The bustling San Antonio beer scene always gives Alamo City something to discuss over a cold one. From a new Brazilian-inspired taproom to a recent arrival on local shelves, we've untapped all the essential brewery news this month.

Novo Brazil Brewing plans summer debut

It has been about two years since Southern California-based Novo Brazil Brewing Co.announced it would expand to San Antonio. Since that announcement, local craft beer fans have anxiously awaited news about the progress of a $2 million renovation project at a 10,000-square-foot space at North Star Mall.

A Novo Brazil representative says the project is finally in the home stretch. Patricia Sobue, Novo Brazil's marketing head, says the brewpub and taproom is tentatively slated to debut "between June and September this year." She hedged, however, that could change.

Founded by the Brazilian Tiago Carneiro in 2015, Novo makes beers inspired by the spirit of the family's native land. Novo Brazil's flagship brewpub and taproom is in San Diego's Otay Ranch neighborhood, but the company has grown to five California locations. One focuses on Novo Brazil's Nova Easy brand of kombucha.

Novo Brazil's core beers include Momo Haze, a hazy IPA; 2Can, a West Coast IPA; The Mango, a fruity IPA; Corvo Negro, a Russian Imperial Stout; and Chula Pils, a Bohemian Pilsner.

Austin’s Meanwhile Brewing Co. is expanding distribution to San Antonio.Meanwhile Brewing/ Facebook

Meanwhile Brewing distributes in San Antonio

Austin's Meanwhile Brewing Co. is widening its reach to San Antonio-area restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. According to a press release, Vanessa Garza, a former specialist and brand manager with Silver Eagle Distributors, will serve as the San Antonio market sales representative.

Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile's founder and brewmaster, said it is a long-range company goal to have Meanwhile become a Texas craft beer brand, not just an Austin favorite.

"San Antonio has a vibrant and growing community of craft beer lovers, along with a dynamic bar and restaurant scene that we're excited to be a part of. We can't wait to share our beer with more Texans," Jaquiss said in a statement.

Meanwhile is especially known for its hoppy lagers and ales. Its core beers, brewed at a standalone facility in South Austin, include Glorious Fiasco, a hazy IPA; Big Splendor, a West Coast IPA; El Mero Mero, a horchata rice lager; and Sunny, a pale ale.

San Antonio native Garza has spent 16 years in the San Antonio beverage market, working with imported and domestic beer brands, wine, and spirits. While working with Silver Eagle, Garza focused on sales strategy, account management, and brand development.

Altstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg won gold during the 2025 World Beer Cup. Altstadt Brewery / Facebook

Altstadt, Free Roam, Real Ale win at World Beer Cup

The 2025 World Beer Cup poured into Indianapolis, Indiana on May 1, giving Texas brewers plenty to celebrate. Three Hill Country breweries received top honors.

Worldwide breweries competed in the 100-plus categories, covering almost every conceivable beer style. The event, organized by the indie beer trade group Brewers Association, is often described as the "Olympics of Beer."

The 40 Mike Mike from Boerne's Free Roam Brewing Co. was awarded a gold medal in the American-style Amber Lager category. Fredericksburg's Altstadt Brewery took top fruit beer honors with its signature Radler. Finally, perennial classic Firemen's #4, the cornerstone beer from Blanco's Real Ale Brewing Co., bested the rest of the golden or blonde ale field.

In all, Texas took home 13 medals. Powerhouse beer states California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado were the only states to rack up more honors.