Spoetzl Brewery

Shiner, Texas doesn’t have many more inhabitants today than it did in 1909, the year the town’s most famous business was launched. But today its Spoetzl Brewery ships more than six million cases of Shiner beer to nearly every state in the Union.

Sure, you can pick up a cold Shiner in your local convenience store or order one in your favorite restaurant. But why not drop in and see where it’s all made?

The brewery gives hour-long tours to visitors 18 and older, though anyone under 21 will be provided lemonade in lieu of beer. Tours run Monday through Friday, with the final tour of each day beginning at 2:30 p.m. The brewery is closed during major holidays. Knowledgeable guides will help you appreciate the history of the place and its products as well as how to better enjoy your beerdrinking experience!

Only six brewmasters have served in that illustrious post since the Shiner Brewing Association’s first, Herman Weiss. When the association selected Bavarian-born Kosmos Spoetzl to succeed him, Spoetzl bought the outfit in 1915 but kept the Shiner name on the bottle.

During Prohibition, Spoetzl kept the brewery going by selling ice and making near-beer. Even following Prohibition, Spoetzl kept things small and local. Today, however, the company produces nine different brews year-round (starting with its flagship Shiner Bock) and several seasonal beers.

Pop the top on a cold one — and drink an authentic toast to your health. Prosit!