Top Shelf

On a warm spring day Marco from Zilker Brewing Company and Andy from Black Star Co-op were chatting over beers after a brew day and it occurred to them that a collaboration beer between the two breweries was inevitable, and even overdue. After a couple of pints inspiration had yet to strike so a change in scenery was needed. Top Shelf was born where most great ideas are born, in the bottom of a $1 margarita at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. Brainfrozen and lethargic, Marco’s eye began to water and Andy’s heartburn subsided for just a moment when the words “Margarita beer” were uttered. They knew they had struck gold. Starting with a kettle-soured base beer they then added lime juice, tangerine puree and tequila-soaked oak to meld into a delicious beer concoction. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Top Shelf is the most refreshing beer you never knew was beer.

By Andy Martinec