A just-landed news release about a popular Austin brewpub suggests craft-beer drinkers in Texas will continue to notice changes — and have more choices in the marketplace — as brewers take advantage of amendments to the state’s beer laws approved by legislators last year.

Uncle Billy’s Brewery and Smokehouse, after finding what it called “overwhelmingly positive results” to its initial distribution efforts, is dramatically expanding the amount of beer it can make and sell. Changes will include a 20-barrel brewhouse that will boost production capacity to 5,000 barrels annually.

The Uncle Billy’s brewpub on Barton Springs Road, which has garnered awards in the GABF and World Beer Cup competitions in recent years, said it brought in a pair of brewery experts to lead the expansion and is searching for a head brewer.

Highlights from this afternoon’s announcement:

In addition to the new 20 barrel brewery, expansion plans will include renovations to the restaurant, including a new indoor/outdoor island bar with 360 degree service and expanded seating. Uncle Billy’s is also introducing its new Smokehouse Menu featuring a variety of newly created smoked seafood options, in addition to offering a number of food and beer pairings. After lobbying to pass a bill allowing brew pubs to distribute their own beers, signed by Texas governor Rick Perry last year, Uncle Billy’s began distributing a selection of their house brewed craft beer, including The Green Room IPA and Humbucker Helles, several months ago with overwhelmingly positive results.

For more on the 2013 legislative changes, go here. To read how two local breweries also are taking advantage of the laws, go here and here.

Then read the full release from Uncle Billy’s below.

Uncle Billys Brewery Expansion

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