Local Craft Breweries in Central Texas Region, TX (3)

San Saba is only a town of about 3,000 but the Pecan Capital of the World shells around 28 million pounds of pecan annually. Bar D Brewhouse, meanwhile, offers a flight of up to eleven craft beers – count ‘em! Not bad for a small town! Bar D opened in 2011 when, after many years, Larry and Jerilyn Davis decided they wanted a change of pace from their jobs. Larry the brewmaster learned how to brew beer while Jerilyn had always been an excellent home cook. Together, they manage and operate the pub and restaurant, and also operate the Bar D Inn. Locals and those just passing by love their place:

• “Excited to catch up with friends and family over a craft brew or two”
• “They have a great selection of craft brews”
• “Every time we come in town, this is our go to place to eat”

The Barrow Brewing Company owners Graydon and KD Hill hold fast to three principles in running their brewery. These are quality, sustainability, and community. The brewery’s popularity is a testament to the quality of their beers. To underscore their sustainability practices, the couple reused discarded knotty pine planks to decorate the brewery's walls. Before the building was converted into a brewery, the planks were used to store tons of grain at the granary. Salado is a small town of about 2,000 people. It has a “rich, diverse community of veterans, hippies, golfers, artists, saints, and free spirits". The Hills realized, however, that the town couldn't have its own craft brewery because of existing laws. With the community's support, they petitioned to have local laws changed. In honor of the people who supported them, the brewery created the 784 Belgian Style White Ale, representing the number of people who voted in their favor.

Bold Republic Brewing Company opened in mid-2018 and took the title of first craft brewery in Belton. Established by husband and wife Patrick and Adriane Hodges, the brewery serves a selection of craft beers. They will also serve pizza, bratwurst, hot sandwiches, and oven-baked pretzels, among others. The brewery and restaurant is purposefully small – a nano-brewery by today’s definition. The Hodges hope they can expand later. The brewery has a special beer named after Adriane’s father, Capt. Jack Edwards, said to be the first officer killed in the 1991 Gulf War. Upon learning of an ongoing fund drive to create the $40 million Desert Storm Memorial in Washington, D.C., the couple in his honor created Captain Jack lager. Last July 4, 2019, Bold Republic and the Belton Chamber of Commerce hosted a street party to help raise money for the war memorial fund. The Hodges are sharing the recipe with other breweries who wish to donate their proceeds towards the war memorial.