Beer FAQ
Where can I get info on your beers?
You can find a list of descriptions for all of our beers right here on our website.
Where do you get your ingredients?
We incorporate both domestic and imported ingredients in our recipes. We use hop varieties from the Pacific NW, England, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Our malted barley comes from the US and Canada, as well as Germany and England (and sometimes Texas).
Are your beers pasteurized or filtered?
We believe minimal processing provides maximum flavor and aroma in the finished beer. With this philosophy in mind, all of our beers are unfiltered and unpasteurized; therefore yeast or hop sediment may be present in your bottle or glass. It's nothing to worry about though, your beer is perfectly fine to drink.
Are your beers vegan?
We do not use any animal products, such as isinglass or gelatin, in the production of our beers. Some of our offerings may include lactose.
Do your beers contain GMO ingredients?
As far as we know, the ingredients we use in our beers are non GMO.
What does ‘cask-conditioned’ mean?
Cask-conditioned or real ale is beer that is naturally carbonated by re-fermentation in the vessel from which it is served and is served without extraneous CO2.
What does ‘dry-hopped’ mean?
Dry-hopping is the process in which hops are added directly to the fermenters to give beer a fresher, livelier hop character.
How many calories do your beers have?
While Firemans Light is 110 calories, Firemans #4 Blonde Ale weighs in at a modest 158 calories. The basic rule of thumb is the stronger the beer, the higher the calories.
Do your beers contain wheat?
Some of our recipes include wheat. We also use the same equipment to process all of our beers and some of our other beers have a small percentage of wheat in their malt bill. Please contact us if you have a question about a particular beer . Or visit our Beers page to find your favorite, and read more about them; we'll note in the description if there is wheat.
Do your beers have an expiration date?
On the back label of our bottles or the bottom of our cans, you will find the ‘best consumed by’ date.
What if I purchase beer that is past its ‘best consumed by’ date?
Our beers are best if consumed on or before the date on the package. This date varies from beer to beer. Some of our stronger beers are packaged with a ‘born on date’ instead. These beers can be cellared or consumed according to your patience. If you are shopping for beer and you see a Real Ale product on the shelf that is past the best by date, it would be super cool if you sent us an email to info@realalebrewing.com and let us know. The beer that is out-of-date is not spoiled. You won't get sick from drinking it, but it won't taste as good as it would have if consumed before this date.
How can I give feedback on your beer?
We welcome comments on our beer on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also email your comments or questions to info@realalebrewing.com.
TAP ROOM/TOUR FAQ
When are tours and Tap Room hours?
Our most up-to-date Tap Room Hours and current tour times can be found on our Tap Room page. We offer full pints and tasting flights for sale to 21+ visitors with valid ID. Reservations are not required, but if you are coming with a group larger than 10, please call ahead and give us a heads-up so that we can plan accordingly. You must be 21+ to drink beer, but minors are welcome to visit and take the tour. While we are open most weekends, please consult the Tap Room & Tours section of our website to verify that we will be open for your planned visit so that your trip to Blanco will not be in vain. Thanks!
Can I bring my dog and my kid?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your kids and your furry friend. Children must be supervised at all times. Please leave your dog at home if it is not accustomed to children, other dogs, or the occasional loud noise. Kids are permitted on the tour, but dogs are not allowed inside the Tap Room or the brewery. We do request that all dogs be kept on a leash. Be sure to bring water for your dog, and clean up after your friend. The same goes for kids, although leashing them is up to you.
How can I find out what’s on tap?
We sometimes post this info on social media, or you can click here to see a list of cocktails and beers!
Can I bring food?
You are welcome to bring food, but no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
OTHER/ABOUT
How many people work at RABC?
Right now we have about 50 folks who make up the whole company. Most employees work at the brewery in Blanco. Our reps reside and work in their home markets.
How do I get a job? Do you offer internships?
All jobs and internships will be posted on the Employment section of our website.
What's with the tank names?
Tanks are named for employees, or rather, for their nicknames. Be sure to ask about them when you are on the tour.
How much beer does Real Ale Brewing Company produce?
Right around 40K barrels!
Where do you sell your beer?
The great state of Texas. Period.
Who’s your distributor?
Ben E Keith Specialty Beverages is our lone distributor. You can contact them here.
Will you sponsor my event?
Real Ale is a proud sponsor of many community events. For donations and nonprofit events, please fill out the form on our Donations Request page.
Who do I talk to about marketing and advertising?
To reach the marketing team, please send an email to us: marketing@realalebrewing.com.
Can I buy beer at the brewery? Can you ship me beer?
We are permitted to sell beer for on-premise consumption in our tap room in full 16oz pints and tasting flights. As of September 1, 2019, we can also sell you beer to go! Per Texas law, you can purchase up to 288oz. of beer per person, per day. We will have a rotating selection of bottles and cans, as well as 32oz. crowlers to take home draught offerings.
It is currently illegal to ship you beer, in or outside of Texas.
How did Firemans #4 get its name?
Just in case you haven’t gotten around to reading the story on the bottom of the Firemans #4 six-pack carrier, here is the Cliffs Notes version: Almost ten years ago, the owner of Firemans Texas Cruzer and the owner of Real Ale were trying to come up with a tap handle for this blonde ale that we were going to serve at a bike race. In the bike shop, a red tap handle surfaced. Since this was the fourth year-round beer Real Ale had ever made, a brass house number 4 was screwed to the tap, along with a chain ring. It was that simple, and Firemans #4 was born.