Craft Beer Laws Pass; Houston Breweries Respond

With Texas Governor Rick Perry's decision on Friday to sign the craft beer bills that overwhelmingly passed the Texas House and Senate, Houston breweries are gearing up to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them now that they can sell beer directly to consumers for on-premises consumption. Houston's oldest craft brewer, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, released a statement that emphasized that it would not change its popular $8 tours or daily lunch pricing, but owner Brock Wagner did say the change would allow the brewery to sell beers that haven't been available to tour goers before. "We intend to always have one special beer on tap," said Wagner in a statement. "It may be a cask conditioned Endeavour, a special release cask or, if you're lucky, a Divine Reserve."

In addition, Buffalo Bayou Brewing owner Rassul Zarinfar tells the Chronicle that the change will allow him to brew special kegs that might not interest bars but could be profitable if sold via special events at the brewery. After all, why should bars and retailers have all the fun with the frenzy associated with limited release brews?

· Brewers Set to Open Taps as Perry Signs Off on Changes [Houston Chronicle, $]
· Saint Arnold Brewing Company [Facebook]
· Open the Taps [Twitter]
· Huzzah! Beer Bills Pass Texas House, Set to Become Law [-EHOU-]