A Visit to Shiner - Pt 4, Texas BBQ Blitz
It was the best of times, it was the best of times. February 2020, when freedom ruled Texas and COVID-19 didn't. I had planned one weekend in February to accomplish a feat that would make any Texan proud: Three BBQ joints in two days, a stop in Shiner, Texas, capped off by a bonfire with college buddies.
Once upon a time in Texas there were three beers: Lone Star, Pearl and Shiner.
Over the years, each of these native Texas beers could be found in the pickup of any self-respecting Texan. As a college student at THE University of Texas at Austin, I remember buying cheap Pearl Light...but you had to buy two of them to get the same impact of one. And Lone Star? Well, let's just say I once lost a bet and had to ship two cases to a friend in Pittsburgh. I won because there was that much less Lone Star in the state.
But one dark day, in between pulling a pull-tab and taking a long drink, Bubba woke up and realized that Lone Star and Pearl tasted worse than water from the San Antonio River. And Lone Star and Pearl disappeared from his pickup.
But the Gambrinus family had a better idea. Even though they too were from San Antonio, forever known as the original home of bad Texas beer, they purchased the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner and decided to spread the good word about the best beer in Texas.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning in February when I arrived at the Shiner City Limits. My first regret was not bringing a wrench with me for a little souvenir. But remembering my adult responsibilities, I took a couple of pictures instead.
The brewery was easy enough to find. It loomed large over Shiner, a white beacon welcoming thirsty Texans to stop and sit a spell.
I got out of my car and stood in the white, crushed stone parking lot, taking in the scene.
The Spoetzl Brewery had spread its welcoming arms and folks were thrilled to be there.
In a courtyard in front of the brewery, families gathered under a giant tree, tossing beanbags (never cornhole) while children chased each other in the cool breeze. Old women gathered under a tent, gossiping about the latest news (I know because I caught a couple of their spicy conversations). Food trucks selling brisket, burgers, tacos and such circled the area. And everybody (21 years and older of course), lined up to purchase tickets to the brewery tour...complete with samples of delicious Shiner beers. Lots and lots of Shiner beers.
The center of activity was the Shiner Hobo Band, a group of energetic, musically inclined senior citizens playing polka songs. The original Hobo Band was organized after World War 1, disbanded in the 1950s and reorganized in the mid-80s. There are now about 30 members, ranging in age from old to really old.
With the attitude that only seniors with nothing left to lose can have, they were a blast from the past in literally every sense, and their music was the perfect soundtrack for the activities. They were funny and the rocked the courtyard.
The brewery tour was quick and informative...here's the history of Spoetzl Brewery, here's where we brew it, there's the souvenir shop. The selection of cold Shiner beers and cool Shiner duds was vast, exactly what I had hoped for, and I indulged in both.
It was as wholesome an environment as you would experience outside a brewery in a town of 2,069 people. The day went on and cold Shiner was pouring, the band kept playing, couples two-stepping, more cold Shiner...laughter...smoked meats...music...Shiner...the glow...the emotion...the connection of people just living, enjoying each other, having fun...the song of life.
On that Saturday in February, Shiner, Texas was the best place on Earth. And it rekindled my love for this old Texas brand and what it stands for.
It's said that every drop of Shiner Beer is brewed in Shiner, Texas. I'll never get to drink every drop, but I will do my part before I leave this hallowed ground known as the State of Texas.
Visit Shiner, Texas and drink Shiner Beers. You'll be glad you did.
- The first, Lone Star, was brewed in San Antonio, Texas, and it was too bland.
- The second, Pearl, was brewed in San Antonio, Texas, and it was too tasteless.
- The third beer, Shiner, knew better than to be brewed in San Antonio. It was brewed in Shiner, Texas, and it was just right.
Over the years, each of these native Texas beers could be found in the pickup of any self-respecting Texan. As a college student at THE University of Texas at Austin, I remember buying cheap Pearl Light...but you had to buy two of them to get the same impact of one. And Lone Star? Well, let's just say I once lost a bet and had to ship two cases to a friend in Pittsburgh. I won because there was that much less Lone Star in the state.But one dark day, in between pulling a pull-tab and taking a long drink, Bubba woke up and realized that Lone Star and Pearl tasted worse than water from the San Antonio River. And Lone Star and Pearl disappeared from his pickup.
But the Gambrinus family had a better idea. Even though they too were from San Antonio, forever known as the original home of bad Texas beer, they purchased the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner and decided to spread the good word about the best beer in Texas.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning in February when I arrived at the Shiner City Limits. My first regret was not bringing a wrench with me for a little souvenir. But remembering my adult responsibilities, I took a couple of pictures instead.The brewery was easy enough to find. It loomed large over Shiner, a white beacon welcoming thirsty Texans to stop and sit a spell.
I got out of my car and stood in the white, crushed stone parking lot, taking in the scene.
The Spoetzl Brewery had spread its welcoming arms and folks were thrilled to be there.
The center of activity was the Shiner Hobo Band, a group of energetic, musically inclined senior citizens playing polka songs. The original Hobo Band was organized after World War 1, disbanded in the 1950s and reorganized in the mid-80s. There are now about 30 members, ranging in age from old to really old.With the attitude that only seniors with nothing left to lose can have, they were a blast from the past in literally every sense, and their music was the perfect soundtrack for the activities. They were funny and the rocked the courtyard.
The brewery tour was quick and informative...here's the history of Spoetzl Brewery, here's where we brew it, there's the souvenir shop. The selection of cold Shiner beers and cool Shiner duds was vast, exactly what I had hoped for, and I indulged in both.
It was as wholesome an environment as you would experience outside a brewery in a town of 2,069 people. The day went on and cold Shiner was pouring, the band kept playing, couples two-stepping, more cold Shiner...laughter...smoked meats...music...Shiner...the glow...the emotion...the connection of people just living, enjoying each other, having fun...the song of life.On that Saturday in February, Shiner, Texas was the best place on Earth. And it rekindled my love for this old Texas brand and what it stands for.
It's said that every drop of Shiner Beer is brewed in Shiner, Texas. I'll never get to drink every drop, but I will do my part before I leave this hallowed ground known as the State of Texas.
Visit Shiner, Texas and drink Shiner Beers. You'll be glad you did.
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