November 2017 – October 2018
Located between San Marcos and Wimberley, Middleton may not be the easiest brewery to find but once you get there it’s definitely worth the effort. Although you’re not really in the countryside here there is an appealing rural feel to Middleton, tucked away as it is, which is especially enjoyable from their large roof terrace.
Middleton is more than just dog-friendly – they have two gorgeous taproom dogs who will give you a warm (but not overpowering) greeting, and as most patrons also bring their pooches you can easily spend your whole visit cooing over one cute canine or another. Doggie love aside, there’s a lot going on at Middleton. They have 12 taps of their own beers, six regular and six rotating, as well as local cider and wine, and beers are available in growlers and crowlers to go. Middleton run the full gamut of beer styles and don’t shy away from going pretty boozy, with some of their IPAs and Belgians coming in at over 8% – caution is required considering the only way to get here or away is in a car! Top choice have included the Topaz Belgian Tripel, which is scarily easy-drinking for 9%, the lovely cold-brew-in-a-glass Coffee Ale, and the delicious caramel-malted Hoppin’ Wolf APA, which is also a driver-friendly 5.5%. Middleton are also responsible for one of my favourite Texas beers, the dreamily spicy Pepperhead Jalapeno IPA. Think Brewdog’s Chilli Hammer, but better. Sadly this is only brewed a couple of times a year, but if you’re there for it get a growler, hell – get two.
Middleton is a great community hub, with live music, comedy, trivia and charity fundraising events – there’s always something going on and it’s usually good. On our most recent visit, of a Sunday afternoon, we were treated to a great local bluegrass trio whom I would certainly return for, and my victory at bingo on our first visit was a memorable occasion! Folks are chatty and friendly, as are the staff, and like a good country pub, it’s easy to settle in here for an afternoon or evening. Sensibly for their location, Middleton has two food trucks on site, St Pitas and Slingin’ Sliders, neither of which will break the bank, but do check opening hours. Middleton is open every day except Tuesdays with hours day-dependent. Flights are served in pours of five 4ozs for $12 and pints are priced individually.
http://www.middletonbrewingtx.com/
Craft Beer Amethyst 