(512) Anniversary Party
August 1, 2009, (512) Brewing Co celebrated their one year anniversary with what turned into an industrial park block party a la an Independence Brewing Co first Saturday tasting (which was occurring about the same time).
“What time to you wanna head up there tomorrow?”
“Uh, I guess two.”
Thinking ahead Fail.
Team BeerTownAustin arrived somewhere in the neighborhood of 2:15 and had to park a few blocks away in a vacant church parking lot. As we approached the festivities, we passed a good two dozen people walking away from the party.
Something’s fishy… 
Q: Why would people walk away from free beer?
A: Because there was a line wrapping around the small industrial park (512) Brewing calls home.
But the line wasn’t bad. It passed fast enough. We ran into Jeff Stuffings of Jester King Brewery. Got to work on our tans. Took some great video of the line (see the video below). Etc.,
Inside, the brewery was more packed than I’d ever seen it. Partially due to their new larger fermentation tank. It was spectacular. But mostly due to 85% of Central Texas’s age 21-41 demographic waiting for beer.
Mainly, the official release of the (512) One (Some of us cheated and had it early…). The guys at (512) were kind enough to give out tickets for three free samplers, or you had the option to purchase a (512) pint if you wanted more than an 8 oz sip. They also had on hand some snazzy commemorative (512) fancy stemware for sale (as seen close up in the banner image [Aren't Shawn's pictures good? You should tell him so next time you see him. He'd appreciate it]).
Uh oh. Get the special classy glass and look classier while you’re drinking or buy the larger pint glass and actually drink more while you’re drinking?
Either way, after three of the (512) Ones in the middle of the day, we (the crowd collective) were mostly a few sheets to the wind… back off the wagon… semi chemically inconvenienced.
Kevin Brand gave a short talk about the past year. He lavished praise on Nate Seale for being the one doing most of the leg work in the brewery. And he elaborated on the greatness of the (512) One. There is video of his talk below.
A band played. We all drank more beer. Several other breweries and brew pubs were represented. Kevin gave a tour. It got hot in the brewery and most of us wandered out into the parking lot for shade.
It was a great party. Even the line was great. Even the people who’d never heard of (512) and were only there for the free beer (or saw the line and got in it) were great. Those of you who were scared off by that wee baby line and left, you’re not so great.
Mr. Brand, Mr. Seale, thanks for the great beer this past year, we’re looking forward to what you’ll add to the Austin beer scene in year two!
Cheers!
Looks like the same clusterf*ck they had last year when they unveiled the Pecan Porter. I’d say they’re a success.
Well put together. I saw myself in line @ 1:38, on my phone of course…