Texas brew review: The six-pack still rules

Serving-size increments aren’t the most common topic when it comes to beer talk. However, the business of the bottle, can and pack size is something consumers subconsciously evaluate on a regular basis — even if it makes for dull barroom chatter.

When perusing the seemingly endless variety of beers available on store shelves, consumers ask themselves: Should I get a six-pack of Beer A for $9? A four-pack of 16-ounce tall boys for $8? Or a 22-ounce single-bomber for $7?

It’s a decision that takes into account cost, perceived value, quality and desire in a few short seconds. Unless you’re the type to pull out a calculator and determine the per-ounce cost, the decision is usually based on gut feeling.

For better or worse, many consumers see a six-pack as the perfect volume of beers. The four-pack of 12-ounce bottles is seen as an occasional, more expensive luxury, and the 22-ounce bomber is for trying something special.

For whatever reason, the four-pack of 16-ounce tall boys occupies a strange little corner of the beer-buying brain. At 64 ounces, it’s only 8 ounces less than a six-pack of 12-ounce cans or bottles, but for many, it occupies a lesser category.

Knowing this, some craft breweries have shifted to 12-ounce cans. Southern Star Brewing in Conroe started canning its Pine Belt Pale Ale, which had been in 16-ounce four-packs since the brewery’s inception in 2008, in six-packs of 12-ouncers.

Fort Worth’s Martin House Brewing also released its first beers in 12-ounce cans with Gateway Blonde and Cellarman’s Reserve IPA. These two beers have sold quite well as a result, according to the brewery.

Cellarman’s Reserve IPA is a single-hop series where the Martin House brewers experiment with the same base beer, but only use one type of hops. The result is a delightful lesson in hop flavor that has produced some of the best of Martin House’s beers. Each version has varied from bright and floral to dank and herbal. You can see which hop is being employed from the small sticker on top of the hard plastic holder that denotes the variety.

Martin House’s core four beers are still in 16-ounce four-packs, but the brewery is considering switching all of its beers to 12-ounce six-packs. Stay tuned.

Quick sips

Flying Saucer anniversary weekend: The famed chain of beer bars that started in Fort Worth is celebrating its 20th anniversary with multiple events this weekend. Flying Saucer Addison will be holding a rare release party Friday and a Beer Breakfast event Sunday morning. The big blowout will be all day Sunday at Flying Saucer Fort Worth with a boatload of rare beers available and music from Black Joe Lewis. Tickets are $17, $20 at the door. beerknurd.com/stores/fortworth.

The Common Table anniversary: Not around for quite as long as the Saucer, but still having carved out its own corner of the DFW beer community, Dallas gastropub The Common Table celebrates its five-year anniversary Saturday. The event will have bands slated from 3 p.m. to midnight and many rare beer tappings. thecommontable.com.

Bicycle Brewery Tour: T&P Tavern is holding a two-wheeled brewery tour of four of Fort Worth’s most popular brewing destinations. With visits to Rahr, Martin House, Collective and Chimera, this is a great way to enjoy the (finally) beautiful weather. The tour departs from T&P Tavern at 12:15 p.m. and is free, with brewery tours and beers up to individual purchase at each stop. tptavern.com.

903 Brewers celebrates two years: Sherman’s 903 Brewers is celebrating two years in the biz with its anniversary party at the brewery and will feature rare tappings of 903 beers, live music and food. Tickets are $20, $50 for VIP. 903brewers.com

Cedar Creek campout: Want to camp out at a brewery? Dallas Brew Scene and Brews Travelers 365 are hosting a campout at Cedar Creek Brewery in Seven Points on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Tickets are $60 and include beer, food and a spot to set up your tent. The event benefits craft beer legislative lobbying group Open the Taps. cedarcreekbrewery.com.

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Texas brew review: The six-pack still rules."