Independence Brewing hosting a ‘mini state fair’ to celebrate 18 years

Since 2004, Independence Brewing Co., has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation into one of the largest breweries in Central Texas that now employs a team of 30+ staff members and produces more than 20,000 barrels each year. A pretty great accomplishment. So, why wait for the 20th anniversary for a big blow out bash? Independence Brewing is throwing a “Cheers to 18 Years of Hauling Beers,” on Oct. 22 that’s being billed as reminiscent of a “mini state fair.”

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 18th year in business than by doing what we do best — making great beer,” said Amy Cartwright, co-founder and President of Independence Brewing Co. “We’ve always been a team of independent thinkers and drinkers, and as such, we’re constantly innovating. We’re excited to share some of our latest creations at the party alongside some old favorites.”

And this is Texas, don’t forget. So, a “mini state fair” is pretty much the size of any other state’s fair. Yes, we’re talking wacky fried foods, carnival games, chicken s**t bingo, live screen printing, and 18 new beer tappings at Independence’s tap room and brewery in southeast Austin.

“It wouldn’t feel like a state fair without some classic carnival games,” said Nick Hiller, Marketing Director for Independence Brewing Co. “We’ll have a beer bottle ring toss, balloon darts, toilet seat horseshoes, chicken s**t bingo and a stein-hoisting contest. We’re gearing up for this to be one of the biggest celebrations we’ve had in the last several years.”

The event is free and open to the public, but Independence encourages folks to pre-register to reserve their anniversary glass and anniversary t-shirt while supplies last.

As part of the number 18 theme, Cartwright and her team will showcase 18 different libations at the party — 13 beers and five non-alcoholic sparkling waters infused with Delta 8 and Delta 9. Some beers will be old favorites, like Bootlegger Brown Ale, which hasn’t been brewed since 2016. Others will be revamps of popular past seasonals like 2021’s Pumpkin Spice Lager and barrel-aged Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout aged in 2020 Garrison Brother bourbon barrels. Attendees will cast votes for their favorite beer and the night’s winner will become the next tap room-exclusive release. Full list is:

Beers

• Bootlegger Brown Ale
• Barrel-aged Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout
• Strawberry Kolsch
• Hoppy Pale Ale
• Cowboys From Helles
• Pumpkin Spice Lager
• Mexican Lager
• Grapefruit Stash IPA
• Stash IPA dry-hopped with experimental hops
• Native Texan Pilsner dry-hopped with Strata
• Native Texan Pilsner with key lime and salt
• Tangerine Redbud
• Prickly Pear Chamoy Redbud with Yellowbird’s Plum Reaper
• Delta 8 and 9 Sparkling Waters (Non-alcoholic, 0.0% alc/vol)
• Delta 8 — Orange Aperol
• Delta 8 — Yuzu Tangerine
• Delta 8 — Blueberry Maqui
• Delta 8 — Cucumber Gin
• Delta 9 — Flavor TBA (Independence’s first Delta 9 water)

A robust lineup of unique fried foods will accompany the 18 brews along with carnival staples like popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Fried selections include:

• Fried Oreos
• Fried Twinkies
• Fried Waffles
• Fried Pumpkin Spice Beignets
• Fried Spam Musubi
• Fried Sushi (no raw fish)

All culinary offerings will be prepared by onsite food truck Hajima Street Kitchen, which specializes in Korean street food. Native Texan Beer Brat Corndogs and Stash Smash Burgers will also be served for those who prefer a heartier option.

“These past 18 years have been full of ups, downs, challenges, and rewards,” said Cartwright. “But this brewery would not be the same without its incredible community of independent thinkers and drinkers. We’re excited to gather with everyone on October 22 so we can celebrate the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to Independence’s continued success in the future. Cheers to 18 years!”

Independence’s core lineup of beers includes: Stash IPA, Native Texan Pilsner, Austin Amber, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and the brewery’s newest beer Twine Time Hazy Pale Ale. These beers and several seasonal and limited releases can be enjoyed in a laid-back, industrial-style tasting room with views of the beer-making process set to live music from local musicians.