Welcome to the Home Sweet Home blog circle, where a group of talented photographers around the world share why their hometown/state is the most fantastic place to visit! Should you find yourself in Texas, feel free to follow along with this series to find some of the most amazing hidden gems in the Lone Star State. After reading this post, be sure to follow the blog circle around the world to Anna Francken’s blog in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Her photography is always stunning and full of delightful European details!
This month D and I traveled to San Marcos, Texas to visit my baby brother in his college town. For those of you oblivious to Texas geography, San Marcos about four hours slightly southeast from Abilene right smack dab in the middle of the gorgeous Texas hill country. My husband was in shock at the terrain {“You mean Texas has hills??? and roads that don’t just go straight???”} and we had the best time touring the town, despite the monsoon like downpour all weekend.
Like any place, what do you do when it’s raining out side? You make your way to the local brewery and sit down for a pint. In our case, my brother PT had found the most amazing local brewery in Blanco, TX called Real Ale Brewing Company. This delightful town sits about 45 minutes north of San Marcos. He’s been trucking it up there since the beginning when the tastings were free for as much as you could stomach. Currently it’s still the best drinking deal in town with samplers starting at just $4.00!
Real Ale Brewing Co began brewing in 1996 with a passionate heart for being Texan and brewing in Texas. Their goal is to brew the best possible beer around because “Texans are a thirsty bunch”! Real Ale Brewing is a unique company in that they only sell beer in the great state of Texas so that they can focus on quality rather than quantity.
We’re Texans. We care about Texans. So, we want to make sure the people we care about have the highest quality beer possible. And let’s face it, Texans are a thirsty bunch. – Real Ale Brewing Co
They start with water from the nearby Blanco River using no preservatives or artificial colors. We’re talking artisan ale here folks. They have everything from a Belgian Style Tripel {Devil’s Backbone} to a Rye IPA {Full Moon} to a German-style Pilsner {Hans’ Pils} to the ever popular, and my favorite, a blonde ale {Firemans #4}. They have 9 signature beers followed by 3 heavy hitters in a larger size. Plus their seasonal brews, PLUS their Brewers Cut and Mysterium Verum. It’s a brewers paradise I tell you.
D and I each started with a sampler, mine included the Devils Backbone, Hans’ Pils, Full Moon, & Brewhouse Brown Ale, while D’s only varied by The Devils Share. I was floored!!! I hadn’t had beer this tasty since living abroad. My brother’s Scots Gone Wild was matured for 12-14 months to deliver tart flavors that will blow your mind! It’s beautiful to see such craftsmanship both in a product and all of their marketing materials. You can buy awesome t-shirts, tour the brewery all while sipping their tasty wares. They’re even dog friendly!
This company has it down and I HIGHLY recommend that you visit them should you find yourself in the hill country. Stop in, they say they’ll “welcome you with open taps”!
So take that road trip you’ve been meaning to take this summer and head out to the Real Ale Brewing Company in Blano, Texas. Their address is 231 San Saba Court Blanco, Texas 78606. Call their office for more local information on opening times and tours at (830) 833-2534. If you’re a love of a quality hand crafted beverage made by those who are passionate about Texas, you will absolutely LOVE it!
Be sure to hop on over to Anna’s blog next to see her view of her home in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Add a comment or hit the like button to show some love!
Until June’s insight into the great state of Texas, I am wishing ya’ll a beautiful month!
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