Kansas Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Sunflower State
Kansas is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene with a variety of breweries producing outstanding beers.
From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers, Kansas offers a range of exceptional brews that showcase the creativity and quality of its local breweries.
Here are ten of the best Kansas beers you absolutely must try.
1. Boulevard Brewing Co.’s “Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale”
Boulevard Brewing Co. is one of Kansas’ most well-known breweries, and Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale is one of their standout offerings. This beer is celebrated for its complex and refreshing flavors.
- Style: Farmhouse Ale
- ABV: 8.0%
- Description: Fruity and spicy with notes of pear, pepper, and a dry finish.
2. Free State Brewing Co.’s “Ad Astra Ale”
Free State Brewing Co. is a staple in Kansas, and Ad Astra Ale is a classic example of their craftsmanship. It’s a well-balanced pale ale with a crisp and refreshing profile.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.4%
- Description: Balanced with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.
3. Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s “Buffalo Sweat”
Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s Buffalo Sweat is a rich and flavorful oatmeal stout. It’s known for its creamy texture and robust flavors.
- Style: Oatmeal Stout
- ABV: 5.0%
- Description: Smooth and creamy with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt.
4. Sandhills Brewing Co.’s “Blackout Stout”
Sandhills Brewing Co.’s Blackout Stout is a standout beer with a deep and complex flavor profile. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a rich and hearty stout.
- Style: Stout
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Bold and rich with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and dark fruit.
5. Kansas City Bier Co.’s “Helles”
Kansas City Bier Co.’s Helles is a German-style lager that’s crisp and refreshing. It’s a great example of traditional lager brewing.
- Style: Helles Lager
- ABV: 5.2%
- Description: Clean and crisp with flavors of toasted bread, floral hops, and a smooth finish.
6. Brewery Emperial’s “Hazy IPA”
Brewery Emperial’s Hazy IPA is a popular choice for IPA enthusiasts, known for its juicy and aromatic profile. It’s a great representation of the hazy IPA style.
- Style: Hazy IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Juicy and hazy with flavors of pineapple, mango, and a smooth hop bitterness.
7. Blind Tiger Brewery’s “Rye IPA”
Blind Tiger Brewery’s Rye IPA is a distinctive beer with a spicy rye malt character and a strong hop presence. It’s a flavorful and aromatic IPA.
- Style: Rye IPA
- ABV: 6.2%
- Description: Spicy and hoppy with notes of citrus, pine, and a touch of rye spice.
8. Free State Brewing Co.’s “Storm Chaser IPA”
Free State Brewing Co.’s Storm Chaser IPA is a well-regarded IPA with a balanced hop profile and a refreshing character. It’s a favorite among IPA lovers.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 6.0%
- Description: Hoppy and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.
9. Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s “10 Point IPA”
Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s 10 Point IPA is a bold and flavorful IPA with a strong hop character. It’s known for its robust and hoppy profile.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 7.0%
- Description: Bold and hoppy with notes of pine, citrus, and a hint of caramel malt.
10. Rogue Ales’ “Shakespeare Stout”
Though originally from Oregon, Rogue Ales’ Shakespeare Stout has a strong presence in Kansas. It’s a rich and flavorful stout that’s appreciated by beer enthusiasts.
- Style: Oatmeal Stout
- ABV: 6.0%
- Description: Rich and creamy with flavors of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flagship beer of Boulevard Brewing Co.?
Answer: Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale is celebrated for its complex and refreshing flavors.
What makes Free State Brewing Co.’s Ad Astra Ale notable?
Answer: Ad Astra Ale is known for its balanced profile with citrus, pine, and a smooth malt character.
What are the key characteristics of Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s Buffalo Sweat?
Answer: Buffalo Sweat is an oatmeal stout with a creamy texture and flavors of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt.
What distinguishes Sandhills Brewing Co.’s Blackout Stout?
Answer: Blackout Stout is known for its deep and complex flavor profile with notes of espresso, chocolate, and dark fruit.
What is special about Kansas City Bier Co.’s Helles?
Answer: Helles Lager is clean and crisp with flavors of toasted bread, floral hops, and a smooth finish.
Summary
Kansas offers a diverse array of exceptional craft beers that reflect the state’s growing beer culture.
These top picks highlight some of the best beers Kansas has to offer, showcasing the creativity and quality of its local breweries.
Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Kansas’ craft beer!