Real Ale Brewing Company - Axis

Axis is Real Ale’s distinctly Texas-minded approach to the IPA. Rather than positioning the beer squarely in either the West Coast or East Coast camps, the brewery developed its own hop-forward interpretation. Pouring a pale golden color, Axis immediately offers inviting aromas of tropical fruit and bright citrus. The relatively light color and body allow those expressive hop notes to take center stage, while its substantial bitterness provides plenty of structure without making the beer feel unnecessarily heavy. The tropical and citrus character carries directly onto the palate, where a firm hop presence is balanced by an impressively approachable overall profile. At 60 IBUs, Axis certainly delivers the bitterness IPA drinkers expect, but its pale body and fruit-forward personality help keep it lively and refreshing. Real Ale recommends pairing it with roasted pork carnitas, spicy braised tofu, or fried cheese curds. We’d also consider spicy tacos, grilled meats, or a sharp cheddar excellent companions for this bold but balanced IPA. Cheers!

Real Ale Brewing Company got its start in 1996 in the basement of an antique store on the town square in Blanco, a small community tucked into the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. Founders Phillip and Diane Conner began on a modest scale, hand-bottling their beers in 22-ounce bottles. In 1997, avid homebrewer Brad Farbstein began helping out at the brewery, and the following year he invested his savings to purchase the operation and pursue his own dream of running a craft brewery. As demand increased, Real Ale steadily expanded, eventually outgrowing its original basement location.

In 2007, Real Ale moved into a larger facility just outside Blanco, allowing the brewery to significantly increase production while remaining firmly rooted in its hometown. Through the years, the brewery has maintained a philosophy that minimal processing produces maximum flavor, emphasizing quality ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques. Real Ale’s beers are still brewed in Blanco, and the company continues to distribute its beer exclusively within Texas. Its lineup now encompasses everything from traditional lagers and pale ales to hazy and hop-forward IPAs, along with an extensive collection of specialty beers.