Local Craft Breweries near the Dime Box, Texas 77853 Area (6)

Located in historic downtown Brenham, Brazos Valley Brewing Company is a five-man team of craft brewery enthusiasts. The team is composed of brothers Josh and Jeremy with longtime friends Nelson, Todd, and Richard. Their philosophy is simple: “We brew what we like and (we) want to share them with you!” Jeremy and Nelson started homebrewing their own beers, and not long after, Jeremy’s brother Josh and the others were into it as well. They officially launched their first products in late 2013. Their current lineup of beers include their bestseller Mama Tried IPA, and 7 Spanish Angels, a collaboration with Independence Coffee Company. They also offer the award-winning seasonal beer Silt Brown Ale, among other seasonal offerings. There's a line of products they call their B-Sides and Rarities as well.  

Tree Farm Brewing takes its name from its original location: a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm in Navasota owned by Josh’s parents and lovingly referred to as the "Tree Farm". In 2013, the brewers premiered a small batch “India Pale Ale” as their first official beer at Briarcrest Country Club. The IPA is representative of the hop-forward beers that are the brewers’ favorite, but their line-up is also set to include batches of “American Wheat, Blonde, and Pale ales.” The goal with each batch is to create a beer that is flavorful and aromatic, but also finely balanced and approachable. Whether you favor a quaffable American wheat or a bright, citrusy IPA, Tree Farm will have something to show you.

Texas now has plenty of brewpubs, but when Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. (aka BWD) opened in Northgate in College Station, it was the first in College Station. In November 2013, BWD stayed ahead of the trend by opening even before Houston had its first brewpub. Just after their second anniversary in December 2015, they opened their second location in historic downtown Bryan. They closed the Northgate College Station location in mid-2018 because of rent and property taxes, but continue to operate the Bryan location. Their love for coffee made them create their first signature brew, a coffee porter named Contract Killer. Since then, they’ve added Mulligan (a German style Kolsch), Border Town (a Mexican style lager), and Hazy Lady (a New England style IPA) in their lineup of year round beers. The brewery also produces seasonal beers. Visitors can also check out the taproom for one-off specials. With a 20 bbl Brewhouse system, they are gearing up to supply the Brazos Valley area.

Texas Beer Company is one of those success stories that really took off because of the community. Founded by J.D. Gins and Ian Davis, this Taylor-based brewery counts a gold medal win at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival for their Pecos Amber Lager among their many achievements. Both have J.D.’s ex-girlfriend to thank for J.D.’s first homebrewing kit, which prompted his passion for brewing. J.D. is the company’s brewmaster. The two friends were community organizers who met during Obama’s presidential campaign. Launched in May 2016, the brewery came to be with support from various sectors. Prior to launch, they got a leg up when Davis’ friend bought the building they’re located in. Meanwhile, the two were conducting tastings rent-free and getting valuable inputs from locals. With economic development incentives from the city council, a successful initial funding campaign, and a follow-up fund campaign for expansion, the brewery continues to benefit from the support of the community it serves.

Granger City Brewing Company is the city’s first brewery. Established in 2015, it’s a “labor of love” for its owners Peter and Elle Maurisak. They describe their brewery and taproom as “boutique style”, meaning they intentionally keep it “small and selective” for now. According to its owners, the brewery has been “a labor of love” which included suffering through three Texas summers without air-conditioning. Besides the in-house brews, the taproom also serves a rotating selection of beers and ciders from other breweries. Open from Friday to Sunday, the brewery is known for its excellent pizza, which uses spent grains and beer wort. They are actually also open on Thursdays but serve only their pizzas (no alcohol). Tips for visiting: Accepts cash only (there’s an ATM onsite). The kitchen closes an hour before published closing hours.

Huff Brewing Company is located in the small town of Bellville. Opened in 2012, husband and wife Ryan and Christine Huff own and operate the small brewery with a commitment to creating excellent beers. It is located about four miles from downtown Bellville. The brewery is a first for the town since Prohibition shutdown a brewery in 1918. Among its lineup of beers are the Huffmeister and Huff’s Original Amber. Both Ryan and Christine maintain their full-time jobs and share bar tending duties. This is why the taproom is only open on Fridays. The couple didn’t initially set out to establish a taproom. Instead, the plan was to offer their creations in Houston and supply bars and restaurants in the region. Tip: Occasionally, and sometimes by appointment, they might be open on a Saturday. They don’t serve food but check their Facebook page if a food truck is scheduled.