Texas is the only state in the country that was legitimately its own country for a while. We’re a proud state, and we like to do our own thing. We have our barbecue and refusal to really buy into public transportation. We also have our beers, and, in recent years, distilled liquors. Here’s a beginners guide to drinking like a Texan.

Beers

Shiner Bock Shiner Bock was born in Texas in the early 1900s, when a German immigrant wanted to create beer similar to what he remembered from his homeland. Shiner Bock was first brewed in 1913. Now it’s everywhere. You can get it in Alaska, Illinois and Washington.

HOMETOWN: Shiner

THE TYPE: Guys and gals ages 22 and up. They make a little bit of money and have moved past the drink-whatever-gets-you-drunk-for-cheap phase.

WEB SITE: www.shiner.com

FUN FACT: Shiner introduced its first light beer in 2003.

PRICE: About $7 for a six pack

Lone Star Beer Lone Star is even older than Shiner, dating back to the 1800s when some guy named Busch invented it. Ever hear that name connected to beer before? The Lone Star brewery was built in 1904 in San Antonio. You can get Texas namesake beer all over the state.

ORIGIN: Originally from San Antonio

THE TYPE: The budget-conscious beer drinker; your dad; college students who are still very much in the drink-whatever-gets-you-drunk-for-cheap phase.

WEB SITE: www.lonestarbeer.com

FUN FACT: Lone Star’s shield and star logo was first introduced in 1957.

PRICE: Affordable

Real Ale Brews Real Ale Brewing Company offers some of the finest craft beers Texas has to offer. They started making their brews in 1996 in Blanco, which is north of San Antonio near Austin. Some of their top brews include Firemans No. 4 Blonde Ale, Full Moon Pale Rye Ale and Brewhouse Brown Ale. They also have seasonal brews.

ORIGIN: Blanco

THE TYPE: Those that seek out the finer things, like craft beers. The same people you probably find hanging out at Roosevelt’s and staying as far away from Bud Light as they can.

WEB SITE: www.realalebrewing.com

FUN FACT: Real Ale Brewing was first housed in the basement of an antique store.

PRICE: About $8 for a sampler six pack

Alamo Golden Ale This golden ale is brewed in San Antonio, and it’s named after The Alamo. Don’t forget. Is anything more Texan than that?

ORIGIN: San Antonio

THE TYPE: Anyone who remembers.

WEB SITE: www.alamobeer.com

FUN FACT: There is no relation, but the characters in the quintessential Texas cartoon “King of the Hill” drink Alamo Beer.

PRICE: About $9 for a six pack

ZiegenBock This brew is only available in Texas. Seriously, try and get it elsewhere. It even has a big outline of the state on the label. It is, however, very similar to Amber Bock.

ORIGIN: Houston

THE TYPE: People who would order Amber Bock, which is basically the same beer just renamed for the Texas market. Proud Texans who like Budweiser products are likely drinking this beer.

WEB SITE: http://www.ziegenbock.com

FUN FACT: Ziegenbock is only available inside Texas.

PRICE: About $7 for a six pack

Liquors

Texas vodka, while a recent development, has earned rave reviews in its short existence. Tito’s Vodka, which is distilled in Austin, has received much critical acclaim since the company started out in 1995. Tito’s is available in the Rio Grande Valley at a number of local bars and restaurants. Dripping Springs and Savvy Vodka are also made here in Texas, and you can find them at liquor stores such as Feldman’s.

Tito’s Vodka

ORIGIN: Austin

Dripping Springs Vodka

ORIGIN: Dripping Springs

Savvy Vodka

ORIGIN: Austin

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Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.

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