Beer Around The NFL: Houston Texans
Look for notes of banana and baking spices with Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat; Petrol Station is for coffee-geek-slash-beer-nerds.
Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout (it's OK, we're not judging), then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Houston Texans.
WHAT TO DRINK
Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat: This wheat beer (pronounced vice-a-versa – get it?) comes in a can and pours out cloudy in the glass. Look for notes of banana and baking spices, with bright citrus and pepper character and a clean finish. karbachbrewing.com
Buffalo Bayou 1836: The newest craft microbrewery in Houston (bringing the total number of operations to five), calls this one a "copper ale." It's aromatic, full of grassy and floral aromas, with sweet biscuit flavors in the mouth. buffbrew.com
Saint Arnold Pumpkinator: Pumpkin beer is ubiquitous in the fall. But few are as big and black as this one. According to the brewer, it's like "you just walked into your mom's kitchen while she was cooking 37 pumpkin pies." Oh, and it's the priciest beer they make, too. saintarnold.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Ginger Man: The oldest of this small Texas chain of pubs (which also has sister bars in New York and Connecticut) is in Houston's Rice Village. With some 50 or 60-odd taps, you'll find Bud Light as well as a rare Saint Arnold cask ale, and another 100-plus bottles from around the world. 5607 Morningside Drive, 713-526-2770, houston.gingermanpub.com
Petrol Station: In addition to a couple dozen draft options (including a few cask-conditioned ales) and a healthy selection of bottles, all largely focused on domestic and local brews, this spot also makes a mean cup of coffee. Beans are roasted on the premises, for all you coffee-geek-slash-beer-nerds. 985 Wakefield Drive, 713-957-2875
Mongoose Versus Cobra: This new addition to the city has more than 40 rotating taps, including a couple cask ales, with a focus on local microbrewery and select imported offerings. Plus, cocktails for those who prefer the hard stuff. 1011 McGowen Road, 713-650-6872 mongooseversuscobra.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
D&Q Mini Mart: AKA the Beer Station, this cozy little mini mart is big on its beer selection, which includes a number of rare offerings. Owner Brandon Nguyen is a certified beer geek, offering great service, just about any beer bottle as a single and a growler-filling station. 806 Richmond Avenue, 713-526-4451
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