Editor's note: The bustling San Antonio beer scene is always changing — usually with openings and closures, but there are other twists along the way. Let's discuss it over a cold one.
Last call at Weathered Souls
The folks at Weathered Souls Brewing Co. are calling it a day on September 22. That is when the staff of the North Side brewery will shut the doors for a final time.
Fans were shocked at a September 12 social media announcement, which did not go into reasons for the closure. Instead, the announcement encouraged followers to celebrate the brewpub’s eight years of success.
“We want to take a moment to thank you — our incredible customers, local vendors and our dedicated team members who have given their all throughout the years. Without your support, none of this would’ve been possible,” the announcement stated.
Indeed, Weathered Souls made a name for itself in San Antonio craft beer circles over the years, with a diverse menu that has featured varied IPAs, lagers, sours, and plenty of potent stouts.
But one stout, Black is Beautiful, stood out. Led by then-co-founder/head brewer Marcus Baskerville, Weathered Souls crafted Black is Beautiful in 2020, inspired by rallies for racial and social justice after the murder of George Floyd. The beer raised awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion worldwide, and sales proceeds went to local community groups and initiatives around the country.
However, Weathered Souls recently struggled with setbacks, namely the closure of their Charlotte, North Carolina taproom earlier this spring, and Baskerville’s departure from the company a few months ago.
But Weathered Souls plans to host a celebratory farewell with a community bottle share September 21, starting at 11 am. The next day, staff will close the doors to the public at 5 pm. to party together in private one last time.
“And who knows what the future holds? Maybe we’ll see you again,” the announcement ended.
Alamo Beer tapping out?
Local beer aficionados are wondering if Alamo Beer Co. on the city’s East Side might be next to close its doors.
Back in June, Alamo Beer owner Eugene Simor listed for sale the facility’s 2.12-acre plot of commercially zoned land at 202 Lamar St.
The listing describes the property as available with development city incentives, and surrounded by an array of residential and commercial developments.
But the sale listing’s executive summary contains a key piece of information: “Can be sold individually or in conjunction with Alamo Brewery complex including including brewery, beer hall and beer garden.”
In various media reports, Simor said he is open to offers and exploring different kinds of options and scenarios for the property. The brewery, which fully opened to the public in 2014, currently churns out 7,500-plus barrels of beer a year although they have an annual production capacity of 40,000 barrels.
Simor hoped that a partnership with Viva Beer to brew the latter’s product and the acquisition of Austin-based ShotGun Seltzer would both boost Alamo Beer.
However, Simor said his business has struggled with rising property taxes, increasing costs of beer-production ingredients, a drop in overall craft beer consumption, and ever-expanding market pressures. The property is valued at $2.9 million.
Over the past decade, Alamo Beer’s presence in the Dignowity Hill neighborhood east of downtown San Antonio has been credited by some city and community leaders for helping to revitalize the area with the arrival of residential redevelopment, and new businesses such as Artisan Craft Bar, Burleson Yard Beer Garden and the relocated Vista Brewing taproom.
The Roundabout opens up
Residents in midtown San Antonio have a new hotspot where they can satisfy their craft beer cravings.
Roundabout opened in July at 1710 Blanco Road in the Beacon Hill neighborhood north of downtown, just yards from the Blanco Road/Fulton Avenue roundabout.
Weathered Souls Brewing Co., which opened in 2016, will permanently close September 22.
Visitors to Roundabout can find several craft beers on tap and available for growler fill-ups to go, as well as an array of canned and bottled beers that can be enjoyed on site or at home.
There’s also a curated wine list, sangria, and some snacks produced by local makers such as Honey & Pickle.
Roundabout is the latest creation from Denise Aguirre and Noel Cisneros, who own The Point Park and Eats, the combo bar and food truck park near Leon Springs. They also own the attached Just the Drip Coffee House.
Aguirre and Cisneros said a chance business opportunity arose in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. It’s an older but popular community that’s home to a range of eclectic businesses, including Blanco Cafe, Clamp Light Studios and Gallery, Karolina's Antiques, Bright Coffee, Beacon Hill Market and Deli, Julia's Bistro & Bar and SoHill Cafe, all of which are within walking distance from each other on Blanco Road.
Roundabout offers happy hour on Mondays through Saturdays from 4-7 pm, play all day Sundays. It also hosts Singo (musical bingo) on every first Tuesday night.
