Lifestyle

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Now in its third year, the Boerne BierFest is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2019, and it promises to be an attraction that’s worth the trip to the Texas Hill Country for those who love beer. That’s right. Just a quick drive up I-10, northwest from San Antonio, and you’ll find yourself in some of the prettiest country you’ve ever seen, preparing to make the most of a Texas town that’s become a Lone Star State destination for zythofiles – those who love beer and all things beer-related.

Boerne’s history as a German settlement of Central Texas may have a little bit to do with the fact residents appear to be aficionados of all things that pour nicely into a stein—and taste delicious coming out of it! But there also appears to be a concentration of those who have enjoyed a burgeoning brewery renaissance in Boerne which makes this as great a place to imbibe Texas beer as Fredericksburg is for Texas wine. Yes, it’s that good.

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Boerne Bierfest

Rob Ziegler, board member of the Hill Country Council for the Arts and a coordinator for this successful annual event, reported that Boerne has taken on its title as a beer destination in the Texas Hill Country with pride. With German heritage going back a century and a half, something of this nature was bound to happen in Central Texas, and we’re certainly glad it did! This year’s event will also see a new development that craft beer brewers will love – the addition of the Homebrewer Showdown! Heritage isn’t the only thing fueling the emerging craft beer resurgence in the area. As it turns out, there’s simply a powerful passion for brewing in and around Boerne, and it shows. This year’s bierfest event will feature 30 craft breweries from Texas and beyond, but in advance of that, on March 2, 2019, at Boerne Brewery, those who are home-based brewmasters can also throw their hat in the ring for top honors as homebrew champion!

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Boerne Brewery

In a telephone interview, Fred Hernandez of Boerne Brewery stated that more than 15 local homebrewers are expected to be part of the Homebrewer Showdown. Each of the homebrewers will enter their custom beer batches in the competition at the showdown for tasting and final judging one day in advance of the Boerne BierFest. The winning homebrewer will be announced at the festival on April 6! For the Showdown event, Boerne Brewery will have their own great beer on tap, a food truck on site, and the Hill Country Council for the Arts on hand, selling discounted tickets to BierFest (visitors save $5 by purchasing in advance). If you’re a local Homebrewer interested in entering the competition, you can download the entry form for registration at the link provided here. Space at the Homebrewer Showdown is limited, so make it quick! You just never know what a contest like this could do for you. It may turn your passion into your long-term pursuit of happiness.

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Boerne Bierfest

Tickets for the Boerne Bierfest are available at the link provided here, or visitors of the upcoming Homebrewer Showdown at Boerne Brewery can get them on-site for a $5 discount. The third annual bierfest is being held at The AgriCultural museum, at 102 City Park Road in Boerne. Visitors can sample some great brews, listen to some live entertainment, and enjoy wonderful art exhibits in the process. If that’s not enough, the traditional feats of strength, such as a keg toss and stein hoist, are sure to draw a crowd! Ticket holders will receive 10 sample tickets and a commemorative sample stein from which to drink. And who can turn down an authentic stein from which to sample some of Boerne’s best beer?

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Cibolo Creek Brewing Co.

The Bierfest and precursor showdown are just the tip of the iceberg for beer lovers in Boerne. The charming town has long been recognized for its history and heritage, but now many local breweries have become famous for their ability to slake your thirst with tastes unlike any other. Head brewer at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co., Ty Wolosin said that things have evolved in Boerne to the point where the budding home brewer is turning out some noteworthy products, and it’s drawing attention to the area unlike ever before. From those with professional setups in their garage to those who take the leap and establish an official tap and tasting room in town, the product is celebrated and showcased quite well in the Texas Hill Country, drawing crowds from San Antonio to this beer destination that’s worthy of praise.

Not only that, but while visitors make their way to events such as the Boerne Bierfest, in support of one type of craft, the Hill Country Council for the Arts has added an art component to the event, giving an outlet to other types of visitors. Welcoming all art mediums, including functional, sculptural, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional works, the art competition is a part of the Boerne Bierfest. It’s a powerful avenue for both local and regional artists to showcase their work. The goal behind the event is to raise money for the arts in the Hill Country – something which the bierfest has successfully accomplished in year one and two. The Hill Country Council for the Arts hosts the annual event, and all proceeds benefit Texas Hill Country art organizations. Bringing recognition to the creative people and groups throughout the Hill Country while at the same time celebrating the art of craft beer makes this event a win-win!

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Tusculum Brewing Company

Such support is helping to not only draw people to Boerne to sample and spend, but it’s drawing the attention of others interested in establishing a brewery in the area. Trip Matthews of Tusculum Brewing Co. has lived in Boerne his whole life. Aside from attending college and meeting his wife in San Marcos, and a brief stint in New Braunfels, Matthews has found that his passion for brewing beer and his passion for his hometown can successfully collide. Tusculum Brewing Co. is on the cusp of a grand opening. Matthews anticipates a 100-day timespan before they can do the official shout-out. They will be offering at least five mainstay beers together with a 12-tap rotation. Matthews and his wife Paige, together with like-minded partners, have also hired a chef to provide a substantial menu that will complement their beer offerings. Again, with the win-win in Boerne!

Boerne and Beer: The Ultimate Win-Win in the Texas Hill Country

Photo: Instagram/kinematicbrewco

Another pending brewery on the horizon in Boerne is the Kinematic Brewing Co. Having previously established themselves as a self-described “nano-sized brewery” in town, the operation has grown so successful that it’s moving into a new, larger facility this year. Updates on their stunning new move can be found on their Facebook page in addition to their Twitter and Instagram accounts. In the meantime, the drive to thrive (which is proving tremendously successful for them) has found Kinematic working toward the pleasant atmosphere that beer aficionados love—complete with quality, a great community, and a passion for their product. If you’re planning a Boerne beer tour, keep them on your radar!

So, what are you waiting for? Have-stein-will-travel… to Boerne, Texas for some great tasting beer… again with the win-win!