Wichita, KS Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Authority on the Best Brews in Town
In the heartland of America, Wichita, Kansas, has quietly fostered a craft beer scene that rivals any other. The city's passionate brewers take great pride in their art, infusing traditional brewing methods with innovative twists. These local breweries are committed to using fresh ingredients to produce a wide range of unique and consistent quality beers that reflect the community's spirit and creativity.
From stouts infused with chocolate roasted malts that tantalize with a perfect balance of sweetness and roast to vanilla hazelnut porters that offer a bold and adventurous flavor profile, Wichita's craft beer offerings are as diverse as its history. Whether nestled in bustling city corners or standing as beacons in quieter neighborhoods, these breweries also serve as social hubs where locals and visitors alike can gather to enjoy a pint.
Wichita's breweries excel not just in beer making, but in contributing to a vibrant food scene, as many offer extensive menus featuring items like gourmet burgers. The combination of delicious craft beers and local gastronomy makes for an irresistible experience for foodies and beer lovers. This guide aims to traverse the burgeoning beer landscape of Wichita, shining a light on the local brews that set the city apart.
History of Craft Beer in Wichita, KS
Wichita's craft beer scene has seen a dynamic transformation over recent years. Establishing its roots in 2011, Wichita Brewing Company pioneered the craft brewery movement in the area. Greg Gifford and Jeremy Horn, initially home brewers, desired to offer Wichita both excellent beer and pizza, (What wine goes well with pizza?) and so they did with the founding of their brewery.
Craft breweries in Wichita quickly became more than just places to enjoy unique beers; they evolved into integral parts of the community's social fabric. New establishments have followed suit, expanding the diversity and reach of locally brewed craft beer.
The evolution of craft beer in Wichita reflects a shift away from mainstream American lagers towards more diverse flavors and styles. This has helped put Wichita on the map as a promising destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Each year has seen growth in the number of craft breweries, with several new ones expected to open, signaling a bright future for the local industry.
Year Notable Events
2009 Wichita Brewing Company's vision takes root
2011 Wichita Brewing Company officially opens its doors
As of the latest data, the number of craft breweries in the city continues to increase, with the community embracing the plethora of flavors offered by local brewers. This growth echoes a nationwide trend, as craft beer gains prominence and becomes an expression of local culture and creativity.
Overview of Wichita Craft Breweries
Wichita, Kansas has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, featuring an array of breweries that offer a rich tapestry of flavors and brewing styles. Each Wichita brewery brings its unique twist to the craft beer scene.
Wichita Brewing Co
Wichita Brewing Co. offers a selection that includes some of the city's favorite pizza pairings. Their brews typically display a balance of classic and innovative styles, delivering a diverse flavor profile to suit various palates.
Hopping Gnome
Hopping Gnome Brewing Company focuses on small-batch artisanal beers. They have created a niche for themselves with a taproom that provides an intimate setting for beer lovers to explore their crafted ales.
Central Standard Brewing
Central Standard Brewing is known for its wide range of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. They have gained a reputation for their flavorful and creatively named brews that continually attract a following.
Limestone Beer Co
Limestone Beer Co maintains a commitment to traditional methods, producing beers with a consistent quality. They cater to those who appreciate the time-honored processes of beer crafting.
River City Brewing Company
River City Brewing Company stands as Wichita's oldest brewpub, with a history of serving hearty brews alongside equally robust dishes. Their beers are deeply rooted in the local culture and taste preferences.
Third Place Brewing
Third Place Brewing prides itself on being a go-to spot where beer aficionados can gather. They emphasize community alongside their range of traditional and contemporary beer styles.
Nortons Brewing Co
Nortons Brewing Co brings an adventurous spirit to their brewing, often experimenting with bold flavors and unusual ingredients to create distinctive beers that stand out in the Wichita beer scene.
Augustino Brewing
Augustino Brewing Company specializes in beers that are rich and full-bodied, like their well-regarded vanilla hazelnut porter. Attention to detail and flavor complexity marks their offerings.
Hank Is Wiser Brewery
Hank Is Wiser Brewery, a family-owned establishment, focuses on delivering quality over quantity. Each batch is brewed with a personal touch, reflecting both the skill and passion of their brewing team.
Walnut River Brewing Co
Walnut River Brewing Co in nearby El Dorado, expands the craft beer footprint just outside of Wichita. They offer an inclusive lineup of beers that aims to appeal to both newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Popular Beers and Styles
Wichita’s craft beer scene showcases a diverse range of styles, with each local brewery offering a selection that highlights their unique take on traditional formulas. Patrons can expect a spectrum of ales, stouts, IPAs, sours, and wild ales, each with distinct flavors and brewing techniques.
Ales
Ales are a staple in Wichita's craft beer selection. They typically exhibit a balance between malt and hops, featuring fruity, spicy, and earthy notes. Wingman Wheat from Aero Plains Brewing is particularly notable, providing beer enthusiasts with a refreshing citrus twist that celebrates the city's rich wheat production.
Stouts
Stouts bring boldness to Wichita’s drinkable beer repertoire. Emerald City Stout, crafted by River City Brewing Co., is a compelling example with its roasted barley and chocolate malts. The infusion of nitrogen carbonation gives this stout a creamy texture, enhancing its coffee-like flavor and robust malt finish.
IPAs
India Pale Ales (IPAs) are well-represented and beloved for their hop-forward profile. Wichita breweries often experiment with this style, introducing an array of hop varieties to create complex flavor profiles that range from intensely bitter to fruit-forward and aromatic.
Sours
Sours cater to those with an adventurous palate, offering a tart and tangy experience. Craft beer aficionados in Wichita can delight in these refreshingly acidic brews that often include a diverse selection of fruit infusions, adding a layer of sweetness to balance the sourness.
Wild Ales
Lastly, wild ales are for those who appreciate unpredictability in their beer. These brews undergo spontaneous fermentation, allowing natural yeast and bacteria to influence the flavor. This style is not as common but is gaining traction among craft beer circles in Wichita for its unique and complex taste profiles.
Unique Offerings
In the bustling craft beer scene of Wichita, KS, breweries have elevated the drinking experience by pairing their bespoke beverages with exceptional culinary options. Patrons can enjoy a range of food offerings from wood-fired pizzas to comprehensive brewery menus, ensuring that every pint is complemented by a delicious meal.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Several Wichita breweries have honed the art of pairing their craft beers with wood-fired pizzas, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. These pizzas are known for their crispy crusts, smoky nuances, and fresh, artisanal toppings, making them the perfect accompaniment to a local pint.
Food Options
Diverse food options are a staple in Wichita's craft beer locations. From savory appetizers to full entrees, there's something to satisfy every culinary preference. Breweries often highlight local ingredients, providing a taste of the region in every dish.
Brewery Restaurant
In the heart of Wichita's Old Town, brewery restaurants combine crafted beers with a robust food menu. Patrons can indulge in a meal within a venue that offers a variety of house-made brews, showcasing how integral the food and beer experience is to the culture of Wichita's local brewers.
Visiting Wichita Breweries
Wichita, a burgeoning hub for craft beer in Kansas, offers a variety of breweries that cater to both connoisseurs and beginners alike, with dedicated tours, expansive tasting rooms, and exceptional craft beer destinations.
Brewery Tours
Brewery tours in Wichita are a prime opportunity for visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at the local craft beer brewing process. Augustino Brewing Company is known for its distinctive beers like the Liquid Deception, a vanilla hazelnut American porter. Tours typically showcase the careful craftsmanship that goes into each brew. Visitors should also check out River City Brewing Company, which offers a look into their operations, usually with opportunities to sample their latest creations.
Tasting Rooms
When it comes to tasting rooms, Central Standard Brewing stands out with a high rating and a variety of beers that set it apart even beyond the local Wichita scene. Tasting rooms in the city provide an intimate setting for trying out different styles of local craft beer, allowing beer aficionados and novices to explore flavors ranging from classic ales to innovative stouts and porters.
Craft Beer Aficionado Destinations
Wichita's craft beer destinations are diverse, with spots like Nortons Brewing Company offering not just exceptional beers but also a vibrant atmosphere. For beer aficionados, the Wicked Brew Tour is an annual event that shouldn't be missed. Participants collect stamps from over 20 participating businesses, including breweries and coffee shops, to receive exclusive rewards such as a tour T-shirt.
These subsections highlight some key spots within Wichita's local craft beer scene, providing enough diversity to suit any taste and experience level in the art of brewing and beer enjoyment.
Events and Community
Wichita, KS boasts a vibrant community that enthusiastically supports local craft beer through various events. These gatherings not only celebrate Wichita's brewing craftsmanship but also foster partnerships with local businesses.
Local Craft Beer Events
In Wichita, craft beer enthusiasts can look forward to events like the Wicked Brew Tour. The event typically occurs in the summer, offering a self-guided expedition to explore an array of local businesses serving handcrafted beers, ciders, and other unique brews. The tours are a great way for residents and visitors alike to engage with the local craft beer culture and experience the flavors of Wichita.
Event: Wicked Brew Tour 2023
Date: Begins June 2, 2023
Offerings: Craft beer, cider, hard cider, kombucha
Another anticipated event is the Brew Wagon Tours, a novel concept allowing participants to hop aboard a shuttle and visit multiple breweries in one go. This portrays a community that not only values its local craft beer but also seeks to share and expand upon this appreciation within and beyond its borders.
Event: Brew Wagon Tours
Type: Guided brewery tours
Capacity: Private groups or individual seats available
Collaborations with Local Businesses
Local breweries often collaborate with nearby businesses to create special brews or host events. Hopping Gnome Brewing Company is noted for its award-winning 'Sepia Amber' ale and is indicative of the quality and inventiveness present in the local scene. Such collaborations are a testament to the community-centric approach taken by Wichita's craft beer industry, promoting a thriving environment for both the breweries and the local economy.
Limestone Beer Co. is another example, offering 'The Keeper' sour biere de garde, named in homage to the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue. This showcases how craft beer in Wichita is not only about taste but also about community pride and local identity.
By engaging in partnerships and community events, Wichita's breweries bolster the local economy while also creating a spirited and inclusive environment for both residents and visitors.
Where to Purchase Wichita Craft Beer
Wichita's vibrant craft beer scene offers several destinations for enthusiasts looking to purchase local brews. Whether at specialized stores or through well-stocked distributors, there's a great variety of craft beer from Wichita and across the USA.
Local Stores and Distributors
In Wichita, local stores and distributors pride themselves on housing extensive collections of craft beers. These outlets provide customers with a taste of local craftsmanship and flavors from different breweries. Consumers can discover a range of options, from uniquely flavored porters and stouts to refreshing ales and lagers.
Augustino Brewing: Known for their vanilla hazelnut porter.
Bricktown Brewery - East: Offers the chocolatey Single String Stout.
Tor Brewing: Produces distinctive craft beers with fresh ingredients.
Walnut River Brewing Company: Another excellent local source for craft beers.
Wichita Brewing Company: Not just craft beers, but also offers wood-fired pizzas.
Goebel Liquor
Goebel Liquor, referred to by locals as Rob's World of Beers, is a store that stands out for its wide selection of craft beers. They bring forward an impressive variety, featuring both domestic craft beers from across the USA and a selection of imported ones.
Location: Convenient for Wichita residents looking for quality craft beer.
Options: Various styles available from stouts to IPAs and specialty brews.
Services: Provides delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup options.
Each location brings its own unique flair to Wichita's craft beer community, ensuring that connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike can find something that suits their palate.
Craft Beer Resources
In Wichita, KS, aficionados of craft beer have access to a variety of resources that equip them with the latest news, reviews, and insights into the local craft beer scene.
Newsletter Subscriptions
Craft beer enthusiasts in Wichita can enhance their knowledge and stay informed on new releases and events by subscribing to newsletters from local breweries. Newsletters often provide subscribers with exclusive content such as:
Early Access: Information on limited-edition brews and upcoming brewery events.
Insider Knowledge: Brewing process insights and profiles on brewers.
Online Reviews and Ratings
Online platforms provide a crucial resource for discerning drinkers seeking information about the quality and characteristics of local craft beers. These platforms include:
Untappd Ratings: Users can find ratings for beers from breweries such as Hopping Gnome Brewing Company and Limestone Beer Co.
Yelp Reviews: Central Standard Brewing and Nortons Brewing Company are among top-rated Wichita breweries on Yelp, featuring detailed consumer reviews.
Craft Beer Culture in Kansas
Kansas's craft beer scene boasts a thriving culture that reflects a deep commitment to brewing excellence and innovation. The state has witnessed a flourishing era for craft breweries, with Wichita as a passionate hub for local craft beer enthusiasts.
Comparison with Other Regions
When comparing Kansas to other regions, such as Colorado, a known craft beer haven, there are notable differences and similarities. While Colorado's craft beer market is mature, with a high density of breweries per capita, Kansas is emerging with a growing number of craft breweries that focus on quality and community engagement.
Craft Breweries Density: Colorado ranks higher in the number of craft breweries, reflecting its earlier adoption of craft beer culture. However, Kansas is rapidly catching up, investing in unique brews and local flavors.
Brew Styles and Innovation: Both regions showcase a variety of craft beer styles, with a tendency towards innovation. In Kansas, breweries like Central Standard Brewing and Nortons Brewing Co. often incorporate local ingredients and detailed craftsmanship to their brews.
Legal and Business Climate: The legal landscape in Kansas has evolved to become more supportive of craft breweries, mirroring changes seen in states like Colorado. This shift is conducive to industry growth and market expansion within Kansas.
Craft beer in Kansas demonstrates a dedication to crafting unique and flavorful beers, with an ever-increasing number of enthusiasts. As breweries continue to carve out their niche, the Sunflower State's place in the USA's craft beer narrative grows more prominent. The culture persists in defining a local identity that revels in its distinctiveness from more established craft beer regions.
