Texas craft beer business still buzzing – what’s your story?

Amid all of today’s craft beer legislative battles, the bills passed in Texas may have been the most notable in terms of scope and industry change. According to this great article in The Texas Tribune, the craft brewing business is still abuzz and with good reason.

The article gives us both the macro view and the micro view. For instance:

Macro: The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said that from 2011 to 2013, craft brew permits in Texas, including brewpubs and production breweries, have grown from 70 to 115.

Micro: This spring, Austin, Texas-based Infamous Brewing, made its first deliveries to retailers and plans to produce up to 2,000 barrels in its first year.

Rick Donley, president of the Beer Alliance of Texas, is also quoted as saying “craft brewing could end up being 10 percent of the overall marketplace.”

For a refresher on each of the bills that passed earlier in the year, be sure to look back at our Better Know a Craft Guild feature where Charles Vallhonrat, executive director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild (TCBG), gave us the scoop. One key provision allowed small production breweries to sell directly to consumers.

Imagine the possibilities for industry growth when one of the country’s largest states suddenly feels more empowered to produce and sell beer. Any Texas craft brewers out there interested in sharing their success stories or growth plans as a result of the legislative changes? If so, please send them along to [email protected] and we will be sure to share them.