Nebraska's Craft Distilleries: A Growing Industry
Traveling through Nebraska, particularly in recent years, reveals a craft distillery scene that is rapidly expanding across the state. The industry's growth can be attributed to a combination of favorable state laws, innovative entrepreneurs, and Nebraskans' increasing interest in locally crafted spirits. Nebraska's craft distilleries produce an array of products, from corn-based whiskeys to botanical-infused gins.
Conveniently located near downtown Omaha is the famous Omaha's Infuse Spirits Distilling, also known as "Infuse." Infuse focuses on making spirits infusions using an uncommon approach – unbreakable glass bottles and no mechanical equipment. Founded by Seth Benowitz, Infuse produces a multitude of products, such as infused whiskey and gin. With unique flavors like Smoked Cherry Bourbon Whiskey and American Light Whiskey, Infuse is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in witnessing firsthand the unconventional methods of Nebraska's craft distilleries.
Situated in central Nebraska's Grand Island, Kinkaider Brewing Co. expanded their line in 2020 to include an on-site distillery, which now serves handcrafted cocktails. By using reclaimed barn wood, copper elements, and visible aged barrels in their tasting room design, the space combines an industrial feel with rustic Midwest elements. Producing about six distinctive flavors of vodka and whiskey, Kinkaider aims to serve the needs of local farmers by using Nebraska-grown ingredients. Kinkaider highlights the cooperation that sometimes exists between the distilleries, breweries, and farmers throughout the state.
All the Better Distilling, founded by distiller Brian Hurrell, emphasizes quality spirit production. Their approach relies on maintaining small batch production, showcasing the diversity of Nebraska spirits. With different seasonal flavors available, Hurrell occasionally partners with other local businesses, creating opportunities for crossover products. Located in the west Omaha community of Millard, the distillery offers premium products available to purchase through a neighborhood-friendly storefront.
The local grains, numerous fertile valleys, and natural spaces of Nebraska truly set the stage for creating a rich variety of spirits. Prost Nebraska in Hastings, known for offering the best selection of gins in the Midwest, recently ventured into the exploration of spirits themselves. Embracing Nebraska-grown botanicals such as lavender and rose, Prost has sought to perfect the distillation of various spirits utilizing these ingredients. Considering the distinct flavor profiles potentially uncovered using regionally unique botanicals, spirit connoisseurs continue to await and celebrate future products by innovative businesses like Prost.
To cater to the rapidly increasing number of patrons, tour operators are now planning craft distillery itineraries across Nebraska. In doing so, visitors who embark on these tours can stay in major cities like Omaha and Lincoln or stay in some of the scenic rural regions that play host to many smaller distilleries.
The relationship between many local corn farmers and Nebraska's craft distilleries promotes regional economic growth by maintaining local production and selling high-quality, regionally-specific spirits. There is indeed much to say about Nebraska's continually growing craft distillery industry, specifically when these entities seek innovative partnerships with each other as well as businesses both in-state and national.
The production strategy of many such distilleries not only pushes local competition, allowing consumers and travelers the option to indulge in increasingly better taste, but simultaneously ensures the economic futures of respective Nebraska entrepreneurs as well their agricultural counterparts.
Conveniently located near downtown Omaha is the famous Omaha's Infuse Spirits Distilling, also known as "Infuse." Infuse focuses on making spirits infusions using an uncommon approach – unbreakable glass bottles and no mechanical equipment. Founded by Seth Benowitz, Infuse produces a multitude of products, such as infused whiskey and gin. With unique flavors like Smoked Cherry Bourbon Whiskey and American Light Whiskey, Infuse is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in witnessing firsthand the unconventional methods of Nebraska's craft distilleries.
Situated in central Nebraska's Grand Island, Kinkaider Brewing Co. expanded their line in 2020 to include an on-site distillery, which now serves handcrafted cocktails. By using reclaimed barn wood, copper elements, and visible aged barrels in their tasting room design, the space combines an industrial feel with rustic Midwest elements. Producing about six distinctive flavors of vodka and whiskey, Kinkaider aims to serve the needs of local farmers by using Nebraska-grown ingredients. Kinkaider highlights the cooperation that sometimes exists between the distilleries, breweries, and farmers throughout the state.
All the Better Distilling, founded by distiller Brian Hurrell, emphasizes quality spirit production. Their approach relies on maintaining small batch production, showcasing the diversity of Nebraska spirits. With different seasonal flavors available, Hurrell occasionally partners with other local businesses, creating opportunities for crossover products. Located in the west Omaha community of Millard, the distillery offers premium products available to purchase through a neighborhood-friendly storefront.
The local grains, numerous fertile valleys, and natural spaces of Nebraska truly set the stage for creating a rich variety of spirits. Prost Nebraska in Hastings, known for offering the best selection of gins in the Midwest, recently ventured into the exploration of spirits themselves. Embracing Nebraska-grown botanicals such as lavender and rose, Prost has sought to perfect the distillation of various spirits utilizing these ingredients. Considering the distinct flavor profiles potentially uncovered using regionally unique botanicals, spirit connoisseurs continue to await and celebrate future products by innovative businesses like Prost.
To cater to the rapidly increasing number of patrons, tour operators are now planning craft distillery itineraries across Nebraska. In doing so, visitors who embark on these tours can stay in major cities like Omaha and Lincoln or stay in some of the scenic rural regions that play host to many smaller distilleries.
The relationship between many local corn farmers and Nebraska's craft distilleries promotes regional economic growth by maintaining local production and selling high-quality, regionally-specific spirits. There is indeed much to say about Nebraska's continually growing craft distillery industry, specifically when these entities seek innovative partnerships with each other as well as businesses both in-state and national.
The production strategy of many such distilleries not only pushes local competition, allowing consumers and travelers the option to indulge in increasingly better taste, but simultaneously ensures the economic futures of respective Nebraska entrepreneurs as well their agricultural counterparts.
