When you think of the craft beer industry, a male-dominated space might come to mind. But in Austin, Texas, Chris and Amber, the founders of LassHaus Ales, are rewriting the narrative. As the city's only all-female brewery, LassHaus Ales is much more than a beer brand—it's a bold statement of community, creativity, and resilience. 🍺
Chris and Amber’s story began over ten years ago when they met at work and bonded over shared life experiences, including a mutual love of brewing. While Chris had dabbled in brewing beer, Amber was crafting her own kombucha recipes. Weekend brewing experiments at Amber's house soon turned into a shared dream of creating something bigger—a brewery that combined their engineering and financial backgrounds with a passion for craft beverages.
“At first, it was just a fun thing to do,” Chris shared, “but it evolved into a way to connect our current passion with future goals.” Amber, who dreams of building infrastructure for under-resourced communities, saw the brewery as a way to generate funds to support her mission while also creating a gathering hub for beer lovers in Austin.
Unlike many breweries born from a simple love of beer, LassHaus Ales has a deeply rooted mission. Amber envisioned LassHaus as a space that would not only serve great beer but also give back to the local and global community. From supporting local charities to funding community infrastructure projects in South America, the brewery is dedicated to creating meaningful impact. “We’re building the experience for people to come together, while also finding ways to give back,” Amber explained.
This commitment to community extends to their brewing philosophy as well. LassHaus Ales is all about creating a welcoming space for everyone, whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or a newcomer curious to try something new.
LassHaus Ales is not just another brewery. It’s a brand with personality—and their beers reflect that. Chris and Amber collaborate closely to craft unique recipes, often putting their own twist on traditional styles. Their flagship beer? A double Belgian saison that’s been described as “duPont with extra flavor.”
“We can’t do anything normal,” Amber joked. “Even with a light beer, we add something that makes it distinctly ours.” This dedication to creating personality-driven beers has earned them a solid reputation in Austin’s crowded beer scene.
Chris’s favorite? IPAs that “punch you in the face” with hoppy goodness.
Amber’s specialty? Belgian-style ales with complex yeast profiles and spices.
What sets them apart? A commitment to brewing beers you won’t find anywhere else.
Without a dedicated taproom yet, LassHaus Ales relies on contract brewing, renting equipment from other breweries to produce their beers. While this setup has allowed them to distribute locally to bars and restaurants, it comes with significant limitations. Scheduling around other breweries’ production times and managing full-time jobs on the side has been challenging, but Chris and Amber remain optimistic.
“We’re actively looking for a property to build our taproom,” Amber said. “The ultimate goal is to have our own space where we can fully realize our vision.” In the meantime, they’ve created a “dive garden” pilot space where they experiment with new recipes and occasionally host private tastings.
As an all-female brewery in a male-dominated industry, LassHaus Ales has naturally drawn attention. However, Chris and Amber emphasize that their focus isn’t on making a feminist statement—it’s about being authentic and letting their work speak for itself. “We’re not hypersexualizing or putting out an extreme message. We’re just having fun with it,” Amber explained.
From their cheeky slogan, “A Brothel of Beers,” to the enthusiastic reception from both men and women in the industry, their authenticity has resonated. Local female-owned establishments have been especially supportive, often featuring LassHaus Ales on tap as a nod to female empowerment in the brewing world.
What’s next for LassHaus Ales? While they continue to distribute locally, Chris and Amber are laser-focused on finding a permanent location for their taproom. They envision a space that’s not only a destination for Austin locals and tourists but also a hub for community events and gatherings. In the longer term, they hope to expand into canning and retail distribution, bringing their personality-driven beers to even more beer lovers.
Despite challenges—including a recent setback in their distribution model—Chris and Amber remain determined. “There’s always going to be challenges and negativity,” Chris said. “But if you believe in what you’re doing, you just keep going.”
If you’re in Austin, don’t miss the chance to experience LassHaus Ales firsthand. Check their website for an updated list of local bars and restaurants serving their beers, or reach out to arrange a private visit to their dive garden. Whether you’re craving a bold IPA, a complex Belgian, or something entirely unexpected, LassHaus Ales promises beers with personality and purpose.
LassHaus Ales is more than a brewery—it’s a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and innovation. Chris and Amber’s journey proves that breaking barriers and staying true to your vision can lead to something truly extraordinary. So, whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply inspired by stories of trailblazing women, LassHaus Ales is a must-see (and must-taste) in Austin. 🍻