BY MIKE PUCKETT

Join the conversation on our FB Group Page: Top Texas Craft Beer

The Spindletap Brewery is located on the north side of Houston just a few blocks east of Hwy 59 the Eastex Freeway. This beautiful brewery shares a space with a number of different oil field-related companies operating out of this 65,500 sq ft location. Now, some people have a restaurant inside the building where they work. But at Spindletap, you have a full-blown brewery at your fingertips. Let’s just say that’s my kind of place!

Spindletap Brewery is a relative newcomer to the Texas scene.  But these guys are making a big impact right out of the gates! They have spared no expense on their facilities and the tasting room is immaculate. It’s the perfect place to watch sporting events, play games or host parties and events in the extra-large, 25,000 sq. ft. warehouse space. I absolutely love the play on words with the name. What a great name for a Texas brewery! Their tap handle art is really cool, too! Take a look at the photography… does that shout Texas or what?

We made our way to the brewery on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. You can tell right off the bat that the word has gotten out about this new brewery on the Northside. People were playing games, eating crawfish from a local vendor and, of course, drinking Top Texas Craft Beer! When you walk through the doors, you can see the workings of the brewery through large, glass windows. There is a short line to get into the brewery, but no big deal as you can literally see a flat-screen TV from every angle. Very nice touch guys! Even better than that, when one of the owners saw a line was starting to form, he came out and started handing out samples. Love it! I could stand in this line all day! Ha!

While there, I ran into some old friends I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. They told me they came all the way from across town to support their favorite craft brewery. It’s a perfect example of what Spindletap Brewery represents – bringing friends together, old and new, through the brewing process and their wonderful craft beer.

One thing that is very apparent is the brewery’s connection to the people who enjoy their beer. The owners and staff not only handle the heavy traffic with smiles and handshakes – they also take the time to chat with patrons and answer any questions they may have.

I am really impressed with Spindletap Brewery. It’s hard to believe they are new to the game. When you have the right people in place, it shows! Well, they obviously do and it’s a place you want to visit. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. You can bet it’s gonna be good!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT

Good Eats Houston says you need to taste the beers below at Spindletap Brewery…

BOOMTOWN BLONDE

HOUSTON, TEXAS / AKA CLUTCH CITY / BOOMTOWN PROPER

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 20

BoomTown Blonde is a salute to Houston and all this big ol’ mess of steel, sweat and 100% pure Texas has to offer.  No sizzle, all steak.  No hat, all cattle.  Okay, maybe a little hat of the 10-gallon variety if you’re so inclined.  The point remains.

We may not be the prettiest city on the planet, but these dollar bills are pretty enough.  What’s that smell, you ask?  I believe that’s the color green.  So grab yourself a frosty barley pop and pour one out for Houston, TX.

 

TOOLPUSHER PALE ALE

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 50

Spindle Tap TOOLPUSHER is a Pale Ale that doesn’t care if you had dinner plans.  Want to take it easy and relax?  Call me when you’re ready to put the big boy pants on.  We’ve got a job to do and it’ll be done in smooth, efficient fashion.  Pour one out and take it down asap, amigo.  You won’t be sorry.

Unless you waste time doing it.  You’ve been warned.

 

HOPPER HOUSE DOUBLE IPA

ABV: 8%

IBU: 100

Coming in at a little over 8% ABV, this beer is a perfectly balanced “slurry” of malt and hops that will rapidly deliver when released down hole.  But a word of wisdom: This dog bites.  Unlike it’s oil & gas namesake, take your time with this Hopper House.  It’ll get you where you need to be soon enough.

 

HONEY HOLE ESB

ABV: 7%

IBU: 20

Spindle Tap Honey Hole is a smooth, easy drinking beer that’s always on point.  Just one taste, and you might have yourself a new go-to brew.  Yes sir, you’ve found a winner.