Review of Friends and Allies Brewing Company by TexasRealFood
Friends and Allies Brewing Company founders Ben Sabin and Devin Ponds are “industry professionals”. The homebrewing enthusiasts bonded over their passion but charted different paths. Ponds moved to California and Sabin remaining in Austin. Both worked in the craft beer industry. Their passion eventually brought them back together in Austin and they hired Nathan Crane as head brewer for their new brewery.
The company’s name is the Hasinais meaning for the word “Tejas” (or, “Texas”), which refers to a friend or ally. It reflects the company’s aim to be deeply rooted in Austin’s community.
With a focus on “West Coast techniques”, the brewery “produces uniquely Texas beers steeped in West Coast brewing techniques”. Even their logo reflects this “dual state” and shows a wolf and a bear. Their current lineup consists of four core beers.