Austin, Texas is a great place to visit for live music, entertainment, and yes, beer. The Texas capital is home to a large and growing number of craft breweries and one that can boast of greater longevity than most others is Independence Brewing. Another Austin- based business known for its emphasis on beer is Alamo Drafthouse and the two happen to be collaborating on a new beer together. The product is End Credits 2016, a chocolate hazelnut porter that Alamo Drafthouse Director of National Beer Promotions John Gross says is intended to commemorate the tumultuous year soon to be behind us.
“This year was ‘memorable’ to say the least, between Bowie, Prince and a never- ending Presidential fist fight we felt it important to send it off with a bang — like, light it on fire and back away slowly kind of bang,” jokes Gross. “Working with our long-time pals at Independence to craft a perfect ‘you made it through 2016’ beer was a real pleasure — and truly the very least we could do.”
End Credits 2016 is a flavorful, full bodied beer intended to celebrate the end of one Earthly revolution around the sun and the start of a new one. Independence Head brewer Brannon Radicke is proud that his brewery’s first foray into the world of porter is one that is bound to register highly on the palates of demanding craft beer aficionados.
“Our brewery’s first-ever porter started with a blend of British chocolate and crystal malts for a balanced, chocolate and toffee character,” explains Radicke. “We kicked that already rich, subtle sweet flavor up a notch with the addition of Ghana cocoa nibs and hazelnut. The finishing touch was black malt for roast and flaked barley for extra body and mouthfeel. It’s everything you could want in a porter, and then some.”
Alamo Drafthouse and Independence Brewing are both Austin- based businesses but End Credits 2016 marks the first time the two have collaborated on anything. However, it is not the first time the two have done business together. Alamo Drafthouse has been serving Independence beer at its Texas locations for more than a decade and, as some trivia buffs may already be aware, Independence Austin Amber beer features Alamo Drafthouse’s sign in its label. John Gross has been following the brewery since its inception and he is thrilled that the two companies are finally working together on a mutual project.
“It’s been a thrill to watch Independence Brewing grow and keep turning out award-winning beers,” says Gross. “Collaborating, having a hand in brewing this limited batch brew was the best possible way to end this year. Well, other than gulping the sweet, roasty finished product and saying ‘here’s to 2017!'”
End Credits 2016 is a limited release beer and it will be poured only at Alamo Drafthouse locations in Texas, while supplies last. It’s likely to run out quickly so grab a pint on your next visit to Alamo and toast the 2016 year in delectable style.
For more about Alamo Drafthouse, visit drafthouse.com
For more about Independence Brewing, visit independencebrewing.com
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