Saddle Up to these 4 San Antonio Breweries
by PCSgrades Staff - July 11th, 2022
San Antonio is commonly known as “Military City U.S.A.” Home to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base, this vibrant city is full of military families.
Austin and Dallas often steal the spotlight for hip brewery scenes in Texas, but don’t dismiss San Antonio. Definitely not before you try these four fave spots!
1. Roadmap Brewing Co.
Possibly the best part about Roadmap Brewing Co. is their origin story. According to their website, Roadmap Brewing Co. is the direct result of an oddball wedding gift that Dustin got from Hannah's uncle. That's right, they received a homebrew kit... as a WEDDING GIFT!
What started as a fun weekend hobby soon morphed into a passion. Like so many craft brewers before, the beer Dustin was brewing in the garage wasn't enough to meet demand. With some heavy help from his dad (Co-Founder Scott) the dream of opening a brewery quickly became a reality.
Probably the most commonly asked question is where the name comes from. According to Dustin, "as we sat down to chase the dream of opening our brewery, it became clear that no matter how much we wanted one, there wasn't a 'ROADMAP' to this crazy adventure. All we knew was that all roads lead to beer, and with that in mind, Roadmap Brewing Co. was born."
Roadmap is truly family-friendly with games for kids and a spacious taproom. Dogs are welcome on a leash. They have a resident food truck and patrons are welcome to bring their own food as well.
Must-try beer:
“NICE PAIR OF JORTS” Brewed with Mandarina Bavaria and Sabro hops, this New England IPA provides an intense pineapple flavor. According to Roadmap, “This beer is best enjoyed in an alley with your 3 closest friends, I tell you what…”
2. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Ranger Creek says what sets them apart is their handcrafted beer and whiskey made with lots of love, attention, and Texas attitude. We couldn’t agree more. Established in 2010, their “brewstillery” produces award-winning beverages. With both beer and whiskey on tap, there is truly something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, we definitely recommend the brewstillery tour. According to their website, “Our popular brewstillery tour is two tours in one! You’ll learn how we make beer and how we make bourbon. This intimate, immersive experience includes a detailed guided tour and three generous samples of our products for $15. Designated drivers can attend for $5 (pay at the door) and kids under 6 can attend for free. Tour lasts 60-90 minutes.”
Must-try beer:
Sunday Morning Coming Down. Brewed in the traditional British style with the addition of cold brewed coffee from San Antonio's Merit Roasting, this year's blend of cold brew gives the beer a bold coffee aroma with flavors of caramel, fig, and plum. Lactose sugar adds body and mouth-feel to the beer like a splash of cream to a cup of coffee.
3. Back Unturned Brewing Company
Back Unturned isn’t just selling you beers, they’re selling you aspirations. According to their website, “Back Unturned is the dream I am not turning my back on. As an inspirational brewpub, we are showing others to not turn their back on their dreams, one beer at a time.” Shouldn’t we all raise a glass to that? “Our distinct location and culture of kindness make our brewpub the ideal communal gathering place. We create a safe, inclusive place for the community to frequent, kids to play, and dreams to come alive… a brewery where you’ll feel at-home!” Yes, please.
Must-try beer:
Dream Juice Hazy IPA: Tropical and juicy with a creamy mouthfeel with sweetness. Delicious and refreshing!
4. Künstler Brewing
With spectacular food and equally impressive beers, Künstler is a super cute, quaint brewery, perfect for a girls night out, beers after work, or a date night. They are kid and dog friendly, too. German for "artist," Künstler takes one part Bavarian Tradition, one part Texas Pride, and brews it all down in the multicultural barrel that is San Antonio.
Künstler serves bold American beer with German heart. They take pride in pairing artisan beers with the most innovative chefs in town. From German classics (Schnitzel anyone?) to popular daily specials like Fish and Chips, the menu has something for everyone. Vera and Brent Deckard serve as Künstler Brewing’s owners and brewers. We couldn’t love this downtown spot any more!
Must-try beer:
Citrus Ginger Brutzer: From their website: “While we didn’t want to brew a Seltzer, we did want to enjoy a Künstler crafted beer that drinks like one. This one is brewed with Cara Cara Oranges, Blood Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit and Ginger. Is it a hard Seltzer? Not really. But if you enjoy drinking a Seltzer, you should give our Brutzer a try. It’s actually brewed with real ingredients (because who wants to drink the fake fruit), and it tastes so much better than the stuff in the tiny cans. Pour it in a glass and see the difference in color, aroma and fizz. It’s low on calories if you care about that sort of thing, and is refreshing.”
What’s your favorite San Antonio brewery? Add it to our list! Cheers!
