It’s Spring, which means it’s that time of year again when beer aficionados and Supernatural fans alike make their pilgrimage to Dripping Springs, Texas and the taproom of Family Business Beer Company (FBBC).
As is now ‘official Witkowski sibling policy,’ my brother Douglas and I make sure to have a sibling weekend at least once a year, culminating in a trip to the Family Business Beer Company in our hometown (often timed around an event at the brewery).
I wrote about our attendance at last year’s members-only party, so I was excited to see what improvements they had made for this year’s celebration.
Dubbed their “Family Reunion”, FBBC’s members-only party featured food, music, and an appearance by one of the brewery’s co-owners, Jensen Ackles! Last year, the event was a measly 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon. It’s clear they learned from the crowds and long drink lines that the “family” would show up and want to spend more time together. So this year, the entirety of May 4th was roped off for the Members-Only party (plus any plus-ones along for the ride). They had a much smoother process for passing out limited edition beers (a Garrison Brothers Barrel-Aged Grackle), drink tickets, meal tickets, and organizing the photo op with Jensen. Last year was a treat, but I could tell this year was even better on all fronts!
Hanging with Jensen & the Grauls
Seeing as this wasn’t my first rodeo, I really thought this would be the year I could keep my cool and ask Jensen for an interview. Douglas agreed to “hold the fort down,” aka get us a new round of beers and meet me outside in the oak grove after my picture. Thus, I was standing in line by myself as we slowly snaked into the production space where the photo space was set up.
I was ABSOLUTELY keeping my cool as I waited my turn, until Jensen threw me off my game. In the process of getting the next person into place, he was scanning the rest of the line. When he saw me, his face lit up with recognition as he shot me a small smile and wave. So much for playing it cool!
Suddenly it was my turn and I was giving him a hug as he said, “it’s good to see you.” I must have expressed some kind of doubt that he recognized me from previous cons or events, but I truly cannot for the life of me remember what I said. Just his response: “I always remember a pretty face.”
Funeral announcements will be sent out shortly, because I absolutely died in that moment.
All joking aside, it was a brief interaction that was extremely sweet of him. Even if odds are that he doesn’t know my name, I genuinely do think he recognized me as having been at previous conventions. Besides, I got him back later.
Later in the afternoon, I found Debbie (Gino’s mom & Jensen’s mother-in-law) who I interviewed for my podcast episode about the brewery. When I spoke to her last year, she told me how she’s the real vintage car aficionado in the family. Since our conversation, I had stumbled on a vintage ‘67 Chevy dealership guidebook that included our beloved Impala. I bought the book on a whim, and during December’s Nashville Supernatural convention, I gave it to Jensen with clear instructions that it was for Debbie. She could choose if she wanted to share it with him. Well, of course, I had to ask Debbie if Jensen safely delivered my gift. Turns out, it slipped his mind and she called him over to the side of the bar to ask if she could see it later (but she’s letting him keep it after all).
So…. I guess I got Jensen back for that pretty comment earlier in the day?
But perhaps my truly best moment was when I pulled out the craft beers I brought Gino from Chicago. I had also ‘smuggled’ him a bottle of the newest rum distilled by my husband’s distillery, Chicago Cane Cooperative. As I was showing Debbie, Gino, and Jensen the new bottle design for Dani’s Tavern Rum, I couldn’t help but remark that the design reminded me of something Jerry Wanek would have created for the set of Supernatural.
That inspired Jensen to take a photo and send it to Jerry! Things started to pick up behind the bar shortly afterward, and I didn’t want to take up too much time so I headed back to my seat in the oak grove. Guess next time I see Jensen, I’ll have to ask what Jerry thought of the vintage-inspired graphic design on the bottle (and how it tasted, of course).
This is all a long way to say I STILL haven’t scheduled an interview with Jensen for my podcast…
Surprise Performance by Radio Company
One unexpected treat at this year’s event was a short performance by Jensen’s and Steve Carlson’s band, Radio Company. Rumors had been swirling that the duo would take to the brewery’s small stage, but no one was certain until Steve was spotted on the premises.
My brother and I were seated out in the oak grove, away from the main building, but we could hear the cheers start up when they took the stage. I hopped up on a picnic table on the porch and watched the performance through the open doors.
I was beyond thrilled to hear them play my favorite song from the second album, “Quarter To”. Did I see Jensen smile as the crowd sang along? Oh absolutely! They also played “Truly Forgotten”, as well as a cover of the country song, “Pretty Good at Drinking Beer.”
As I said, it was a short performance. Other groups took the stage for the remainder of the afternoon, including Scott Sisters and Night Parade. For me personally, I think it was the perfect amuse bouche for Radio Company’s next Austin concert at the Sagebrush this August!
Recent Updates from Family Business Beer Company
As you might have heard from other sources, including the official Family Business Beer Company Instagram, the Dripping Springs tap room has closed temporarily. Last I spoke to Gino, the brewery was focused on upping production and distribution of their crowd-pleasers: Golden Age Pils, Cosmic Cowboy IPA, and Hamilton Pale Ale. You can find these in cans in most HEBs (a grocery store chain) across the state. Or, if you prefer it fresh from a tap, many local bars in Central Texas have them on draft!
If you’re not located in Texas, Family Business Beer Company occasionally ships their beers through the Tavour app. But you have to move fast, as these beers get bought up quick!
And if you’re planning a trip to Austin for this year’s Supernatural Convention (apologies in advance for the ungodly heat we will all be dealing with), I’ll have a list of locations outside the convention with Supernatural connections (and places you can get FBBC on draft!).
Treat Yourself to Sadie’s other behind-the-scenes Family Business Beer Company reports, plus interviews with the creative teams behind The Winchesters and Gotham Knights, all of her Author’s Page!
Listen to Sadie’s Supernatural adventures on her podcast, In Defense of Fandom!