Not even the Texas Tech Sweet 16 game or the relentless dust-filled winds of West Texas could keep bourbon and beer lovers away from the Lubbock Bourbon Society’s inaugural Barrel Fest on Saturday.
Aficionados and newcomers alike packed into Evie Mae’s, clutching tiny four-ounce glasses — engraved with “Lubbock Bourbon Society” — as gusts of wind occasionally snuck through the door, even toppling a handful of cups near the entrance early in the evening.
Between sips, guests swirled barrel-aged brews, savoring hints of vanilla, oak and char. The air was thick with the buzz of conversation as attendees swapped tasting notes with bartenders and friends nearby, as their eyes lit up after every sip. It was clear that for many, the barrel-aging process — which imparts rich, complex flavors from the beer’s former bourbon barrel — was a revelation for many.
Manuel Gonzales — founder and president of the Lubbock Bourbon Society — drew inspiration for the event from his five years in Highlands Ranch near South Denver and frequent visits to beer festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival, which showcases brews from about hundreds of breweries across the country.
“I went to all these beer festivals, and my natural palate — or my natural liking — was for beers over 10% ABV,” Gonzales said. “Every time I went, I looked for those, and I thought, ‘It’d be so cool to have a barrel-aged beer fest.'”
While locals are well aware of the robust brewery scene in Lubbock and greater West Texas, the region isn’t yet as recognized as beer hubs like Austin, Denver, or California, which have pioneered the craft beer movement for decades. For Gonzales, the opportunity to showcase the bold flavors of West Texas breweries was an honor. The festival marked the beginning of what he hopes will help solidify the region’s reputation in the craft beer world for years to come.
That hope was reinforced when some attendees flew in from Dallas specifically to sample the liquid gold crafted by local brewmasters, with one sample even using a keg from their local bourbon society. Featured at the event were limited-edition, experimental brews from Brewery LBK, Goodline, Pondaseta of Amarillo, and Two Docs — each of which has built a loyal following over the years for their one-of-a-kind brews, always packed with flavor.
“I’ve never been to a place where all beer was barrel aged and as a craft beer enthusiast, this experience felt like a dream come true,” Gonzales said.
But for Gonzales, the festival represents more than just a passion for craft beer. As part of his commitment to the community, all profits from the event are donated to three key local causes through Lubbock Bourbon Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This initiative supports Lubbock Meals on Wheels, the Children’s Home of Lubbock and Texas 635, a first response support group.
Additionally, Gonzales sees the event as a way to offer a second life to some of the barrels used in brewing, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
“It’s amazing to give those barrels another purpose and share something really unique with the community,” he said.
The event’s success was no accident. Gonzales and his team spent over a year planning every detail, with some beers aging in barrels for up to 14 months. An they worked tirelessly to create a safe and enjoyable experience, hiring local bartenders from Preslea Thompson, and prioritizing guest safety. To ensure attendees could get home worry-free, each ticket purchase included a $25 Uber voucher.
Looking ahead, Gonzales has ideas to expand the festival’s reach even further.
“We’re thinking about hosting a pop-up dinner in the future … maybe a three or four-course meal paired with whiskey,” he said, eager to explore new ways to showcase the region’s culinary and brewing talent.
For now, he’s thrilled with the success of the inaugural event — not just for the beer but for the way it brought people together. From seasoned craft beer enthusiasts to casual drinkers, the festival created a space where people from all walks of life could connect over a shared appreciation for bold flavors and good company.