Some of DFW's Most Interesting New Beers Are Brewed in Arlington, Not Dallas

It could be said that 2015 was the year of the brewery for Dallas-Fort Worth, with more than a dozen breweries opening their doors and filling kegs for all to enjoy. Currently, it seems as though each city in the metroplex is on track to have its own brewery, with Arlington having recently joined the group. After receiving their license to brew a few months ago, Division Brewing in Arlington opened to the public for the first time this past New Year's Eve before opening for good on January 30. Located only a short walk from the heart of UT-Arlington's campus, Division Brewing has one of DFW's most interesting beer selections.

Many breweries across the area only focus on a handful of options that have been worked for months, but what makes Division Brewing so intriguing is the sheer number of beers available in their taproom, all of which come from the brewers, who all started homebrewing these recipes years ago. Currently, Division Brewing has 16 different beers on tap, seven of which are IPAs, and for $15, visitors are given a logo pint glass and 4 beers to sample. What makes for such a unique experience at Division is the variety of beers offered; there is just about something for every beer snob, no matter what style of beer is preferred.

Entering Division Brewing's taproom, the bar is front and center. A chalkboard behind it lists the day's available beers. The bartenders, many of whom work at the brewery, are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to talk about their offerings. Division's most popular beer and one of many IPAs, Frankenfroth is hoppy and mildly bitter, the 8.2% ABV masked well and with only hints of citrus. Xmas Squeeze is a porter that tastes exactly like the chocolate oranges that are popular in December, without being too sweet. Forty-Eighter is an incredibly sour beer, to the point that mouths will pucker up when it's served plain. To counter the sourness, it's served with a squirt of raspberry puree from a plastic syringe that makes for an incredibly complex beer that is sweet and sour with a very tart aftertaste; easily one of the most curious beers in DFW. The Rosalee Hibiscus Wit is smooth and fruity, but it's sweetness is not overwhelming; made with hibiscus and orange peels, the taste comes through yet it still tastes like a wheat beer. The FareTheeWell saison tastes like the typical saison should: sour and a tad sweet with a light and crisp feel; it will be a great beer for the summer or those who want a brew that won't fill them up.

Beyond the bar in the taproom, there are a couple of long tables with stool seating inside Division. Outside, there's a dog-friendly area with a few wire spindles spread out for patrons to set their beers on. For those who wish to do more than stand around and drink, Division also has cornhole. Spend some time at the bar and people will talk about how they have already spent every Saturdays since Division's opening putting back beers at the Arlington spot. Hopefully these beers will be available outside the taproom soon, as Division certainly seems to be a brewery for people who love craft beer.

Division Brewing, 506 E Main St., Arlington, 214-697-8350