Austin here. I live in North Central Austin. I started brewing in January and am drinking my first effort. I am bottling the Southern Brown tomorrow and I just brewed the Irish Red today.
I am definately enjoying the fruits of my labor.
The tasting party happens here in Austin every third Saturday 6:30PM at The Gingerman. I went Sat night for my first time. Tasted many fine brews and brought two bottles for others to taste. It is put on by a group called the Austin Zealots. http://www.austinzealots.com/
What part of Austin do you live in?
exactly.... makes it a short hop for supplies. Actually I didnt know they existed until this weekend.... and boy it sure is easy to spend LOTS of $$$ there.