RealTail II, with Real Ale and Freetail

From ABG. Although, you probably already knew about it:




WHAT: FreeTail II - A collaboration event with Real Ale and Freetail

WHEN: August 27, 2011. Doors open at 11:30am.

WHERE: Freetail Brewing Co., 4035 N Loop 1604 W. Suite 105. San Antonio

Intense. Sounds like a good time. Tons of good beer. Bring yr wallet. Don't worry, surely it's worth it (not to mention they will also have sample sizes for sale). I really want to try that Collaboration Beer (“untraditional double wit using locally sourced nopalitos (cactus pads), a mélange of four spices and agave nectar”). Good news for GABFers though:

If you can’t make it to the festival but will be headed to GABF this year, we’ll have the Collaboration Beer available at the Texas Craft Brewers Guild booth.

Bummer: Freetail Suspends Plans for Houston Brewpub

You've probably seen this already today:

For
Immediate Release

SAN ANTONIO-BASED BREWERY SUSPENDS PLANS FOR SECOND LOCATION

(July 27, 2011) San Antonio, TX – Having previously announced expansion into the Houston market, Freetail Brewing Co. will announce the indefinite suspension of plans for a second location — citing concerns over access to capital.

“As I moved forward with the Freetail Houston project, I began to run into an increasing level of resistance in capital markets. A brewpub is a good project for downtown Houston, but the deal is simply not there for me at this time,” explained Freetail Founder & CEO, Scott Metzger. “When we announced the project on May 17, we also stated there were financial considerations to be addressed. Those considerations are ultimately what put this project on hold indefinitely, and no other reason. To move forward with the project at this time would be irresponsible and an injustice to my company and the City of Houston.

“For now my focus will be to continue growing our successful original location, which has internal expansion needs of its own, and moving forward in the battle for fair reform of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as it relates to the activities of our state’s brewpubs and breweries,” added Metzger.

Freetail Brewing Co. is founded on the pursuit of creating exciting, innovative and unique world class beer and beer-centric cuisine. We embrace the laid back and fun-loving Texas culture and set out to create products that mirror the lifestyle of our diverse and rapidly growing community. We believe in promoting an increased appreciation of craft beer and its responsible enjoyment. We believe in going above and beyond customer expectations not only through our products, but also through exceptional customer service. We believe in providing a dining and leisure experience unmatched in the local community. And in case you didn’t get it the first time… we believe in having fun.

For more information visit www.freetailbrewing.com.

What's Up at Freetail?

A good amount. Check out the full gamut at beernews.org.

Freetail is Two

You know what they say: Walk at one, talk at two. What?

Freetail Stuff

Have not checked in on Freetail in awhile. They have some good stuff going on as of late. First, the biggest news, plans for possible expansion (read entire release here):

FREETAIL BREWING CO. TO CELEBRATE SECOND ANNIVERSARY, EYES EXPANSION

Locally owned and operated brewpub celebrates its second birthday while onsidering a second location (November 2, 2010) San Antonio, TX – Freetail Brewing Co. announces the celebration of its Two Year Anniversary with a weekend of full tap lists and special bottles releases November 26, 27 and 28.

....

In addition to news of the birthday celebration, Freetail Brewing Co. is also formally announcing their plans for a second location.

“It wasn’t long after we opened that people first started asking when we could open closer to their neighborhood,” said Metzger. “Today we are excited to be formally in the market for location number two.”

The company is considering sites in New Braunfels, San Marcos, Houston and of course, San Antonio.

....

Can't wait to see where they land. I'm crossing my fingers for San Marcos, but it would be nice to see Houston get a great brewpub. Hey Houston, if you are lucky enough, don't screw it up this time. Visit often, drink and eat a lot.



Also, tomorrow is the release of La Muerta in bottles. I've heard these releases are fun. Get there if you can:

Dia de La Muerta. La Muerta bottle release. Bottle sales will begin at 11:30am. Tickets will be distributed to those waiting in line beginning at 9:00am.

Freetail Anake - Oct. 9

These days there is so much going on in Austin it is hard to keep up with great spots like Freetail. I love Freetail and visit them every time I am down in San Antonio. Thank god for the internet:

October 9, 2010: Ananke. Wild ale aged in used wine casks for 7 months. Divinely sour. Named after the Greek Goddess of Necessity.

The reviews look good. I need to be back in Austin for Sonic Youth that night, but I may try to swing a morning mission to SA.

h/t: thatkidmar

2010 American Craft Beer Week

May 17-20 is American Craft Beer Week. This is what they have listed for events in TX (I'm sure more will be added):

Humperdink's Arlington
Arlington, TX
www.humperdinks.com
817-640-8553
Description: We will be tapping one 1/2 bbl. keg of The Chocolator Reserve (chocolate double bock). Brewery tours will be available Tuesday, May 18th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Draught House Pub & Brewery
Austin, TX
www.draughthouse.com
(512) 468-7132
Description: Each night of the week we will have a different brewery representative in house to talk about and sample their beers with merchandise give aways. These are free events. On Sunday will will host a beer and cheese tasting with 8-10 pairings. This will be a ticketed event.

Humperdink's N.W. Hwy.
Dallas, TX
www.humperdinks.com
214-358-4159
Description: We will be tapping one 1/2 bbl. keg of our 2009 Oak Aged Maibock. Brewery tours available Monday, May 17th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Humperdink's Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX
www.humperdinks.com
214-368-1203
Description: We will be tapping one 1/2 bbl. keg of our Vanilla Porter. Brewery tours will be available on Wednesday, May 19th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Freetail Brewing Co
San Antonio, TX
www.freetailbrewing.com
210-395-4974
Description: May 17: Craft Beer Week Kicks off with our Spring Beer Dinner. $45 + tax & gratuity. Tickets on sale May 1 May 18:Craft Beer Week Recession Buster. Pint night drops to $2/pint for ONE DAY ONLY! May 19: Release of Solera III May 20: Barrel Aged La Muerta keg release. Only 5 gallons, so get here early. Keg tapped at 6pm. May 21: Craft Beard Week. Start growing those funky beards now - Jason and John Lee will judge and the best beard will win a $50 Freetail gift card (ladies, you can participate too - make a fake beard!) May 22: Craft Beer Week Battle of Wits IV. Chris Taylor Band live on the patio 8-11pm.

And this is from Flying Saucer:

Freetail Brewing @ CNN Money

In a story about the strength of craft beer (moneywise) on CNN Money's website, Freetail Brewing gets some good coverage and a pretty photo of their La Muerta to boot.

"There's an overall trend in the U.S. for people to speak out for better quality stuff in general -- foods, wine, beer, clothes, produce -- and more local products," agreed Metzger. "That's typically what's embodied by the craft brewery."

I think it's about time for visit to San Antonio. Maybe after Thanksgiving.

"Hey honey, maybe we should go Christmas shopping in San Antonio. Sounds good right?"

Freetail Brewing Visit - Stream of Consciousness

Went to San Antonio this past weekend. Thank God for Freetail. It made all of the shopping we did worth it. Whilst there I had the Exxtra Pale, La Muerta, Porter and IPA. They were all pretty solid brews. La Muerta was a bit week for an Imperial Stout, but still quite good. The food was good as well. We split a salad and a pizza. The atmosphere was a bit lacking. Big and open. Loud. Lots of televisions. If you go to San Antonio you must stop in to Freetail. The beers I had were much better than the beers I remember having at Blue Star.

Best Logo in TX?

UPDATE from Larry: Thanks, but the kudos should go to The MAD House's designer, Luke.

Kudos (who says kudos...so lame) to Larry McIntosh. This logo rocks. He's posted some other logos for Freetail as well. Check em out.