A Sip And A Thought: The Thistle Draftshop Wows with Craft Beers and More

SPRING, TX -- OK, here is the sitch. You’re coming back from somewhere downtown or the medical center, when you find out that several jack-knifed water buffaloes and tractor-trailers have piled-up traffic on Interstate 45 just south of the Woodlands Parkway. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it is gonna take some time to clear the mess. It’s still early on in the rush hour, but decisions need to be made quickly, because it’s Friday, and that red line on your phone is growing longer on your maps app. A few minutes ago it was at The Grand Parkway, then the next time you look down it's even lower down. It’s go time, do you want to sit in traffic for the next two or three hours? Thankfully the spouse and kids have left early to the cabin for the weekend. So what do you do? Well, I say take the FM 2920 (Spring Cypress Road) exit and start heading west about 4 miles, to 5210 FM 2920 and the ‘Thistle Draftshop,’ because I found a new jewel in the crown of great places that offers craft beers and food favorites that will knock your socks off.

Thistle Draftshop is a very welcoming place to hangout fit for regulars, the 2920 crowd, or even people wanting to avoid interstate traffic nightmare situations. Built out of an automotive repair shop with garage doors on both ends, there is a lot of open space to just hangout with friends, or just people watch. You will see groups come for lunch and hangout for hours. I saw a bunch of military guys and gals from a local airport, and they were having a good time. And what were they there for? Craft Beer and Food. TD has tons of Shareables, Soups and Salads, specialty Burgers, and Thistle Wings. They even have you covered for Monday - Friday, Breakfast and Lunch, then on the weekends they have Saturday and Sunday Brunch. And if you have an event, they even have space for that. Owner Mary Thorn is an awesome lady, and she has a great staff, plus the chefs she has on hand are schooled and well trained, and they’ll surprise you with the taste and portion sizes that will keep you coming back. Not only that, there is an associated speakeasy called ‘The Blind Finch’ that impresses, offering costume 1920’s themed parties, sophisticated cocktails, craft beers, spirits, and a specialized menu made from the same Thistle Draftshop scratch kitchen. Now if I could only find the door. I’d mention the occasional burlesque show they offer, but that’s hush hush. The ladies are great entertainers by the way, I know. I’ve seen them perform … twice.

If it’s Craft Beer you are looking for at Thistle Draft, then come and pony up at the horse track shaped bar, because there are more choices than there are stars in the sky. I tried a flight of four: Pilsner Rešov, West Coast Ghost, Wild Apricot, and Coffee Porter. The only thing I can say. Wow! Each had their own style, flavors, and the creativity coming out of these breweries blows my mind. Gone are the days of bland beers with no taste, because TD’s Mary Thorn has a great group of beer suppliers using ingredients that inspire with new century brewing techniques that are making waves.

The Pilsner Rešov, pays homage to its namesake village in the Czech Republic and is representative of a Bohemian lifestyle. I loved the milky head, as well as the floral hints, spices from the old land, and a bready taste. With its light side, fest beer feel at 4.6% ABV, it’s a great all day beer, and it goes well with anything the TD chefs can cook up for you. I tried the ‘Natalie Nuggets,’ a new chicken item, and I was sold. The soft chicken inside was moist and delicious, while the crust was crispy and never faltered. If you have a hankering for chicken nuggets, even on Christmas, Thistle Draftshop is open. And better yet, just eliminate CFA from your chicken dining repertoire altogether, because Natalie’s chicken nuggets are so much better. The sauce that comes with the nuggets has a peanut butter feel, but I’ll let you ask what it's made with.

The West Coast Ghost is a pucker up craft beer. With a double IPA status it’s on the higher side of bitterness, but in a lovely way. I’d say it’s designed for a more mature palate, with the younger you are, the more pucker face you get. It’s fun and lively, and with IPA’s you expect them to be hazy, but with the West Coast Ghost, it appearance is light and clear. I enjoyed the tropical citrus, hoppy, malty feel of the WCG, and with its trio of hops, it made for a bold statement with great taste. I’m not usually a fan of grapefruit, but it works and has a crisp and dry feel. The finish is long and aggressive taking encore after encore that just goes on and on. With 8% ABV, the West Coast Ghost can jump out at you quick, so I ordered some Red Dragon Fries. One word. Awesome! Made with thin crispy pork belly strips, jalapeno, beer cheese, green onions, crispy garlic, Korean chili flakes, Thai chili flakes, and queso fresco, all topped on a pile of delicious fries, it comes together, and makes for a great pairing with the West Coast Ghost.

The Wild Apricot, a.k.a. Wild Sour Series: Apricot, is another pucker up craft beer. I was struck by the aroma alone, it just hits you; like a brick. Its tarty sour, refreshing, citrusy, biscuity, malty, and the stone fruit from the apricot ensures its perfectly balanced. With 6% ABV, the Wild Apricot, I’d say it’s a tart wild ale, and has a lasting finish. One thing I’d recommend is to make a candy out of it, now that would be incredible. The Wild Apricot pairs well with the RD Fries, or anything on the Thistle Draftshop menu.

The Coffee Porter is dark and appears to be the new way of enjoying the bean at all times of the day. It was the darkest beer I tried, with its touch on the palate being gentle. The CP has a little pucker factor, but shouldn’t be offensive to the beginner. With 6.6% ABV, it’s a nice mid-level beer that is rich and robust, with a dry finish. And I can say that I like my cold-brewed coffee from now on with 6.6% ABV. I would have loved to dash in some truffle sea salt, which would have intensified the flavor to new heights. I thought this paired well with the Natalie Nuggets.

Thistle Draftshop will be celebrating their 7th Anniversary in December. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy life. The craft beers and food are sure to please. And if you need to hang out there for a bit of happiness on a sad day, a rough day at work, you will be welcomed. If you need to avoid interstate traffic jams, then head on down. You might arrive at the cabin a little late, but you can use the excuse of the traffic jam or running over a thistle and having to change your tire. It works every time.

Alcohol Disclaimer: This column is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please drink responsibly, not just for yourself, but for others around you.

The Thistle Draftshop: thistledraftshop.com

Located at 5210 FM 2920, Suite 100, in Spring.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net