Grinning from Beer to Beer
The Rohans Are Raising the Bar in Their Beverage Business With La Grange Brewing Co.
Brewing beer is something that’s celebrated in La Grange.
The town’s first brewery is part of a state historic site, after all.
That history is something John and Wendy Rohan are very aware of as they write the newest chapter in this area’s brewing history.
“There’s a legacy of good beer around here. We know we have some big shoes to fill,” Wendy said.
Last year, the Rohans officially started La Grange Brewing Company. But between permits, equipment and a global pandemic, a brewery is not something that can get off the ground quickly.
Just four weeks ago, after a lot of hard work, the Rohans finally began selling their first mugs of beer.
“It was a long time coming,” John said.
And the beer was good – really good.
“We had to put ourselves on a two beer a day limit,” Wendy laughed.
Customers agreed.
They’ve already sold out of one of the first beers – their Martzen Octoberfest style beer.
Currently they have four other beers they have brewed on sale at Blissful Folly Farm (at 6002 FM 2981 outside La Grange).
The Rohans are not new to the beverage business.
For the past 11 years they have made a name for themselves making award-winning meads, wines and ciders at their farm. They serve them at the onsite tasting room. There is a spacious patio and grounds on the farm. There’s a playground for kids, live music is often played, and even an on-site food truck.
But beer was a whole new adventure.
John (whose great-great grandfather Frank Rohan, immigrated from Moravia (Czech Republic) and settled in High Hill in the 1880s) said he always remembers his grandfather brewing beer and he has inherited his love for the hobby.
But making beer for the public is much more than a hobby – and is heavily regulated by national and state laws.
The Rohans, however, have navigated the process well.
The newest building on the Bliss Folly Farm property is their “starter brewery” (they hope to expand or even move the brewing into downtown La Grange at some point).
The building is easy to find – it’s the one on the farm near where the chickens hang out waiting for the grain to be thrown out when it’s role in the brewing process is finished.
John did all the plumbing and electrical work himself. Inside are all manner of stainless steel tanks, which the beer is piped to during different stages of the brewing process (which takes a couple of months).
Right now they have the equipment to make two different types of beer at a time.
When it’s ready, it’s put in kegs and then taken across the property and served cold from the tap – but it can also be canned for people to take home.
All the beers the Rohans make are named after their chickens. The label on their cans is a sharp design (done by La Grange’s Fernando Gutierrez), showing a hen and a rooster. The Rohans acknowledge the label is a nod not only to their farm, but also La Grange’s chicken ranch history. Their motto is “the best little brewery in Texas.”
Currently on tap are:
• Walter – described as “our easy – going Pilsner, draws a peaceful balance between German & Czech style pilsners.” Wendy said she loved the combination of the German and Czech influences, because that’s so much what this community is like as well. She said she foresees this being one of their “signature beers.
• Hazel – “This juicy IPA has aromas of fruity citrus and features a blend of 4 hops.”
• Klaus – “A seasonal limited release Christmas brown ale featuring a light blend of spices with a smooth maple finish.”
• Otis – “A Raspberry Pecan Oatmeal Stout -Raspberries on the front with a chocolate pecan malty finish.”
Eventually the Rohans plan to try to experiment more – with sour beers and barrelaged beers. They want to make a peach pilsner using peaches grown on their farm.
“We want to focus on old world classics,” Wendy said. “But put a modern twist on them.”
The Rohans thought about having a big grand opening for La Grange Brewing, but decided against it because of COVID precautions.
They admit the statewide COVID shutdown was really tough for their business but things are back to normal, and they are open Wednesdays through Sundays starting at noon.