Upcoming Pearland brewery set to expand Houston-area beer selection

Bakfish Brewing Company Bakfish Brewing Company Photo: Bakfish Brewing Company Photo: Bakfish Brewing Company Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Upcoming Pearland brewery set to expand Houston-area beer selection 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

Brian Allen showed the ultimate vote of confidence in his passion when he quit his job to pursue a full-time career in beer brewing.

Allen, along with a business partner, founded BakFish Brewing Company, the Pearland area's first microbrewery. He set down roots at 1231 E. Broadway—on the suburb's east side closer to Friendswood—last year and installed fermenters a few months ago. The next hurdle will be getting permits in hand to be able to sell the product.

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According to BakFish's site, the brewery will likely produce traditional beer styles: an IPA, a blonde ale, a wit and a porter. In addition to a 30-barrel brew system, BakFish will also have a smaller system to create one-off and seasonal beers. This will allow for a flagship beer as well as room for creative experimentation.

For many local breweries, the smaller-batch brews are sold in-house or at exclusive eateries. BakFish is already planning on having its own on-site 2,000-square-foot tap room that will allow patrons to purchase different brews on site while having a clear view at the brewery's operations. Newly relaxed beer laws in Texas have only recently allowed for on-site sales directly to patrons.

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For now, this company is still awaiting approval to sell beer. Once Allen and his partner have permits in hand, they plan to distribute their product in the form of cans and 22-ounce bottles (known as "bombers" in the industry).

The plans are ambitious, especially for an upcoming beer company making its debut in a place that's already awash with hops.

As of this year, the Brewers Association estimates there are 111 registered microbreweries and brewpubs in Texas.