As a child, I always wanted to go to Chimney Rock near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This significant landmark helped people as they made their way along the Oregon Trail. I can’t imagine all of the struggles they encountered on their journey. Seeing this as an adult was very special, and sharing the journey to Scottsbluff with friends Paul and Kristi was very fun! The other thing that made Chimney Rock memorable was Mrs. Java-Stout saw her first rattlesnake the size of the width of the sidewalk.
We left Omaha around 8:30 am, and our first destination was Johnson Lake, south of Lexington. Canyon Lakes Brewing Company opened in June of 2019. The brewery is a welcomed addition to the area with its incredible food, like the Smash burger, and a great selection of craft beer to go along with the food. I had a flight of refreshing beer that day with lunch, as this was our first stop.
Tiki Torch is a unique fruited wheat ale with passion fruit, orange, and guava notes. This 5.2% ABV beer finishes with some spicy heat that I enjoy! Before leaving, it was great to see the brewery had cans of their beer so that I could bring some home. A nice selection went into the cooler then we were back on the road: next stop, North Platte.
This was my second time returning to Pals Brewing Company. The location is fantastic on the outskirts of town, with plenty of space for outdoor events, games, and music. As we visited with one of the brewers, he told us about the past couple of weekends being very busy with a bull riding event and a wedding.
This lovely hazy IPA is the Azacc-Yeah brewed with cryo Azacca, and HOC-586 hops that bring out stone fruit and citrus notes. A trace of mild hop bitterness finishes this 7.2% ABV IPA. It was a nice treat that afternoon, and I am looking forward to the four crowlers I brought back. The crowler cans have a screw top to enjoy a small pour without having to drink the complete crowler, which is awesome!
It is always difficult to leave Pals Brewing Company! I still need to stay some time at their McNeil House Bed & Brew. A decent drive is still ahead of us to make it to Scottsbluff, so back on the road!
We made it to Flyover Brewing Company around 6 pm on a Friday, and the place was hopping! Open since 2018, this is one Nebraska brewery I have not visited. Trying many small pours of Flyover's wide selection was a fun time!
My favorite beer from them is still the Hellcat Helles. This light lager is flavorful and comes in at 4.8% ABV. Other favorites from our group that night were the Damn Yankees NEIPA, Lime Gose, and Sour Saison. Such a great atmosphere in the taproom that I wish the brewery were closer to Omaha, but at least I could bring some crowlers back!
We would say goodbye to our friends Paul and Kristi the next day and continue to Colorado Springs. I will be writing about the breweries there in another blog. On our way back to Omaha, one more must-stop in Holdrege!
It was a Sunday afternoon, and we made it to Lost Way Brewery around 3 pm. I didn't see Jessica Kraus (one of the owners with her husband Mark and Jason & Kimberly Hines) in the taproom initially, but we got to visit, which was great! Lost Way has a special place in my heart because I was at the soft opening in 2017 and met the two couples. Time flies, and it is always great to catch up!
On this day, I enjoyed the Sad Strawberry Blueberry Gose (5.7% ABV) with its tartness and saltiness, which was delightful. The Easy Wind west coast IPA at 6.2% ABV was a perfect choice to end the trip and bring home! Mrs. Java-Stout was happy to get a crowler of their grape soda.
They say Nebraska is the most borrowing drive across I-80. I tell people you must get off the interstate to enjoy the beauty and excellent breweries! If you take my advice, you will no longer consider it a boring drive but an adventure.
Cheers!