Sorry- we aren’t talking about arts and crafts. We are talking about the sudden explosion of microbreweries and bars specializing in craft beer in Round Rock. A microbrewery is a brewery that produces a small amount of beer (compared to large scale corporate breweries) and is independently owned. Both microbreweries and bars specializing in craft beers focus on serving beer that emphasize quality, flavor and brewing technique.
If you are new to the craft beer scene, here is a quick guide to some of the area’s favorite brews and a list of some great Round Rock bars.
Common Craft Beer Styles:
- IPA (India Pale Ale) – This beer is all about the hops. This beer is typically floral, citrus-y, piney, and full of hoppy flavor.
- Stout – This very dark beer is characterized by its bold flavor and bitter finish. Its very coffee- and chocolate- forward.
- Porter – Typically one of the highest-alcohol content beers, the porter is full-bodied and malty.
- Brown Ales – This style is versatile and food-friendly. It is very low in terms of hop bitterness, and is known for its malt aroma and flavor.
- Hefeweizen – This wheat beer is typically flavored with fruit and clove.
- Red Ales – This beer almost perfectly balances hop bitterness with malt sweetness.
- Gluten Free – For those that have gluten allergies, there is typically a small selection of gluten free beers made from sugars and grains. Omission is a popular brand with various flavors.
If you are just starting off with craft beer many bars and restaurants offer beer flutes, which allow you to sample a variety of different styles and variations. Check out these local bars for their craft beer offerings:
- The Brass Tap
- Greenhouse Craft Food
- Westside Alehouse
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
- Scarlett Rabbit
- Pour House Pints and Pies
Happy crafting!