This past weekend I took my first ever trip to Austin. I know, it’s crazy that I’ve been going to SMU for four years and haven’t been to Austin until now, but I love Dallas and never saw a reason to leave.

So why did I finally get to Austin? This was basically a beer run. And yes, it was worth driving three and a half hours each way just to get beer.

I’m not talking about Natty Light or PBR or even Shiner Bock. I wouldn’t go near those beers. I’m talking about super rare, super exclusive craft beers from one of the most innovative and different breweries in America.

Good beer is a truly wonderful thing, completely unlike the macrobrews that most college students drink on game day.

Some of it is definitely an acquired taste. If you’re used to Bud Light, the funky, bracingly sour Belgian Gueuze would shock the palate. A hoppy and bitter Double IPA would likely repulse someone used to Corona.

But it’s a taste worth acquiring. Good beer can be found cheap. A six pack of one of the best Hefeweizens in the world (a sweet, malty wheat beer characterized by intense “banana” and “clove” flavors) is available for barely more than a six pack of Coors, and almost as easy to find too.

With such a great beer scene in Dallas and with easy access to so much more than just what can be found on the boulevard, there really isn’t a good excuse not to expand your palate.

The easiest place to start would be with a good Munich Helles Lager, like a Weihenstephaner Original. The malty, lightly hopped flavor profile would be similar to one of the American Lagers, but with much more depth and complexity.

If you don’t like the traditional beer flavor, try something completely different, like a Framboise Lambic. It doesn’t taste anything like beer, but it does have a beautiful sweet-tart raspberry flavor.

Like coffee and chocolate? Try a stout. Stouts are known to have lots of chocolate and coffee flavors, and when aged in bourbon barrels they take on even more complexity.

There is a beer out there for everyone. With such distinct and unique flavors at such reasonable prices, the world of craft beer is an entirely new
drinking experience.

Once you go craft, you’ll never be able to drink a Miller Light again.

Keene is a senior majoring in political science, economics and public policy.