Why this non-beer drinker keeps going back to Family Business Beer Company

     And no, it's not because it's co-owned by one of the stars of Supernatural. 

     I have to admit when I found out the Ackles family (and extended family) were opening a brewery in the Dripping Springs area, I was partially very excited because it was people who I have come to admire. I don't even like beer but Kaci and I were already planning our trip up for when they opened. 

     Side note: They opened the day she and her husband left for their honeymoon so our trip would have to be postponed until February. 

     We had it all planned out, eat at Kerby Lane, then head to the brewery as soon as they open, come back to Austin, go to South Congress and take photos. But let me add in that our plans never actually go the way they were supposed to. Our day got pushed back by having to drive to Bastrop and then by the time we got to Kerby Lane, the wait was close to an hour. Point is: our plan to be there as they opened got pushed back to getting to the brewery closer to one. And by that point, the brewery was definitely filled with a whole slew of people. We did leave around 4:30 as we had other Austin things to do on our list, and by that time, there was a line formed outside the door for people waiting to get in. It is a small indoor space, accompanied by a larger outdoor space, but not as big as most breweries. There were construction items laying around further away so there might be plans to expand just a tad. 

     Another thing to note is that Dripping Springs is gorgeous. If you haven't been, its worth making the trip just for the scenery. It's part of the Texas Hill Country and where Hamilton Pool is located so we were already excited because the brewery was in part of our favorite place in Texas. Despite our GPS saying we arrived about half a mile from where it actually was, it was relatively easy to find as it's on a country road that the only places to turn on either into a driveway or onto a street that leads to other houses. 

    Even with the rough start on finding the brewery, it changed as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. The signs (done by Danneel Ackles herself), the farm style house as well as the barn that houses the taproom, and the brewery, it all felt right. I am not usually someone who judges a book by its cover, or in this case, a brewery by its outside appearance, but if I was, it would already have high marks from me. 

   Walking in, Kaci and I were greeted by the bouncer (is that the correct word? Do breweries have bouncers?) and he made a quick conversation with us as we got our bracelets, as there were plenty of people already there being a Saturday afternoon. Before we drove out, we had looked at the website and saw what beers they had on tap as well as Kaci's husband giving her suggestions of which ones she would like, so when we got to the bar, she immediately ordered a flight (a sampling of four beers) and chose the Hamilton, Ghost, Ocelot and Dark Star, while I went for one glass of the Ocelot. The second time I ventured to the brewery, I also ordered the Dark Star and so far, it's been my favorite. I also samples The Grackle and am definitely ordering that one next time. 

   There are several different year-round beers on top of their rotating and seasonal ones, so make sure to check out their website and see which ones are on top to give you an idea. Under each beer they have on tap, they also give you a small one or two liner about the beer, the alcohol by volume percentage and what sort of beer it is. They have anything from lagers to IPA to ale. (Hint: Don't be afraid to ask your bartender their opinion! I did go out with my cousin the second time and while she is a beer drinker, I knew nothing about it, but I explained to the bartender what sort of alcohol I do like and she was able to match me with a beer that I actually really loved.)

   The vibe of the entire brewery was very much a family one, which is perfect as they are advertising themselves as a family brewery. Even without knowing that there was a separate playground for the little ones or that the bar housed several different board games, the workers we spoke to were very friendly and I have to give props to the bartender who knew what I would like. 

   So if you are looking for somewhere to sit outside (or inside as it too looks amazing), enjoy some drinks, play board games or just to catch up with friends, Family Business Beer Company is the sort of place that you need to mark on your map. 

​   Until next time lovelies,

Image taken from Family Business Beer Company website