Missouri beer expert Pete Dulin says it's a great time to drink craft beer in the Show-Me State.
"Craft brewing in Missouri has steadily diversified since the late-1980s emergence of prominent microbreweries like Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City and Saint Louis Brewing, producer of the Schlafly brand," he says. "Missouri now has 112 craft breweries in operation."
Missouri craft brewers have tapped into the state's vibrant support-local movement, says Dulin, a Kansas City-based writer who has written four books about food, beer, wine and spirits. His most recent book is Expedition of Thirst: Exploring Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries Across Central Kansas and Missouri.
"Beer drinkers clamor for taprooms in their neighborhood and city whether they live in urban, suburban or rural areas," he says. "Fans not only rally behind local breweries, but their knowledge and tastes regarding craft beer have also grown more sophisticated and informed. In response, Missouri's craft brewers continually refine quality, offer ever-changing variety and develop innovative flavor profiles and fresh interpretations of traditional styles."
For visitors to Missouri and locals who have not done their craft-beer homework, Dulin recommends some of his favorite breweries and beers. Here are his picks and comments.
Kansas City area
Boulevard Brewing. "Kansas City’s first craft brewery in 1989, Boulevard's national popularity prompted a need to boost beer production and later build an expansive Tours and Recreation Center. This combined beer hall, launch point for brewery tours and gift shop also offers a scenic view of Downtown Kansas City. Space Camper Cosmic IPA is a refreshing, balanced IPA. Top-class Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, seasonals like Hibiscus Gose and test beers only available in the beer hall offer plenty to explore."
Kansas City Bier Company. "Specializing in German-style beers produced with traditional ingredients sourced from Germany, the brewery's family-friendly bierhalle and biergarten in the Waldo neighborhood provide a festive, relaxed setting where pets are also welcome. Wash down pretzels and wurst with drafts of best-selling Dunkel, Pils, Helles or Der Bauer Farmhouse Ale."
Crane Brewing Company. "This brewery is tucked in an industrial nook of Raytown, a suburb once known as the Lost Township, located southeast of Kansas City. The brewery is best known for sour beers such as Tea Weiss, magenta-colored Beet Weiss and Grapefruit Gose. Don’t overlook its Farmhouse IPA and other balanced styles on tap."
Double Shift Brewing. "Along with Torn Label, Border, Brewery Emperial, Casual Animal and City Barrel, Double Shift is in Kansas City’s East Crossroads Arts District. Start a taproom crawl here, where brewer Bryan Stewart crafts adventurous beers with memorable names on an ever-rotating roster. Power Moves Hazy IPA, Opptoyer Norwegian table beer, Tessellation Mosaic IPA and Unreliable Narrator Raw French Farmhouse Ale reflect the diverse variety available."
Martin City Brewing’s Pizza and Taproom. "This is a lively spot in South Kansas City to grab a slice, gather with friends indoors or on the patio and sip on pints. Belgian influences are evident in Belgian Style Blonde and Abbey Ale. Hard Way IPA is an easy drinker that’s dry-hopped thrice, while Easy Way IPA leans to the citrus side of hoppiness."
Stockyards Brewing. "Named after Kansas City’s historic stockyards in the West Bottoms where western cattle drives once ended, the brewery embraces the city’s hard-working heritage and gritty character. Session beers range from West Hef Hefeweizen to Cerveza Royale. West Bottoms IPA marries West Coast and Midwest IPA characteristics with tropical notes balanced by malt."
3 Trails Brewing."This relatively new brewery just east of Kansas City is in a historic square in the heart of Independence, a suburb that was the home of President Harry Truman. After exploring the presidential library and museum, quaff a Kaimanawa Express American lager or opt for the local fave Trail Dragger Russian Imperial Stout."
Mid-Missouri area
Logboat Brewing Company. "Located in Columbia, the reclaimed wood in the brewery's taproom conveys a rustic feel. Snapper IPA’s peachy-pear notes dance atop the hoppy beer’s resinous pine profile."
Bur Oak Brewing Company. "This Columbia brewery is named after Missouri’s largest bur oak tree, located southwest of the brewery and estimated to be nearly 400 years old. Legend says Lewis and Clark passed by the tree while traveling upstream on the Missouri River. Big Tree Double IPA pays homage with big, bold hop flavor."
Mother’s Brewing Company. "Stop by if you're in Springfield for a weekend getaway or en route to Branson’s attractions. The tasting room offers seasonal and limited releases only available there. Mainstays include Lil’ Helper Midwest Coast IPA and Three Blind Mice Brown Ale. Winter Grind is a killer coffee stout."
St. Louis area
Heavy Riff Brewing Company. "Rock music, house-smoked barbecue and craft beer define the heart of this brewery in St. Louis’ Dogtown neighborhood. Vanilla Coffee Underbrown, a brown ale infused with Kona coffee and vanilla beans, takes center stage. Aged in an oak foeder, Apricot Layla Wild Ale sings with abandon and yields summery stone fruit aroma."
Civil Life Brewing Company. "Conveying the spirit of an English pub and a German beer hall, Civil Life celebrates civility and convivial social time while enjoying beer and food. Sessionable beers include Czech Pilsner and Vienna Lager. Nosh on sandwiches or tacos on Sundays."
Perennial Artisan Ales. "In St. Louis’ South Carondelet neighborhood, Perennial is a bit bohemian with its small-batch, handcrafted approach. Belgian and American influences come to the forefront with the prominent use of barrel-aging and fruit and spice adjuncts. Hopfentea is a delightfully tart and tropical wheat ale perfect for summer consumption. Calling Hours Hazy IPA and Vacation Dad dry-hopped summer ale are two refreshing options."
Earthbound Beer."This brewery is known for unconventional beers at its taproom on hip Cherokee Street in St. Louis. Cedar Goblin IPA is a juicy example brewed with cedar branches. Chinese Five Spice Porter sounds weird, but try it for kicks. Cardamom and Tellicherry pepper contribute to the aroma of flagship Blonde, followed by a crisp finish from the addition of black tea."
4 Hands Brewing. "Within throwing distance of Busch Stadium, 4 Hands is a popular gathering spot whether or not the Cardinals are playing ball. Divided Sky Rye IPA unites floral hops with spicy, peppery rye notes. Passion Fruit Prussia is a tart Berliner Weisse suitable for quenching thirst. City Wide Pils delivers a crisp finish with light hoppiness."
