Real Ale Brewing Company - Fresh Kicks

Inspired by the hazy IPAs that emerged from the Northeast, Fresh Kicks puts juicy hop character and a soft mouthfeel front and center. Expect a distinctly hazy appearance, with oats and wheat contributing protein and texture to the body. Aromatically, this one is all about ripe tropical fruit. Real Ale’s current recipe highlights Azacca, Mosaic, Amarillo, and Strata hops, added at multiple points during fermentation to create fruit-like hop aromas and flavors without actually adding tropical fruit. On the palate, Fresh Kicks is soft and smooth, with tropical fruit impressions carrying through from the aroma and moderate bitterness providing enough structure to keep everything refreshing. Despite its generous hop character, the emphasis is more on juicy fruitiness and texture than an aggressively bitter finish. As the brewery itself stresses, this is a beer designed to be enjoyed fresh. For pairings, try it with spicy tacos, Thai curry, grilled chicken, citrus-marinated shrimp, or a sharp cheddar—the fruity hops and smooth body should work particularly well alongside dishes with a little heat. 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.