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Lake Highlands' new microbrewery opens the taps on July 18

July marks another big month in North Texas craft beer, as the area welcomes two new operations. In addition to the previously announced opening of Noble Rey Brewing Co. in Dallas Design District, Lake Highlands will get a production microbrewery all its own.

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Oak Highlands Brewery, as it's called, will celebrate a grand opening on July 18 at its new 16,200-square-foot facility and taproom just north of 635 near Plano Road.

The brewery is a partnership between residents Derrin Williams and Brad Mall, who together boast roughly three decades of brewing experience. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Oak Highlands has been a presence -- not too mention award-winner -- at several local homebrew competitions. The duo decided to go pro after hearing enough times that its beer was pretty darn good, Williams says.

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And that's not just from thirsty friends -- Oak Highlands Brewery won the People's Choice Award at Labor of Love 2013 and two 1st Place honors at Brew Riot the same year.

Williams and Mall's approach to brewing is simple. They brew styles they like to drink, Williams says.

"My partner's favorite beer in the world is a Dunkelweizen, so we brewed a Dunkelweizen. I love saisons, so one of our first seasonals will be a saison," he says.

Derrin Williams and Brad Mall, founders of Oak Highlands Brewery.
Derrin Williams and Brad Mall, founders of Oak Highlands Brewery.(Courtesy photo)

Oak Highlands has a 30-barrel brewing system that will be operated by brewmaster Jon Sims, formerly of Four Corners Brewing Co. When beer goes to market in mid-July, drinkers will have five choices:

  • Freaky Deaky Belgian Tripel, a 10 percent ABV brew with American hops;
  • DfDub German Dunkelweizen, a 7 percent ABV dark wheat ale with banana and clove aromas;
  • Allgood, a light 5.8 percent ABV Kolsch;
  • Derelict IPA, a citrusy, 6-percent India pale ale with five separate hop additions;
  • and Golden Mustache, a German Dortmunder-style lager clocking 5.5 ABV.
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Oak Highlands' brews will be available on draft at bars and restaurants throughout D-FW, as well as in cans at retail stores. All five beers will be on tap during the grand opening party too, Williams says.

The taproom here has 20 bar taps, which Williams says will eventually be filled with experimental and one-off brews. Hours of operation will be Thursday and Friday 4-8 p.m., and Saturday noon to 6 p.m. Check out the deets for the grand opening below.

Oak Highlands Brewery grand opening

  • July 18 from noon to 9 p.m.
  • Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door
  • Price includes a pint glass, koozie, and three tokens for beers.
  • Two foods trucks will be on-site: Easy Slider and OinknMoo BBQ
  • Get tickets here