It seems the glass overhead door at Barrow Brewing Co. has been open forever, but April will mark just the eighth anniversary since Graydon and KD Hill opened the brewery.

Perhaps it is because Barrow Brewing began laying the foundation for its introduction into the community long before they opened in 2016. That was by intent. 

The Hills laid the groundwork for the first craft brewery in Bell County by circulating a petition to call for a local option election to allow for the legal sale of beer and wine in 2014. On Nov. 4, 2014, the local option election passed 784 in favor and 229 against.

That’s where 784, one of the brews available year-round, took its name. 784 is one of the original flagship brews for Barrow Brewing. A Belgian witte (white) beer, 784 has orange rind and coriander with a traditional Belgian yeast note. 

Evil Catfish IPA pays homage to Troy Kelley’s catfish that is part of the Legend of Sirena. It has hoppy citrus notes with an intense but round bitterness.

For those who want something light, there is the Creek Don’t Rise Lager, described as “Crisp, bright, and refreshing.”

Or you might try Big Bubbly Blonde. The springs on the grounds of Barrow Brewing are known as Big Bubbly which is where the newest Blonde in the Barrow lineup took its name. 

My personal favorite is the Tipsy Vicar Stout. The malt balances the sweetness of the yeast. 

Mystery of the Deep Double IPA packs a punch of hop. Packing 9.2%, it’s not for the timid beer drinker.

Barrow adds three main seasonal brews, the Swimming Hole Honey Pilsner in spring, the Hat Tip Hefeweisen in summer and the Farm to Market Persimmon Saison in the fall.

They add 14 others that rotate throughout the year in the taproom. You can’t get these in stores, only by the pour at Barrow and various taprooms and restaurants around Central Texas.

But it’s not just the beer that brings you to Barrow. It is something that can’t be concocted in giant tanks.

It’s community. 

The Hills will mark their eighth anniversary with a celebration on April 6, 2024.

Live music will entertain guests throughout the day. The lineup includes Wayworn Traveler, Sam Goldwinners, Brooks Emerson, and Wes Perryman.

The party will last 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. at Barrow Brewing, 108 Royal Street Salado, Texas.

See you there.