In the past month, San Antonio craft beer fans took note of sudden news surrounding leadership at Weathered Souls Brewing Co. While that was happening, a Hill Country brewery introduced a new music series, and a local distillery rolled out a new spirited spirit. Here's what's been brewing.
Big departure at Weathered Souls
Marcus Baskerville, who had served as head brewer at Weathered Souls Brewing Co., a local brewery that he co-founded, is now a free agent.
Baskerville took to his personal social media channels earlier in June to announce he no longer was working at the north side brewery. As of publication of this article, he has yet to explain his departure from Weathered Souls, and he originally suggested he would not publicly answer questions.
“I did an amazing thing building an internationally recognized and awarded brand," Baskerville said in his initial post. "Now it’s on to the next! Don’t ask questions, just support and wish me luck in my next endeavors.”
A few days later via social media, Baskerville thanked friends and supporters for their kind words. He also revealed a bit more about his leaving Weathered Souls, saying — without getting into details — that he “left something that wasn’t with my spirit anymore. I left somewhere I didn’t have control.”
Baskerville also urged friends and supporters to stay tuned for his next concept, and stated that he is not leaving the beer or hospitality industry.
“This will be my passion project,” he added.
While at Weathered Souls, Baskerville and his crew team focused on developing an eclectic range of beers that has featured various sours, IPAs, and stouts. But one of Weathered Souls’ enduring products is the Black is Beautiful imperial stout, which Baskerville created in 2020 in the wake of protests that followed the killing of George Floyd.
Weathered Souls shared the Black is Beautiful recipe with 1,600-plus U.S. breweries and countless breweries in more than 20 countries. While Baskerville and others sought to shine a light on police brutality, sales proceeds from the beer went to organizations that advocate cultural diversity, inclusion, and social reform.
Current officials with Weathered Souls used the brewery’s social media to thank Baskerville for his eight years of service to the venture.
"As one of our founders, co-owner, and head brewer, Marcus has been a driving force behind our success and has helped shape our brand into what it is today,” the brewery’s post stated. "While Marcus is no longer with the company, we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. His dedication, passion, and creativity have left an indelible mark, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done.”
Ranger Creek getting green
Elsewhere in San Antonio, Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling continues to expand its portfolio of spirits.
Ranger Creek’s Whiskey Club recently unveiled its newest product, an absinthe.
Representatives with Ranger Creek said its version of absinthe — an anise-flavored and and mythologically hallucinogenic spirit — is a blend of botanicals and herbs such as fennel, wormwood, green anise, and lemon balm.
Free Roam gets musical
Back in the Hill Country, Boerne’s Free Roam Brewing is helping to encourage more collaboration in the local music community with its recent launch of a summer singer-songwriter musical festival.
Every Wednesday night through August, Free Roam will showcase a performance by a singer-songwriter. The June lineup includes Jade Marie Patek, David Adam Brynes, Kelley Mickwee, and Kylie Frey. See all of Free Roam's events on Facebook.
Marcus Baskerville, original co-owner and head brewer of Weathered Souls Brewing Co., recently announced he is leaving the San Antonio brewery.
