I would say today's launch parties at Fort Worth's Martin House Brewing Company was a smashing success. A Sunday afternoon open house welcomed a sold out crowd of Toadies fans and craft beers lovers.
Matt Hillyer of Elven Hundred spring opened with a killer acoustic set. But the crowd of enthusiastic fans were definitely there to see their beloved Toadies play a very intimate venue. Although the 500 tickets sold out in minutes I think the weather scared some away. I think there was a bigger attendance for the Halloween event. The set was just under an hour but the fans were happy with their favorite songs and an up close view.
While the music was undoubtedly awesome; some of us were there for first crack at the new beer. The Toadies loved the hop flavor of Imperial Texan so Martin House used that as a base for the Rubberneck Red. They lessened the bitterness and the AVB, added carmel and Munich malts and a slight tropical flavor. The beer has a light malty flavor, a caramel red color and a 5 % AVB content. While I really love some of the seasonal and one-time brews that brewer Cody Martin has come up with, I think Rubberneck Red is a great permanent addition to the regular line up. It was also my first time trying the new Gateway XPA. This is a blond extra pale ale with corn malt and a light hoppy flavor.
I must also give a thumbs up to the Toadies Martin House can glasses and the Rubberneck Red shirts created for the launch. As the shirts say : Beer and Rock Music made in Texas by Texans. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
