The Nebraska craft beer scene continues to evolve as the industry undergoes many changes. The stiff competition has elevated all styles of craft beer, which is terrific! The distribution game remains challenging across the country as people support their local breweries. In addition, THC drinks have come onto the scene, and their popularity has risen at the expense of craft beer breweries. In other states, such as Minnesota, the production of THC beverages is taking place in breweries, helping them to adjust to what some patrons are now looking for.

The most interesting part that I have witnessed over the past year is that there is no dominant style. Breweries that can offer a wide variety of styles are seeing a larger following. In 2025, lagers of all types, including German and Mexican lagers, seem to have grabbed the attention of beer lovers. Both Bearded Brewers Artisan Ales and Heavy Brewing have done a great job introducing patrons to Dark Mexican Lagers (Negra). Negra is a style that I never really thought about until I enjoyed it at both breweries!

New Beginnings

The three new breweries that I have made it to in Nebraska in 2025 are Ashland Brewing Company, Lovely Brewing Company, and Big Grove Brewery.

My stories about Ashland Brewing Company in Ashland, Nebraska, had the most views in 2025. I got to follow the construction of the brewery to the grand opening. Here are the three stories I wrote:

Lovelty Brewing Company resides in Ralston and is a nice addition to the area.

Big Grove Brewery, based in Iowa, planned to launch a new brewery at 4601 Catalyst Ct. in Omaha, Nebraska, near the University of Nebraska Medical Center in February. There were some delays, but they are open, serving the craft beer they brew, food, and also coffee from their attached coffee shop.

These are the ones I have visited, but to keep up with the latest openings, go to the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild’s website.

Corn Coast Brewing in La Vista opened on April 19th, 2025

TAPROOM EXPANSIONS

Two expansions that I followed this year were the opening of the Corn Coast Brewing Taproom in La Vista and Kinkaider Brewing in Kearney.

I was super excited for Corn Coast Brewing to open a taproom in the Omaha metro area. I have enjoyed their beer since they opened in 2021, but I never made the trip to Lincoln to the taproom more than twice a year. Now that the new taproom is so close, I get to enjoy their great selection of lagers, English-style beers, hazy IPAs, and barrel-aged stouts.

Here are the stories I have written about Corn Coast Brewing.

I am looking forward to 2026, when I am in the Kearney area, to check out the Kinkaider taproom!

CHALLENGING TIMES

October was a sad month, as we said goodbye to Nebraska Brewing Company, which opened in 2007. After the shock of the news sank in, I quickly thought about all that the brewery has done for the Nebraska craft beer community.

I have so many memories that it would be difficult to share them all. Some of my favorite ones are the MOAB release parties, volunteering at the Great Nebraska Beerfest, and, most of all, getting to know the family over the years at the brewery.

Nebraska Brewing Company spent many years helping to elevate Nebraska craft beer through its leadership and building a family tree of successful brewers who have opened their own breweries. Their passion for supporting local charities has had a significant impact on the community, and we will never forget it.

I thank Kim for getting me involved in the 50 Mile March for Veterans. I loved Paul's passion and enjoyed every minute listening to his stories about how they got started. One should never measure success in the number of awards won (which they have many), but in the impact this brewery has had on Omaha and Nebraska.

Without Nebraska Brewing Company, there would not be a bright future for the next generation of breweries. I will always cherish the brewery and family. Well beyond my days on this planet, I hope others share the impact and stories of this great establishment.

Top Stories in 2025

Here are the top 5 stories from 2025.

  1. Family Inspired Ashland Brewing - Anticipation is Building

  2. Two Times the Incredible Corn Coast Experience

  3. Roc Hopper Brewing - Not Your Typical Taproom

  4. Seeing the World Through One Man’s Beer Can Collection

  5. Changing with the Times - Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply

Thank you to the 5,400 unique visitors to my website, who viewed 7,200 pages! I hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoy writing them!

Please continue to share ideas for stories with me in 2026.

Cheers!

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