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No, it’s not that 8th wonder, it’s the kind you can drink!
Since Bryan and I have moved into the loop, we’ve done a lot more to explore our city. Although we both love beer, breweries (and Battlestar Galactica), we’d never been to 8th Wonder – the craft beer gem of the East End.
The “Brew Crew” as we were so greatly named, spent time at 8th Wonder to learn about the history of the local craft brew geniuses.
8th Wonder opened up four and a half years ago in Houston. They started pretty small – self-distributing to local bars, but they grew massively in the past couple of years (like 30,000 kegs annually massive), and now they’re considered a regional brewery.
They also own the incredibly creative Eatsie Boys food truck that serves up big, Texas food that is literally out of this world – they are the intergalactic food truck!
I really love 8th Wonder – I’ve had their beers canned, in stores, but never at the brewery, so it was an awesome experience to get to try a flight of their beers and sample some of what they had on tap.
First up was Dome Faux’m, a cream ale that is corn based. It was a collaboration with Moontower Inn, and it’s one of 8th Wonder’s year-round beer offerings. It’s definitely a session beer. Light and Crisp, and it’s one of those beers that’s a great transition into the craft brew world. If you like something like Bud, you’ll like this a lot.
Astro Turf was the next trial, and it’s a dry hop version of the Dome Faux’m Cream Ale. Good. A little stronger, but still nice and light.
Cougar Paw (Go Coogs) is a red ale that started at the University of Houston and brewing it has since raised $5,000 for scholars interested in studying the brewing process. This one is usually available during football season, and it’s available at every sports stadium in Houston. So if you’re at a game, whether it’s the Rockets, Texans, Dynamo, or the ‘Stros, you can watch with some 8th Wonder in hand.
Lastly, was IP8, my favorite. IP8 was actually developed before 8th wonder opened, but there was both a water and hops crisis. Even though it’s a dark beer it’s incredibly smooth. It would definitely be easy to carry around and drink during the summer despite its strength. It’s a refreshing beer.
I also tried 8th Wonder’s Rocket Fuel, which is a porter infused with coffee, cream, and sugar. If you’ve ever had a cà phê sua đá, or Vietnamese coffee, you will love this one. Somehow, these guys took a beer and made it taste just like the iconic coffee drink. I was stunned.
My visit renewed my love of supporting local craft brewers, especially these guys who are showing the love for Houston. But it also reminded me that beer is awesome. Really awesome.
Get ready for the GIVEAWAY!
You know what else is awesome? Giveaways! I’m giving away two tix to the 8th Annual Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival!
Craft breweries continue to open at a brisk pace across Texas, and BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival is the perfect place to sip, savor, and explore the real meaning behind the phrase “Drink Local.” Whether you are a craft-loyal drinker looking for inspiration, or just a newbie finding your way, BrewMasters is the ultimate event for experiencing the distinctive world of craft beer.
You’ll get two tickets to the Thanksgiving weekend festival! Sounds great, huh? Well, enter! I guarantee that you want passes to a top-rated beer fest in Texas! If you don’t win, you can still purchase tickets at: http://www.brewmastersbeerfest.com/events.
Although this giveaway has ended, you can still get notified of other giveaways by signing up for my mailing list!
Leave a comment below – let me know what your fave craft beer or brewery is!
*This post was edited after Brewmasters was rescheduled in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The event is now taking place November 24-26th at Moody Gardens Galveston.
9 Responses
This place looks great! I am loving red ales too this summer. 🙂
Cheers, Sarah Camille // SCsScoop.com
This definitely looks like it would be right up my husband’s alley! He loves a good (dark) craft beer. Me, not so much. Ha!
Mariah
http://www.likehoneyblog.com
Oh YUM, that looks so good! If I wasn’t all the way in Michigan I’d be going to that festival for sure 🙂
This place looks so cool!!!
This looks incredible! I take a trip to Houston and check it out. My hubby would be in heaven!
This would be fun! I need a gluten free beer. It would be wonderful if they had those selections!
The Rocket Fuel drink sounds so good – I love Vietnamese coffee!
My husband would love 8th Wonder! He loves trying all of the varieties of craft beer. Excellent idea for the Beer Festival giveaway!
great post! If I ever visit Huston I’ll be sure to come by this spot! I would love to enter the giveaway but I’m too far! hahaha