Austin’s Brewery Scene Shakes Up Once Again: The 2024 Power Rankings
The craft beer scene in Austin has been buzzing once more with the release of this year’s Power Rankings, placing breweries from the area under the spotlight. It’s the ninth year of this tradition, and reviewers took a fresh approach by visiting the breweries in person to provide current insights. This year’s rankings emphasize not just the quality of the brews but the overall experience breweries offer, blending ambience and community with flavor.
The Scorecard Explained
The rankings take into account several key factors to rate each brewery:
- Consistency of quality: 35%
- Execution of their taproom: 25%
- Creativity of seasonal offerings: 15%
- Revisitability: 10%
- 2024 awards and honors: 10%
- Intangibles: 5% (food options, branding, etc.)
Highlighting the Best Breweries
This year saw various local breweries shine, with some falling slightly off the list. The cut included Nomadic Beerworks, Flix Brewhouse, and others. However, there are lots of newcomers and steady performers that stood out:
1. Meanwhile Brewing Co. – Score: 95.6
It’s a family-friendly destination for everyone – from craft beer lovers to casual drinkers. The brewery is known for its extraordinary taproom experience and diversity in beer, showcasing a lineup that includes multiple lagers and IPAs.
2. Oddwood – Score: 96.1
The brewery is gaining attention for its range of recognized beers, including multiple awards for its Ethics & Standards IPA and a variety of flavorful stouts. Oddwood pairs its brews with delicious food options, enhancing the customer experience.
3. Live Oak Brewing Co. – Score: 93.5
Known for a wide array of classic German-style beers brewed with precision, Live Oak continues to be a cornerstone of Austin’s brewing scene. Their hardworking ethos continues to produce acclaimed lagers, leading the charge.
4. Zilker Brewing Co. – Score: 93.2
With a casual vibe, Zilker takes the award for its well-loved Icy Boys Light Lager, winning several medals. The brewery is a local landmark for people seeking a good time paired with excellent drinks.
5. ABGB – Score: 93.1
The atmosphere here is cozy and inviting, serving light, refreshing beers alongside homemade pizzas. It’s a place where people are drawn in by not just the beer but excellent customer service and the vibe of unassuming comfort.
Newcomers Make Their Mark
This year’s rankings also welcomed newcomers who impressed from the get-go. Prost Alehouse landed on the list with a focus on deep, dark lagers that have quickly gained a loyal following. Meanwhile, Hold Out Brewing stepped in with awards celebrating their innovative brewing style and lovely ambiance, making a real splash among locals.
The Craft Beer Community’s Bright Future
With a focus on celebrating the local brewing craft, these rankings reflect the vibrancy of Austin’s beer community. As breweries continue to challenge themselves in creativity and quality, beer enthusiasts can look forward to even more innovative offerings in the future. Whether you are in the mood for a chilled lager in a cozy taproom or wanting to explore new beer styles altogether, there’s something for everyone in this thriving city.
As you drive through this lively city, don’t forget to toast to the places that make it special. Happy drinking, Austin!
