THere’s a Beer revolution happening in Abilene, tx and it all started with a dream and a couple of pints.
Texas has long been home to a diverse culture and a history of immigration. Back in the 1830s, German immigrants began trickling into the Texas Hill Country in search of new life, community, and prosperity. To this day we see the legacy of those German immigrants and how their brewing tradition and culture impacted Texas, and not just in Texas lifestyle, but maybe more notably in the landscape of its beer. In Abilene, TX Grain Theory Beer melds tradition and innovation seamlessly, breathing fresh creativity and life into a downtown teeming with culture, progression, and passion.
like many great ideas in beer, this all began at a homebrewers MEET-UP.
Matthew, Jeramie, and David probably had no idea what life had in store for them when they unknowingly gathered at a Big Country Homebrewers meet-up. Similar to most people in a Homebrewers Association, you gather together for your love of beer, and the community that it brings together. Surrounded by other hard-working and passionate homebrewers, it’s no wonder some of the best breweries in the world spawned from a local homebrew club or community. And when you find a crew of people brave enough to put their heart, soul, and money all on the line to take that leap into the unknown it at times can yield amazing results. Grain Theory Beer has done just that in the heart of downtown Abilene, moving forward with creativity and change that seeps into the eroding brickwork of neighboring buildings bringing life and vibrancy into a city teeming with people. Walking up the stairs into the taproom itself, the aroma of fresh ground coffee wafts down the steps guiding you through the open door into the taproom. Black steel beams accentuate elegantly the soft, warm, yellow of the wooden tables and bar top as edison bulb lights emit a soft glow over the picnic-style tables that house the frequenters of Grain Theory Beer. The atmosphere is alive and thrumming; from the ambient noise of cutlery in the kitchen to the upbeat and lively voices of people communing in conversation over a clear, amber-colored glass of Helles. Fret not non beer drinkers, for they serve wine and local freshly ground coffee. Cream, white walls breathe the space open helped by the abundance of light pouring through the huge garage-style doors at the end of the taproom creating space between the balcony outside and its patrons inside. I immediately feel at home, I can smell the mash-in from the brewhouse as I wait patiently in line watching the hum and commotion of the work environment play out in front of me. I check the board and make my decision, open a tab and find a bar stool in the back that will allow me to enjoy my libations while simultaneously observing without disruption.
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I rest my back against the wall holding my glass, enjoying the scene as I relax and breathe in the wonderful aromas of my beverage. Toasted bread, nutty, with a hint of that ever so recognizable fresh/earthy spicy noble hop aroma. These senses enter my mind as I hold my glass up to the sun, checking the clarity and color of the beer. It’s clear through and through with a light brown hue, my fingers collecting condensation on the other side of the glass as I smile at the clarity of it. Not all beer has to be clear, prime examples of this are the heavily hopped New-England Style IPA’s that have taken the Craft Beer scene by storm and have yet to relinquish their throne at the top. But, just as some crave the wide variety of aromas one can get from a Hazy IPA, others enjoy the delicate song and dance between malt and hops that permeates the long-standing tradition of lager beer. The beer is crisp and quenching, pairing nicely with the sunny, autumn day outside bleeding its gentle light onto the bar tables. I see how happy everyone looks in here, from the patrons to the bar staff. The chefs are laughing in the kitchen as plate after plate of beautifully prepared food comes out of the expo window and onto the tables of hungry patrons as they exchange stories with one another. The detail from the food to the taproom is immaculate and complementary to one another; harmonious in a sense where everything in this space is working in concert with one another. With the eclectic range of food and drink, Grain Theory Beer has created an environment where it seems everyone can find something to their liking regardless of their preference. The styles are well executed, a testament to the brew staff on the recipe development and care given to each style. I spoke with one of the owners David Kasselman conversing about the space, the quality of the beer, and plans for Grain Theory and the surrounding area. When speaking with David I could see his passion for the beer, and the community of Abilene, and what it means for him and Grain Theory to have the support of the people while opening a brewery during the pandemic. While all 3 of the owner’s homebrew, Jeramie and Matthew do the bulk of the brewing, cellaring, and packaging processes while David handles the fast-growing business. Now, this isn’t to say that they don’t all wear multiple hats, it’s impossible to open and run a brewery without everyone doing a little bit of everything.
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We talked for a while regarding a future barrel program and the direction they want their beer to head in, but alas before we could have another pint and talk further we had to cut the conversation short as he had prior reservations to attend to. I leaned back against the wall as I thought about the people like David, Matthew, and Jeramie that bring so much color and life into this industry and community; a refreshing liveliness to the landscape already teeming with bright and beautiful people that make me proud to be apart of it for the brief moment that I am here. I believe within all of us there is a dream we all carry. One wild, outlandish, spectacular dream that frightens and excites us to the core of our being. Speaking with David I felt that reverberating from his person, almost like a wave length being sent out into the universe about his dreams and intentions. Having spent many years in the Brewing Industry I have met thousands and thousands of people with similar energy. It ignites your soul to be around such people, feeding the fires inside yourself that dreaming big is a gift we all should use more frequently when thinking about our lives and the future. When you cultivate a community of such people, it influences the surrounding areas with similar effects. I believe this is the key factor in why I’ve met such resilient, outgoing, creative, and humble people in the Craft Beer Industry. Seeing the passion and love David has not only for Grain Theory but for the town of Abilene reminded me of some old advice I was given by a coworker; do something great for others over yourself. The craft beer community is built on these principles, its roots grow deep within the foundations of our community and relationships that we interact with on a daily basis. Growing and cultivating such an inclusive, positive environment is only going to bring upward momentum to you and those around you. It’s a deeply embedded value in this industry and one I remind myself of on a daily basis. Grain Theory Beer has shown that its not only put great pride and belief in its company, but also into the community of Abilene. No one can predict the future or nature of craft beer but one things for certain, exciting things are in store for the town of Abilene, Texas and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
Fermentation tanks hold the beer until it is ready to be crashed, carbed, and served to the public.
A piney, resinous, West Coast IPA and some cribbage is the perfect formula for a good time.
Pulling nails on barrel beer to track the aging/flavor progression.
From right to left; Ghost Trap DDH Cold IPA, Dark Passenger Black IPA, and So Strata DDH Pale Ale.
All images are copyrighted by Grain Theory Beer and were used with permission.