Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.

In early 1987, I sold my interest in the Schlitz operation and soon left to work with Coors Brewing Co. in Golden.  That year was the 5^th anniversary of the Great American Beer Festival.  I had intended to go, but instead, Coors sent me on a project during the event.

Then in 1992, while in Denver, I once again wanted to attend the GABF, now in its 10th year.  Even then, getting tickets was not easy, but it could be done, however, just like in 1987 I was unable to attend the event.  Finally I had the opportunity to be present at the GABF some 10 years later while working at Glazer’s.  By that time, tickets were extremely difficult to attain.

2016 will be the Oregon Brewer’s Festival’s 29th year, and what once began as a two-day weekend event, is now four days in length.  Both the GABF and the Oregon Brewer’s Festival are premier events for the craft industry, attracting hundreds of breweries, beers and thousands of fans.

Colorado and Oregon were two states that supported and acted as incubators for crafts in the early years.  This early support of the industry has resulted in the two largest craft festivals in the US.  No telling how many thousands of consumers were exposed to the wonderful new beers showcased during these events.

The craft industry has grown as states have changed their beer laws allowing crafts a chance to reach the market and the consumer.  Texas is one such state.  With the recent changes in beer laws and restrictions, the craft industry has taken off in Texas.  One of the results is the creation of Untapped, Dallas’s version of the GABF and the Oregon Brewers festival.

Founded only four short years ago with 50 breweries and 100 beers, Untapped now hosts more than 100 breweries and over 400 beers, 45 of the breweries are from Texas representing 175 beers.  Of these 45 Texas breweries, 25 are in the DFW area!

Untapped now lasts one week with a number of craft tastings, sampling, and nightly shows across North Texas in many local craft bars.  Last Saturday night’s big concert and show drew almost 10,000 craft fans.

As in Colorado, Oregon and other states, crafts are having a huge impact on the overall industry in Texas.  Even with this great interest in crafts, two reoccurring themes continue.  The first has to do with the overall quality of some of the beers and the second is the crafts’ (and importers’) frustrations of trying to get to market or even finding a wholesaler.

While there were many high quality beers served and offered at Untapped, there were also some beers whose quality and taste were questioned.  One would have to believe that those beers will not be at next year’s show.

There is a great frustration with wholesalers among the industry. Several brewers and importers commented that they were told by wholesalers that they were not taking or viewing any new crafts the rest of the year.

The success of Untapped, not unlike the success experienced in Oregon and Colorado illustrate that crafts in Texas are becoming a major force in the market. As in the afore mentioned three states, these trends of success will continue across the country.

To all craft breweries, importers and wholesalers, opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door!

Editors note; Untapped is a music event held one night.  The week of beer is known as NTX Beer Week.