Brewery Spotlight: Brash Brewing Company
The only thing that can make a night with this beer better is adding smoked meat.
Image: Lauro Rojas
Last November, Houston hopheads were all in a tizzy when Anheuser Busch purchased Karbach. Of course, it's no surprise that big corporations want to buy out their craft competitors as they grow. But local beer fanatics are in luck—new breweries are popping up like bluebells. Though it's a great time to be a beer nerd in Houston, with so many choices and so little time, it can be tough to decide where to dole out our hard-earned cash. To that end, every month we will be going to a different brewery and highlighting all it has to offer, from beer to bites and everything in between.
This month’s pick is Brash Brewing Company, located at 508 West Crosstimbers Road. The location means that it's a nice, tucked away spot, but that you won't find it unless you're looking for it. Brash was founded in 2012 by Ben Fullelove, owner of Petrol Station, but laws at the time kept him from brewing within city limits. The outdated legislation that prevented brewery owners from operating a bar were overturned the next year and in October of 2015, Brash Brewing Company opened its doors.
Chances are, Metallica will greet you as you enter Brash, courtesy of the heavy metal jukebox. On tap, you’ll find Brash favorites such as Pussy Wagon, an IPA; EZ-7, American Pale Ale; Cali Green, a hoppier IPA; and Smoglifter, chocolate milk stout. Knutsen’s Farm is a tribute to Saint Arnold's 23rd anniversary dry-hopped Weed Whacker—bonus points to those who can figure out the reference. But it's not all Brash all the time: Also on tap is a rotating pantheon of Texas local favorites, most of which are not as hoppy or potent as Brash's.
When you're of drinking age, these games are even more fun.
Image: Lauro Rojas
And the food? On Thursday and Friday, Chapman House Smoked Meats serves Texas barbecue including brisket, ribs or combination plates, as well as brisket or pulled pork sandwiches or pulled pork tacos. Looking for a taste of Houstonian diversity? Substitute the tortilla with naan. There's a different food truck serving up grub every Saturday.
With arcades lining the wall, Brash harkens back to a bygone era when you’d spend hours at the local arcade, albeit with adult beverages and perhaps some 'cue. Tasting your way through the bold suds may mean that it's a little easier to get schooled on Mortal Kombat, but chances are, you won't mind.
