Home's a Brewin': Beer News

Beerists Win Podcast Award
Remember the new years beer-solution I had about spreading the love of craft beer like the Beerists? Well, that bar just got raised. The Austin-based podcast just won The People's Choice Podcast Awards in the Food and Drink category, even beating out NPR's The Splendid Table at the ceremony in Las Vegas.

The Beerists (left to right): Mike Lambert, Anastacia Kelly, Grant Davis, John Rubio (image courtesy of TheBeerists.com)

Whereas The Splendid Table is like Car Talk for food, The Beerists is like a game of Cards Against Humanity where all the punchlines are beer. Listen, for example, to these choice quotes from the “Gateway Beers"� episode:

“It just reminds me of a fat man doing ballet." – Anastacia Kelly
“Honeysmacks." – Mike Lambert
"A little cat pee like but not in a bad way." – John Rubio
“This beer is very drunk." – Grant Davis

Since winning the award, their downloads have increased to nearly 3,000 a day. Even before, “We've had emails from people across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, Ireland, UK, Japan, and other countries,"� said Rubio. If you haven't listened to their show yet, might I humbly suggest another episode, one on which yours truly guest-miked?

Brewery Incubator Kickstarter LAST DAY
Some folks in Houston have started a co-working brewery and collaborative brewpub, and they've got a Kickstarter campaign to order a new brew system. They have just reached their minimum goal of $25,000 with 13 hours to go as of now. There are still some great rewards left, including a guest brewer for-a-day experience and beer pairing baskets. It's too bad this small business incubator isn't in Austin, but the truth is that Houston needs it more than we do, and a rising tide of craft beer will raise up all Texas breweries.

Independence Brewery wins Good Food Award
Independence was one of three breweries nominated from the Austin area. Look out for my feature article on sustainable brewing on stands next week.

The Chicago House opens as craft beer bar
ATX Brands, which owns the Scoot Inn, The Parish, The Parish Underground and Pelons, has turned the old hotel, boarding house and performance venue into a craft beer bar. It opens tonight. The Chicago House has been here a lot longer than I have, so you Austinites should let me know in the comments: What do you want me to ask the new owners?