by Blanton Webb
There’s a definite trend in North Texas beer this season. Brewers are making a point to address the need for light, clean styles largely neglected in the craft world due to their domination by national macro-brews. What’s more interesting from my side of the bar though is the growing demand for more sessionable craft brewed beers, not only by existing craft beer aficionados, but by long time macro-beer drinkers interested in DFW’s local brewing explosion.
It’s no surprise, Texas’ climate, cuisine, and culture lend themselves to being complimented by something light and refreshing. At the beginning of our new wave of craft brewing, those of us who already had a taste for craft ales gravitated toward the huge flavors popular in other regions that we’d been exposed to in the past. Bitter West Coast inspired IPA’s, boozy Belgians, and malty stouts immediately became (and for many remain) some of the most sought after releases from the emerging brew houses. As a result, craft beer of any origin has become associated with a certain lack of accessibility to those who are used to the popular national brands. Continue reading
