Sugar Land Flying Saucer Opens

SUGAR LAND - The newest location of the Texas-based Flying Saucer Draught Emporium has opened in Sugar Land, southwest of Houston.

This site becomes the fifteenth national location of the Flying Saucer chain, and the seventh overall to open in Texas.

Jester King Sues TABC

AUSTIN - Jester King has filed a motion in federal court for summary judgment against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Along with two other co-plaintiffs, Jester King is challenging the TABC Code requirements regarding the content and wording contained on beer labels, such as the arbitrary "ale" or "malt liquor" legal designations and prohibited terms that may reflect alcoholic strength. Such unnecessary requirements have long been problematic for out-of-state breweries seeking label approval for their products to be sold in Texas.

Another change sought is the restriction on brewers in advertising or communicating retail locations where their products may be purchased, a legal holdover from a stricter three-tier interpretation. Jester King is seeking the elimination of both these current restrictions on the basis that they violate the right to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Jester King is also challenging the restriction of breweries from selling direct to the public and that of brewpubs selling to retailers or distributors, both changes that were pushed unsuccessfully in the last legislative session. The claim against the TABC Code here is violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

A third challenge involves the requirement of foreign breweries to obtain a separate licence to sell their products in Texas, an additional burden that is not requried of foreign wineries or distilleries.

A ruling on this case is expected sometime later this year.

Shiner Ryes & Shine Rye Lager

SHINER - Spoetzl Brewery plans to release the Shiner Ryes & Shine Rye Lager, a dark brown lager that is their interpretation of the German rye beer style.

This beer will be the second in the Brewer's Pride series from Spoetzl, the first being their Shiner Old-Time Alt. Both are sold bundled in their "Family Reunion" multi-packs, and should be available by December.

Hops & Grains Opens

AUSTIN - Hops & Grain will become Austin's newest commercial brewery when their beers will be available for the first time at area events next week.

Despite the theft of almost 2000 feet of copper wiring from their building last week, Hops & Grain decided to go ahead with plans to debut their beer at several area locations as well as a "Karma Fest" party held at the brewery. The brewery plans to eventually package and sell Hops & Grain beers in aluminum cans instead of bottles.

Deep Ellum Brewing Opens

DALLAS - Deep Ellum Brewing Company has finally cleared all paperwork hurdles and will be brewing its first commercial batch this week.

Deep Ellum Brewing becomes the first commercial package brewery to operate in Dallas since 2006. Bottling operations are planned but will not be operational for at least several months. Beers should be available on local draft accounts within just a few weeks.

Texas Brewers at 2011 GABF

DENVER, CO - Winners were announced over the weekend at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival, with brewpubs dominating the Texas medal winners this year.

Recognized Texas brewers include:

• Humperdink’s (Dallas): Gold for Über Braü as an American-style Amber Lager
• Uncle Billy's Brew & Cue (Lake Travis): Silver for Bottle Rocket Lager as a Kellerbier
• Austin Beerworks: Silver for Peacemaker as an English-Style Summer Ale
• North by Northwest: Bronze for Barton Kriek as a Belgian-Style Lambic

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is an annual event sponsored by the Brewers Association, the professional organization for the craft brewing industry. This 30th annual competition included 2375 entries from 466 brewers with a total festival attendance of more than 49,000.

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for beers in 83 different style categories plus a separate pro-am competition.

Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub Opens

FORT WORTH - After years of development and delays, Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub opened this week on Magnolia Avenue district south of downtown Fort Worth.

Although on-site kitchen and brewing facilities are still under construction, owner Carlo Galotto opened to serve commercial craft beers until his own beers are available.