Unless you have been living under a rock, you have almost certainly heard of craft beer. Your reaction could have been anywhere from growing infatuation to a quick dismissal, but, regardless, craft beer deserves some of your attention.

Craft beer is, by definition, small breweries owned by small brewers, i.e. not owned by Budweiser. To put a finer point to it, it’s independent, small manufacturing businesses. They can be your neighbors, your friends, restaurateurs, social media junkies, or recluses … but they are members of your community. The Brewer’s Association says that most Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewery. In Amarillo, Texas, we have four active breweries, one under construction, and several in planning. We also are lucky enough to have “local” breweries in Dumas, Borger and Lubbock too. 

Does a craft brewery make beer, or is it a place to go? Both! Craft breweries make my favorite beers, and they provide my favorite venues to do just about anything. 

Let’s start with the beer. While you may conjure ideas of extreme, expensive, or unnecessary when you think of craft beer, variety is the name of the game. You will find examples of mild, but also extreme, notably imperial stouts and IPA. Even within contemporary stouts and IPA, the variety is wild.

IPA is known for being bitter and piney, but modern-day IPAs vary from soft, fruity, and bold (literally some are like orange juice), to the expected stronger, bitter, pine-forward beers, but a well-made IPA should exhibit balance. Bitterness balanced alongside alcohol and citrus. Fruity balanced by fullness, acidity, and texture. If your expectation is not to like IPA, I recommend trying a hazy/juicy/New England-style IPA. 

Stouts are known for being dark and strong … but the juxtaposition of a classic Guiness against a modern pastry stout is incredible. They can be dry and mild, but loaded with flavors of coffee and dark chocolate, or they can be rich and sweet and filled with overwhelming amounts of coconut, or cherry, or sometimes even literal candy bars. If you are a black-coffee drinker, try a craft Dry Irish Stout. On the other hand, if you have a massive sweet tooth, search out a pastry stout loaded with vanilla and graham cracker. 

The variety doesn’t end with stouts and IPA… Craft breweries have been pushing the boundaries on other beer styles as well – sours, spirit barrel aged beers, and more. Sometimes, however, variety doesn’t mean crazy. Most breweries, especially in the Panhandle of Texas, also offer classic old-school beers, or even traditional modern styles too. If you’re looking for something light and refreshing – search out a craft American Lager, blonde ale, or pilsner. If you’re looking for something a little bit middle of the road, try an American Amber Ale, or a brown ale. They can provide notes of toast, caramel, nuttiness, and hints of chocolate. The options are literally limitless. 

Some might say that the venue of a craft brewery is as important as the beer… We’ll save that debate for another time, but the venue is an important part of the experience. The diversity in atmosphere within craft breweries is almost as wide as the diversity in beer style. Some are themed, some are classic, some embrace the entire family (kids and pups alike), while some themes identify with their brewing heritage. I’ve personally visited breweries styled like Irish pubs, heavy metal breweries, farmhouse breweries, $10-million facilities, and shoestring start-ups. The variety is part of the fun. It also allows you to choose the right venue for the occasion. 

Craft beer is not a fad. It is an industry that supports your community and communities across the U.S. It supports local agriculture, local restaurants, local charities, your child’s little league team, and a good time. Check out all the breweries in the Texas Panhandle, and next time you visit another city, add breweries to your list for a good time.