Local Craft Breweries in Collin County, TX (4)

Founded by Brewmaster Dennis Wehrmann, Franconia Brewing Co. is a company in McKinney that started operations in 2008. Dennis comes from a long family line of brewmasters. He traces his family’s involvement in beer to a great great grandfather. Grandfather Schaubert owned and operated a brewery in Germany in the 1800s. Dennis also got his start in traditional German brewing practices in Germany until his move to the U.S. in 1999. Under his guidance, Franconia strictly follows the Reinheitsgebot or German Purity Law. They only stray from tradition for special releases. The brewery is also equally known for their “green” brewing practices. The brewery’s eco-friendly facilities include an on-site mini-power plant that works on renewable fuels such as solar and natural gas. 100% of the plant's power requirement comes from these renewable sources. They use 100% natural ingredients and also donate spent mash for conversion to cattle feed by local farmers.

The “Tupps” in TUPPS Brewery is Tupper Patnode, its co-founder, head brewer, and half of a two-man partnership. Its other half is co-founder Keith Lewis, a sales and marketing guy. Together, they blend art and science, and sprinkle in some business savvy to run a successful brewery. They start with great beer, which accounts for the artistic side, and use the senses to create, validate, and refine the beers. The scientific side comes in “to ensure quality and consistency in the brewing process”. A brewery is a business, however, and needs business smarts. For TUPPS, that means using management tools to streamline operations or taking in an excellent distribution partner. It seems Keith and Tupper perfected beer brewing. They opened in 2015, and a year later, production grew by 400 percent in total volume. Visit TUPPS at McKinney’s historic Cotton Mill complex and see for yourself. They have free tours every Saturday at 12:30pm.

Union Bear Brewing Co. opened in Plano in early January 2018. It is part of the Frisco-based 33 Restaurant Group, which operates several other concept restaurants. The brewery marks the opening of Plano’s first independent brewery and brewpub. They offer "plenty of beers to choose from and their entrees are a generous size". To complement their craft beers, the restaurant offers an extensive “menu of approachable, chef-driven plates”. They also have a selection of cocktails for guests. "It’s never too busy and the servers are always pleasant". Also, "you can choose to sit indoors or outdoor which is nice and their happy hour is also legit".

Unlawful Assembly Brewing Company opened in December 2017 at the Legacy Food Hall in Plano. They are located on the "3rd floor of a food hall so there are plenty of food options to sit bring upstairs and have with your beer". Visit this "super cool brewery on the top floor of Legacy". Experience and taste their "fantastic" beers such as "the Rebel Faction" and "the Blind Justice and Deviant" beers. Also, "try idol time - infused with passion fruit and pineapple". "The beer is so yummy! And the staff is incredible!" It will be "truly a fun and exciting experience!" "Unlawful Assembly is more than just an amazing name--it's the Brews, food and oh-so-much fun!"