Tapping into History: San Antonio’s Craft Beer Renaissance
As I stroll through the streets of San Antonio, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement brewing in the air. The city’s rich brewing history, dating back to the 19th century, is now being revived by a new generation of craft beer enthusiasts. From the historic Lone Star Brewery to the emerging taprooms dotting the urban landscape, San Antonio is rapidly emerging as a hub for beer lovers.
Museums and cultural institutions have taken note of this craft beer renaissance, recognizing it as a significant part of the city’s identity. The San Antonio Museum of Art’s recent exhibition, “Still Brewing Art,” showcased the deep connections between the city’s past and present beer scenes. Curator Regina Palm explains, “We wanted to connect to our community, which is impossible without considering what is happening today.” By highlighting the stories of trailblazers like Blue Star Brewing, the first Hispanic-owned craft brewery in the city, and the Black Is Beautiful movement started by Weathered Souls Brewing, the exhibition celebrated the diversity and vibrancy of San Antonio’s craft beer landscape.
Bridging the Past and Present
But the city’s connection to beer culture runs deeper than the current craft beer boom. Venture just a few miles outside of the urban core, and you’ll find the Kreische Brewery Historic Site, a well-preserved relic of the state’s brewing past. Assistant Site Manager Gavin Miculka is on a mission to connect this historical gem to the present-day craft beer scene. “We want to bring in breweries celebrating beer in Texas and the Texas spirit in the same way that Kreische did,” he explains, highlighting collaborations with local breweries like Funky Picnic and Live Oak to recreate historic beer recipes.
Miculka’s approach is all about blending the old and the new, tapping into the community’s passion for both heritage and innovation. By inviting modern brewers to become part of the site’s history, he’s creating a living, breathing link between the past and present. “It’s important to tap into that source,” he says, “as the popularity of craft breweries for community building and families has become increasingly significant.”
Preserving the Craft Beer Story
Across the country, museums and cultural institutions are recognizing the importance of preserving the history and stories of the craft beer movement. At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, curator Theresa McCulla is leading the American Brewing History Initiative, an ongoing project to document the craft beer revolution from the 1960s to the present day.
“If you live in cities or rural areas, most Americans now have a taproom in easy reach,” McCulla observes. “The visibility of craft beer has changed how we socialize—we are experiencing a return of public spaces related to beer in US communities that harkens back to pre-Prohibition, with producers who are making something within and for the community.”
McCulla’s collection reflects the diversity of the craft beer landscape, including artifacts and oral histories that capture the industry’s response to world events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. “I’m always thinking about what researchers will look for in an archive in the future,” she says, “and I’m especially excited about preserving different and diverse perspectives.”
Building Community Through Craft
At the Chicago Brewseum, Executive Director Liz Garibay is taking a similarly holistic approach to preserving beer culture. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and connecting people through shared experiences. “It’s about connecting humanity—sharing these moments where you might be able to say, ‘I have experienced this too. I am not alone in this,'” she explains.
Garibay’s vision for the Brewseum goes beyond a traditional museum setting. She envisions a permanent space with a bar and tasting room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of beer history and culture. By collaborating with breweries, galleries, and other cultural institutions, the Brewseum aims to shine a light on lesser-known stories and communities within the craft beer world.
Craft Connections in San Antonio
Back in San Antonio, the city’s craft beer scene is thriving, with a growing number of local breweries and taprooms offering unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. Just a short walk from The Up & Under Pub, you’ll find the vibrant taproom of Weathered Souls Brewing, known for its award-winning beers and its role in the Black Is Beautiful movement.
Across town, Blue Star Brewing, the city’s pioneering craft brewery, continues to push the boundaries of the local beer scene. Their innovative approaches, from incorporating local ingredients to collaborating with the art community, have cemented their status as trailblazers in the industry.
And let’s not forget the architectural gems that now house these craft breweries. The Lone Star Brewery, once a hub of industrial brewing, has been transformed into a cultural center, with the San Antonio Museum of Art’s “Still Brewing Art” exhibition serving as a testament to the site’s enduring legacy.
Raising a Glass to San Antonio’s Craft Beer Future
As I sip on a refreshing IPA at The Up & Under Pub, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the city’s thriving craft beer community. From the historical Kreische Brewery to the cutting-edge taprooms, San Antonio’s beer lovers are coming together to celebrate the unique flavors and stories that make this city’s craft beer scene truly special.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft brews, San Antonio offers endless opportunities to discover, connect, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of beer culture. So, raise a glass and join me in toasting to the city’s craft beer renaissance – a journey of discovery, community, and timeless tradition.
