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Celebrating Ashland Brewing Company Grand Opening - June 19, 2025

There are very few things in life that are as special as seeing something incredible being built from the start. A family that loves the Ashland community is launching a place to help others create memories of the area through the experiences they will have at Ashland Brewing Company. Tim, Ashley, Frank, and Ann Uryasz are the owners of this fine establishment and have allowed me to follow the construction of the brewery from start to finish.

If you're someone who likes to read a book from start to finish, then here are the other two blogs for the complete story.

The Celebration

I was so impressed by the original architectural drawings, but the real thing is truly breathtaking! Back in January, when I met the family at the brewery, the final drywall was being hung, and you could imagine what the indoor bar space would become. The image of the bar above is from the upstairs area that also features a large and beautiful patio, as shown in the middle photo. The view of the yard games and pickleball courts, with the flags, shows an inviting space for all ages to have fun. There is something for everyone to enjoy! The first picture is of the first-floor patio where my friends and I spent most of the time on this soft opening night. I love the outdoor bar seats for having a drink and enjoying a conversation.

I was grateful for the invitation to the soft opening from Tim and his family. It was great that I could bring my two friends, Andy and Nikki, who share my passion for breweries. We got to meet lots of the staff and talked with Tim (middle picture above) and his dad, Frank. I always enjoy the excitement of a new brewery and getting to speak with people who bring the experience to life. There are many tables inside on the first floor to enjoy a beer, a cocktail, or a meal.

It was nice to get to talk with Kyle McClellen, who is the head brewer for Ashland Brewing Company. Kyle comes from White Elm Brewing, where he spent his last three years. Before that, he was a homebrewer for many years. The beer that was on tap was an Amber Ale (first picture), Kolsch (second picture), Hazy IPA (third picture), Blonde Ale, and Lager. This is a good variety for the grand opening! I enjoyed the ones pictured, and my friends also liked the available cocktails.

I just might have to try playing pickleball.

I will never forget when I first heard about the new brewery being built in Ashland, Nebraska, that was going to have pickleball courts. Now the grand opening is taking place on Thursday, June 19th, and is a nice destination for all kinds of fun! An easy drive on Highway 6 from both Omaha and Lincoln.

Congrats to the newest brewery in Nebraska - Ashland Brewing Co. 🎉🎉🎉

I look forward to visiting several times this summer.

Cheers!

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Three Kolsch Style Beers to Enjoy This Summer

We must thank Cologne, Germany, for creating the Kolsch beer style. Sometimes controversial in its classification as an ale or a lager, this style has a light, delicate, and crisp body that attracts beer lovers worldwide. I enjoy it immensely, and I recently found three distinctly different ones that are all very good!

Zipline Brewing Co Kolsch

This clean, crisp, straw-colored Kolsch has pear and honey notes with a subtle peppery hop finish. Of the three in this blog, it is the lightest in terms of maltiness. It is very refreshing and comes in at 5.4% ABV.

Heavy Brewing Mike Kolsch

This is the first time Heavy Brewing has made a Kolsch, and it deserves a high-five! Out of the three, this Kolsch has the most fruit notes of pear and honeydew melon. The color is deep gold, and it has a decent maltiness that shows some bready characteristics. The finish is mildly hoppy, balancing out this 5.1% ABV beer. Another good local, Nebraska Kolsch!

Utepils Skolsch

I am going to Minneapolis this summer and wanted to try a Kolsch from a well-known German-style brewery that I can visit. Made with barley from outside Cologne, Germany, this blonde ale (oh, I know someone will be saying he meant lager, nope) has a deep straw color that leans into the bready notes over fruit notes. The soft, clear body finishes with a mild dose of hops to balance out well in this 4.9% ABV Kolsch.

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Two Times the Incredible Corn Coast Experience

It was August 2021 when I met two of the three founders of Corn Coast Brewing Company, Will Walter and Dan Walkemeyer. They had just opened the brewery in Lincoln, and I was excited to see what these two gentlemen were brewing. Almost four years later, I am walking into the new taproom at 10717 Virginia Plaza, Suite 101 in La Vista, and I am ecstatic to have them closer so I can visit more often!

The Omaha metro area continues to grow in popularity as a craft beer destination. The addition of Corn Coast Brewing to Exit 442 (I-80) will create an even bigger attraction to the current breweries of Pint Nine Brewing Company, Kros Strain Brewing, Nebraska Brewing Company, Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., and Infusion Brewing Co.

Citra Soaker Double Hazy IPA

It didn’t take long for Corn Coast’s popularity to skyrocket. I think for me, it was the hazy IPAs, such as the Citra Soaker, that grabbed my attention and won a bronze medal at GABF in 2022. Each time I got a chance to visit the brewery, every style, from lagers to stouts, was spot on!

When you have a great product, the next question becomes expansion. One of the best choices is to open a second location, but where? Dan said they researched several options, but it became clear they would expand somewhere in the Omaha metro. Dan said he and Will had a list of items they considered must-haves, and the location in La Vista had what they were looking for.

We could show all of the beers that would be on tap for the grand opening, but that would spoil the fun.

While I was visiting, Dan and Will prepared for the grand opening on Saturday, April 19th. It was incredible to see that the new taproom would have 20 taps. Dan explained that the goal is to have the same beers in Lincoln and Omaha. They wanted people to know they could enjoy either taproom and get the same beers. I think that is a great idea! The taproom represents the Corn Coast branding very well. Now the question for me was - what new ideas did Will and Dan have for the second time around?

Dan smiled and started to go over the list of items they were excited about in the second taproom, such as:

  • The 15 x 50 ft. patio would be open in the first year at the new taproom.

  • A garage door so people could enjoy fresh air in the taproom.

  • The efficiency of multiple sprayers for the glasses, combined with the twenty taps, makes it easier for numerous people to pour beer.

  • A private event space that is perfect for all types of events. My mind went first to local businesses. You need to check this space out for team meetings or outings!

  • A commercial beer glass washer to keep up with the taproom's busy times (I see that happening often).

There are more on the list, but I want everyone to experience other notable features when you visit that taproom!

I can’t imagine all of the planning it takes to get a second location started. Construction started in September of last year amongst other changes going on. In the past six months, Corn Coast has expanded their brewing operation with 60 barrels of additional capacity and another brewer. No slowing down as canning production is also a big part of the brewery, I am glad for this as it is awesome to have lots of to-go options!

Cool merch to go with great beer!

From left to right, Dan, Will, and Andy Barker (taproom manager)

Mark it down on your calendar for the grand opening on Saturday, April 19th, 2025. Dan, Will, Andy, and the rest of the staff look forward to serving you beer from the best coast. It is not the East or West Coast, it is the Corn Coast!

Cheers!

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Changing With The Times - Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply

It is amazing what six years can do to an industry. In February 2019, I spent time with Matt Misfeldt and his wife, Jennifer Obal-Misfeldt, from Patriot Homebrew Supplies. When they first opened in 2013, there were around six breweries in Nebraska, and homebrewing thrived from individuals to local groups. Today, there are 60+ breweries in Nebraska, with a greater concentration in the Omaha area. This is part of the changing dynamics of readily available local craft beer.

Patriot brewery 32 oz crowlers and 64 oz growlers

It was in March 2020, during the COVID pandemic, that a significant change would take place with Matt and Jennifer opening a nano brewery and becoming Patriot Brewery & Supplies. Jennifer told me it was a crazy time to keep up with the to-go offerings of their beer and that local breweries were looking for crowler and growler glass containers to serve customers.

I remember going to a few breweries where they said they were sorry they didn’t have any to-go containers. It was a strange time not knowing when you could return to the breweries and enjoy a beer in the establishment; luckily, that is behind us now.

Since its opening in 2013, the demographics of beer drinkers have also changed. I was talking with another local brewery who said the appetite for barrel-aged beers had decreased dramatically, signaling other changes are taking place. The younger generation is not as interested in big beers, and I guess they outnumber us well-seasoned (older folks).

After the pandemic, many seemed renewed and eager to enjoy all experiences. They desired a personal touch to all activities, from shopping to drinking beverages. We all had been missing human companionship through conversation!

To accommodate what people were looking for, Jennifer told me that the space was redesigned to be intimate without the distraction of TVs and other noise. I love this rare experience of forgetting about everything else happening in the world and enjoying the company of others. The small taproom makes it feel like you are going into someone’s home and not a business.

The taproom space has a great atmosphere of limited tables and memorabilia.

Eleven taps with craft beer, hard cider, and soda.

The best part about a nano brewery is having a brewer like Matt, who is passionate about every detail of beer brewing! Matt has been homebrewing since 2007, building up an excellent knowledge base he loves sharing. We will get into the details of a few beers in a moment.

The other part is that Matt uses the best-quality ingredients from the retail store to make the beer on tap. Matt and Jennifer share small-batch recipes with all patrons, which is a rarity but provides a community of collaboration. I can’t think of a better way to share the experience of taking a recipe and making minor changes to see what happens—now, that could be the mad scientist in me!

It is time to discuss the beer now!

It is getting close to St. Patty’s Day, and who doesn’t like an Irish Stout? It is as dark as night, making most novice craft beer drinkers think it is heavy when the body is usually medium light. Sometimes, the dryness can be harsh, detracting from this lower ABV stout, but Matt must be doing something different.

I get the nice roasty notes with a hint of coffee in a smooth body that finishes modestly dry. So what is the secret? Is it something about the water profile or the brewing process itself? Matt told me he had done many experiments over the years and found that cold steeping those black malts yielded excellent color and flavor while reducing astringency. That makes sense to me. When I make cold brewed coffee, steeping it with cold water decreases acidity levels.

What a significant difference! If you live in the Omaha and Elkhorn area, you should visit on Friday, March 14th. Matt will be tapping a cask-conditioned pin for everyone to experience the difference. So you ask, what is a pin? A pin equals about 5.4 gallons, or 43 pints, of beer, whereas a firkin equals 10.8 gallons, or 86 pints.

Cask ales (often referred to as real ales) originated in Britain during the Middle Ages. For those who have not tried cask ales, you might hear the nay-sayer in them, thinking no one would want warm, flat beer. This is untrue, as the beer has a fuller, softer mouthfeel with an enhanced flavor profile. It is served at cellar temperature (around 55°F). No CO2 taps are used to pour the beer. Instead, the tap relies on gravity.

It is a must-have experience if you have never tried a cask ale!

My Irish eyes are smiling for this stout!

The beautiful caramel color of the Patriator Doppelbock.

A favorite winter and early spring beer style is the Bock. During my visit, Matt had a Doppelbock (aka double Bock) on tap that I was dying to try! This German beer style is rich and malty, varying from caramel and toffee to chocolate and dark fruit notes. I prefer the ones with caramel and toffee notes with that sweetness, which were in Matt’s Patriator Doppelbock. The cool part is when you go to their website, you see lots of details, such as 8.2% ABV, 60% Munich malt, single decoction with Magnum, and Northern Brewer hops. WLP833 German Bock yeast.

Wait a minute. There is a word there (decoction) that I have no idea what it means. I was lucky that Matt was patient and described it to me. Decoction is a brewing technique that involves boiling a portion of the mash and returning it to the main mash. Okay, so why is that important? This time-consuming process helps extract the maximum sugars from the grain, enhancing the malty notes and clarity of the beer. The outcome is impressive; I imagine most larger breweries couldn’t afford to use this process.

One of my fondest memories is my friend Gerard's invitation to a brewing class at Patriot Brewery and Supplies. We brewed a fantastic American Pale Ale. I remember telling Gerard that we should name this beer “Eight Days a Week” because you will want to drink it that often!

I have never seen a place with so many ingredients for homebrewers! I know what you are thinking, but it is easier to go on the Internet to find them. My question for you is, how do you know what you are getting? Granted, if I need a screwdriver, I would probably hop on Amazon and get it. Now, if it is about selecting between core malts and hops, I can’t see myself ordering online. I would instead want to see, smell, and, yes, maybe taste them before purchasing. I would look to the expertise of Jennifer and Matt to steer me in the right direction. The personal touch you get from a local shop will improve your beer!

The famous brewing paddle!

I highly recommend visiting the taproom for a beer or taking a class. Some of the upcoming events are:

You can find other events on this page.

My favorite picture (from the first blog) of Matt brewing!

That’s a wrap! I hope you take the time to visit Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply. I always enjoy the time with Matt and Jennifer, learning new things, and having a beer with them!

Below, you will find their location, which will help you make your way there.

Cheers!

 

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Family Inspired Ashland Brewing - Anticipation is Building

Pictured above Ashley, Ann, Frank, and TIm Uryasz

Last September, I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Uryasz about Ashland Brewing Company, which is currently being built. It was exciting to write about the beginnings of a truly family-based place that believes in supporting local businesses, serving the Ashland community, and loving the great state of Nebraska. You can find the first blog here.

The response to the first blog was overwhelming, with more than 2,500 people reading it! The curiosity, expressed through many questions, shows that the anticipation for Ashland Brewing Company’s opening in 2025 is growing! I thought the best way to keep everyone updated would be through another blog, and Tim agreed! This time, I would meet his wife, mother, and father (which was awesome) as we toured the brewery to see the latest construction updates.

Photos provided by Tim Uryasz

Tim’s grandfather, Frank Uryasz Sr., provided inspiration for the brewery. It is wonderful to see the three generations of Uryasz family members involved in this project! Frank Uryasz Sr., 94, was a long-time employee of Leo A. Daly (architecture and design). A beer lover himself, Frank S. will be an “honorary” brewer. Frank Sr. spent time with his uncle making beer in his hometown of Omaha.

Now, let’s take a look at how construction is going!

The architectural drawing shows the ground-level patio and entrance. From the picture I took, I am behind the bar area, looking back towards the construction workers. The workers are at the indoor entrance where the logo apparel and other logo items for purchase will be. Walking in, patrons will see the brewing equipment on the opposite side of the building through some windows. The brewing system was purchased from Lincoln, Nebraska’s own ABE Equipment.

The bar area on this level is designed to serve people indoors and outdoors. The fresh air on the patio will be great on warm days, and I can already see myself having a beer at the bar! Ashland Brewing Company will have something for everyone. It will have a full bar serving eight of its craft beers and guest taps featuring cider and seltzers. The bar will also offer crafted cocktails, wine, and non-alcohol N/A beer and mocktail options.

The brewing area is appealing for several reasons. The first is the nice space for the 5-barrel brewing system. The second is the windows behind the family above. Driving on Highway 6, you will see the brewing equipment through the tall windows. This will be an incredible sight! It won’t be long (March) before the equipment is installed, and people will know the building is a brewery.

The last item on the first floor is the kitchen area, which is well-designed to serve gastropub-style food. The menu is coming along nicely and will be finalized very soon. Tim also said the kitchen and other features were created to help streamline food preparation and delivery. I am excited to see the menu when it comes out!

With its spectacular views, I anticipate the upstairs patio will be a favorite spot! As you can see from the architectural drawing, there will be an outdoor bar area and tables. Not shown is a private area that can be used for a group of people. As you go indoors, there is a huge bar and a seating area called "The Cabin," which will hold about 70 people. The name comes from the ties to Tim's great-grandparents' cabin in Ashland. The upper floor has high ceilings, making it feel open and spacious. As you look toward the north end of the building facing Highway 6, you will see a room for barrels, which is the unique place where barrel-aging occurs for styles such as imperial stouts!

Barrel-aging room windows facing Highway 6

Front outdoor yard space with flagpoles

Upper patio view looking Northeast

The above pictures show more views from the upper floor and patio. The flagpoles are one of the cool things about the front yard, which is also a great family—and dog-friendly space. Tim said that Ashland Brewing Company will showcase many flags, including those of local schools and universities, the City of Ashland, the State of Nebraska, and the cornerstone American flag.

The outside is now completely enclosed, compared to when it was just the frame in September. The day I was there in January, the construction crew prepared the back lot to pour cement the next day. The cement pad (south end of the building) is now the indoor pickleball and event space area which will accommodate events like wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. There are so many incredible features, including the design of the courts that can be easily removed for events, thick sound-dampening insulation to reduce noise, and the space for large televisions. I can see it already having the space filled for a Husker football game - GBR!

What a fun day it was to see the progress of the buildout of Ashland Brewing Company! That day, I had my first experience wearing a construction hard hat, which I will never forget.

The construction of the building is a massive project, and you can tell the family loves its ties to the Ashland area. They want to make this establishment more than a brewery and restaurant. They want to make a community place where people can enjoy the area as much as they do.

The grand opening is planned for early summer 2025. In late February/early March, information on reservations for party areas, pickleball, and other related services will be available on the brewery's website, ashlandbrewco.com.

For updates, you can follow Ashland Brewing Company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

I will also cover the grand opening this summer.

Cheers!

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No Guilt Hoppiness

I believe my first time having hop water was about seven years ago. Back then, I thought it was an interesting idea when you were looking for a non-alcoholic beverage at a brewery. It didn’t seem to take off back then, but now there are local breweries like Empyrean Brewing Co. from Lincoln, Nebraska, reinvigorating this refreshing, sparkling hop-flavored drink! The growth over the past four years has been significant, including a 200% uptick in 2023.

Hop Drops

Empyrean Brewing Co.'s original version of Hop Drops is lemon-flavored. The aroma is that of lemon zest, which transfers into light lemon notes. The carbonated body holds the lemon, which transitions into earthy, floral notes that are slightly bitter, giving a nice dry finish.

Hop profile: Mosaic, El Dorado, and Bru-1

Zero: Alcohol, calories, sugar, gluten

Mango Hop Drops

Empyrean Brewing Co.'s mango version of Hop Drops brings out mango and grapefruit notes. The aroma is mango and citrus. The carbonated body is very refreshing, and the hop bitterness is light.

Hop profile: Mosaic, El Dorado

Zero: Alcohol, calories, sugar, gluten

Hop Drops is a perfect choice for someone like me who is not into sweet, zero-calorie drinks! Both varieties are good, but I am a mango guy and found that one to be my favorite.

I hope you try it, and let me know what you think!

Cheers!

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My Favorite Destination in Belmont, California

When I travel, I always like to find a small brewery to visit. I was in Redwood City, California, two years ago for business. A colleague and I found time to visit a local brewery in Belmont. We got an Uber, and when we were close to the destination, the Uber driver told us there couldn’t be a brewery back there. My keen eyesight saw a garage door open, and we had arrived at Alpha Acid Brewing Company!

On my next visit, I arrived at Alpha Acid Brewing on a sunny December afternoon; it was a beautiful day to sit outside and enjoy some fantastic craft beer. One of the brewers was working and told me their tenth anniversary was just a few weeks ago. At the brewery, unique beers are released on each anniversary and tend to be a bit higher on the ABV scale.

On my first visit, a Baltic Porter (9+ ABV%) and a Belgian Quad (13+ ABV%) were released for their eighth anniversary. Both were incredible beers, so I was excited to start with a flight of some of the core brews before indulging in the anniversary ones.

The Flight - Lagers & IPAs

The unique flight container set the stage for a Mexican Lager, Pilsner, West Coast IPA, and Hazy IPA!

La Chulita Mexican Lager - A nice crisp lager with a slight hop finish. It is easy drinking, coming in at 4.6% ABV.

Prototype Pilsner—This Czech Pilsner has bready notes and a low ABV of 4.7%. Three additions of Saaz hops bring out the herbal and spicy notes without bitterness.

Slices West Coast IPA - With a hop profile of Centennial, Idaho 7, and Cryo Citra hops, Slices has citrus notes and a good dank hop finish. The body of this 7% ABV IPA is stellar and stood out for me.

Juice Police Hazy IPA - This 7% ABV hazy has tropical fruit notes and is a bit on the dank side with a touch of sweetness.

It was time to indulge in some bolder beers at Alpha Acid Brewing. Each year, for their anniversary, they release some special ones, including the Pineapple Great Sword Triple IPA and Last Magic Barleywine.

Last Magic Barleywine—This was the ultimate experience of the day! The caramel color and notes are present, taking on the unique flavors of the different barrels in which this barleywine was aged. I can’t imagine the care put into creating this one! It was first aged for a year in Old Elk Bourbon barrels. Then, the brewers transferred it to Elijah Craig and Buffalo Trace barrels and aged for another year. The result is the highest ABV barleywine I have ever had, at 22%!

Pineapple Great Sword Triple IPA - This IPA is super juicy and smooth. The pineapple blends with a citrus flavor. It was difficult to tell I was drinking a beer, and it didn’t seem to be at the high ABV mark of 10.3%.

Boa Russian Imperial Stout—This is an Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with brown sugar. It has deep chocolate and coffee notes, as well as the robust bitterness of a true Russian Imperial Stout. Together, these characteristics create a balanced, delightful 12.5% ABV stout!

I had the best Sunday afternoon visiting Alpha Acid Brewing in Belmont, California. I love the fact it is a bit hidden making it a destination worth seeking out!

If you are in the area, this is a brewery that you don’t want to miss.

Cheers!

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The Missing Piece to a Growing Community - Ashland Brewing Company

Architectural rendering of Ashland Brewing Company - image credit Ashland Brewing Company

Ashland, Nebraska’s origins go back to being a critical part of the Oregon Trail. Salt Creek provided crossing points for travelers' caravans on their journey westward across the United States. As an established town of 700 people in 1870, Ashland would grow due to the benefits of having a Burlington and Missouri River railroad going through the area.

The late 1990s and early 2000s would be the next renaissance, and Ashland would grow in many ways, feeding off its central location to Omaha and Lincoln. New housing developments like Whitetail Estates and a prestigious golf course named Iron Horse would elevate interest in the area. Other vital businesses, like Cellar 426 Winery, Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room, and, most recently, Ruhlman’s Steakhouse, are bringing people to the area for food and drinks. Oh, and for those who like glamping (not camping), there is Kimberly Creek Retreat.

Tim's grandparent's cabin - current picture on Willow Point Lake 

I was excited to find out who was behind Ashland Brewing Company, and I found out it was Tim Uryasz. I was also looking forward to talking with Tim! I met Tim on a Wednesday evening at the brewery site. I had many questions, and Tim was happy to answer them.

The first question I had was about Tim's connection to Ashland. Tim explained that his family is from the greater Omaha area. He said that his great grandparents bought the first cabin at Willow Point Lake. Although Tim and his family grew up in Kansas City, he always loved visiting Ashland in the summer and holidays. The lake provided great family memories!

Tim attended the University of Nebraska for college, and his wife Ashley went to Creighton. Tim and his sisters are fourth-generation Cornhuskers—Go Big Red! In 2008, the Uryasz bought a building in downtown Ashland with the aspiration of opening an Italian restaurant. Unfortunately, the building at 1316 Silver Street burned down on December 25, 2009, and the restaurant was never opened.

Time passed, and the draw to open a business again in Ashland reappeared. Tim enjoyed craft beer and the brewery vibe. Since there wasn’t a brewery in Ashland, Tim began to vet the idea in 2021. It would start to materialize in 2022.

The question was where would be the best location. Tim contacted the developers of Whitetail Estates, which had five acres of commercial land for sale. The Uryasz family purchased the five acres of land and named the area Salt Creek Station. The property sits elevated on a hill at the corner of Highway 6 and 66. It felt like a great location and would make Ashland Brewing Company the anchor business!

Tim wearing one of the brewery themed t-shirts.

The frame of Ashland Brewing Company is up and has people excited to watch the progress! You can see the formation of the letter 'A' on the left that faces west.

Construction started earlier this year. Tim partnered with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture to design the brewery building and C2 Building Company as the general contractor. The design is very cool, including:

  • a restaurant and bar 

  • indoor and outdoor pickleball courts

  • indoor event space

  • outdoor patio with firepits, access to the bar, and family-friendly yard games

  • upstairs patio with an unbelievable view of the Salt Creek valley

As I walked through the property, I could envision everything Tim explained. The brewing setup will be a 5-barrel system. As you drive on Highway 6, you will see the brewing equipment through the tall windows shown above on the right side of the brewery drawing.

Tim went on to say that the restaurant would serve gastropub-style food. He has been working with Rich Barmettler, a well-known restaurant and bar consultant, to develop a menu that will complement the beer and enhance the brewery experience.

"The Cabin" is the second story general setting area. It will hold about 70 people with ties to TIm's great grandparent's cabin. Image provided by Ashland Brewing Company.

Themes tied to Tim’s family and the local area will be present throughout the brewery. This includes the upstairs area, “The Cabin,” reminiscent of Tim’s great grandparents’ cabin on Willow Point Lake and its interior design.

The beer names will be fun and tie to the local area. The goal is to have six to eight of their beers on tap. In addition, other local products will be available as guest taps.

The above pictures show the logo and how it will appear on the taps and glasses. Tim said this journey is exciting, and he is looking forward to having events and bringing the community together at the brewery.

I hope this gives a good sneak peek at what is to come. I will be following the progress all the way to the grand opening! Look for more posts in the near future.

Cheers!

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Oktoberfest Season

Once the calendar turns to September, we all think about Oktoberfest beers. The style is called Märzen or Märzenbier, which means "March beer" in German. The style originated in Bavaria, Germany, where, in 1553, brewing was not allowed between April 23 and September 29 to prevent infection from bacteria in the beer.

The color ranges from golden pale to amber. This medium-body beer is malty and bready, with a sweet beginning and a semi-dry or dry finish. Traditional Märzens are made with Munich malt. Authentic Märzens are lagered for six to eight months at a temperature close to freezing, and today, breweries lager this beer for five to eight weeks. The typical ABV percentage is between 5 to 6% and as high as 7%.

Aries Märzen

Empyrean Brewing Company Aries is amber in color and has sweet, malty notes. It has a light to medium body that is smooth and finishes off-dry to balance it out. For me, this 5.3% Märzen nails the style! It is the lightest of the three in ABV but has incredible flavor. Looking forward to having this one on some fall firepit nights.

Festbier

Pint Nine Brewing Company Festbier is deep golden in color. It has bready notes upfront and a smooth, rich, medium-full body. A hint of honey-like sweetness appears in the middle, and the finish is semi-dry. The ABV is 5.8%. Festbier is a lager you can enjoy all year.

Octoberfest

Bell’s Brewery Octoberfest has the lightest body of the three beers reviewed. It is smooth, with a peppery hop note in the middle and a hint of sweetness. The ABV is 5.5% in this enjoyable fall beer.

I highly recommend grabbing a few Märzen beers and doing your own comparison to find out what stands out for you. For the three I reviewed, I personally prefer what Empyrean Brewing Company does with Aries.

Cheers!

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Prost to the Amana Colonies and Iowa Craft Beer!

My good friend Paul with two slow pour Pilsners!

2024 is year number three, doing a summer beercation with our good friends Kristi and Paul. Both families have some German heritage, so we thought the perfect place this year would be the Amana Colonies in Iowa! The Amana Colonies are seven townships on 26,000 acres in east-central Iowa, where German settlers made their way to in 1856 after a stay near Buffalo, New York. The colonies led a communal life until 1932. Today's community remains a vibrant town with shops, restaurants, wineries, and a brewery. Throughout the year, there are many German celebrations, including Oktoberfest!

Lua Brewing in Des Moines sits in a neighborhood outside the downtown area. As you pull into the parking lot, you see a beautiful patio and garage doors that open up into the taproom. We stopped here on the way to the Amana Colonies for lunch and beer. The brewery has a great lunch menu that we all enjoyed. Kristi was ready to try a sour, Paul the Pilsner, and me a hazy IPA. The best part is they have a great selection of to-go beers!

Behind the scenes, Mrs. Joe helping Paul get ready for the picture!

Here are the beers we tried:

Gil’s Pils—This slow-poured Bavarian Pilsner spends three months fermenting and lagering before being tapped. It has light, bready notes in a crisp and clean body. German malts and Hallertau Mittelfruh hops are used in this traditional Pilsner, which has a 5% ABV.

Say Yes - is a fruited sour with blackberry, boysenberry, and blue raspberry. Its thick, fruit-filled body is mildly tart and comes in at 7% ABV. Kristi enjoyed this one and brought some back!

Sun for Miles - is a hazy IPA with a nice soft body. Peach, pineapple, and passion fruit notes greet you with a mild hop finish at 6.6% ABV. This was my to-go choice!

El Bait Shop in Des Moines was close to Lua Brewing, and many friends told me it was a place I had to visit! With 250+ beers on tap, picking one was a tough decision! I wanted to go with a local selection and had the Neon Hazy IPA from Barn Town Brewing on the west side of Des Moines. There is much to take in with all the beer decor on the walls. There are lots of to-go options from the tap and also already in cans. I got three IPAs from Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., including What a Cutie, Easy Lover, and Catosphere—I'm looking forward to trying these soon!

We Made it to the Amana Colonies and the Millstream Brau Haus!

Amana’s Bierhalle and restaurant was a fun place we visited multiple times during our stay. It was a perfect place to be after a long day of shopping! The food was great, and the friendly staff treated us like family. As a matter of fact, as I was leaving, one of the charming waitresses wished us a wonderful life.

Millstream Brewing Co. German beer, Reuben sandwich, and German fries were the highlight of my visits to the Brau Haus. Here are a couple of the beers that stood out.

  • Nordic Pilsner— is super smooth with a light touch of sweetness. It is well balanced, with a finish of Saaz hops, and comes in at 4.5% ABV.

  • Schild Brau Amber - is a malty and slightly sweet Vienna Lager. It is super smooth and has caramel notes. This long-time flagship was one of our favorites and very sessionable at 4.9% ABV.

  • Rock Bock - is one of Millstream Brewing's stronger lagers. Paul and I gravitate towards Bocks, and this one has caramel and pecan notes and is 6.9% ABV.

Day Three Was a Visit to Iowa City

I was excited to visit Big Grove Brewery and Field Day Brewing on this Saturday!

Moon Rabbit Lager - Japanese Lager

Big Grove Brewery has become one of my top breweries in Iowa after they started distributing in Nebraska. Early next year, they will also have a taproom in Omaha! The taproom in Iowa City is vast, with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Sitting at the bar was fun, and discovering how the Eddy series of IPAs was named was priceless! I found that it is because of white water rafting and the swirling pool after a large boulder in the water.

Here is a rundown of the flight of IPAs I had.

Raptoraid - is a light White IPA coming in at 6% ABV and a dry finish.
Tank Zero: Number One - is a NEIPA that has a light body with pear and melon notes coming in at 6% ABV. This was my favorite one of the flight!
Carrera 4.0 - is a DIPA with citrus and stone fruit. Citra Cryo, Idaho 7, and Comet hops - 7.8% ABV.
Starla - is a hazy DIPA with tropical pineapple and mango notes and a dank finish. It has an 8% ABV.

Paul and I got an excellent recommendation to check out Field Day Brewing Co. in North Liberty outside Iowa City. Initially, we thought this was a small and upcoming brewery. Yes, they have been in business for less than one year, but it is an incredible establishment! Jonah, who was so helpful in describing the beers and brewery, told us they specialize in German and Czech Lagers. I love that and the fact they cover other styles like IPAs.

The traditional Czech Mliko pour is a dessert pour typically at the end of the night!

Let’s get into the fantastic flight I had!

Keller - is a Kellerbier with German malt and hops. It is crisp and clean with a slightly hoppy finish. It is light at 5.2% ABV.
Helles - is a Helles Lager with bready notes, a light sweetness, and less of a hop finish. It uses all German malt and hops in this easy-drinking lager, which has a 5% ABV.
Moon Landing - is a double hazy IPA with an 8% ABV. It has a soft body with many tropical fruit notes and a mild hop finish.
Barrel Apparel - is a Baltic Porter that is rich with dark fruit, oak, and bourbon notes. It is an excellent beer, coming in at 10.2% ABV.

The experience of the day was having a Mliko pour of the dark lager. This mostly creamy head and just a splash of beer is a Czech tradition as a nightcap. The foam from a Lager increases the sweetness, like having a dessert.

The Last Stop as we Returned to Omaha - Barn Town Brewing!

Sunday’s drive home included a stop for brunch and beer at Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines.

This is my second time going to Barn Town Brewing, and I knew the food and beer would be excellent! I had the perfect combination of a breakfast skillet with scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, and country gravy that paired well with Groovy Ruby! Groovy Ruby is a hazy grapefruit IPA that somehow is tart and sweet at the same time. Kristi was interested in having a flight of sours to see which ones she wanted to bring back. Raspberry Lemonade was her favorite!

What a fun trip! We enjoyed our visit to Iowa immensely. Some of the best moments were learning new words that I didn’t makeup and using them correctly. Hiking in the Amana forest or nature trails as they are referred to. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, including a GIF challenge. I may have won! Lastly, watching a huge tree limb fly from the window in the Airbnb we stayed in outside of Oxford, Iowa.

We met many friendly people along the way, adding to our incredible experience in the Amana Colonies. I always say you can have a good conversation over a pint, and we did!

I highly recommend checking out all of the places in this blog. Until next time. Prost!

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Three Irish Red Ales to Get Prepared for St. Patrick's Day

What is an Irish Red Ale?

An Irish Red Ale style has captured my heart over the past few springs. So, what is an Irish Red Ale? The style is actually a Pale Ale that uses a particular malted barley that gives it the amber/red color.

A malt-forward beer style with toffee or caramel notes typically finishes a bit dry. The ABV range generally is between 4 and 6 percent, making it a sessionable favorite!

Mollie’s Red Ale

Divots Brewery

This Irish Red Ale has all the characteristics of an Irish Red Ale that I have come to love. The caramel notes start slightly sweet, and a smooth body transitions into an excellent dry finish. This superb Irish Red comes in at 6% ABV and 21 IBUs.

Farrell’s Irish Red Ale

Nebraska Brewing Company

This Irish red ale has sentimental value because it was the first beer produced by Nebraska Brewing Company. It has nutty toffee notes in the front and a stronger dry finish. This 5.6% ABV, 22 IBU ale has a nice crisp body.

Lucky Irish Red

Pint Nine Brewing Co.

This Irish Red Ale has caramel notes in a smooth body. The finish is slightly dry and not as pronounced as some Irish Reds. For those looking for a smoother ale, this 6.0% ABV, 20 IBU will be right up your alley!

Check out these excellent Irish Red Ales if you want something on St. Patrick’s Day that is not an Irish Stout!

Cheers!

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Three Stouts to Chase Away the Winter Blues

How to survive the winter blues!

I will admit that I am not a huge fan of winter. When getting a good beer photo, the snow and cold lead to complicated conditions!

If it weren’t for those warming stouts, I would rather hibernate!

I wanted to share a few that I have recently had that have been excellent! So, if you are like me, I like to take the time to sit in front of the fireplace and let these warm to show all of their characteristics.

Winter Soldier

Pint Nine Brewing Company has created a barrel-aged stout that has been a local favorite this winter. This 9.8% ABV stout was aged in a Templeton 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey barrel for a year. It is very rich with chocolate notes. It has a nice warm whiskey flavor with some oakiness.

The mouthfeel is exceptionally full, which enhances this stout. This is a stout that you can’t just try once! You will want to keep it on hand until spring occurs for us folks in Nebraska, which could be in May.

KBS

There are times when you say to yourself, “Why haven’t I had this beer lately?” Nothing is better than warming up with a KBS by the fireplace! The deep, bold coffee notes are wrapped in chocolate and bourbon. This 12% ABV barrel-aged Imperial Stout from Founders Brewing Company has a warming finish that will melt your heart.

Over the past week of sub-zero temperatures, KBS has been the only thing I looked forward to at the end of the day.

Surly Darkness

I have to admit this winter is the first time having Surly Brewing Co. Darkness. I have heard so much about this Russian Imperial Stout and knew it was hard to get one. A colleague of my oldest had one, and he was gracious enough to share it with me!

It was hard to let this one warm up. I wanted to try it right away! The wait was over, and the first sip revealed roasty dark chocolate notes with a slight sweetness and a hint of cherry. The legs on this beer are amazing! The mouthfeel is full and a bit silky. For a 12% ABV stout, it isn’t boozy and doesn’t have the warming feeling of a higher ABV beer.

One has to be amazed at the malt profile of this fantastic stout. It is a perfect blend to get that rich chocolate experience with just the right amount of roastiness. I feel fortunate to get to try this Russian Imperial Stout!

I hope everyone stays warm this winter. If you get the chance to try these three stouts, do it!

Cheers!

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My Christmas Card to You

I talked with my mom today, and she said she was writing her Christmas cards. I thought what a great idea it was, and I needed to make it a blog!

It is hard to believe that 2023 is coming to an end. If I were to summarize the past year, it would be all about good friends, road trips, and beer!

This past year, I enjoyed four great trips, the first being a visit to Big Hair Brewhaus in Hartington, Nebraska. This was special because it included a friend who had never been on a brew day, and Reed Trenhaile was a gracious host on an early Saturday morning.

The next trip was a Nebraska beercation with our good friends Paul and Kristi and a continuation to Colorado Springs with our friends Wendy and Mark.

The Nebraska trip included stops at Canyon Lakes Brewing Company, Pals Brewing Company, and Flyover Brewing Co. It was a scenic couple of days enjoying great beer and making it to Chimney Rock for the first time!

I think Mrs. Joe was a bit worried as to what our stay would be like in Colorado Springs. Wendy is a long-time friend of Mrs. Joe's and likes craft beer. It was a two-day stay that I will never forget! Garden of the Gods could be the closest thing to heaven on earth, but a close second was:

This visit was long overdue, and leaving the beauty of the mountains that such good friends had shared with us was hard!

The last road trip of the year started at 7:15 am and ended that night at 10:30 pm. There were time zones crossed and lots of stories told along the way! My great friends Lynn and Mike agreed to go across the state of Nebraska and were so gracious to drive!

We went to our first stop in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Second Chapter Brewing. This was personally my favorite story of the year to write! There is so much family and local history around the launching of this brewery.

Our next stop would take us to Holdredge, Nebraska, the home of Lost Way Brewery. Jessica Kraus, one of the owners, welcomed us and spent the next hour talking about everything happening at the brewery. Ever since attending the soft opening of this brewery over six years ago, it feels like coming home each time I visit!

From the brews I got to review in 2023, the following are my top five.

#1 Imperial Stout: Dark Lord

Three Floyds Brewing from Munster, Indiana, is the maker of the Dark Lord!

Let’s start with the brewer’s notes on this phenomenal Russian Imperial Stout!

Brewers Notes: A demonic Russian-style Imperial Stout brewed with coffee, Mexican vanilla, and Indian sugar, this beer defies description. Available one day a year, in April, at the brewery: Dark Lord Day.

The head is a thin, dark tan color. The nose on this stout is raisin and molasses. The most predominant notes are the sweet molasses and dark fruit. The secondary notes are mild coffee and chocolate. The body is full and warming in this decadent imperial stout!

The complexity of this 15% ABV imperial stout will ignite many different notes for each individual drinking this stout. This is genuinely an indulging experience. A must for stout lovers!

#2 Lager: Dortmunder

For those who enjoy German-style lagers, you will find a Dortmunder quite enjoyable! This lager originated out of the western Germain city of Dortmund. The style is a bit more malty when compared to other German lagers like a Helles but still as crisp.

Lupulin Brewing Company. created its version, which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. That is a tremendous honor! I am a big fan of those bready notes in a lager, which are present until the finish. A light touch of Hallertau hops at the end perfectly balances this magnificent lager!

On the technical notes, this Dortmunder is 5.5% ABV and 25 IBUs. This is just one of many incredible brews from Lupulin Brewing Company.

#3 Hazy IPA: Shark Jumper

Who doesn’t like a good Sharknado movie? I am sitting here imagining the shark landing on a soft cloud; hence, you have a Shark Jumper! Pint Nine Brewing Company knows how to make a good thing even better!

Shark Jumper is a hazy DIPA that takes all of the good qualities of the Cloud Jumper pale ale and takes it up a notch. This hazy has citrus (orange) and stone fruit (peach, apricot) notes in a slightly sweet body that finishes with mild hop bitterness. This is an IPA that everyone can enjoy! For those that frequent Pine Nine, I got Mr. Dunn to have one, and he never drinks IPAs!

It is hard to believe that it is 7.7% ABV. Shark Jumper is another excellent beer from Pine Nine Brewing Company. I would like to see them keep this one on tap more often!

#4 Cream Ale: Beans in my Satchel

I never could imagine that a Cream Ale could taste like Beans in My Satchel from Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales! The Cream Ale style was born in the United States in the 1800s. The desire was to have an Ale that drank like a smooth Lager but was a bit lighter and not as long to ferment. Corn was added to the grain bill to lighten the body. Being from Nebraska, I can see why that would be a popular addition! Oh, and most importantly, there is no cream in a Cream Ale.

Cream Ales are very approachable for most craft beer drinkers. Take that base Cream Ale and add Vanilla Butter Cream Coffee, peanut butter, and marshmallow flavor. I know I have grabbed your attention! I will give you a minute to think about this flavor combo. Being a lighter beer style, you want the coffee notes to be present without overpowering. This is the case with Beans in My Satchel!

The peanut butter and vanilla notes work well with the coffee. I think the vanilla notes come from both the coffee and marshmallow. With just a bit of sweetness, I enjoy it at home as an after-dinner beer and prefer it any day over dessert!

If you are looking for unique, creative brews, make your way to Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales in Omaha, Nebraska.

#5 Imperial Stout: Existential Bliss

Can you ever say you have experienced true bliss? Oh, the moment when the world stops, and nothing can interrupt how you feel. The first sip of Existential Bliss is that moment!

A collaboration between Humble Forager Brewery and Forager Brewery from Minnesota. This is one midnight dark, thick imperial stout! Chocolate and fudge notes like a brownie greet your tastebuds. The thick mouthfeel kicks in and has those whiskey notes I enjoy very much in a barrel-aged stout. The vanilla notes are less distinct to me, but I catch a glimmer in the finish.

Now, to the crazy extremes, these breweries went to create this stout! The beer was aged for 19 months in Buffalo Trace, Bairdstown, Heaven Hill, Willet Rye, and Templeton Rye barrels. They then took vanilla beans from around the world, including Vanuatu, India, Uganda, Madagascar, and Ecuador. Match that up with cocoa nibs from Bolivia, Peru, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Fiji. Who goes to those extremes?

The result is an unforgettable 12.5% imperial stout! I must give a shout-out to my friends, the Buckleys, who allowed me to experience Existential Bliss.

This year also has been great to meet new friends, Chip, Chad, and Molly. We enjoyed Wednesday's happy hour at Bearder Brewer Artisan Ales.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Beers!

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It's Official - Welcome Back Lucky Bucket

Ribbon cutting ceremony on a beautiful November day in LaVista

On Friday, November 17, 2023, it was a homecoming for Zac Triemert, one of the founders of Lucky Bucket Brewing Company. It was announced this past June that Zac, who currently owns Brickway Brewery & Distillery, would acquire Lucky Bucket Brewing and Cut Spike Distillery.

Zac’s passion for distilling and brewing took him to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he got his master’s degree in distilling and brewing from Heriot-Watt University. In 2007, he helped influence lawmakers in Nebraska to repeal an old law around distilling that would clear the path for distilleries to exist in Nebraska.

Over the past four months, Lucky Bucket Brewing and Cut Spike Distillery have undergone massive renovations to the taproom and production areas. The taproom has a new modern feel with extended seating. The backdrop to the bar has natural wood with TVs.

Everywhere you look, there are changes from the stills now behind a wall with a nice glass window letting you look in. The brewing area is pristine, with newly painted floors and drains. The brewing area is still bringing in more equipment, including the canning line. It doesn’t take long to tell there was a massive investment made that will carry this operation forward for many years!

One of the new editions is the two murals in the taproom area of the brewing and distilling process. So now you can learn just what it takes to make the beverages you enjoy in the taproom! The grand reopening had many surprises, but one that always warms your heart is the support of other breweries around the state. I saw Jessica Kraus - Lost Way Brewery, Dallas Archer - Upstream Brewing, Trevor Schaben - Thunderhead Brewing Company, and many others. This is what I love about the craft beer community in Nebraska!

The future looks very bright as the complement of the two merged organizations increases all the offerings they can bring to their locations in LaVista and the Old Market. I am super excited to see what the brewers will come up with in 2024, from the classics such as Certified Evil to all of the new beers they will create!

Raise a glass to everything you have loved in the past about Lucky Bucket Brewing and Cut Spike Distillery and to future success led by Zac Triemert.

Cheers!

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Sipping Nebraska Craft Beer at Haymarket Park

Ten years ago, Sip Nebraska started as a wine event. Now, the event showcases the beverage industry in Nebraska as a whole. There is a spring and fall event to let local patrons enjoy craft beer, spirits, and wine. Over the last ten years, Nebraska has grown tremendously in the number of breweries. I always tell people we have craft beer that stands up against any state across the United States, and it is important to have events like this one to promote it!

Best friends of my wife and I - the Richlings

Festivals like this one focus on great beer and the experience. It is about taking time with friends to spend a fall afternoon enjoying each other’s company over sampling Nebraska craft beer, spirits, and wine. Life is hectic, but events like this help all of us hit the pause button and enjoy an afternoon even though the day was chilly and gray.

My good friends, the Richlings, accompanied my wife and myself to the festival. We have had so much fun going to breweries across the state, like Flyover Brewing Company in Scottsbluff. Events like Sip Nebraska provide another great memory for us to talk about years later.

Sip Nebraska considers those who don’t drink but want to have a good time. My wife got a designated driver pass to enjoy the afternoon shopping and taking care of the rest of the group, which we appreciated! Some of her favorite places were Dip Cravers and Backroad District Boutique.

Sip Nebraska is an excellent opportunity to catch up with industry friends you have met, like Nathan and Jessi Hoeft from First Street Brewing Company in Hastings. In addition to sampling the Haze Stings IPA, Jessi introduced me to their Ensign Beverage cold brew coffees. That was an unexpected surprise, but oh so good!

Stone Hollow Brewing Company from Beatrice is unique because it is part of Nebraska's first indoor entertainment center. I remember my first visit and the young gentleman behind the bar. The tap house manager, Austin Packett, has been at the brewery since Bryon Belding opened it. Austin is always a great host, and I like catching up on the latest Stone Hollow brews. I enjoyed trying the beers, especially the Bock, at that event.

There was a nice mixture of local breweries like Code Beer Company out of Lincoln and Flyover Brewing Company from across the state in Scottsbluff.

I remember meeting Matt Gohring from Code Beer many years ago at Benson Beer Fest. It has been exciting to see all of the great beers Matt has created, like his Saison De Code that he had at Sip Nebraska. This is a Belgian-style saison aged for 18 months in Chardonnay barrels. It was definitely the most unique beer of the day!

I had such an amazing visit this summer to Flyover Brewing that I was excited they were making the long drive to Lincoln! I was able to talk with Dan Warburton, who is the head brewer. Their tent was very popular all day, serving up the likes of their Hellcat Helles Lager. My wife got me a T-shirt without me knowing, which made me very happy!

A festival can only be complete when you experience the trifecta of Kinkaider Brewing Co., Bierhaus Maisschäler, and Sideshow Spirits. It was the first time I had The Stag German Pilsner from a can; I had only had it on tap at the Bierhaus before. An excellent German Pilsner! It is always a good time to talk with the folks from Kinaider Brewing!

Since it was a cold day, trying some bourbon from Side Show Spirits was a must! I had the Double Barrel Bourbon, which was rich with caramel notes. It was very smooth and warm, making it hard to say goodbye.

This was my first time attending this event, but it won’t be my last! It was fun being there with friends and meeting new ones.

I am looking forward to more spectacular days sipping Nebraska craft beer.

Cheers!

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Seeing the World Through One Man's Beer Can Collection

Andy Dunn is seen the world through his beer can collection over the past 50 years

I met Andy Dunn a few years ago, and we both enjoy telling stories over a good beer! He is a man who has experienced many things over his life, including a passion for collecting beer cans. Oh, and not your typical 12 oz ones, but gallon and 5-liter cans from around the globe. It is a collection built over the past 50 years and so many stories that I had to capture them!

A wall of larger cans from England, Russia, and other European countries.

Andy invited me to see the collection on a fine fall Saturday morning. I was utterly amazed as we turned the corner in his house to see all the cans! I asked Andy how he got started collecting beer cans. He told me it was in the 1970s and was something his neighbors were into, and seeing the ones everyone had found was fun.

The amazing thing to consider is beer has only been put into cans since 1935 in the United States. Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company in New Jersey first put their Cream Ale and Finest Beer in cans to be sold. For less than 100 years, cans have been a way to distribute beer.

With every collector, there are themes to parts of your collection. Andy told me about several of his including animals, countries, women, and cans that were controversial for their time. I asked Andy how he could find so many unique cans from around the globe. He told me that they came from trade shows he went to. The two leading organizations Andy has been involved with are the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA) and the American Breweriana Association (ABA). He reminisced about a BCCA event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where there were 1,200+ people. At that show, there were up to 800 tables where people had items for sale or trade.

Each show was an opportunity to meet more people and have more connections. Andy is a people person, so I can see how his network would be able to grow by meeting new people at each of the events. The one name that sticks out is his acquaintance of Claude Turkey Landinosa. Claude is a top collector in the United States. The connections Andy would make would help him continue to develop his collection of about 500 larger beer cans and more than 500 smaller-sized cans.

A treasure found in a small grocery store.

I was curious to find the most unexpected place where Andy found a can for his collection. He said, “It was a small grocery store by Yellowstone Park. Finding the Arnold Bavarian Pilsner in a cone top can was not expected.”

We continued to discuss how cans changed over the years from the metal used and the seams of the cans. The fascinating thing was cans started as flat pull tops, then went to cone-shaped cans, and then back to flat pull tops.

Andy showed me cans that still had the tabs in place on top. He then turned the cans over to explain how they were opened with a can opener, creating that small triangular opening in the bottom to pour the beer. He said that the cans with the tabs still in place were more valuable than the ones that didn’t have their tabs.

So much to learn when you are a collector. I would never have known what makes a can more valuable than another other than the limited number of cans produced and available.

Andy admires local breweries from the past in Omaha, such as Storz and Falstaff. He told me stories about Storz, from the original brewery to the short revival on the riverfront. The Storz-ette pictured above was created in 1953 for women. The eight oz beer cans came in the Princess 4-pack. The packaging was creative for the time, but the beer didn’t live up to expectations. The cans were quickly disposed of and now are rare.

Andy is a connoisseur of women's beer cans! The cans are on display, sitting atop his larger cans. Seeing the Penny beer cans reminds me of magazine advertisements for other products from the 1960s. The other story that stands out is about the purple can that came from Denmark. This is one of the most controversial cans of its time and was not allowed to be sold in the United States. What was considered art in Europe was a bit too much for some Americans. Today, it is impressive to see all of the creative art that exists for beer labels! The evolution continues to grow with more craft beer breweries today.

Yes, it happens to men as we get older. We still channel that teenager in us, which comes out in acquiring items that make us laugh!

I can completely understand why Andy couldn’t pass up these fun, unique items that aren’t necessarily the main part of his collection. This includes tap handles like a canoe, a monkey holding a Storz can, and the most cherished Bad Frog can and tap handle of a frog, giving you the single-finger solute!

There are so many stories that I could continue writing for days! The last can, the Cardinal, is amazing how it looks this good for being a paper label and close to 50 years old! You would think that moisture and light would wreak havoc on the label. I would be nervous to handle this can because, with my luck, I would end up ripping the label.

For those reading the story who know Andy, you will have to have him tell you more about his collection. I know he has many fond memories he would love to share with you.

Cheers!

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A Second Chapter in More Than One Way

Logo on the window that goes into the brewery

For a writer, the first chapter can be the most daunting, staring at a blank page. When it comes to life, the second chapter can be exciting and scary at the same time. The thought of starting a new job, taking over a family business, or moving to a foreign land can test the will of most people. But for Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus, their vision of a second chapter would unfold in a way they would have never imagined!

It was a great afternoon sitting with the couple and hearing their story! I always enjoy learning how people get into brewing. I get excited if there is any history and other ties to how the brewery came about. The next hour would have me on the edge of my seat!

Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus, owners of Second Chapter Brewing

Richard was working as an automotive mechanic in Washington, DC. It was there that he started homebrewing with his roommates. It was a fun hobby, and having friends enjoy the beer was a pleasure. Friends looked forward, especially to Halloween, where they enjoyed the homebrew.

Richard met Lisa through his brother, who had attended graduate school with her. He enjoyed his time in DC, but memories of his homebrewing days would fade as he found the love of his life, started a family, and moved to Ogallala, Nebraska, in 2016.

Lisa’s family owned a farm, and the idea was that she and Richard would take over the farm once her parents retired. The couple tried farming, but after three years, they felt farming wasn’t the right career. They both enjoyed the Ogallala area but weren’t sure what the future might hold. Richard’s goal was to work for himself, and Lisa found a job in economic development.

It would take the city library in town moving to a new building that would put things into motion. Lisa knew right away about the former Goodall City Library building becoming available. She was working to connect the city with local investors who were interested in using the old library for various purposes, such as making apartments out of the space. Just out of curiosity, Richard went with Lisa during a showing of the building. In no time, Richard saw the possibility of the building being a brewery!

Richard was excited and worked with Lisa to assemble a proposal for the brewery and present it to the city. The goal was to preserve the historical significance of the library, encourage young people in Ogallala to stay, and promote other economic development. Richard and Lisa would get unanimous support from the city and would get the keys to the building in April 2021.

Beer board in the taproom

Hastings Brewing in Hastings, Nebraska

The story would take an exciting twist when Lisa started to tell how her great-grandfather, Louis Kraus, and his family would make their way from Germany in the late 1800s to San Francisco. Louis and one of his brothers, Joseph, would find their way to becoming brewers.

Louis apprenticed as a brewer in California, completed his education in Chicago, and then worked at breweries in Ohio, Iowa, and Nebraska. In 1908, he and other local owners established the Hastings Brewing Co. in Hastings, Nebraska, where he was the head brewer. While at Hastings Brewing from 1908 to 1917, Louis Kraus brewed a beer called Prairie Pride, which inspired the name of Prairie Pride Brewing in Grand Island, Nebraska.

His brother would remain in San Francisco and begin brewing at Anchor Brewing Company in 1906. Prohibition would cause most breweries to close their business. Anchor Brewing was an exception and did reopen. Sadly, the brewery did end its 127 years of being open this year.

What is extraordinary is that Joseph could be one of just a few that owned and operated the same brewery before and after Prohibition. This is quite astonishing because most, if not all, Nebraska breweries didn’t survive Prohibition, including Hastings Brewing.

Photo courtesy of Tomas England

The library has a tremendous amount of potential with all of the charm of the brick building, but it also had its challenges being a split-level building with many stairs. There was an old elevator that would end up being removed to help restore the front entrance to how it looked back when the building was built as an American Legion Hall in 1927.

The building would serve as headquarters for the engineering crew constructing the dam for Lake McConaughy.  It was also used as a school for the local elementary children, including the children of the workers. In the late 1940s to early 1950s, Richard and Lisa heard stories of the building being used as a roller skating rink. Robert Goodall would purchase the building and turn it over to the city. In 1954, the Goodall Library would officially open. The library would remain there until 2020.

Ceiling in the taproom

Demolition would reveal some intriguing hidden features of the building that had been covered up by previous renovations, such as the ornate tin ceiling in a repeating 20 by 40-foot pattern. The ceiling was in good condition for being close to 100 years old! Outlines of the long removed stage used for shows at the American Legion Hall were discovered along with a backdrop from a set. One last pleasant surprise was the building was designed to have a third floor. The robust structure of the building would allow the brewery to be on the main floor instead of the basement.

The couple would do most of the work, putting in the sweat equity to turn the once library into a brewery. Richard and Lisa had a list of about 75 potential names when deciding what to name the brewery, but they quickly realized it had to be Second Chapter! There was such a personal tie to this name, including the building being a library, its historical significance, and its new purpose. Also, many items have been repurposed for the brewery, from books and tables from other libraries to the flight containers and the bartop. Lastly, it was the second chapter of Lisa’s family heritage in craft beer brewing.

The bartop is an excellent story in its own right! When acquiring things in life, one might never know what they could be used for in the future. I tell this to my wife as she questions some of my purchases.

So the couple was lucky that Lisa’s dad acquired one of the old wooden canal bridges that flows from Lake McConaughy. It was back in the 1970s (possibly 1980s) that the bridges were being modernized. Over the years, some of the wood made its way into a shop and some houses. Luckily there was some left! It took some serious craftsmanship to turn the bridge beams into the beautiful bartop.

Richard talked about finding a sawmill to cut the beams in half. His contractor would then bring the pieces together with only dowels and glue. Lisa’s dad, Richard, and one of the first employees spent many hours sanding the bartop. The top is treated only with mineral oil and wax, providing an incredible natural-looking finish!

The beautiful, natural wood bartop

Outdoor patio

After two years of hard work, the brewery would open in January 2023. Richard had been busy brewing and had eight taps flowing that day. It wouldn’t be long, and all twelve taps served many craft beer styles, from dark lagers to sours and seltzers. Richard would brew on his five-barrel system from ABE Equipment one to two times a week to keep up with demand. It was the first time I had seen an electric oil jacket used for heating the boil kettle!

The cool flight board

Now it was time to sample some of the beer!

·       Lake Mac Lager – an American Light Lager has nice bready notes and is very smooth! ABV 5.1% IBU 13

·       Drunken Sentinel – a solid American Pale Ale with mild hop bitterness. Easy drinking and enjoyable. ABV 5.9% IBU 38

·       Sci-Fi-PA – a hazy IPA with light citrus and stone fruit at the beginning that finishes with a pleasant piney hop bitterness. The hop profile is Comet, Galaxy, and Vista (one of my favorites). ABV 6.4% IBU 40

·       Czeched Out – a Czech Dark Lager that has been a favorite, and it is easy to see why! Dark and smooth with a light roastiness that is exceptionally flavorful. ABV 4.9% IBU 19

·       Ash Hollow Helles – a Helles Bock that is bright in color with a slight bit of sweetness and caramel notes. I was captivated by this one! ABV 7.6% IBU 24

It was a wonderful day making it to Second Chapter Brewing at 203 West A St. in Ogallala, Nebraska! It is great to see what Richard and Lisa have created. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing day enjoying craft beer!

Make sure you make a trip out to visit the couple and tell them Joe says, “Hi.”

Cheers!

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The Beauty of Colorado's Mountains and Breweries

A view of Pike’s Peak for Garden of the Gods

It is easy to get awestruck when being at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, looking up at the mountains. Nature’s beauty up close and personal that takes your breath away! You quickly realize why so many people want to live here. Luckily, Mrs. Java-Stout and I have some great friends, Wendy and Mark, who kindly offered us to come out and visit. The best part is that they would show us some of the breweries around Colorado Springs!

Our drive down I-25 to Colorado Springs had us going by Wellington, Colorado. Wendy had told me that she enjoyed Soul Squared Brewing Co., so we took a break driving and stopped in. The atmosphere is inviting, with so many seating options. I always like to sit at the bar if there is space. Soul Squared Brewing Co. is known for being a farm-built brewery using ingredients they have produced and also using other local ingredients. A great example is the rose-colored beer in the flight, a beet Saison.

From the flight I had, my favorite was the hazy IPA called Rocky Mountain Haze. I liked the citrus and fruit notes that finished with the earthy hop notes. Great body to this one, and very refreshing at 6.5% ABV. As I enjoyed the flight, I wish we hadn’t had lunch as people were bringing in some delicious-looking food from the Leave it to Cleaver food truck in the back of the brewery.

I grabbed some crowlers, and it was back on the road to get to Colorado Springs.

Friday evening, we arrived at my first Colorado Springs brewery - FH Beerworks! As you walk up from the parking lot, there is the Neat Whiskey House on the left, then an awesome patio before arriving at the taproom.

FH Beerworks has a great craft beer selection, so I got a flight. This flight was all IPA styles, including a Cold IPA. All very different in flavor and dankness. I can’t remember the name of this IPA, but the notes were distinctly honeydew melon. An enjoyable spot to start the night!

Next, we were off to the Peaks N Pines Brewing Company taproom nearby. A friendly and cozy place to enjoy a couple of pints! I had the Need for Speed Red (Amber) Ale and the Blizzard Pilsner. Both were excellent, and the Pilsner stood out with its crispness and slightly dry finish. I had to get a crowler of this one! Mark enjoys beer that has some spicy heat and chose the Chili Blonde. A fantastic blonde ale with jalapeno, anaheim, and serrano peppers to spice up your night!

I got to talk with some people who worked at the brewery that night and learned more about it. As we were getting ready to leave, I met Teresa Vieira, one of the owners—a charming lady who had just returned from representing the brewery at an event that night.

It was time to call it a night. Tomorrow morning would be hiking at Garden of the Gods, then some more brewery exploration!

It had to be a sign that there was a brewery on Garden of the Gods Rd. The perfect stop after a morning hike. Red*Leg Brewing Company is an experience, not just a brewery. It was a Saturday around noon when we arrived, and the place was full of patrons enjoying the brewery, permanent food vendors with lots of choices, and an expansive green space with a stage for live music!

I know if I lived in Colorado Springs, I would frequent this brewery often! The beer I had was the Prospector's Pick Kolsch, perfect from the creamy foam head to the crisp, clean body. The breadiness and slight saltiness are what I love about a great Kolsch. I saw they had six packs to go, and I had to grab one.

On to the next stop after lunch …

You know that feeling as you walk through the door that a given brewery is a local favorite and a place to meet up with others that feel the same way. That is precisely what Red Swing Brewhouse is!

A very friendly beertender went over the current selections, and I wanted to try so many of them, but the Mexican Lager grabbed my attention. This style is one of my favorites, especially during the summer. I loved all of the flavor and how smooth this beer was. I was slightly surprised that it was 6.5% ABV because it was so crushable! We tried almost all of the menu at our table, and I was excited to bring back the Scottish Ale. I will enjoy sharing this with one of my closest friends in Omaha!

Our next destination would be Manitou Springs for some shopping and our last brewery of the day. The area was inviting, with many excellent shops and an arcade where we would spend a decent amount of time playing vintage video games and pinball!

We arrived at Manitou Brewing Company to a line out the door! I knew this place was going to be good. A table opened up, and I would have a fantastic beer flight within no time. I enjoyed each of the beers, but I have to say the Sun Mountain Belgian Single was the one that stood out to me. Citrus and especially grapefruit notes blended well with what I can imagine was a Saison yeast. This was the one I had to bring home! I am looking forward to what my friends think of it.

There are no words I can use to express my gratitude for Wendy and Mark's hospitality on this fantastic weekend. We only scratched the surface of the breweries in the Colorado Springs area. It was so much fun, and I will never forget that weekend.

Cheers!

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Westward Bound

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!

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Craft Beer Camaraderie Experience

Pal’s Brewing in North Platte, Nebraska.

I truly have no idea about the number of people I have met at breweries over the past six years. It has been a wonderful experience that I talk about a lot but have never put pencil to paper. When I get asked why I like to write about breweries, I reply that it is all about meeting people and the experience of that day.

Many people might find it hard to believe that, as a young adult, I was quite an introvert. I struggled to start a conversation with people I didn’t know. Later in life, I discovered that when traveling to breweries, everyone seemed approachable and willing to chat!

A fun group from Southern California when visiting Pal’s Brewing.

It is always amazing to meet new people, especially folks that have traveled a long distance in the search of a good time and craft beer. Within no time, you start talking about the styles of beer you enjoy and why you ended up at a given brewery that day.

I remember on one trip to Bolo Beer Co. in Valentine, Nebraska meeting a couple that loved to ride bicycles and find local breweries. They had traveled from Death Valley, California to ride the Cowboy Trail in Northern Nebraska. It was so much fun getting to hear about their riding adventures as well as the incredible breweries they have been to.

There are people you meet at beer events who are involved in the community to help with great causes. A perfect example was a summer beer festival at Infusion Brewing Co., where I met Mandi, who is involved with ALS in the Heartland. I was excited to learn more about how they served the community. I am proud to say that I have volunteered and supported this great cause for five years.

These are the type of connections that have made a big difference in my life! I might not always remember the person's exact name, but I will remember their story.

If one thing the pandemic taught me was to enjoy the companionship of others. Over the past few months, I have made it a habitat to meet a group of people on Wednesday nights at Bearded Brewers Artisan Ales. We met while enjoying excellent craft beer, but soon we had other things in common. After a few weeks, to my dismay, I was talking with Molly back from my high school days! I would have never believed it, but it is fantastic to reconnect!

Then there are the friends you meet, and you become like family! On the times that you don’t make it for a few weeks, they are wondering if you are still doing ok.

I admit that my Pint Nine Brewing family is pretty special! There are three And(yi)s and a Rose that absolutely makes everyone feel welcome - dogs included and it is not just because of the treats she gives them! There have been so many great memories, and it is all because of owners that love their community and patrons.

Another incredible reconnection was meeting the Buckleys who I used to work with several years ago. It has been so fun to go to breweries with them and hear about their beercations!

One thing that always sticks in my mind is the sign at Pal’s Brewing Company in North Platte. Always remember this - “Come as Strangers, Leave as Pals!” This is so very true.
Cheers!

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