Every morning, we send you a free email packed with Austin news, business, and entertainment. Join 20,000+ readers who wake up to Austonia's newsletter.
Featured
austonia newsletter
Most viewed
Blue Norther, an Austin-based seltzer company owned by two people named Austin, won every medal in the hard seltzer competition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year. (Blue Norther/Facebook)
Austin T. and Austin M. Pittman walked into the San Francisco World Spirits Competition representing their Austin-based hard seltzer company, Blue Norther, as first-time entrants.
The two Austins hoped for a medal or two when they entered the competition for the first time. Instead, they were one of seven companies to win multiple medals as each of their flavors won a medal.
Blue Norther swept the competition, with its Wild Blackberry flavor taking gold, Prickly Pear receiving silver, and Agave Lime recognized with a bronze medal.
The competition is one of the most highly regarded spirits competitions globally, and 28 drink companies entered their hard seltzers in the competition. Blue Norther was the only Texas-based hard seltzer to win an award.
Austin T. Pittman, Blue Norher's CEO, said it was an influential win for a company that has been around for less than a year.
"From the beginning, our mission has been to create a beverage that tastes better than any hard seltzer on the market," Pittman said. "To medal three times in our first year at such a prestigious competition validates what we and so many of our fans know—Blue Norther tastes great. Our team looks forward to building from this recognition and bringing more Blue Norther to the people of Texas and beyond."
The father and son duo named the brand after the cold front that can also be called a Texas Norther, and its goal is to represent the Lone Star State's iconic fruits in their seltzers. The drink can be found in Texas cities including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth at retailers such as H-E-B, Total Wine, Whole Foods and Spec's.
- Alcohol sales are up but Austin breweries still struggling - austonia ›
- 5 new breweries and more in Austin - austonia ›
- A sunny day and a cold beer: 15 Austin breweries worth exploring ... ›
- Beer hall added to Austin FC's $260 million stadium design - austonia ›
- Ranch Rider Spirits Co., Ranch Water - austonia ›
- Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, Watermelon - austonia ›
- 7 Austin hard seltzers tasted and rated by the Austonia team - austonia ›
- Austin Eastciders Spiked Seltzer, Black Cherry - austonia ›
- Topo Chico Hard Seltzer to be available next year, Coca Cola ... ›
- Shotgun Spiked Seltzer, Ranch Water - austonia ›
- Blue Norther Hard Seltzer, Wild Blackberry - austonia ›
Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
