Discover the Best Breweries in Kansas for an Unforgettable Craft Beer Experience

ByKarl S

Ready to embark on a thirst-quenching journey through Kansas’ incredible craft beer scene?

With the number of breweries in Kansas on the rise, it’s time you discover the best breweries in Kansas offering unique and high-quality beers.

From tiny microbreweries to established brewing companies, there’s a brewery to suit every taste bud in the Sunflower State.

Key Takeaways

  • Explore the booming craft beer scene in Kansas, with local breweries creating award-winning beers and driving tourism.
  • Enjoy delicious food pairings at top breweries like Free State Brewing, KC Bier Co., Brewery Emperial & Green Room Burgers & Beers.
  • Get a 3 Day or Season Pass for the Kansas City Tap Tour to explore all of KC’s best brews!

Kansas Craft Beer Scene: A Rising Star

Kansas is home to a blossoming craft beer scene, with 59 breweries offering a diverse range of beer styles and flavors.

From Little Apple Brewing Company to Wiser Brewery, these local breweries are creating award-winning, hand-crafted beers that are gaining attention not just in Kansas but across the nation.

So, what’s behind this brewing renaissance in the heartland of America?

Local breweries have made Kansas City a top spot for craft beer enthusiasts, thanks to their innovative brewing methods and commitment to quality.

With a history that traces back to small homebrew operations, breweries like:

  • Tallgrass Brewing Company
  • Boulevard Brewing Company
  • Cinder Block Brewery
  • Torn Label Brewing Company

have grown into successful regional powerhouses, attracting tourists and locals alike who crave a taste of Kansas’ finest brews.

The Impact of Local Breweries

Kansas’ breweries and related industries contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Here are some key facts:

  • They generate over $190 million in business and personal tax revenue.
  • They create more than 200 brewing positions listed on job sites.
  • They support local suppliers and farmers, fostering a strong sense of community.

Tourism plays a significant role in the success of Kansas’ breweries. With beer trails and virtual tours linking different breweries, wineries, and distilleries, tourists are enticed to explore the local beer scene.

Kansas City’s popular Crossroads Arts District, for example, features several craft breweries that offer unique flavors and experiences, drawing crowds from near and far.

The growth of microbreweries in Kansas reflects the industry’s evolution, as breweries strive to stay on top of trends and cater to consumers’ ever-changing tastes.

From wild fermented beers to tropical stouts and non-alcoholic options, Kansas breweries are pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Local ingredients and brewing techniques are also vital to the success of Kansas’ brewing industry. Breweries like Cinder Block Brewery are experimenting with new ingredients and methods, such as decoction mashing, to create unique and flavorful beers.

This commitment to quality and innovation is what sets Kansas breweries apart, ensuring a bright future for the state’s craft beer scene.

Top 10 Must-Visit Breweries in Kansas

Excited to sample the diverse offerings of Kansas craft beer? From Walnut River Brewing Company’s Warbeard to Central Standard Brewing’s Bulldog Blonde, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-visit breweries in Kansas that cater to every palate.

Now, let’s examine these exceptional breweries and their unique offerings.

Walnut River Brewing Company

Located in El Dorado, Walnut River Brewing Company has been serving up exceptional beers and good vibes since its establishment between 1917 and 1920.

With a rich history that includes a former brothel, this brewery offers a unique atmosphere alongside popular beers like Warbeard, HighBeam, and Re-O-Ranged.

Unsurprisingly, Walnut River Brewing Company has earned recognition from the Wichita Business Journal in their 40 Under 40 awards.

Central Standard Brewing

Nestled in Wichita’s Douglas Design District, Central Standard Brewing is the brainchild of founders Ian Crane and Andy Boyd.

With top-notch craft beers like Bulldog Blonde Blonde Ale and Schwifty Hippie IPA, this cozy taproom is the perfect spot to unwind and sample delicious brews.

Remember to sample their seasonal, Belgian, IPA, and Barrel Aged beers to soak in the true essence of Central Standard Brewing.

Happy Basset Brewing Company

Topeka’s own Happy Basset Brewing Company is known for its hand-crafted beers and welcoming atmosphere.

With two locations in the city, this brewery offers a range of beers including:

  • Strawberry Wheat
  • Mango Beer
  • Belly Rub Brown Ale
  • Purebred Porter
  • Pumpkn Ale

Don’t miss out on this Topeka gem when exploring the great Kansas beer scene, especially for craft beer enthusiasts.

Norsemen Brewing Company

Step into the world of Norse mythology at Norsemen Brewing Company in Topeka. Founded by Adam and Melissa Rosdahl, this brewery boasts a 4.5 rating and unique beers like Macadamia Nut Pale Ale and Love In A Longboat Lager Cream Ale.

With limited-time beers available, there’s always something new to try at Norsemen Brewing Company.

Servaes Brewing Company

Located in Shawnee, Servaes Brewing Company offers:

  • A 4.5/5 rating
  • A diverse range of beers to suit every taste
  • Specialization in NEIPAs, novelty, barrel-aged, and creative sour beers
  • An innovative approach and unique flavors

Remember to visit their taproom for a relaxed atmosphere and a wide array of beer styles.

Kansas Territory Brewing Co

Venture to Washington, Kansas, to experience Kansas Territory Brewing Co’s smooth handcrafted beers.

With popular brews like Kansas Territory Life Coach Lager and Bradford Light Domestic Lager, this brewery offers a taste of the state’s brewing prowess. Find them at 1827 Wilson Dr and enjoy a refreshing pint of their finest creations.

Defiance Brewery

Hays-based Defiance Brewing Company, founded in 2013 by Matt Bender and Dylan Sultzer, boasts a 4.5/5 rating and a range of unique beers, including IPA – Session and Gose.

With multiple awards under its belt, including seven medals at the Great American Beer Festival and an award at the World Beer Cup, this brewery is a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast.

Salt City Brewing Co Taproom

Ranked as the 10th highest-rated brewery in Kansas, Salt City Brewing Co Taproom delivers a remarkable 4.0 rating and a plethora of craft beers to choose from.

Located in Hutchinson, this brewery offers an array of beer styles, including:

  • Amber Ale
  • American Pale Ale (APA)
  • Barley Wine
  • Blonde Ale
  • Brown Ale
  • Pale Ale
  • Red Ale
  • Saison Ale
  • White Ale

Don’t forget to join one of their brewery tours for an immersive experience.

The Boiler Room Brewhaus

Experience the perfect 5.0 rating and exceptional beers at The Boiler Room Brewhaus, Fort Scott’s first microbrewery.

Sample their handcrafted beers while enjoying beer tastings and various events, all in the heart of the city’s NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

As part of the SEK Ale Trail, this brewery is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

Transport Brewery

Discover Shawnee’s Transport Brewery, a 4.0-rated establishment offering a diverse range of beers. Established in 2018, Transport Brewery is the first craft brewery in Shawnee, with a second location in Gardner.

From stouts to brown ales and lagers, this own brewery has something for everyone to enjoy, including great beer.

Kansas City Tap Tour: Your Guide to Breweries in Kansas City

If you’re keen to navigate the Kansas City craft brewery scene, the Kansas City Tap Tour is your perfect guide.

This self-guided brewery experience offers a digital passport with deals and discounts at 24 participating breweries.

Opt for a 3-Day Pass or a Season Pass and set off on a flavorful adventure, tasting some of the city’s finest brews.

How It Works

To join the Kansas City Tap Tour, simply purchase a digital passport from the KC Tap Tour website. This passport grants you access to participating breweries, where you’ll receive discounts and rewards as you sample their craft beers.

Choose between a 3-Day Pass or a Season Pass to fit your schedule and preferences.

Once you have your digital passport, simply show it at each participating brewery to enjoy the perks of the tour. From discounted pints to exclusive merchandise, the Kansas City Tap Tour promises a memorable journey for craft beer lovers keen to explore the city’s lively brewing scene.

The Kansas City Tap Tour features a diverse range of breweries, offering a unique and memorable experience for beer lovers.

Some of the breweries included in the tour are:

  • Big Rip Brewing Company
  • Border Brewing Company
  • Boulevard Brewing Tours
  • Crane Brewing
  • BKS Artisan Ales
  • Alma Mader Brewing
  • Fringe Beerworks
  • East Forty Brewing
  • Limitless Brewing
  • Servaes Beer Co

With such a variety of options, there’s a brewery for every taste on the Kansas City Tap Tour.

These breweries not only offer an incredible selection of handcrafted beers, but many also host special events and releases, continually refreshing and enlivening the experience.

Be sure to check out the Kansas City Tap Tour website for more information on the breweries and their offerings.

Food and Brew Pairings: Best Breweries in Kansas with Great Food Options

Craft beer and delectable food are a match made in heaven. In this part, we’ll highlight the best breweries in Kansas that complement their craft beers with tantalizing food options.

From Free State Brewing to Green Room Burgers and Beers, these establishments promise to delight your taste buds as you savor some of the finest brews Kansas has to offer.

Free State Brewing

As Kansas’ first legal brewery, Free State Brewing is a historic landmark in the state’s brewing scene.

Located in Lawrence, this brewery offers a rotating flagship menu of beers, as well as limited and seasonal options, both in bottles and on tap.

Their comprehensive food menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, guaranteeing a dish to please every palate.

KC Bier Co

For a taste of Germany in Kansas, look no further than KC Bier Co. This brewery prides itself on its authentic German beers, importing hops and malts directly from Germany.

Their food menu features German classics like giant pretzels, hotdogs with sauerkraut, and more.

Be sure to try their Dunkel, Pure Pils, and Kölsch beers for an authentic German experience.

Brewery Emperial

Located in Kansas City’s Crossroads neighborhood, Brewery Emperial offers classic European and American beers, a spacious outdoor area, and multi-course platters.

With dishes like duck confit Scotch egg, wood-fired half chicken, and rabbit molé, this brewery is the perfect destination for foodies and beer lovers alike.

Be sure not to overlook their unique selection of beers, such as the SWARZBIER, a German-style “Black” beer.

Green Room Burgers and Beers

Green Room Burgers and Beers is a locally-owned brewery in Kansas City, attached to a popular improv comedy theater. Here, you’ll find small batches of handcrafted drinks alongside an extensive menu of delicious dishes.

Offering everything from burgers to salads and sandwiches, this brewery provides a casual dining experience that complements their selection of craft beers beautifully.

Summary

From small microbreweries to historic establishments, Kansas’ craft beer scene is thriving and diverse. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community, these breweries offer unique experiences and flavors that cater to every beer lover’s taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting your journey, Kansas breweries have something to offer everyone.

So, raise a glass to the Sunflower State’s craft beer scene and embark on a flavorful adventure through some of the best breweries in Kansas.

With exceptional beers, delicious food pairings, and a warm sense of community, there’s no better way to experience the heartland of America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one beer in Kansas?

In Kansas, Coors Light takes the top spot as the number one beer, followed by Budweiser and Bud Light in second and third. Stella and Corona Extra round out the top five.

How many breweries are there in Kansas?

There are 59 craft breweries in Kansas, making it a great destination for craft beer lovers.

What is the Kansas City Tap Tour?

The Kansas City Tap Tour is an ideal way to explore the city’s craft beer scene, providing access to discounts and deals at 24 breweries with a digital passport.

Can I find breweries in Kansas with great food options?

Yes, you can definitely find breweries in Kansas with great food options! Free State Brewing, KC Bier Co, Brewery Emperial, and Green Room Burgers and Beers all have delicious offerings to enjoy.

Yes, Kansas breweries are embracing unique and innovative brewing trends, such as wild fermented beers, tropical stouts, non-alcoholic options, plus new ingredients and techniques.