The 50 Best Beers in Kansas

BAR NOTES

Toasted malt, cocoa, caramel, and a measured herbal hop note make this historic amber both substantial and easy to revisit. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Start the Kansas flight here, cool rather than ice-cold, and let the malt set the baseline. Pair it with smoked chicken or aged cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Tropical fruit, citrus, soft bitterness, and a bready center deliver saturated hop character without a rough finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink the freshest package available and compare its plush shape with the leaner HighBeam. Pair it with carnitas or pepper jack; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Orange, passionfruit, mango, papaya, and lemongrass rise from a firm but balanced IPA frame. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Pour it early in the hop flight while the package is fresh and the palate is alert. Pair it with barbecue or sharp cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Coffee, chocolate, roasted barley, oats, and lactose build a creamy stout whose modest strength keeps it pint-friendly. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm for several minutes and taste it before the stronger dark beers. Pair it with brownies or smoked pork; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Caramel and toffee lead into toasted grain and a gently dry finish with enough bitterness to preserve balance. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Use a clean nonic pint and allow the malt to open above refrigerator temperature. Pair it with corned beef or Gouda; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Orange, grapefruit, mango, and soft resin fill a rounded hazy body with expressive aroma and controlled bitterness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Check the can date and drink it before the malt-forward half of the list. Pair it with spicy pizza or tacos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Bright citrus, floral hops, confident bitterness, and a smooth malt backbone produce a crisp, repeatable American IPA. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it fresh and place it beside Stormchaser to compare two Kansas IPA traditions. Pair it with burgers or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Cold-brew coffee, vanilla, cocoa, roast, and oats combine in a smooth body that stays composed through the finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let the bottle warm slightly and use it as a bridge to Buffalo Sweat. Pair it with chocolate cake or barbecue; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Citrusy hops meet nutty Golden Promise malt in a clean, crisp pale ale with an assured but not punishing bite. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Taste it beside 8-Bit and focus on balance rather than sheer hop volume. Pair it with fried chicken or cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Floral, citrus, and tropical hops cut through a sturdy malt core with a dry, assertive West Coast finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Choose a fresh six-pack and serve it before sweet or barrel-strength beer. Pair it with pepperoni pizza or wings; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Sultana, Nelson Sauvin, Citra, and Talus bring tropical fruit and white-grape lift over an oat-and-wheat body. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it fresh in a tulip and compare its lighter frame with Wizard of Hops. Pair it with fish tacos or curry; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Grapefruit, lemon, lime, melon, and a trace of jasmine form a bright hop profile above clean pale malt. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it fresh with barbecue and give the foam a moment to release its aroma. Pair it with brisket or coleslaw; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Tropical fruit, citrus, pine resin, and bright hops animate a medium body with a clean, familiar finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Taste it beside Copperhead to compare two generations of Kansas pale ale. Pair it with pizza or grilled sausage; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Cucumber, basil, juniper, pale grain, and lively carbonation make an aromatic lager that remains genuinely refreshing. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold outdoors and keep it ahead of heavily hopped beer. Pair it with salads or grilled fish; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Lemon-like acidity, wheat softness, coriander, and a restrained saline edge make a vivid but disciplined gose. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Use it as a palate reset before returning to richer malt flavors. Pair it with chèvre or ceviche; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

BAR NOTES

Deep caramel, toffee, toast, dark fruit, and warming strength expand the flagship red without losing its smooth finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Kansas brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Share the can and let the pour approach cellar temperature. Pair it with roast beef or bread pudding; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.