Friends with Benefits - Austin Sessions

Two weekends ago was a crazy cyclone of benefits and fundraisers for us. That Saturday, the Austin Sessions crew attended the Give Autism a Chance Summit at the Austin Music Hall. Our friends at Modern Panda PR, The Autism Trust, and Bees Knees Bakeshop were all involved in this event to raise awareness, share stories, educate, and create engaging events for professionals and families affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

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Celebrity guests Rob Schneider and Aiden Quinn attended to show their support. They talked with summit attendees and took pictures with several of them. 

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Next up was the Hill Country Ride for Aids benefit at the Dig Pub. Several of my friends are participating in a 27 mile ride to raise money for 10 local non-profit organizations to provide support for thousands of Central Texans living with HIV/AIDS.  

The Dig Pub donated some Austin Beerworks beer, and a lot of people came together to donate, hang out, and support each other. It was a fantastic way to end the weekend. 

GABF in Denver - Austin Sessions

Our photographer Taylor's bachelor party was combined with the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Hijinks, intoxication, and podcasting ensued. 10 Texas breweries won a range of medals this year. Luckily, I we got to hang out with several of them. The trip spanned 4 breweries, countless bars, and one amazing Beerliner Bus courtesy of NXNW and Tony Drewry. 

During the four day weekend, I stayed away from any beer that I was able to drink in Austin. On top of that, I never had the same beer twice. Courage Merry! Courage for our friends! 

One of the greatest things about the trip was running into friends. There were so many Austinites there it was like a massive Texas blood transplant. It was a fantastic time, and I'm hoping I can swing it again next year. 

The ABGB - Austin Sessions

The ABGB has finally officially opened it's doors on Labor Day weekend! Amos Lowe, Brian "Swifty" Peters, Mark Jensen, and Curt & Jill Knobloch have transformed the former World of Rentals location into a spacious and beautiful beer garden. This place reminds me of Wurstfest in New Braunfels, except without all the liederhosen and…well…Germans. Not that there's anything wrong with Germans. With eight beers currently on tap (the Industry Pils will be back soon!), the former Uncle Billy's brewers are well on their way to carving out their own south Austin brew pub niche. Located close to the intersection of Oltorf and Thorton the ABGB provides a couples of acres, and the perfect environment for relaxing with friends or a small army of thirsty co-workers. 

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I'm a big IPA guy, but after tasting every beer they had on tap, I have to confess the Big Mama Red, which coincidentally happens to be 7.9% abv, is a favorite. Runner up was the Hop Dead Gorgeous Cascadian Dark. In a word…delicious. In two words….extremely delicious. The Day Trip (pale), Superliner (IPA), Octoberfest (märzen), Gretchen Brown (hoppy brown), and Field Trip (belgo pale ale) were all equally tasty as well. Then there's the Hell Yes (helles) coming in at a modest 4.5% abv which I could drink all day. Definitely a great summer beer. 

Aside from the glorious beer, the ABGB is also dishing out some amazing food. Procuring ingredients from Salt and Time, and Johnson's Backyard Garden (amongst others) food offerings include, pizza, sandwiches, starter plates and salads. Depending on the availability of fresh ingredients, the menu rotates and changes accordingly. 

"We're installing a huge heavy duty window so that people sitting in the garden are able to see the live music we're having inside," said co-owner Marc Jensen. Still under renovation, Amos showed me the wooden tables that are still being sanded and stained. "The guys over at Austin Beerworks let us borrow these tables until ours are finished…The tables we're working on are gonna match the bar."  If you've seen the bar, you know the tables are going to be beautiful. Located deep in the heart of 78704, these guys fit right in. 

The ABGB
1305 W. Oltorf
Austin, Tx 78704 

512-298-2242