Independence Brewing Co. Tout Anniversary With Big Fiesta

AUSTIN, TX — Independence Brewing Co. on Monday revealed details about its its 15th anniversary celebration, taking place next weekend.

The event is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 10 p.m. at its taproom in Southeast Austin. The all-day party will feature a brightly colored fiesta theme, three limited-edition beers, and live mariachi performances to commemorate the 15 years since the brewery’s founding in 2004.

“While we've always had a lot of love and support from our hometown Austin folks, we feel like this year we've really begun to reach our full potential as a Texan brewery by gaining support throughout the whole state, including some small towns that we've never been able to get beer to before,” Amy Cartwright, co-founder and president of Independence Brewing Co., said in a prepared statement. “We're overjoyed to be able to connect with all Texans in this way and are very excited for the future.”

This year has marked a record year for Independence, officials said. The brewery debuted a brand refresh, updated its packaging design, released its first 12-packs, and introduced its first hefeweizen — all in the first half of the year. As a result, sales are up and Cartwright is prioritizing market expansion in 2020, officials said.

Indy Team Cheers Taproom. Courtesy photo.

And yet, there's still more to come: Thanks to passage of the beer-to-go bill this summer, Independence has begun selling its first crowlers of taproom exclusive beers, and is gearing up for its first ever bottle release of barrel-aged Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout. In addition to these exciting developments, the brewery plans to release its first packaged coffee beer and first packaged nitro beer this November, officials added. Its regular roster of year-round brews includes Native Texan Pilsner, Austin Amber, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Power and Light Session IPA, Stash IPA, and Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout.

Cartwright plans to capitalize on this year's success with continued momentum in 2020. Next year will see Independence release several more beers, including a peach tea saison and new additions to the Redbud and Highboy series, officials said.

"We're always experimenting and trying to push the envelope using our pilot system,” said Cartwright. “All of our year-round and seasonal beers begin as test batches on this system and folks interested in trying what we're currently working on can sample—and now take home!—these taproom exclusives."

To celebrate the brewery’s 15th anniversary, Independence will host a fiesta at their taproom, 3913 Todd Lane, No. 607, from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. There will be live performances by Mariachi Las Coronelas at 3 p.m., Los Callejeros de San Anto at 5 p.m., and El Tule at 7 p.m. Several local makers and artists will also be on site selling art prints, t-shirts, and wearable fashions.

Brewers Oscar Martinez and Jonathan Barraza are brewing three limited-edition beers inspired by some of their favorite Mexican libations: A margarita-inspired kettle sour, an horchata-inspired milk stout and a Big Red-inspired cream ale, made in collaboration with their friends at Texas Humor.

The party is free to attend, but those interested in reserving commemorative 15th Anniversary merchandise can pre-order a discounted anniversary package for $15, which will include a commemorative glass (to match the fiesta theme, this year’s glass is in the style of a votive candle), t-shirt, and one pour of beer. Commemorative merchandise can also be purchased onsite during the party at full price.

Patrons interested in reserving their anniversary glass and shirt are encouraged to pre-order HERE. Mouth-watering descriptions and detailed flavor profiles of the new beers will be revealed via social media in the days leading up to the anniversary, officials said.

Courtesy image.

The party is family-friendly, and guests are encouraged to dress up in festive attire matching the 15th fiesta theme. Although the brewery is usually dog-friendly, Independence asks that dog-lovers leave their pooches at home for this special event to ensure the safety of all guests. Independence Brewing pint glasses and t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Guests are encouraged to use ride-sharing services as on-site parking for vehicles is extremely limited. Officials assure there will be plenty of bike parking at the brewery. Again, Independence Brewing Co. is located at 3913 Todd Ln #607, Austin, TX 78744.

RECAP

• 2019 marked a record year for the brewery including a brand refresh, an updated packaging design, the release of its first hefeweizen, and record sales numbers.

• To celebrate 15 years, Independence will host an all-day party at their tap room on Saturday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The theme is 15th Fiesta.

• Brewers Oscar Martinez and Jonathan Barraza have created several limited edition beers inspired by their favorite Tex-Mex libations - margaritas, horchata, and Big Red.

• There will be live performances by Mariachi Las Coronelas at 3 p.m., Los Callejeros de San Anto at 5 p.m., and El Tule at 7 p.m.

• Commemorative shirts and glasses can be pre-ordered HERE

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BREWING CO.

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop & dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 20,000 barrels each year with distribution throughout Texas and Arkansas. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence’s core lineup includes Native Texan Pilsner, Austin Amber, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Power & Light Session IPA, and the brewery’s top-selling brand, Stash IPA. These beers and several seasonal/limited releases can be enjoyed in a laid-back, industrial-style tasting room with views of the beer-making process set to live music from local musicians. Birds Barbershop offers beers exclusively from Independence Brewing Co. in all nine of their locations across Texas.

The business is a proud and active member of the communities of Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso. The brewery and its taproom are open to the public for tours in Austin, Texas. Anyone interested in learning more about Independence Brewing Company beer or tours of the brewery, should visit independencebrewing.com or follow @indybrewing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.