Nebraska Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Cornhusker State
Nebraska’s craft beer scene has been gaining recognition for its quality and innovation.
With a range of breweries producing everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers, Nebraska offers a diverse selection of beers for enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these top Nebraska beers are worth a try.
Here are ten of the best Nebraska beers you absolutely must try.
1. Nebraska Brewing Co.’s “Kriekenbier”
Nebraska Brewing Co.’s Kriekenbier is a unique and flavorful sour ale aged with cherries.
- Style: Sour Ale
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Tart and fruity with prominent cherry flavors and a hint of oak.
2. Empyrean Brewing Co.’s “Raspberry Blonde”
Empyrean Brewing Co.’s Raspberry Blonde is a refreshing blonde ale infused with raspberries.
- Style: Fruit Blonde Ale
- ABV: 4.6%
- Description: Light and fruity with a refreshing raspberry character and a clean malt finish.
3. Brickway Brewery & Distillery’s “Blackberry Bramble”
Brickway Brewery & Distillery’s Blackberry Bramble is a fruity and sessionable ale with a distinct blackberry flavor.
- Style: Fruit Ale
- ABV: 4.8%
- Description: Juicy and tart with prominent blackberry notes and a hint of sweetness.
4. Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s “Citra Pale Ale”
Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Citra Pale Ale is a hoppy and aromatic pale ale with a burst of citrus flavors.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.0%
- Description: Hoppy and refreshing with flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and a smooth malt base.
5. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s “Oktoberfest”
While Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is based in California, their Oktoberfest is brewed in collaboration with a Nebraska brewery for a local twist on a classic style.
- Style: Märzen
- ABV: 5.6%
- Description: Malty and smooth with flavors of toasted bread, caramel, and a touch of hops.
6. Pale Ale’s “West O IPA”
West O IPA is a well-crafted IPA known for its bold hop flavors and balanced profile.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Juicy and hoppy with flavors of pine, citrus, and a balanced malt backbone.
7. Upstream Brewing Co.’s “Amber Ale”
Upstream Brewing Co.’s Amber Ale is a smooth and malty ale with a rich amber color.
- Style: Amber Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
- Description: Smooth and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and a touch of hops.
8. Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s “Buffalo Sweat”
Tallgrass Brewing Co.’s Buffalo Sweat is a creamy and rich oatmeal stout with a full-bodied flavor.
- Style: Oatmeal Stout
- ABV: 5.0%
- Description: Creamy and smooth with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla.
9. Infusion Brewing Co.’s “Cucumber Kölsch”
Infusion Brewing Co.’s Cucumber Kölsch is a light and refreshing beer with a unique cucumber twist.
- Style: Kölsch
- ABV: 4.8%
- Description: Crisp and refreshing with subtle cucumber notes and a clean, balanced finish.
10. Lucky Bucket Brewing Co.’s “Limited Edition Saison”
Lucky Bucket Brewing Co.’s Limited Edition Saison is a seasonal saison with complex and fruity flavors.
- Style: Saison
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Complex and fruity with flavors of citrus, pepper, and a touch of spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flagship beer of Nebraska Brewing Co.?
Answer: Nebraska Brewing Co.’s Kriekenbier is a standout sour ale aged with cherries, offering a tart and fruity profile.
What makes Empyrean Brewing Co.’s Raspberry Blonde unique?
Answer: Raspberry Blonde is a fruit-infused blonde ale known for its refreshing raspberry character and light malt finish.
What are the key characteristics of Brickway Brewery & Distillery’s Blackberry Bramble?
Answer: Blackberry Bramble is a fruity ale with prominent blackberry notes and a hint of sweetness, making it a sessionable choice.
What distinguishes Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Citra Pale Ale?
Answer: Citra Pale Ale is known for its burst of citrus flavors, including grapefruit and lemon, with a refreshing and smooth finish.
What is special about Upstream Brewing Co.’s Amber Ale?
Answer: Upstream Amber Ale is a smooth and malty beer with rich caramel and toffee notes, offering a well-balanced flavor.
Summary
Nebraska’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of exceptional brews that showcase the state’s growing brewing talent and creativity.
These top picks highlight some of the best beers Nebraska has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Nebraska’s craft beer!