AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Amarillo’s craft beer scene is in the midst of a remarkable transformation, with Six Car Pub & Brewery, Crush, and Pondaseta Brewing Company at the forefront of a growing trend where beer enthusiasts increasingly favor craft brews over traditional domestic options. What’s striking is that this shift in beer preferences has evolved into a vibrant culture centered on community, culinary experiences, and overall enjoyment.
The craft beer boom owes much of its success to the explosive rise of the craft beer movement.
Seth Quinn, proprietor of downtown restaurant Crush, attests to this shift. “Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a shift from regular domestic beers to a growing curiosity about craft brews. A pivotal influence right here in Amarillo has been the presence of local breweries,” says Quinn.
Kaleb West, owner of Pondaseta Brewing Company, highlights the Amarillo community’s unwavering support for local businesses. “There’s something genuinely special about enjoying a beverage made on-site or meeting the creators of that product,” West observes.
Tommye Dodson, Bar Manager at Crush, emphasizes the significance of supporting local enterprises, noting that it’s akin to supporting one’s immediate neighbors.
Ryan Wibby, Brewer of the Year and brewmaster at Six Car Pub & Brewery, contends that beer transcends mere refreshment. “People are realizing that beer is more than just a fizzy yellow liquid. It’s a product to be savored alongside food, enhancing the overall experience, and it can complement the changing seasons,” says Wibby.
West adds to this sentiment, stating, “Beer has a unique ability to bring people together, contribute to non-profit initiatives, and stimulate job creation and local tax revenues.”
Craft beer experts in Amarillo foresee ongoing growth in the craft scene, with particular expectations for certain beer styles to gain popularity, such as lagers. Wibby notes that “IPA’s have been rapidly gaining popularity, alongside innovative fruited sours featuring various adjunct ingredients.”
Overall, the beer industry in Amarillo, along with its rich and inclusive culture, is poised for sustained expansion and prosperity.
