Beer Town Austin

We got to sit down and share some beers with Rob Cartwright and Justin Rizza of Independence Brewing Co a few weeks ago on the eve of their 5th anniversary.
These guys, plus Rob’s wife and Indy co-founder Amy, are some great beer peeps and are doing some exciting things.

Rob gives us an oral history of Independence, the story of how their business plan was “fueled by pale ale“, the story on original three brews, their history with the Alamo Drafthouse and the Austin Amber, and hints at some future plans involving thier new brewer Justin.

Justin spells out the specs (see below the video for these) and talks up some of some of the newer beers he’s had his hands in.
Of the one’s I’ve tried, I’m a pretty big fan of the Stash IPA; Amarillo hops stole my heart long ago.
We’re also into that Convict Hill Imperial Oatmeal Stout… just a little.

We got to try a vertical tasting of the Jasperilla with oak additions that they are tooling around with and were pretty impressed.

If you made it out to the Anniversary party, they were offering the same tasting. What I understood is that the most popular of the oak variations would go into production (go dark oak!) As I remember, the light oaked version was rich, mellow and finished a little like mead. The dark oak, my favorite, was rich and full and grabbed you like a Cabernet.

Justin also debuted their 5th Anniversary ale. It’s a Belgian inspired strong ale with a custom yeast strain.
It’s flavored with mandarin, star sanus, and coriander but still very drinkable. It’s been spotted on tap at Draught House.

Craft Austin posted a pretty good write up of the beers too.

I’ve never tried it, but Rob finishes the video talking about the Southside Special ale. From how he describes it, I’m looking forward to tasting it next time
it’s out.

Rob, Amy, Justin, and all the rest of the Independence team, thanks for 5 years of good beers and here’s looking forward to the next five, cheers!

Stash
Interpretation of Rob’s IPA
Northwest style IPA, bittered to a higher degree than most Indy beers
Amarillo, Tanum, Cascade in the kettle, very florally
Dry hopped Amarillo

Convict Hill Imperial Oatmeal Stout

9% ABV

“huge chocolaty roasty coffee”

5th Anniversary Ale

Belgian inspired stong golden ale
7.5% ABV
Mandarin, star sanus, coriander, flaked barley, flaked rye, and Justin’s special blend of yeast
Very limited time

South Side Special Ale

Based off the bootlegger brown
Chocolate malt
Roasted cacoa beans, ground Indonesia Sumatran coffee, cardimum
Inspired by Turkish coffee

Related Content

1. Parkside and Independence ‘summer nights’ Beer Dinner
2. (512) Anniversary Party
3. Over a Pint Episode 4 with Justin Rizza of Independence Brewing
4. Over a Pint Episode 14 with Independence Brewing Co
5. Independence Brewing Co to Host Beer Connoisseur Magazine Release Party