About
Grain Theory
We are a brewery and taproom located in downtown Abilene, where we focus on aroma-packed and flavor-driven beer. We take great pride in our meticulous commitment to quality here, but we don’t shy away from experimentation, funk, twists on tradition, and unique ingredients. Our high standards extend to an expertly curated wine list, remarkable coffee available from our in-house Coffee Bar, and a full Kitchen serving a locally and internationally inspired menu. We’ve placed all this and more into 5,000 thoughtfully designed square feet in the heart of the city we love.
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App Exclusives:
– Discounts on Food, Beer, & Wine
– Specialty Menu Items
– Beer Club Memberships
– Coffee Club Memberships
Employment Application
WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING FOR A HEAD CHEF
We don’t always have open positions but will accept general employment applications
Thank you for your interest in our business. We are an equal opportunity employer. Our selection decisions are made based upon job requirements and individual qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
Incomplete information could disqualify you from further consideration. Please complete all fields. UPLOAD your resume at the bottom of this page once you have submitted your application.
Meet The Founders
Matthew Cogburn
Matthew has a rich history in brewing that is driven by a strong passion to artfully create award-winning recipes. Matthew, or “Rooster,” has collected over seventy brewing medals, which include three first place steins at the largest single site homebrewing competition in the United States. Matthew, along with Jeramie, will head up brewing operations at Grain Theory and will develop recipes for production as well as assist in the scheduling of new beer releases. In addition, Matthew will oversee the Grain Theory barrel program to include bourbon barrel aged stouts and complex sour beers. As an unapologetic lover of all things hops, there is no doubt the Grain Theory beer list will include many hazy, west coast, and double dry hopped IPAs.
David Kasselman
David began homebrewing in 2010 and was immediately obsessed with the intricacies of brewing, eventually leading as president of the local homebrewing club and collecting several awards along the way, including a gold for his Munich Helles at the largest single site homebrew competition in the country. He is meticulous and precise to a downright nerdy degree, which works out great for us since he heads up all our business operations. His nerdiness extends to good coffee, tea, and all things foodie related. After years involved in ministry and business, he is following his passion and living out a dream by creating an exciting gathering space in Abilene for innovative and creative brewing. As a native of South Africa, you will notice his international influence on the Grain Theory menu…and the rugby, cricket or F1 showing up on our big screen.
Jeramie Sivley
Jeramie is Grain Theory’s Swiss Army Knife. He brews, fixes, designs, improves, builds, has a degree in video and film production, and once met Busta Rhymes and Will Ferrell in the same day (true story). He brings his previous pro brewing experience from creating and overseeing a successful brand/brewery for a multi-location restaurant and serving as head-brewer for the brand which still operates throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Jeramie is a man who LOVES his career. If he’s not brewing your beer right now, he’s probably talking or reading about beer, attending a brewing seminar, researching a new fermentation enzyme, or, more than likely, developing some wild idea for a new beer. You might call him obsessed, but we just call him our brewer. He never stops dreaming up ways to expand our eclectic taplist and to push the boundaries of his craft. He and Matthew make a perfect brewhouse team and continue to play to their respective strengths in creating the unrivaled quality and creativity you expect from Grain Theory.
FAQ'S
Do you allow pets?
Not inside, but definitely on the balcony!
Do you have an elevator?
Yes! Access it through the last door of the Motis Building on 2nd street.
Do you take reservations?
We accept reservations for groups of 10 or more. Reserved tables are in The Blakeley (our overflow and event space). Complete this form and we will get back to you to finalize your reservation if the room is available: graintheory.beer/book-an-event/
Are children allowed?
Yes! We welcome children of all ages (note: we do not have high chairs).
Do you have a private event or party room?
Yes! Complete this form for availability, rates and more information: graintheory.beer/book-an-event/
How do I place an online food order?
Use this link: https://order.toasttab.com/online/graintheory
Do you serve breakfast?
Yes, we have a limited breakfast menu (breakfast tacos are very popular!) daily from 9-11am and 9am-2pm on Saturdays.
Do you serve brunch? When?
Yes! Brunch is every Saturday from 11am-2pm. Check the breakfast menu on our website.
If I purchase a can of beer, can I drink it on the balcony?
Our cans and bottles are for ToGo ONLY and are NOT for on premise consumption. Only beer served from our taps in a glass are for on premise consumption.
Is it okay to let the cold cans I buy warm up?
Ideally its best to keep beers cold all the time because cold beer will stay fresher, longer. Higher temperatures (eg. 80+ degrees) will speed up the process of oxidation which can lead to a stale, cardboard-like flavor with extreme prolonged exposure to heat, and also reduce hop aroma and flavors from hop-forward beers. During hotter days transport your beers in coolers or keep them in the shade of your vehicle out of direct sunlight and get them refrigerated asap!
When can I use the Pour Your Own self pour beer system?
It is available anytime we are open, unless there is a private event in The Blakeley.
When can I buy coffee drinks?
Our coffee bar is open from 9am-7:30pm Monday-Saturday. During hotter days transport your beers in coolers or keep them in the shade of your vehicle out of direct sunlight and get them refrigerated asap!
RETURNING 2027
PREVIOUS GT AMBASSADOR INFO BELOW
CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!!
IN THE MEANTIME SIGN UP FOR A BEER CLUB OR COFFEE CLUB MEMBERSHIP ON OUR GT APP & START RECEIVING INSIDER PERKS
DON’T MISS OUT! JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER TO FIND OUT WHEN WE HAVE MORE POSITIONS!
CURRENTLY CLOSED
We’re growing - Hop On Board!
That’s right! We are moving into the next chapter of the Grain Theory story and we want you to be part of it! For the last two and a half years you’ve seen us overcome some serious obstacles, thrive in an uncertain market, and help to cultivate a downtown that you could be proud of. There’s just been one problem… We can’t make enough beer! Well, we have a plan for that and it’s just about time to put Grain Theory Production into action. We already have a cool new building, we bought more tanks, got a sweet canning line – the table is set. “Excited” doesn’t begin to describe how we’re feeling. The fun is about to start!
The first time we did this we extended our hand and asked for “forward drinkers” to jump on this ride with us. We wanted the true craft beer people of Abilene to experience the journey with us as “insiders.” Beer is so communal and in that spirit this was a rare opportunity to have our friends and future-friends right beside us as we began the most exciting adventure of our lives. And now we find ourselves still cruisin’ along, but on an exciting new road. Join us as we take our hard-working attitude, focus on consistent quality, and love for craft beer and it’s people and we show the rest of Texas what Abilene craft beer is.
For A $1,200 ONE-TIME FEE, you can be a Grain Theory Ambassador.
In return for your commitment, you will receive these exclusive benefits:
FIRST AND FOREMOST,
FREE BEER... FOREVER... FOR LIFE.
Your first beer will be on us every day you walk into the taproom
(See FAQ’s)
Value: Priceless!
$100 PYO Card
Enjoy FREE beer in The Blakeley with a $100 Pour Your Own card. This is in addition to your daily FREE beer.
Value: $100
1 LIMITED EDITION BEER CAN TUMBLER
One unique tumbler ONLY for Grain Theory Ambassadors. Choose either black or stainless.
Value: $30
[Purchase 1 additional tumbler for $30]
GRAIN THEORY MERCH PACK
The merch pack includes a T-shirt, a hat, a bag of Grain Theory Coffee, and a Grain Theory pin.
Value: $65
A LIFETIME INVITATION TO OUR ANNUAL FOUNDING MEMBERS PARTY
These will be super fun private events and our chance to show our appreciation to you and the other passionate founders and ambassadors.
FIRST DIBS TO PURCHASE LIMITED BEER RELEASES
Grain Theory Ambassadors will be the first invited to purchase highly limited beers before they’re offered to the general public. Note: beers we deem not highly limited may not be offered to Ambassadors first since we will have ample supply.
LIFETIME 10% DISCOUNTS ON THE FOLLOWING:
Food from our locally and internationally influenced menu
Quality craft coffee and teas
Merchandise (shirts, hats, coffee, etc.)
CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!!
AMBASSADOR FAQ'S
When do my benefits start?
Once payment has been received.
Tell me more about the FREE beer EVERY DAY. Is this for real?
ONE (1) free beer per day for the rest of your life! We are open six days per week, so you have several opportunities to get your free beer. See the FINE PRINT for rules and exclusions.
What if I don’t feel like a beer one day? Can I have a coffee instead?
Definitely! You can trade your beer for a coffee or tea from our Coffee Bar.
What is Pour Your Own?
It is our self serve beer system in The Blakeley (our event space). You get to help yourself to the same beers that are in the main taproom. It charges by the ounce and prices vary depending on the beer.
Can I use PYO at any time?
If The Blakeley is not being used for a private event, you are welcome to go back and use the PYO.
Can I share my benefits with someone else?
Why would you even consider sharing? Kidding aside, being a Grain Theory Ambassador is an exclusive privilege limited to a select group of friends. Convince your friend to sign up with you.
Can I pay for someone else to be a Grain Theory Ambassador?
Absolutely! It is a perfect gift for your craft beer friend or significant other. Imagine how excited they will be if you bought them a free beer… forever… for life!
What if I move? Can I transfer my benefit to someone else?
Your free beer for life is exclusive to you and not transferable.
What if I have other questions?
Email info@graintheory.beer.
Can I share this?
Please do! Encourage your family and friends to support us by becoming a Grain Theory Ambassador.
What about the fine print?
Please make sure you read the FINE PRINT before signing up. It’s important to fully understand what you are signing up for and what it takes to be a Grain Theory Ambassador.
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