Posted on: December 13, 2017 Posted by: Danica Comments: 0
We were lucky enough to be invited in for a tasting at Houston’s Platypus Brewing, where I had a few moments to speak with Kerry Embertson, the head brewer and Sean, the owner.  While there, we were treated to a number of their year-round and seasonal offerings.
Thoughts
Bobby Dazzler (4.7% ABV, 20 IBU), An Australian Blonde Ale – hoppy, citrus, ultimately refreshing.
Troppo (5% ABV, 10 IBU), A perfect lawnmower beer; notes of wheat and fruit present.
Stars at Night (5.5% ABV, 15 IBU)- This Coffee Porter (which uses beans from Houston’s Catalina Coffee) has a light mouth feel with a deep coffee flavor and malt-forward presence.
Freckled Dingo (5.5% ABV, 35 IBU) Platypus’s pale ale; lemony, light hop flavor makes its way through this brew.
The Ranga (5.0% ABV, 40 IBU) A tremendously fun red ale; there’s a sweet smell that pairs with a smooth body. There is a very light bitterness that works alongside ample malt elements.
Box Kick (6.5% ABV, 60 IBU) Platypus’s main-line India Pale Ale; citrus elements dominate. The brew is refreshing, a little spicy while going down extremely easy.
Ruck ‘N Maul (9.6% ABV, 90 IBU) This double IPA married together grapefruit with an alcohol warmth that sticks with one long after they have completed this brew.
Oh My Rye (6.5%  ABV, 65 IBU) This rye IPA has a slightly bitter taste with a deep malt flavor that is interspersed throughout.
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Gallactica (4.0% ABV) Platypus’s table beer sage was my favorite effort produced by the brewery, with hints of rosemary and sage. The herbs utilized by this beer were grown by Platypus.
Another beer in close contention for my favorite of the day was the Woomba (4.8% ABV, 10 IBU), which was wheaty and eminently smooth. The brew did not have the typical aftertaste that can present itself in beers from that style. For those wanting to conduct their own testing, the brewery offers 4/6 paddles of tasters.
Overall Impressions
My visit to Platypus was nice; the neighborhood really was building itself up. We’re excited to go back to the brewery in a few years to see what new brews they offer. Platypus also has a kitchen that ties together Australian and Texan styles. Imbibers can experience a number of traditional dishes including Fish ‘n Chips ($13), a Steak and Mushroom Pie ($12) and and the titular Platypus Burger ($15), which is a half-pound burger with all of the fixins (one can choose to put on pickled beetroot or jalapenos).
During my time in Houston, I was educated about the Pink Boots Society, a group that is now in the city that focuses on women who work in the craft brew industry. Kerry was integral in creating a Houston branch of the organization.
The brewery is open on Monday to Thursday 3-10; Fridays and Saturdays 12-12, and on Sundays from 11-9. The brewery welcomes children and dogs, and offers wine and soda for those not feeling (or are unable to drink) beer.
Platypus Brewing / 1902 Washington Ave, Ste E. Houston TX 77007; (832) 742-5503 / http://www.platypusbrewing.com/https://www.facebook.com/platypusbrewingllc/

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