Texas Special is a beer brand with some serious history. The independent, family-owned K. Spoetzl Brewery first brewed in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. It remained a local staple into the 1960s, when large-scale domestic brewers began using aggressive pricing and tactics, effectively making the small-scale production of beers like Texas Special unsustainable. In the latter half of the 20th century though, Spoetzl’s focus shifted to the Shiner brand.
Until now! Spoetzl Brewery revived Texas Special this month (officially available starting March 2). Why now after all these years?
“We are bringing Texas Special back now for a couple reasons,” the Spoetzl team tells CBB. “The first is that it is a beer with a storied history that we want to bring to a whole new generation. The second is that we want Texans to have an option for a great tasting and accessible beer from a Texas brewery at a fair price. In Texas Special they get a locally brewed easy-drinking beer that is 100% Texan.”
Now back and better than ever, this smooth, easy-drinking beer honors nearly a century of brewing excellence—all at a fair price. Texans can enjoy the beloved brew on draft now, with cans and packs rolling out statewide on March 2, just in time for Texas Independence Day.
Texas Special renewed
While the Texas Special beer brand is historic, the flavor profiles will match the 21st century tastes. Alongside the revival of Texas Special with a revamped recipe, the brand introduces Texas Special Light, a lighter take on the classic Texas brew. Both beers are proudly brewed in Shiner, TX and made with quality ingredients like artesian well water and premium grains.
“We decided to expand Texas Special to include a light version because drinker preferences have shifted since when this beer was first launched in the middle of the 20th century,” says Nick Weiland, Director of Marketing at the K. Spoetzl Brewery. “Both Texas Special and Texas Special Light are incredibly easy-drinking beers, with Light pushing it even further down to 98 calories. While there is some obvious appeal for those looking for a better-for-you option, we expect the bigger appeal to be to be that this is just a great-tasting Texas beer.”
In addition to updating the recipe, the brand refreshed and elevated the original typography of the cans. Subtle adjustments highlight the word “Texas” more prominently, while a star on the badge now marks the brewery’s home town.
Texas Special (4.4 % ABV | 12 IBU): This American-style lager offers a crisp, refreshing taste with a smooth, easy finish. The aroma features subtle malt sweetness with hints of grain and fresh bread, complemented by a delicate floral hop note. On the palate, it delivers a clean, bright experience with a lighter body and moderate carbonation. The finish is smooth with a slight lingering sweetness. Texas Special pairs best with Texas-style smoked brisket, ribs and sausage.
Texas Special Light (4.0% ABV | 8.6 IBU): A refined, lighter take on Texas Special, this American-style light lager offers a delicate aroma of sweet malt and subtle hops. On the palate, it delivers a clean, crisp profile with soft malt undertones and a hint of hop bitterness for a smooth finish. Just 98 calories and refreshingly light, it’s the perfect choice for beer lovers who prefer a lighter brew. Texas Special Light pairs best with Texas-style BBQ chicken and Texas Gulf Seafood.
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