Karbach may be barely three years old, but they have come on the scene in a very big way. I feel like I have been drinking Karbach my whole life. If you live in Houston and are not familiar with this brewery, then you are living under a rock. I recently got to spend a little time with Eric and Blake of Karbach and go over some of their portfolio and, as the saying goes… the rest was blurry.
Love Street Summer – 7.5
Kolsch-Style
ABV: 4.9
IBU: 20
Ahhh. I smack my lips in anticipation of this crisp summer seasonal. It is one of my favorite ways to endure the long, hot Texas summer. I have heard dirty rumors that this beer could move from their seasonal lineup and become a year round brew. This delights me and will make it immediately become my crawfish beer.
Weisse Versa Wheat – 8.3
ABV: 5.3
IBU: 20
With this little gem being produced in Houston, it should replace any beer taps that are dedicated to an introductory wheat beer. The banana and coriander are true to style and give this well balanced brew its easily approachable style. I especially like this beer when I am at The Mezzanine Lounge eating their stuffed jalapenos they call Grasshoppers.
Sympathy for the Lager – 8.0
ABV: 4.9
IBU: 45
Yuengling of Houston? Well, this beer does not have that cult following, but it’s a damned fine lager that I feel does not get enough credit. As soon as I get my draft system in my house, this will be the first keg I tap.
Weekend Warrior – 8.5
Pale Ale
ABV: 5.5
IBU: 40
The citrus and hop on the front of this beer followed by a slight malt finish screams street tacos to me. The 5 different hops are structured just right in this one. If this beer doesn’t come with a good time guarantee, it should. It really has everything you want in a beer. *Music not included.
Hopadillo – 9.0
IPA
ABV: 6.6
IBU: 65
You bitter bro? This beer sure is! While this beer will not go down as the dankest beers ever created, it is a staple for the hop heads in Houston, and rightfully so. Six different hops go into this beer and it is also dry hopped, giving you that beautiful aroma.
El Hopadillo Negro – 8.8
Black IPA
ABV: 7.2
IBU: 80
This beer is wicked. Aromas of citrus fruit hit you first, rushing at you all IPA like, then it crop dusts your pallet with a lingering malty finish of coffee. Open this bad boy up with a slow smoked pork loin with some rice and pan gravy. Just don’t forget my invite!
Rodeo Clown – 9.5
Double IPA
ABV: 9.5
IBU: 85
Ironic is the name, because this beer is not clowning around. Eric and the brew team really have this one figured out. There is a lot of hop, a lot of malt and incredible balance. The thing that makes this beer special is the consistency. This beer must be why this brewery is one of the fastest growing in the nation.
F.U.N. 007 Hellfighter – 9.6
Imperial Porter Ale aged on Bourbon Barrels
ABV: 11
IBU: 85
I was shocked when they pulled this out. A true delight by any definition. This has been aging a while now; the nose smelled of melted tootsie rolls and was fan-freaking-tastic! Drinking, correction *sipping* this was like sipping on a fine Port Wine with notes of raisin. It had a beautiful dark chocolate finish that left me only needing more. It was roll over and go straight to sleep good.
