BY MIKE PUCKETT

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No Label Brewing Company is located in Old Town Katy off Hwy 90 just North of I-10. It’s nestled up on 1^st Street in the historic Katy Rice Silos district. The brewery is so well hidden that I have driven past it many times without even knowing that a li’l bit of heaven was just sitting there waiting to be explored.

We celebrated Craft Beer Friday there on a beautiful Texas day. The brewery is built right into some of the old rice silos, bringing you back to a more simple time before Katy became so commercial and crowded. I think No Label Brewing Company fits right in here and the historic location really adds to the experience.

Don’t get it twisted though – there is nothing simple about the brewing process at No Label. As I saw with my own eyes, these guys work hard! And I’m so glad they are because we get to enjoy some damn good beer due to their efforts!

As you walk up to the brewery, you get an impression that this is just how a Texas brewery should be. It reminds me of a good ‘ole boy BBQ out at a buddy’s ranch house. The brewery has lots of outdoor seating and a small stage where they feature live music. Step into the large open room and you’ll discover this isn’t a barn. The smell of brewing hops fills the air and I have to put my hand over my heart… we are in Texas!

The brewery and the tasting room are one and the same. You can watch everything that goes on behind the scenes as you sip your Top Texas Craft Beer of choice. From brewing to bottling, it all takes place right before your eyes!

One thing that really impressed me about the No Label Brewing Company is how knowledgeable the staff is. We connected with the two brew tenders that were on duty; Jerry and Melanie. Both were able to answer every question I threw at them and even add something more. Their depth of knowledge about the different types of beers, the brewing process, and the history of the brewery were nothing short of amazing. I would suggest visiting No Label early in the day so you can speak with someone at the brewery before things get too busy. They have a lot to share and it is well worth lending an ear.

No Label Brewing Company has a wide variety of cool shirts and other merchandise as well as snacks to nibble on until the Food Truck arrives (see schedule). You can also bring your own food to enjoy as you savor a top-quality brew. There are flat screens everywhere and more tables and seating is available inside, along with large fans to combat that summer heat we all enjoy here in the Lone Star State. Ha!

No Label Brewing Co. has tours and special events taking place all the time, so check out their website to learn when is the best time to plan your visit.

I’ve been told there are two stories about how No Label Brewing got its name. Well, I will leave that story for one of the friendly folks here to tell over a Top Texas Craft Beer. That’s the way it should be told.

I love this brewery as it brings back a lot of good memories I have from growing up around these parts. No Label Brewing Company is providing not only great craft beer, but a great Texas experience out here in Katy. And for that, I thank them!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT

 

Good Eats says you need to taste the beers below…

1ST STREET ALE

This Blonde Ale is dedicated to the city of Katy, Texas. Because Katy was known for its rice farming, we decided to brew this beer with a touch of rice, giving it a smooth, clean, and crisp finish. Perfect for all occasions. Come try it at one of our tasting or look for it at shelf near you.

 

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 14

 

GILLEY’S BLONDE

Easy to drink blonde, created for Mickey Gilley

 

ABV: 5.0%

 

RIDGEBACK ALE

Dark American Amber with strong flavors of caramel and roasted malts. Balanced with just the right amount of Cascade and Golding hops for a sweet but slightly bitter ale. Named after our dog Hailey.

 

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 14

 

EL HEFE WEIZEN

A traditional German Hefeweizen. This beer is light and refreshing with strong notes of banana, cloves and citrus. Perfect for that hot summer day. Named after the boss of the house.

ABV: 5.6%

IBU: 11.7

 

PALE HORSE ALE

American Pale Ale with a significant amount of malts and hops. Slightly bitter but not overly hopped. Dry hopped with cascade for a nice floral aroma.

 

ABV: 5.9%

IBU: 36

 

HOP SOLO

Hoppy pale ale with Centennial hops.

6.1% ABV

 

LEVEN AMP IPA

This is our take on the India Pale Ale style, inspired by West Coast IPAs. Less malt character and more hops, the majority of which are added in the final minutes of the boil or later. Drinks dry but not too bitter. Hope you enjoy, this one goes to eleven.

 

ABV: 7.2%

IBU: 62

 

HONEY I’M HOME TOASTED

Honey pecan pale ale

 

ABV 6%

 

PERPETUAL PEACE

Wee Heavy has been aging in Wild Turkey Select barrels for 10months

11% ABV.