A brewing company founded in 2010 has opened a tasting room in San Marcos featuring its signature Thirsty Goat beer. The business has opened up in the space formerly occupied by Aqua Brew.
The gist
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company, founded by Brian Smittle, opened its San Marcos tasting room in March after almost shutting its doors for good when its previous location on South Congress Avenue in Austin closed in 2023, said Louie Gonzales, distribution manager.
The company has had its beer contract brewed through Austin Beer Works since its near-closure. Strong community support and a desire to pick up in-house brewing led to the tasting room’s opening and return of brewing responsibilities to Thirsty Planet, Gonzales said.
“We were one of the original breweries to start up and be successful in terms of the manufacturing side,” Gonzales said. “For us to take it back and be able to do our own beer, it's a huge stepping stone. Because we became a fan favorite over 16 years, it's very important for us to control our own destiny as we move forward.”
Following the company’s economic downturn, local property owners Jerry Lindenmuth and Mark Shields took ownership of Thirsty Planet Brewing Company and hired back Brian Smittle as the head of operations.
“I tend to tell people everywhere, they're the ones that built the brand,” Gonzales said. “We were just fortunate enough that we made a solid beer that people resonate with.”
Staying local
The tasting room features a beer garden theme, with a 10-tap draft system and televisions throughout the facility, Gonzales said. Customers can see the brewing process in the facility with free access to the kettles, fermentation tanks and 30-barrel brew house.
“One of the missions of Thirsty Planet, as we got the place open, was we wanted to be part of a community,” Gonzales said. “Our biggest opportunity in terms of community is to work with a lot of local charities. Our goals will always be connected to the community.”
