Live Music, Beer and Fun For All At The Independence Brewing Company

This was originally published  04, 2010 21:09 – on UpTake By: Jeremybanas

Austin, Texas has an allure than no other city in Texas has. Live music as far as the ear can hear; fantastic blend of Texas food mixed with bits of styles from all over the globe; a care for the outdoors that all that live here seem to enjoy. Austin has that California meets Colorado meets Texas feel to it. The best of many influences. Folks seem to always be outside enjoying the weather, the multitude of running and biking trails, art and music that makes Austin an all around great town.

I decided to make the trek from San Antonio up to Austin today to attend ,what is well known to the locals and  those who live in South Texas, as the 1st Saturday Brewery Tour and Beer tasting at Independence Brewing Co in Austin. Austin has grown quite a reputation in the beer world as a very up and coming, free thinking town when it comes to craft beer. Independence started back in 2004 with the thought to “brew flavorful, deliciously easy-drinking beers for the people of Austin..”, but now distribute throughout central and south Texas.

1st Saturday is quite the event. I have come to the brewery before, but during the week and was given a solo tour of the brewery and some tastings. Never though had I attended the festivities of 1st Saturday at Independence. Well worth effort if you enjoy handcrafted beers, a little live music and the camaraderie  of your fellow humans.

The great thing about this event. is that it truly is for everyone. You don’t even have to like beer (although that helps). Owners Rob and Amy Cartwright have seemingly re-created their own family oriented outlook on life by not just opening up the brewery to tastings for the public, but turning it into a true community event. Kids and dogs are welcome. Folks are encouraged to bring and set their lawn chairs both inside and outside the brewery and hang out.

They make it easy on you. Simply show up, grab a brew, take a tour, have some catered cuisine and kick back with the masses as you enjoy some live Texas music. You get 3 tastings while your their and they have tours of the brewery twice during event. Let me tell yo, the best part of a brewery tour in Texas is the cold room!

It was a great 2 hours today. My kids came a long and had a blast. As we walked in, one of the event volunteers handed the boys and I some dog biscuits for the brewery dogs. Let me tell you, the brewery dogs loved it and the boys got a kick out of seeing dogs at a brewery. There was such a great vibe at this place with everyone talking, kids running around playing and of course the beer. Amy and Rob have always been accommodating when I’ve met them, but with an event like this, they’re opening their second home to everyone and you end up meeting many new friends, as well as their dogs.

This truly is a must experience event, whether your a local or visiting Austin for business or some much needed time off. Visit the Capital building; see the Mexican Freetail Bats fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge and definitely catch some live music, but make some time for the folks at Independence. you won’t regret it.