Traveling Through Western Nebraska's Breweries
Western Nebraska, a region often characterized by its rolling Sandhills and vast ranchlands, may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of craft beer. However, the area is home to a growing number of breweries that showcase a unique blend of local flavors and passion for brewing. From small-town staples to expanding regional breweries, Western Nebraska offers a rich craft beer scene worth exploring.
One of the earliest pioneers of craft brewing in the region is Gering's Plattsmouth Brewing Company's spin-off, Pals Brewing Company, located at 4520 2nd Avenue in North Platte, which also operates a taproom in their new larger facility in nearby McCook. Pals' diverse beer portfolio features styles ranging from classic pale ales to experimental sour beers. Their dedication to using local ingredients is showcased in beers like their seasonal Nebraska Pilsner, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and nods to the state's quintessential agricultural scene.
Another notable brewery in the area is Scratchtown Brewing Company, based out of Ord, Nebraska. Located in the center of the historic downtown area at 3 block from 15th Street and G Street, this brewery offers a cozy atmosphere where guests can sample a range of beer styles, including their popular American Dream IPA and specialty sour beers aged in oak barrels. Scratchtown takes pride in engaging with their local community through collaborations with regional farmers, businesses, and breweries, including producing a unique "Sandhills" brand featuring bottles and cans as well as regionally sourcing of ingredients.
As breweries in the region have grown in number and sophistication, beer enthusiasts from across the state are beginning to take note. For example, Kinkaider Brewing Company, situated in Lincoln's closest regional city to Western Nebraska, Broken Bow (it is recognized to be beyond some marks on western frontier) at Lake McConaughy, is bringing award-winning beers and a variety of wood-fired foods to the central Great Plains. Patrons to this popular weekend destination enjoy live music events, beer tastings and tours.
Expanding throughout the Nebraska Western area with greater frequency, craft breweries often incorporate elements inspired by regional history and local agriculture. Kearney's Thunderhead Brewing is located at a crossroads within an active complex including office buildings, also home to adjacent UNK Entrepreneurship Center, featuring multiple taps with one constantly rotating selection. Their "cottonwood" brand at large shows a blend in its variation during cottonwood bloom time through their tap offering; with tastings of home-spun woodsy flavors of locally-sourced wild hop free IPA.
One interesting side note to be explored can indeed be agricultural brew masters harking to innovation on rural frontiers as expressed above.
Though perhaps an understated affair, but given what other recent growth has done within agriculture the view to this new frontier craft is evolving and by reason has potential to be a continued rural area specialty.
One of the earliest pioneers of craft brewing in the region is Gering's Plattsmouth Brewing Company's spin-off, Pals Brewing Company, located at 4520 2nd Avenue in North Platte, which also operates a taproom in their new larger facility in nearby McCook. Pals' diverse beer portfolio features styles ranging from classic pale ales to experimental sour beers. Their dedication to using local ingredients is showcased in beers like their seasonal Nebraska Pilsner, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and nods to the state's quintessential agricultural scene.
Another notable brewery in the area is Scratchtown Brewing Company, based out of Ord, Nebraska. Located in the center of the historic downtown area at 3 block from 15th Street and G Street, this brewery offers a cozy atmosphere where guests can sample a range of beer styles, including their popular American Dream IPA and specialty sour beers aged in oak barrels. Scratchtown takes pride in engaging with their local community through collaborations with regional farmers, businesses, and breweries, including producing a unique "Sandhills" brand featuring bottles and cans as well as regionally sourcing of ingredients.
As breweries in the region have grown in number and sophistication, beer enthusiasts from across the state are beginning to take note. For example, Kinkaider Brewing Company, situated in Lincoln's closest regional city to Western Nebraska, Broken Bow (it is recognized to be beyond some marks on western frontier) at Lake McConaughy, is bringing award-winning beers and a variety of wood-fired foods to the central Great Plains. Patrons to this popular weekend destination enjoy live music events, beer tastings and tours.
Expanding throughout the Nebraska Western area with greater frequency, craft breweries often incorporate elements inspired by regional history and local agriculture. Kearney's Thunderhead Brewing is located at a crossroads within an active complex including office buildings, also home to adjacent UNK Entrepreneurship Center, featuring multiple taps with one constantly rotating selection. Their "cottonwood" brand at large shows a blend in its variation during cottonwood bloom time through their tap offering; with tastings of home-spun woodsy flavors of locally-sourced wild hop free IPA.
One interesting side note to be explored can indeed be agricultural brew masters harking to innovation on rural frontiers as expressed above.
Though perhaps an understated affair, but given what other recent growth has done within agriculture the view to this new frontier craft is evolving and by reason has potential to be a continued rural area specialty.
