It comes as no surprise that an Austin brewery would come away with a national award for supporting the local community. Independence Brewing Co. recently collected the prestigious Good Food Award for their Convict Hill Stout. Recipients are those “who push their industries towards craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing our agricultural landscape and building strong communities.”

Independence is entering only its eighth year as an Austin microbrewery, but already has a faithful following around the state. The husband-and-wife duo of Amy and Rob Cartwright founded the company following encouragement from friends and family. Now many in Austin plan their Saturdays around the aptly named First Saturday event at Independence’s South Austin location.

Often, you find one or the other: a good product, or a business that is involved in great service to the community. It’s the Cartwright’s ability to combine those two things that had Good Food Award judges taking notice.

First, the beer: Convict Hill Stout. The dark brew is a year-round offering from Independence and has flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and oatmeal. Next, service to the community. From benefit dinners supporting Austin’s Sustainable Food Center to allowing their used barley to be used by local farmers to feed livestock, the brewery has its hand in the sustainability of both agriculture and the food industry in Austin. And it doesn’t end there. You’ll see Independence supporting environmental groups like Keep Austin Beautiful and even animal-centric non-profits like Austin Pets Alive.

March 4 is the next First Saturday event, so get your folding chairs, grab a few friends and head down to Independence Brewing Co.’s warehouse at 3913 Todd Lane. Order a Convict Hill Stout and toast to the company that’s doing business the right way.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 9:00 am and is filed under Drink.