BY EDWARD SAENZ & INDIRA ZALDIVAR
In January, Que Onda Magazine toured three local breweries with City Brew Tours which recently launched their bilingual “educational beer experience” in Houston.
“We’ll take you around three different breweries so you can experience the taste and process of how [beers] are made here in Houston, cheers!” Javier Zelaya told Que Onda Magazine.
City Brew Tours is making waves in Houston’s craft beer scene. Leading this bilingual venture are Jenny Samara and her husband, Javier Zelaya, both from Honduras.
Motivated by Javier’s lifelong enthusiasm for craft beer, the couple decided to dive headfirst into Houston’s expansive beer culture.
“This journey has brought us full-circle,” said Jenny.
“We’re thrilled to combine our passion for craft beer with Houston’s diverse flavors and thriving breweries. It’s an honor to spotlight local talent and celebrate the incredible community that makes this city so special.”
The City Brew Tours Houston Branch aims to provide residents and visitors with curated experiences that showcase the best of the city’s craft beer offerings. From spotlighting hidden gems, such as Gristworkz and Frost Town, to sharing the unique stories behind Houston’s breweries, such as with True Anomaly Brewery, Jenny and Javier are on a mission to make beer lovers out of everyone.
You drink, and they drive you in their van to each brewery safely.
From Humble Beginnings to Nationwide Expansion
City Brew Tours was founded in 2008 by Chad Brodsky, then a college student at the University of Vermont. Chad’s love for craft beer began while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. Upon his return, he took a beer-making class but quickly realized his talents lay elsewhere. Undeterred, Chad purchased a used church van, donned lederhosen, and began offering brewery tours in Burlington, Vermont.
Supported by local pioneers like Greg Noonan, founder of Vermont Pub and Brewery, Chad’s venture flourished. By 2012, he refined his business model, left his job in finance, and expanded to Boston. The company rebranded as City Brew Tours to reflect its growing footprint.
Today, City Brew Tours operates in 24 cities across North America, including the newest addition in Houston. Each location offers guided tours led by knowledgeable beer enthusiasts, ensuring every experience is educational, entertaining, and delicious.
Raising a Glass to Houston’s Breweries
Jenny and Javier’s leadership in Houston reflects City Brew Tours’ commitment to connecting communities through the creation of craft beer. As they embark on this exciting venture, the couple invites everyone to join them in exploring Houston’s finest breweries.
“Craft beer is about more than just great flavors—it’s about the stories, the people, and the community that come together to make it,” Javier said.
“We’re excited to share that with Houston.”
“We hope we can have you in our tours in the future and enjoy craft beers from all around.”
So, whether you’re a beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, raise a glass with City Brew Tours Houston and discover the flavors, culture, and camaraderie that define the city’s craft beer scene. Newcomers be warned, you will drink a fair amount of beer.
Tours occur every Wednesday-Sunday and will take you around three of the 12 breweries listed below, around the Houston-area based on the option of tour you pick. There’s three public tour options plus private tours available.
Spanish-speaking tours will be performed upon requests.
- New Magnolia Brewery
- Walking Sticks Brewery
- Big Owl Craft House and Turkey Forrest Brewery
- Elderson Brewery
- Gristworkz
- True Anomaly
- Frost Town Brewery
- Spindletap Brewery
- City Acre
- Deca
- 11 Below
- Mad Llama
Keep up with local adventures and business in Houston with Que Onda Magazine.
