‘Supernatural’ Actor Jensen Ackles Opens Texas Brewery

Jensen Ackles, the co-star of science-fiction television show Supernatural, debuting his and his family’s new Texas brewery, Family Business Beer Co., on Wednesday, January 10 in Dripping Springs.

The name is reflective of the group of people behind the 15-acre brewery found on 19510 Hamilton Pool Road. Involved are Ackles’ wife Danneel, her brother Gino Graul, and their parents Ed and Debby Graul.

The Ackles, who live in Austin, are big fans of the local beer scene. “I love the variety that’s here,” Jensen said. “It’s not just cookie-cutter brewers. It adds to the spice of life that is Austin.

“Everything has its own flair,” Jensen continued, “but I don’t feel like there’s any competition. We’re all in this together. As long as there’s quality, then it’s ‘welcome to the table.’”

While living in California, Jensen and Gino often brewed their own beers at home. The family moved to Austin and decided to finally open their own place. They found the Dripping Springs property in 2014, hooked up with now-head brewer Nate Seale, and got started from there.

Julia Keim

Seale, who used to be the head brewery of Austin spot (512) Brewing Company, sees Family as a “destination brewery.”

“We want to brew the type of beers that we want to drink on a daily basis,” Seale said. “Beers that are approachable and have wide appeal, but we’re not trying to dumb things down for people.” He added: “Do what you like to do, you’ll find an audience.”

That means an expansive variety of beers, from IPAs (there will be year-round and rotating options), sour ales, brown ales, barrel-aged brews, rye lagers, and more. The barrel-aged beers will make use of barrels from Texas whiskey distillery Garrison Brothers. Seale predicts that the Hamilton Pale Ale will become the brewery’s signature beer. Read on for the full beer line-up below.

“We got in at just the right time,” Gino said, “where there’s been this explosion of creativity and new people are coming up with exciting different beers.” He teased future collaborations with other breweries and friends.

Family’s beers are only available at the taproom for now, though there are eventual future plans to offer canning and speciality bottling in the future.

Julia Keim

Seale, who spent some time working in Portland’s beer scene (specifically Mt. Tabor), wanted to come back to Austin because of the city’s beer community. “Texas’ scene came up a little bit later,” Seale said. “Texas has never really been thought of as this great brewing capital, but Texas has been overlooked.

“What that’s created is a scene that’s really hungry,” Seale said, “where people are working really hard and creating some of the best beers out there.” Family Business presented the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“We want people to come not just to enjoy the beer,” Jensen said, “but also enjoy the experience.”

Family’s indoor taproom features a stylish wood bar designed by craftsman Adam Young and his company Old Crow Custom Works. On the opposite end of the room is an abstract mural painted by Los Angeles artist Kenton Parker, fronted by a stage for live music performances.

There’s a window into the proper brewery (yes, tours will be held). That There are currently five fermentation tanks, three 30-barrel ones and two 15-barrel ones. For other non-beer options, Family also serves non-alcoholic drinks and local wines.

Julia Keim

Family Business’s outdoor area, Kenton Parker’s mural in the taproom, the taproom’s view into the brewery, and the outdoor patio

Danneel’s biggest concern was making sure that the brewery was family- and dog-friendly. “We want to give the city people, along with everybody around the neighborhood, a Hill Country experience,” she explained.

This meant a fenced-in outdoor playground, picnic tables, patio deck, shaved ice machine, yard games like cornhole and horseshoes. People are encouraged to bring blankets and linger at the brewery. Eventually, they will clear the trail that winds through the property for walks. There are also crawfish boils in its future.

As for food, the Ackles’ friends and stars of A&E television Duck Dynasty Jep and Jessica Robertson are opening their own food trailer. Jep’s Southern Roots will focus on Southern Cajun comfort food, like meat pies, po’ boys, jambalaya, and more. It’s the same food truck that was featured in the Robertsons’ spin-off show Jep & Jessica.

Family Business Beer Co.’s hours are from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Julia Keim

Family Business Brewing Co.’s Beers

Hamilton Pale
American Pale Ale, 5.0 percent ABV
Named for the region, this beer has tasting notes of apricot, peach, tropical citrus aroma and is bright, hoppy and crisp. A focus on late hop additions provides a lot of juicy flavor while keeping bitterness restrained. This beer is named for Hamilton Pool Preserve, which is located near the brewery.

The Fox
Rye Lager, 4.9 percent ABV
Dry, spicy rye and noble hops in perfect harmony with the Pilsner Malt foundation. Named for one of the property’s wild residents, who always seems to appear at curious times.

Cosmic Cowboy
American IPA, 7.0 percent ABV
Ripe pineapple and grapefruit notes floating on a layer of pine. Satisfying, but entices you back for more. A true American IPA: inspired by the classics, but forward-thinking.

Haulin’ Oats
Brown ale, 5.2 percent ABV
Malty and smooth, with a deep tobacco hue and an approachable body. Toasted oats and honey malt lend the aroma of oatmeal cookie.

Ghost
White IPA, 4.9 percent ABV
Hazy and pale, with light berry and citrus notes from the combination of estery Belgian yeast and fruity American hops. A perfect hybrid of two very different styles.

King Biscuit
ESB, 5.0 percent ABV
Biscuit-y caramel malt character is buoyed by the subtle presence of floral English hops. A crisp, clean finish makes this an ideal session brew.

The Grackle
Imperial stout, 8.9 percent ABV
Rich, robust, maillard. Notes of coffee, prunes, baker’s chocolate, and heavily roasted malts are complemented by a lingering alcohol warmth. Full bodied and full of attitude. The name is also a nod to the owners as the last names Ackles and Graul combined make ‘Grackle’ as well as a nod to the grackle as an unofficial bird of Austin.

Winter Ale
Strong dark ale, 7.5 percent ABV
Layers of malt gradually unfold to reveal hints of toffee, maple, ripe plum, cereal and brown bread. Warm and deceptively complex.

• ‘Supernatural’ Star Jensen Ackles Is Opening a Texas Brewery [EATX]
• Family Business Beer Co. [Official]
• All Coverage of Family Business Beer Co. [EATX]