Real Ale Brewing Company, established in 1996 in the Texas Hill Country town of Blanco, stands as one of Texas’ oldest and most respected craft breweries. Founded with a commitment to brewing unfiltered, unpasteurized ales using time-honored methods, they’ve maintained their dedication to quality while growing from a small operation into a Texas brewing institution.
Their state-of-the-art facility, nestled in the picturesque Hill Country landscape, combines modern brewing technology with traditional techniques. The brewery is known for their steadfast commitment to brewing all their beers in Blanco, using local Hill Country water from the Blanco River watershed. This connection to their location is fundamental to their brewing philosophy and the distinctive character of their beers.
The brewery’s portfolio includes iconic Texas beers like Firemans #4 Blonde Ale and Hans’ Pils, alongside their innovative Mysterium Verum series of barrel-aged and wild fermented beers. Their taproom, featuring expansive views of the Hill Country, offers visitors the chance to experience these craft beers in their freshest form, often including special releases and experimental brews not available elsewhere. The facility also houses the Real Spirits Distilling program, where they craft whiskey and gin using their brewing expertise.
Beyond brewing, Real Ale demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement, implementing sustainable practices throughout their operations and supporting local initiatives. Their influence on Texas craft beer culture and unwavering dedication to quality have earned them a devoted following and numerous awards throughout their history.