Just because summer is technically over doesn’t mean there still isn’t plenty of opportunities to fire up the grill, float the river, or pop the top off a cold one. In the Hill Country, the thermometer isn’t struggling to reach the 90s, and the Guadalupe is flowing as serenely as ever. Throw in a local craft brew along with man’s best friend, and life is good. And, Middleton Brewing in San Marcos has been helping bring the good life to the Hill Country since 2011.
Jessica Pickett
Spirits
Taste the Hill Country at Middleton Brewing in San Marcos
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Photo: Jessica Pickett
Weathered wood walls, corrugated tin, and glowing hop lights illuminating the bar all add to laid back feel of Middleton Brewing. But nothing sends out chill vibes more than being greeting by a pack of waddling, rolly-polly pugs or a scruffy terrier. The official greeters and mood setters, the dogs of Middleton are as much of the team as the brewers and bartenders. They even lend moral support for patrons trying to decide which artisan ale to try first.
Photo: Jessica Pickett
For those who struggle with commitment, Middleton offers a sampling board where you can taste your way through 5 of their 15 beers on tap. Like the award-winning Black Lab Porter which embodies the best traits of our favorite furry companions. Nutty and hearty with notes of chocolate and caramel, the Black Lab Porter (7%ABV) brought home Gold in the 2016 U.S. Beer Open Championship Strong/Imperial Category. Also earning a medal was the ruby-hued Spiced Belgian Dubbel Tourmaline (8.5% ABV) which took bronze in the Herb and Spice Category. Either of which teams up perfectly with smoky BBQ and bold burgers straight off the grill.
Photo: Jessica Pickett
Adventurous sippers can tip their glass back with Middleton’s Pepperhead IPA (8% ABV). Permeated with locally grown chiles, the spicy aroma and crisp, clean finish of the Pepperhead pairs ideally with the savory German sausages or fiery Mexican cuisine famous in the Hill Country. Cool it down with a barrel aged Raspberry Porter (7% ABV) whose sweet tartness of raspberries is mellowed out by oaky undertones.
Photo: Jessica Pickett
To try some of these award-winning brews for yourself: head over to 101 Oakwood Loop in San Marcos. Just 10 minutes from Wimberly and 30 minutes from New Braunfels, Middleton Brewing starts serving up their ales from noon until 10 p.m. on weekends and 2 p.m. during the week, except on Tuesdays when they are closed.
