Local Craft Breweries near Huntsville, TX (2)

According to Cycler's Brewing brewmaster and founder Clay Wick, “cycling and craft beer are kind joined at the hip”. After all, many look forward to a refreshing drink at the end of a long ride. Clay, who once worked for Coors, got “enthralled” with his first taste of craft beer, and subsequently fell in love with the many varieties available. It was then that he knew that he wanted to be a part of the creation process. Located inside the Sam Houston National Forest, Clay, his wife Tina, and the other owners of Cycler’s named the brewery after the sport popular in the forest. Their beers have cycling themes such as the cleverly named Ryed Hard. There’s also the DeRailleur, referring to the “mechanism that transfers the chain from one set of gears to another”. Together with the seven core beers, they also have a set of limited-release barrel-aged beers.

Stesti means “happiness” in Czech and Stesti Brewing Company hopes you can drink some from their glass or bottle. The brewery was originally called "Dej Bůh Štěstí" Brewing Company, or “God gives happiness”. The phrase is a traditional saying by Czech brewmasters. Owners Dennis and Ana Gore shortened it so it's easier to remember. The small family-owned brewery specializes in Czech-style beers. Master brewer Dennis is a surgeon and professor on most days, and studied his craft in Plzeň, Czech Republic under renowned Czech masters. Wife Ana is the brewery’s business manager. Unlike most breweries, they don't have a taproom. Instead, they only conduct tours and tastings at their beautiful property in Lovelady. They require a two-day advance notice, and there you can sample their flagship beers Pivo Pils and Bohemian Lager, and some seasonal varieties. Otherwise, check your local supermarkets for their bottled beers. Traditionally, Czech lagers come in bottles not cans.