Great Raft 318 in the Lone Star State

     It seems like it was yesterday, but over 3 years ago Great Raft Brewing brought their lineup of beers to our market and East Texas has never been the same. The ability to grab a six pack of Commotion from just about any gas station or grocery store changed the beer game for many of us. Great Raft already felt like they were part of our East Texas craft beer family but bringing their beer to our market solidified that relationship. Great Raft beers are now distributed across the region in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.

We are happy to report they are shaking things up again! Great Raft Brewing is bringing their wildly popular 318 Golden Ale to the East Texas market. If you are not familiar 318 is their light, refreshing beer brewed with local honey and orange peel. It was originally launched exclusively in the 318 area code in March of 2018 and, according to Great Raft, almost immediately became their most popular beer throughout North Louisiana. Since the launch Great Raft has brewed and packaged over 1,200 barrels of 318 Golden Ale. To put that into perspective that equals nearly 300,000 pints of beer!

Being the only production brewery in Northwest Louisiana, Great Raft set out into the craft beer community “with one goal in mind - to share our beer across the region and create a craft beer culture within the community we serve. Since 2016, East Texas has been a part of that broader community and Great Raft Brewing has been very active in local events and fundraisers, while spreading the craft beer gospel”

East Texas Brews attended the November, 2016 launch parties at Rotolo’s, Lone Star Icehouse and Bootlegger’s in Longview and Charlie’s Backyard in Marshall. Great Raft also had launch parties in Tyler at Razoo's, Old Chicago, Jul’s, Rose City Draft House. From the start Great Raft showed East Texas they were serious about being a part of our community. Despite not being available in the East Texas market 318 Golden Ale still found a way to many a fridge and cooler in the Piney Woods. We certainly muled our fair share back from the Bayou State. Great Raft Brewing has been producing quality beers in Shreveport, Louisiana since 2013. As soon as they opened Shreveport’s first local brewery taproom in December of that year East Texans have been pouring over the state line to hang out at the brewery and enjoy a few pints.

When asked why Great Raft would now bring their formerly 318 area code exclusive beer to East Texas they had this to say:

“And really, as much as folks may not like to admit it, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana are more alike than different. While there may be a state border separating our identities, we actually share something in common - the type of beer we like to drink. The majority of people in our corner of the world like to drink beer that tastes like...well...beer. 318 Golden Ale is our answer for people who ask for a no frills, easy-drinking beer. We wanted to share this light, local, full-flavored option with more consumers who will really appreciate it.

And ultimately, the consumers drove our decision to finally send 318 Golden Ale across state lines and out of the area code. We have a lot of fans from East Texas who visit the tasting room often and ask if we would ever consider selling it outside of the 318 Area Code. Instead of hauling it back “Smokey and the Bandit” style, fans will now have options throughout East Texas to purchase locally.”

The ties between Great Raft and East Texas are stronger than ever. For example last year the East Texas Homebrewers Guild brewed a collaboration beer with Great Raft. This beer was even featured at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. What does the East Texas market mean to Great Raft Brewing?

“The East Texas market has supported Great Raft from day one, and our relationship with the homebrewers guild has grown significantly over the last year. The collaboration brew was a first of its kind for us and a fun excuse to brew with our friends from the homebrewing community. The experiences we’ve had at East Texas festivals including Dogtoberfest, Red Dirt Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, and the Zonta Brewfest have been positive. Our mindset from the beginning has been to grow deeper within our backyard and surrounding markets versus expanding into more markets further away from home. There are a lot of thirsty folks in East Texas and we hope to see a 318 Golden Ale in their hands in 2020.”

In the past you would see beer drinkers stay loyal to one brand but as the craft beer community has grown many people have become curious and have expanded their horizons. 318 Golden Ale is very approachable and easy to drink. While it is a craft beer many people who traditionally stay away from craft beers should enjoy this beer. It is light bodied with a subtle citrus kick from the orange peel and is only 4% ABV. 318 Golden Ale costs the same or less than many domestic 12 pack options despite being crafted locally with premium ingredients. Great Raft puts quality and consistency at the forefront. If you tour their brewery you will see firsthand they put their money where their mouth is when it comes to quality. For those who are health conscious it only has 120 calories per can. As a craft beer drinker this beer for me can be the everyday “fridge beer” for the house, pool, golf course, camp out etc.

318 Golden Ale is currently available on draft at your favorite bar and will be available in 6 and 12 packs at your local grocery store, bottle shop or gas station near the end of March. You’ll find it priced lower than most other craft beers but with all the quality you’ve come to expect from Great Raft. Throughout the month of March they will be having launch events across East Texas. We are thrilled to have Great Raft bring another delicious craft beer option to our area!

Click here to read the entire press release

Sláinte

Joel Patrick Heflin

It's Been a While

We wanted to check in and let everyone know we are still around. We have been quiet here on the website but our Facebook Page has been full of local craft beer news and events. If you aren't following us on Facebook you are missing out on the VAST majority of our content. We'll try to do better about posting our original content here on the website but know that our Facebook Page is currently the best way to keep up with all that is going on in the East Texas craft beer community.

We have been busy visiting breweries and drinking craft beer. We are honing our taste buds and learning more each day so that we can bring better news, reviews and events to you. Feel free to let us know about your craft beer adventures. Send us your pictures and stories and we might share them with our community.

See you soon!

2017 Best Restaurants in East Texas for Craft Beer

It has been a year since we first wrote the 15 Restaurants for Craft Beer in East Texas and 2017 has seen a whirlwind of changes and new comers to the craft beer scene.  Some restaurants have faded out of our list, some have closed, and many have gotten better with their exclusive tap list.  The restaurant market in Tyler and Longview is growing each year with stiff competition and owners that choose the safe route of sticking with regular beers are being left in the dust by newcomers that understand the impact of a growing craft beer market. 

In two years, East TX has exploded with a high demand for craft beer that is authentic and not distributor pushed. We have compiled a list of restaurants in East TX that are owned by people that care about both supporting smaller breweries and rewarding loyal customers with fresh rotating craft beer!

So, you may ask what makes a restaurant worthy of being noted on our list for THE BEST craft beer restaurant's in East TX? Here is our top four judging criteria:

   1)  A  rotating selection  2)  At least 8 taps  3)  3/4s selection are not domestics 4) Owner focus on craft beer

Without further adieu, try a craft beer at one of these area restaurants and enjoy a great meal to! (in no particular order)

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom | Tyler 

The guys from ETX brewing came in today to drop off their beer we are the first and only place in East Texas with their...
Posted by Old Chicago Tyler on Wednesday, February 15, 2017

From its roots in Boulder Colorado, Old C’s has grown into a nationwide franchise focusing on pizza and their famous “World Beer Tour” tap lineups.  East TX is lucky to have one in the area and you won’t be disappointed with the bottle and tap selection.  You can even check out their website before you go for the latest tappings. One of the highlights of the Old C’s is their window viewing area of the Cellar room for the kegs..  It's as if your a kid again at the aquarium waiting for that rare breed of fish to swim along! 

Central Station Brick & Brew | Gladewater  

From Our Upper Deck | Photo Credits: East Texas Brews.
Posted by The Central Station Brick & Brew on Friday, August 25, 2017

Have you ever wanted to own your own craft beer restaurant and have your favorite bands play in your home town?  That's exactly what the owners of Central Station did!  With all exclusive Texas only craft beer lineup, Central Station is impressive.  The owners have fully embraced the craft beer movement by offering Growlers to go, joining the untappd verified venue, and fully supporting local East TX Breweries.  You can go on any day of the week and find at least 10-15  local East TX beers on Tap from ETX Brewing, Fredonia Brewery and Oil Horse Brewing.  From their upstairs outdoor patio to their brick oven style pizza, you don't  want to miss a week at the Station!  Be sure to join them on Thursdays nights for $2 off craft beer specials and check out their weekly music lineups that are always hopping!  Checkout their FB page for details and untappd for their beer menu.

Caps & Flasks | Sulphur Springs  

Make your own taster flights. Pick 4 beers to try, $10.00!!!
Posted by Caps & Flasks on Friday, July 28, 2017

Caps and Flasks opened in the summer of 2016 by three single mothers that joined forces together to open a craft beer/ pool hall/music venue/ and restaurant!  Located conveniently off of I-30, Caps & Flasks is the perfect stop between DFW and Texarkana for travelers looking for craft brews along the way.  Known for their rotating 23 draft taps and special cans/bottles, they have a recurring theme on their FB page…”Once the kegs tapped, it's gone!”  They have adopted the philosophy of moving their kegs for new one’s to appease their customer craft beer fan base. Visit them next time you're in Sulphur Springs and tell them we sent you!
 Verified Untappd Menu

Cow Burners BBQ & Taproom | Mineola 

Just tapped at CowBurners BBQ & Taproom: Great Raft Brewing Grace & Grit Community Beer Company Texas Helles Get some!!
Posted by CowBurners BBQ & Taproom on Saturday, August 12, 2017

Cow Burners is the brainchild of Jason Herring- a former employee of Karbach Brewing out of Houston.  His roots and love for beer run as deep as his patrons love for his “rib candy”.  After perfecting his craft with his father and running a BBQ food truck, he decided it was time to open a BBQ/craft beer restaurant of his own in his hometown, Mineola TX, in the summer of 2017.  His expertise in craft beer has made his BBQ joint a must stop; the perfect combination of smoked brisket with a smoked beer, (Brash Brewing) is ridiculously good!  Bring your growler next time you're in and take a home a tasty beverage to go along with that Texas BBQ.  

Silver Grizzly Expresso | Longview

Finding new craft beer on international beer day can be overwhelming, but Untappd makes it easy to connect with friends...
Posted by Silver Grizzly Espresso on Friday, August 4, 2017

Silver Grizzly is an authentic coffee shop located in Downtown Longview conveniently across from Oil Horse Brewing Co.  Opening in the Fall of 2016, the Grizz has taken  off with a local following for their artisan coffee and craft beer selection.  Come in for a latte or cold brew and go home with a growler filled of your favorite beer on tap!  You can check their verified untappd page for updated menu or FB for special events.  

Rotolo's Pizzeria | Longview & Tyler 

Sometimes it's nice to drink beer outside!!! #Downtownlive#rotoloslongview
Posted by Rotolo's Pizzeria Longview, Tx. on Friday, September 8, 2017

Posted by Rotolo's Pizzeria Tyler on Thursday, October 12, 2017

Rotolo’s was founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, LA located next to the LSU campus.  From the early beginnings, Rotolo’s has been known for their selection of Craft Beer and supporting local breweries.  It has since expanded to other cities across the Country and brought Rotolo’s to Texas with two locations in East TX!  Locally owned and operated, the Tyler and Longview stores owners both have a passion for having the best selection of craft beer in the area. You can come on any night of the week and see fellow Brew Krewe members earning points for their next keg party!  Follow them on Facebook & Untappd for events. 
    Rotolo's Tyler Beer List, Rotolo's Longview's Beer List

Rose City Draft House | Tyler  

It's Craft Beer Day at the Draft House this afternoon and that means $2 off all craft brews 'til close. Our Happy Hour...
Posted by Rose City Draft House and Bar on Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Rose City Draft House was a breath of fresh air when it came upon the craft beer scene in 2015.  With 57 craft beers on tap,  you can surely find any style of beer available. They have daily specials- between Happy Hour from 4-7, $2 off Texas Beers, Trivia & Pint nights, there's always something going on at the Draft House!

Fosters Place | Pickton 

Posted by Foster's Place Restaurant & Pub on Saturday, October 28, 2017

Finding Fosters Place is like traveling in a desert and stumbling upon a oasis.  Located in a rural area by Sulphur Springs, Fosters Place is well worth the exploration to visit on your way from East TX to Dallas. From the $1 ounce pours, to the hard to find craft beers in a congested market, and especially the artistan pizza... Fosters is the place to be!

Pint and Barrel | Palestine  

Come enjoy 3 years of Anchor Christmas!! Flight of 3 half pints for $9!!!
Posted by Pint and Barrel Drafthouse on Friday, December 2, 2016

Located in the Old Palestine area, Pint and Barrel is a family run restaurant that was opened by an employee of Saint Arnold Brewing Co.  Conveniently located near the Ben & Keith Distribution Center, the P&B is known for having the hard to find craft beers. The Pub has a great selection of craft beer to choose from and the food selection is priced just right. 

Juls | Tyler  (Perm. Closed Jan 2018)  

Today Only!
Posted by Juls on Thursday, August 3, 2017

This Austin influenced establishment opened in 2014 with the vision of a "multi dimensional" restaurant with fine and casual dining. It is the only restaurant that boasts solely Texas craft breweries on tap (20).  They were the first restaurant to get True Vine on tap, and are often the first ones to get rare rotating beers from local breweries.  Their bar staff are knowledgeable on craft beer selections and are eager to help you find the right one.  Stop in next time you're in Tyler and ask for the rare beer of the week! 

Maklemores Ale House | Nacogdoches  

"Hey Maks, I really love what you're doing with all this craft beer in East Texas, but how can I try so many beers on a...
Posted by Maklemore's Ale House & Bistro on Sunday, January 17, 2016

During a busy weekend in SFA country, you can find a hopping spot full of college students and locals at Maklemore’s.  Since opening in 2014, Mack’s offers a relaxing hangout spot with an extensive craft beer selection, and bottle cooler is enough to make any grown man weep. You can find a list of their beer menu on Untappd.    Stop by on Thursday or Sunday for pint night and you may even catch a few college kids playing guitar. 

Dukes Burgers and Sport's Bar | Canton 

Enjoyed a few of these tasty brews tonight! Thank you to @oakhighlandsbrewery for coming out to Canton and a bigger...
Posted by Duke's Burgers & Sports Co. on Saturday, July 1, 2017

A long time staple of East TX travel centers- Dukes has always been a place to stop while traveling to DFW.  A few years ago they did a full renovation and added a full restaurant with a craft beer and sports bar. Known for pint nights, sporting events and craft beer, Dukes also focuses on a world class menu making burgers with fresh meat from local farmers.   You can view their tap selection on their untappd page. Stop by next time you need a pit stop and enjoy your fav. sporting event while drinking some craft!

Roast Social Kitchen | Tyler  

Happy Halloween! Come in today during this spooky rainy weather and enjoy the only wine on draft in East Texas and get warm with a big cup of hot local Porch Culture coffee!
Posted by Roast Social Kitchen on Tuesday, October 31, 2017

After a successful venture with Stanley's BBQ, the owners wanted to open a "farm to table" restaurant that focuses on fresh local food, house made infused spirits (barrel aged), fine wines (on tap... a first in East Texas!), and of course, craft beer! From the fresh pizza to the good folks behind the counter, you don't want miss out on this experience. It truly is a "social kitchen" with delectable pizza and even better beer! You can check their Untappd page for their updated beer menu.  


 Bjs | Tyler, Longview  

You don't have to wait until 5 o'clock to enjoy #NationalIPADay. Celebrate the right way with a pint of BJ's Hopstorm IPA.
Posted by BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse on Thursday, August 3, 2017

BJ's is a corporate restaurant that does several things very well... bringing craft brews to the masses!  Each state has its own brewery that produces the brews for their restaurants across the state.  BJ's hosts several beer pairing dinners through the year that we highly recommend going to.  They also recently won 2 awards at the Great American Brew Fest in Denver for their quality beers.  Oh, and did we mention the delcious pizza? 

 -The Honorable Mentions- 
Longview |  Lil Thai House, Fuzzy's Taco
Tyler | Torchy's, Twisted Root, Republic Icehouse
Nacogdoches | The Liberty Bell  Greenville | Ashen Rose
Marshall | OS2, Pazzeria  Jefferson | McGarity's Saloon

The Happy Chappy (Jeff)

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing"