Just one week before the Rising Stars Revue gala from StarChefs.com, the editors of the highly regarded online magazine for culinary insiders have released their six finalists for Best Brewer in Austin and San Antonio. The nominations and official announcement of the Rising Star Brewer award was to be released the night of the gala on Tuesday, February 21 at the Driskill Hotel, but the buzz around town regarding our fantastic Rising Star chefs, restaurateurs, pastry chefs, mixologists and food industry royalty has been so great, that they couldn’t resist releasing one more category for Austin and San Antonio to celebrate.

And the list of Rising Star Brewer finalists is:

Kevin Brand, 512 Brewing Company
Jeffrey Stuffings, Jester King Craft Brewery
Will Golden, Austin Beerworks
Scott Metzger, Freetail Brewing Co.
Brian Peters, Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que
Jeff Young, Black Star Co-op

This is the first year StarChefs.com has held a Rising Stars Revue for Austin and San Antonio and the sentiment from the foodie and beverage scene has been that of excitement and pride.

"The thing that jumps out at you [about this list] is that none — none — of the breweries/pubs on this list existed five years ago, and many of them aren't even two years old,” says local food and music journalist Tom Thornton who is also heavily involved in the Austin beer community. "The sea of change in Texas brewing is directly reflected here, from Jester King's careful focus on farmhouse and wild ales to Austin Beerworks' successful strategy to bring craft beer cans to Austin's bars and music venues. The recognition of three brewpubs is heartening to see as well — they're in short supply in Texas, and the list here proves there's a real love for them."

As with the other Rising Stars who will be celebrated at the awards ceremony and gala, these top brewers will be along to see who intrigued the editorial judging panel the most.

You can find out for yourself at the walk-around tasting gala where you can have the opportunity to eat your way through Austin and San Antonio’s top restaurants and sample beverage pairings by the winning sommelier and mixologist. Tickets are $85 per person; VIP tickets are $125.