As I mentioned yesterday, I had a good reason for my roundabout way home from New Braunfels. My impetus was the Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner, proud brewer of Shiner Bock (which is the best selling bock in America, according to the brewery tour). I’ve toured quite a few breweries across the country, so I figured I’d add another one to my tally. Yes, I’ve even toured the original breweries of the big three, which, regardless of what you think of their products, are worth visiting, if just for the historical perspective.

Spoetzel is celebrating its 110th year in production, making it the oldest independent brewery in Texas. After struggling in the late 1980s, the company was purchased by a San Antonio businessman who turned it around. They are now producing 1.2 million barrels a year which is distributed in all 50 states (they just added Hawaii), and they are continuing to expand.

As the largest business in tiny Shiner, the brewery had to innovate. They sell their spent grain to cattle ranchers, the used yeast goes to dog and cat food manufacturers, and they recycle their own wastewater (using the methane produced to heat the mash). As usually happens on these tours, I was able to sip special beers that aren’t bottled.  A free tour with free samples = a great way to spend an afternoon!

On my return trip from New Braunfels earlier this week I decided to try a different set of byways. I had a couple reasons for my detour. The main reason I’ll tell you about tomorrow but I was also hoping to avoid road work. The latter proved impossible. Every single highway I traveled (both to and from) New Braunfels was under construction (not joking). Reminded me of what my Ohio family says about their state having two seasons; winter and road work.

A nice bonus for my roundabout meandering was driving by the Luling Lavender Fields. I love that fragrant smell so, of course, I had to visit. The venture is only a year old but it already shows so much potential. The fields currently occupy the front few acres of a sprawling family ranch but they have plenty of room to grow. More varieties of lavender will be planted across additional acreage and a wedding venue will be nestled in the large oaks behind the fields.

I admired the owners’ unique vision, very similar to my own taste. Look closely at the barn-style gift shop – it was built out of two steel shipping containers. What a cool idea! They carry all manner of lavender-based products, most of them locally produced but a few are from out of state. Including one of my all-time favorite beverages, Lavender Dry Soda. I first sampled it at Dry’s flagship store in Seattle about ten years ago and now I snap it up whenever I find it. All in all, a lovely little detour!