Exploring Kansas Microbreweries as a Neighbor
While traveling through Nebraska, one cannot overlook the burgeoning microbrewery scene of its eastern neighbor, Kansas. With the state's rich agricultural heritage, it comes as no surprise that the rise of microbreweries has become a staple of Kansas' craft beverage industry. From farm breweries to urban taprooms, the opportunities for tasting some of the state's finest craft beers are abound.
According to the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild, the number of breweries in Kansas has grown steadily over the past decade. An estimated forty breweries dot the state, a notable increase from less than ten in the early 2010s. A significant contributory factor to the growth of the craft brew industry in Kansas is the abolition of state laws regulating craft brewing and distillation. Legislation passed in 2012 allowed breweries to build on-site production facilities, sparking further growth and entrepreneurship within the industry.
One such success story is Wichita-based River City Brewing Co, a local establishment with roots dating back to the mid-1990s. Founded by brothers Dan and Chris Glenn, River City Brewing remains one of the largest and most successful microbreweries in the state. With a sixty-barrel brewhouse at the ready, their wide range of beers caters to diverse tastes, from crisp pale ales to rich stouts. Moreover, their commitment to environmental sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients only bolsters their claim as a premier microbrewery in Kansas.
For travelers looking to experience a unique Kansas brew experience, destinations like the Tallgrass Brewing Company in Haysville and High Noon Saloon and Brewery in Leavenworth offer distinctive settings to enjoy an exceptional selection of craft beers. At Tallgrass Brewing Company, visitors can sample a diverse line-up of beers, from hop-forward pale ales to malty, smooth porters. Furthermore, their weekend tours showcase state-of-the-art brewhouse equipment and facilities that support the large-scale production of beer.
Meanwhile, High Noon Saloon and Brewery seamlessly merges a historical-era inspired setting with an inventive selection of beers. Their eponymous High Noon beer is a delectable wheat beer incorporating coriander and orange peel, an offering that blends well with their cozy yet high-end restaurant, complete with live jazz and an extensive menu.
In the wake of growing consumer interest in artisanal and small-batch beers, Kansas' microbrewery landscape has increasingly showcased bold flavors and innovative brewing practices. Across the state, taprooms not only cater to the increasing demand for craft beers but are also thriving community hubs. Collectively, the creativity and pioneering spirit that shape the state's breweries have forged a spirit of innovative excellence, poised to propel Kansas' craft beer culture to further heights.
One common thread across Kansas microbreweries is a distinct commitment to integrating regional flavors and agrarian spirit into their craft. Using Kansas-produced ingredients allows breweries to honor their regional heritage while reinforcing their impact on regional agriculture. Within Kansas' boundaries, brewing practices ultimately prioritize this crucial synergy of ingredient sourcing and environmental commitment.
On the whole, microbreweries are transforming Kansas, infusing the state's gastronomic landscape with various craft beers that embody the artistry, uniqueness, and resilience of its local community. By immersing oneself in the heart and soul of Kansas' breweries, visitors from neighboring Nebraska can uncover the local story of Kansas' microbrewers, an enthralling journey rich in bold flavors and rich heritage.
According to the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild, the number of breweries in Kansas has grown steadily over the past decade. An estimated forty breweries dot the state, a notable increase from less than ten in the early 2010s. A significant contributory factor to the growth of the craft brew industry in Kansas is the abolition of state laws regulating craft brewing and distillation. Legislation passed in 2012 allowed breweries to build on-site production facilities, sparking further growth and entrepreneurship within the industry.
One such success story is Wichita-based River City Brewing Co, a local establishment with roots dating back to the mid-1990s. Founded by brothers Dan and Chris Glenn, River City Brewing remains one of the largest and most successful microbreweries in the state. With a sixty-barrel brewhouse at the ready, their wide range of beers caters to diverse tastes, from crisp pale ales to rich stouts. Moreover, their commitment to environmental sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients only bolsters their claim as a premier microbrewery in Kansas.
For travelers looking to experience a unique Kansas brew experience, destinations like the Tallgrass Brewing Company in Haysville and High Noon Saloon and Brewery in Leavenworth offer distinctive settings to enjoy an exceptional selection of craft beers. At Tallgrass Brewing Company, visitors can sample a diverse line-up of beers, from hop-forward pale ales to malty, smooth porters. Furthermore, their weekend tours showcase state-of-the-art brewhouse equipment and facilities that support the large-scale production of beer.
Meanwhile, High Noon Saloon and Brewery seamlessly merges a historical-era inspired setting with an inventive selection of beers. Their eponymous High Noon beer is a delectable wheat beer incorporating coriander and orange peel, an offering that blends well with their cozy yet high-end restaurant, complete with live jazz and an extensive menu.
In the wake of growing consumer interest in artisanal and small-batch beers, Kansas' microbrewery landscape has increasingly showcased bold flavors and innovative brewing practices. Across the state, taprooms not only cater to the increasing demand for craft beers but are also thriving community hubs. Collectively, the creativity and pioneering spirit that shape the state's breweries have forged a spirit of innovative excellence, poised to propel Kansas' craft beer culture to further heights.
One common thread across Kansas microbreweries is a distinct commitment to integrating regional flavors and agrarian spirit into their craft. Using Kansas-produced ingredients allows breweries to honor their regional heritage while reinforcing their impact on regional agriculture. Within Kansas' boundaries, brewing practices ultimately prioritize this crucial synergy of ingredient sourcing and environmental commitment.
On the whole, microbreweries are transforming Kansas, infusing the state's gastronomic landscape with various craft beers that embody the artistry, uniqueness, and resilience of its local community. By immersing oneself in the heart and soul of Kansas' breweries, visitors from neighboring Nebraska can uncover the local story of Kansas' microbrewers, an enthralling journey rich in bold flavors and rich heritage.
