months to taste Devil's Pug; a spicy version of the dark and malty Ugly Pug. Some other interesting offerings are a smoked raspberry porter, several versions of the midnight cab, Snowmaggedon with cocoa nibs, and Winter Warmer with Avoca coffee. I also recommend  the Hatch Chile Blond, a light and crisp blond ale with just an aftertaste of heat. Each bar will have different beers available and new firkins will be tapped as they run out. There will also be music, new merchandise and food from Chadra Mezza. See you there !

https://www.facebook.com/rahrbrewing

NORTH TEXAS BEER WEEK

Plan your calendars for North Texas beer week which starts this Saturday.  Texas Brewvolution kicks off the weeks activities in Fair Park and features offerings from Texas and national craft brewers in addition to a variety of food trucks and music. The weeks other acticities include special tours and parties from local breweries including Rahr and Sons, Firewheel and Deep Ellum. There will be tastings and tap take overs throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. For a complete schedule see the link below.


http://ntxbeerweek.com/

MARTIN HOUSE BETA BEERS

This week our friends at Martin House announced they are releasing four new "beta beers" that have not been released in public. They want to give a sneak peek of the new brews and get public input, especially on names. For details on where to try the beta beers see their events calendar.

http://martinhousebrewing.com/events/

Pedernales Brewing Company

Halloween was a busy time for Haunted Attraction Review so while most of our fellow haunters were getting in their last scares, Karl and I headed to the Texas hill country for some much needed r & r . While the region is best known for its many wineries (which I also enjoyed) there are some great places for beer lovers here also. Friday afternoon we made our way to the tasting room of Pedernales Brewery, named for the hill country region where it is located.

It a small tasting room more similar to a winery than most brewery tours but don't let that stop you. We were greeted warmly at the door. You quickly feel like you entered someone's living room rather than a business. The brewery is open Friday afternoon from 3 to 5 and Saturdays from 1 to 5. For $10 guest get a tasting glass and 5 wooden tokens redeemable for samples. There are five permanent brews: Lobo, Lobo Lito, Lobo Negro, a Classic Hefe-Weizen and an English-Style IPA. In addition to these, there were two seasonal offerings: Octoberfest and my favorite, a Spiced Porter.

There was some brewery merchandise available and a few small tables. Don't go expecting food and entertainment like some other brewery tours but what the lack in the extras they more than make up for in hospitality and the quality of the beer. Lobo negro is a dark smooth dunkel with a slight spiciness.  On the opposite side of the spectrum the hefe-weizen is a light golden frothy ale with hints of citrus. The spiced porter was dark and toasty smooth but the spices were not too overwhelming.

The best thing about the tasting room and tour was the personal experience. The tasting room facilitated conversations with other travelers and beer lovers and I can truly say that I met some of the nicest and most interesting people. The staff made sure that everyone got a personal tour of the facility. The president and CEO of the Pedernales, Lee Hereford gave our small group of four an up close look at the brewing process and explained how quickly the brewery is growing. Even though the tasting hours were over when we finished the tour, we were not rushed out but offered another beer and given tips on where to drink and dine in town. Pedernales has had smart marketing and is continuing to expand their distribution and you can truly tell they are passionate about beer. We can't wait to visit again and share a beer among friends.

BREWVOLUTION

See the news about the next local brew fest, Brewvolution that kicks off North Texas Beer Week starting this weekend November 9,2013.

http://bitchbeer.org/2013/10/28/texas-brewvolution-festival-to-kick-off-north-texas-beer-week/
http://texasbrewvolution.com/

ABOUT THE BLOG

In April 2013 my husband Karl and I started Haunted Attraction Review to travel Texas and beyond for the best haunted houses, Halloween events and paranormal events. Our other great passion is craft beer. I just started in the DFW craft beer scene in February 2013 but have already had the pleasure of meeting and visiting several Texas brewers. This blog will feature our adventures at breweries, beer festivals, brew pubs and other related events. Nothing goes better with a haunt than a good brew. Prost !!

MARTIN HOUSE BREWING - Boo-ery Tour

Martin House Brewing in Fort Worth had their first Halloween and I would say it was undeniably successful. The event on October 26th featured extended tour hours and 6 up and coming brewers in addition to Martin House offerings.  Martin House normally gives a great Saturday tour. They are small and intimate and have great views one the city, however this event turned things up a notch. Visitors were given a can pint glass, 3 Martin House pours plus a bonus pour of their halloween beer and had unlimited tastes from the guests brewers.  Martin House has 4 house beers: Daybreak, RiverHouse, Imperial Texan and There will be Stout (an amazing pretzel stout). Their Halloween was not a traditional pumpkin ale but a version of the River House Saison with hibiscus. It was light and refreshing with herbal and floral tones and a slight fruity note. I liked it but I think it would be  great warm weather choice.

Six new brewers were featured including Noble Rey, Wahoo, Rabbit Hole, Social, Grapevine Brewing, and the Collective Brewing Project. We had not gotten to try Rabbit Hole when we met them a Best Little BrewFest in Texas last June but their Rapture brown ale was worth the wait with its rich, toasty malt and slight hints of citrus. Wahoo Brewing was rotating heir taps but we got to sample their Allergeez but sadly not the IPAf'nA. Social brewing company had a nice rich and nutty brown ale. Grapevine Craft Brewery had several offerings. I tried the  LakeFire which was a light but hoppy rye pale ale. My husband enjoyed the Sir Williams Brown Ale, a tradition english style brown ale which has a hearty malt and body bordering on a porter. The Collective Brewing project brought some impressive brews. We liked the Fantasikolsch and T-Rex but Perpetual Darkness was an unbelievable stout with coffee and chocolate flavors.

There were also some great costumes and a costume contest were competitors could when beer and brewery tours. Entertainment was provided by The Shady Rest Band, Old G and Devin Leigh. Other vendors sold clothing, snacks, special Halloween treats for humans and their favorite canines. The first annual boo-ery tour was great fun and I look forward to other Martin House events.













Martin House Brewing