Last Updated on 23 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf
From humble beginnings to nationwide distribution, Shiner Bock Brewery is a fantastic destination for the weary traveler. But to get the full experience of this century-old brewery, it’s best to take the brewery tour!
The Shiner Bock Brewery Tour is an immersive 45-minute guided excursion through the brewery, including the brewing and packaging processes. Tour goers will receive Shiner Bock merch, drink tokens, and an experience to remember.
If you’re traveling through Shiner, Texas, the Shiner Bock brewery tour is a must-do! Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, this historical brew house tour is fun, entertaining, and educational.
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Shiner Bock Brewery History: A German, Czech, and Bavarian Walk Into A Bar…
Okay, they didn’t actually walk into a bar and start working together, but the history of Shiner Bock’s beginnings embodies the American spirit of the early 1900s.
Immigrants from Germany and the Czech Republic who settled in Shiner, Texas, in 1909 longed for an old-world quality beer that would remind them of home. The settlers discovered an artesian well and constructed a two-story tin shed over the well.
The water from that artesian well became the groundwork of Shiner Bock’s first beer! Even with the artesian well, they were missing one critical member of the brewing process: the Brewmaster.
Kosmos Spoetzl: Shiner’s First Brewmaster
In 1914, the settlers of Shiner found Kosmos Spoetzl, a Bavarian who was a classically-trained brewer from Germany. He had an old-world family recipe that was described as ‘taking a sip of home.’
With the addition of Spoetzl to their team, the settlers of Shiner found themselves producing some of the first Shiner Bock Beer. Unfortunately, as we all know from history, 1920 marked the start of prohibition (boo).
Prohibition’s Impact On Shiner
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History tells us that, before prohibition, there were approximately 1,300 to 1,500 breweries in the United States. Once prohibition hit, hundreds of breweries closed their doors. But not Shiner Bock!
Shiner produced what is known as ‘near beer,’ which contains a maximum of 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). This was a common way for breweries to remain open, but many did not have the infrastructure or funds to do so.
Luckily, Shiner made it through the prohibition years. Legend has it that Spoetzl still brewed the classic Shiner beer during Prohibition, too. In fact, he was accused of bootlegging and ended up serving some time! But that didn’t keep Shiner down for long.
End Of Prohibition And A Journey To Nationwide Distribution
Prohibition ended in 1933, and to celebrate, Spoetzl paid a man named Gilbert Capster $2.50 to load up a pony keg (a quarter keg) on the back of his bicycle and ride it around town.
From that time on, the brewery changed ownership from Spoetzl to his daughter, Cecilia, who ran it until the late 60s and was the only female brewery proprietor in the United States at the time. By 1993, Shiner Bock had expanded into 14 states.
Over the following thirty years, Shiner Bock continued to expand, obtain new brewmasters, and even began a line of spirits. Today, the brewery still stands in Shiner, Texas, and offers its customers an original experience you won’t find anywhere else!
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Shiner Bock Brewery Tour
Now that we know a little history about this Texas-based brewery, let’s move on to the Shiner Brewery Tour. Whether you’re a local or just traveling through like we were, it’s worth a stop.
The Shiner Bock Brewery building is impressive enough. Towering white turrets give it the appearance of an old-school factory, smokestacks included! Wavering American and Lone Star State flags whip in the wind, adding to the magnificent ambiance of the brewery.
You may notice that the building doesn’t say “Shiner Bock Brewery” but instead says “K. Spoetzl Brewery.” This refers to the original brewmaster, Kosmos Spoetzl.
Inside this majestic building is a cozy bar where the wall behind the bar is covered with tools of the trade from back in the day, hinting at the times of pre- and post-prohibition.
Let’s dive into the details of the Shiner Bock Brewery Tour so you’ll know where to go, how to sign up, and what to expect. Cheers!
How To Sign Up For The Shiner Bock Brewery Tour
Brewery tours occur every half hour during the busy season and every hour during the slow season (winter). While you are able to buy tickets at the brewery, spaces are limited, especially during the peak summer season. For this reason, it’s recommended to reserve online beforehand.
To reserve a spot on the brewery tour, head to the Shiner Bock website, click on the day you want to reserve, and select a time. Add the number of tickets, and fill out a contact form. Simple, right?
Shiner offers two tour types: the brewery tour and the distillery tour. Each lasts around 45 minutes and includes merchandise.
Price
The Shiner Bock Brewery Tour is $35 per person over 21 years of age, plus tax. For those under 21, the price is $10.
Payment is made at the brewery on the day of the tour. For those who do not drink or are under 21, the brewery serves non-alcoholic drinks.
What’s Included
With a brewery tour ticket, you’re in for a sudsy adventure! Each tour is led by a friendly, fun, knowledgeable employee who will take you on a 45-minute tour of the brewery. You’ll get to see where the magic happens in the brewery process, as well as the packaging process.
But what everyone really wants is the swag, right? Shiner doesn’t skimp out on this part! Expect stickers, bags, cups, and more during the tour. You’ll also receive 3 drink tokens with each tour fee to test out some delicious Shiner beer.
$35 may seem a little expensive, but when you add in all the merch, the fun and immersive experience, as well as the drink tokens, it’s well worth it.
Where To Go
When you arrive at the Shiner Bock Brewery (603 State Hwy 95, Shiner, TX 77984), one of the first doors you’ll pass is the Welcome Center. This is where you can check in and pay for the tour.
If you miss this door, no worries. You can go to the gift shop, restaurant, or tap room and ask any of their friendly staff about paying for your tour.
Parking
A fairly large gravel parking lot is available directly off of Hilltop Road, which borders the brewery property.
Another large parking lot is available off 6th Street, but requires a short walk from the lot, across the bridge over Boggy Creek, and to the brewery grounds. This is where we parked, and it took us just a few minutes’ walk from the lot to the brewery.
Bringing Pets To Shiner Bock Brewery
If you plan to bring your pup to the brewery, you’ll be happy to know there is a huge grassy lawn in front of the brewery with chairs and picnic tables that you and your furry pal can enjoy.
A few things to note about dogs at the Shiner brewery:
- Dogs must always be on a leash
- Dogs (except service animals) are not allowed inside the buildings
- Live music is a common occurrence, which may not be suitable for all dogs.
We travel with our three-legged dog, Pawdrick, and our one-eyed cat, G, so we’re always looking for pet-friendly places to stop for a drink and a bite to eat!
Shiner Bock Brewery Tour: Wrap-Up Session
A stop at Shiner Bock is the perfect detour while traveling. It’s located centrally between Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, making it a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the area.
When you buy tickets for the Shiner Bock Brewery Tour, you’re signing up for a fun-filled experience:
- 45-minute tour of the brewhouse and packaging facility
- Shiner/Spoetzl merchandise
- Drink tokens
From humble beginnings to nationwide distribution, Shiner Bock has come a long way since 1909, and continues to look forward to new horizons, new beer, and new experiences.
Until next time, enjoy your travels and keep adventuring! For more travel destinations like this article, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!
