Anyone know what's going on down in San Marcos nowadays with Darkside Fermentation? I was just reminded of them in another thread. I know that the brewer, Silas, was trying to relocate the brewery last time I heard... but that was towards the end of last year. Anyone know where he's at? Are they ever going to brew again?
Last I heard they have been working on building the brewery outside of San Marcos. I think he was wanting it over the grid or super "green" at least. They has hosted a couple of solstice parties in the last year. Not sure when he'll be up and running.
Mark of the Yeast is a pretty amazing and completely unique one. Havent had since it was relatively fresh. Darkside Red has gone downhill and never got very sour. Opened an exploder bottle that was way oxidized. Golden Mean has a nice balance of funk and sweetness. I wish I had the chance to try The Saccromancer (sour barleywine). Wish him the best in getting things going again.
I've heard on two separate occasions that Silas has gone totally "off the grid" and there are no immediate plans for opening a new brewery anymore. Someone was also talking about this at Ananke Day, so I believe this to be more than just a rumor.
Just realized they have been gone so long that the laws changed and now it doesn't matter if they are at a brewpub!
This is a post from Silas on Facebook regarding a party at Darkside in Dec 2012. Seems like it is going slow and steady. Quote- Ω ≤ ∞ ≤ A ¡¡HARK!! A ≥ ∞ ≥ Ω Mayan Y2K is upon us! Darkside™ is celebrating the progress of the new off-the-grid Brewery location, things are gaining momentum. 12-21-12 we will be enjoying ourselves with Fine Music and BBQ, choice libations, and Epicurean fancies. –ƒån祧– After Noon we will start the celebration off with a bottle share, bring some if you wanna partake. The surprise musical professionals will wow you, especially from 5-10pm, while they are playing. Camping is no problem, we have the space, or else bring a DD. Plates of BBQ (cooked in smoker that could house a family of 4) will be available while supplies last. Donations accepted. I hear Real Ale will be open as usual, and that Middleton is having an early party too. Make a beer tour of the Devils Backbone and come see all three of us. Sorry about the late notice, but there ain't no face666k.com on the farm ya'll. 2070 Lime Kiln, Take the first right after passing Hillyard rd. About 2 miles from he Stadium. In San Marcos, of course. Yours for reals, ∆ ∞§∞ A≈Ω ∞§∞ ∆ ∆∆ Psyluz von Yeasty ∆∆ -Quote
Saccromancer was indeed incredible. I came late to the Darkside, but loved most of his beers. Would love to see him back up and brewing.
Hey ya'll. I made more than one detour to San Marcos while I was living in San Antonio just to try some of the Darkside beers. Even brought out a few bottles to SF when I moved here. As it so happens I cracked open my last bottle of the Flanders Red (bottle date 5.31... 2010? I'll have to check my notes but I"m guessing this is a good 2+ years old) and started wondering what ever happened to their brewery? It would be a shame if he has indeed fallen off the grid and no longer is going to brew anything. I think there's definitely room for some Darkside, even with everything else coming out of Texas these days, and until I hear anything to the contrary I'm still planning to crack open my last Mark of the Yeast to celebrate Darkside's reopening!
His most recent update was a sad one, but indicates that the brewery plans are still moving forward. Via FB. "Aug 20 · Last Week I lost one of my dearest friends, Stephanie Bledsoe, to a tragic accident on the farm we are currently building, the new home of Darkside Fermentation. She was my partner not only on the farm, but with the brewery as well. Its hard to imagine doing this without her around, she was the force that made everything come together. Those of you who met Stephanie can testify to her charisma and compassion. Such beautiful souls do not come out of nowhere, she was raised by an amazing family that truly understood her unique approach to life. We all wish to move forward with the plans Stephanie and I made, working together to keep her dream intact. As the dust settles I will keep you updated on the details as we work this situation out. Stephanie brought so many people together, as much in life as in death, and we thank our community for the tremendous outpour of support and love. -Silas Parker Brewmaster Darkside Fermentation"