Brian Peters & Amos Lowe of Uncle Billy's Brew & Que
 |
Brian Peters
|
 |
Amos Lowe
|
Today's For the Love of Craft Beer is featuring not one, but two exceptional craft brewers in the Austin area. Brian Peters is the head brewer at the Uncle Billy's at the Oasis location, and Amos Lowe is the head brewer of the original Barton Springs location. If you've never been to Uncle Billy's, stop reading and head there now. This is one of our favorite spots in Austin, and the beer is always exceptional. When you get there, try a flight first, just to see what you like best. After that, check out their Rotating Taps selection, which is always changing and is always satisfying. If you get a chance, talk to Amos or Brian. They are always more than happy to talk about the beer you are drinking, and they are super friendly.
Brian Peters
Why do you think craft beer has been such a success, even a revolution these past few years?
We are enjoying a second wave of the craft beer movement in this country. Two things have set this up: 1) the passion and dedication of the first wave of great US craft breweries and 2) a much more knowledgeable consumer base. The brewers who are starting up today seem more committed to the craft and less to a fad, like we saw more than occasionally in the late 90's. Make no mistake, we have a long way to go and it
will never be mainstream. But it is now the only growth area in the beer industry and we have the big breweries' (and distributors') attention.
I will leave you with my bread analogy: We all grew up with white bread, and some people still like it. But for those few that fall in love with artisan bread, there is no going back.
Where do you see craft beer in 5 years?
In Texas, we will have twice as many breweries than we have now. We will be approaching 10% of the market in Austin.
Amos Lowe
Why do you think craft beer has been such a success, even a revolution these past few years?
I believe people have become more educated about beer and have started to want better beer made with the best ingredients by people who have a passion for their craft. Chefs and writers have also helped by exploring food pairings with beer as well as wine. There has also been a move towards locally made products of all kinds over the last 10 years which led people to locally brewed beers as well as locally produced food.
Where do you see craft beer in 5 years?
I think the craft beer market will continue to grow at a slow consistent rate over the next 5 years and this will provide opportunity for new breweries to open and continue the growth that we have recently enjoyed.
To enjoy more For the Love of Craft Beer, click here.
To enjoy more For the Love of Craft Beer, click here.
