Lincoln, Nebraska boasts a thriving craft beer scene that’s sure to delight beer enthusiasts. The capital city offers a diverse array of local breweries and taprooms, each with its own unique flavors and brewing styles. Visitors and locals alike can explore over a dozen craft breweries in Lincoln, ranging from well-established favorites to exciting newcomers.
Some of the top-rated breweries in Lincoln include Boiler Brewing Company, Zipline Brewing, and Code Beer Company. These establishments not only serve up delicious brews but often provide food options and welcoming atmospheres for patrons to enjoy. Many Lincoln breweries also offer tours, giving beer lovers a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
For those seeking a wide selection of craft beers in one spot, venues like HopCat Lincoln and Pour Craft Beer & Spirits showcase an impressive variety of local and regional offerings. Whether you’re in search of a hoppy IPA, a smooth stout, or an experimental sour, Lincoln’s craft beer scene has something to satisfy every palate.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln’s craft beer scene has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Local breweries have emerged as cultural hubs, offering unique flavors and fostering community connections.
History and Growth
Craft beer in Lincoln traces its roots back to 1990 when Empyrean Brewing Co. opened as Nebraska’s first brewpub. This pioneering establishment set the stage for the city’s burgeoning craft beer culture.
Over the following decades, Lincoln witnessed a steady increase in craft breweries. The 2010s saw a particular surge, with several new breweries opening their doors to eager beer enthusiasts.
Zed’s Beer exemplifies this growth, establishing itself as an independent craft brewery in the heart of Lincoln. Its two-level taproom offers flight tastings and pints, catering to both casual drinkers and aficionados.
Industry Impact
The craft beer industry has significantly impacted Lincoln’s economy and culture. Local breweries have created jobs, attracted tourists, and contributed to the city’s tax base.
Many Lincoln breweries prioritize using locally sourced ingredients, supporting Nebraska’s agricultural sector. This farm-to-glass approach showcases the state’s produce and creates unique, region-specific flavors.
Events like Lincoln Craft Beer Week, held annually in October, celebrate the city’s brewing achievements. These festivals boost tourism and strengthen community ties.
The industry’s growth has also sparked innovation. Breweries constantly experiment with new flavors and brewing techniques, keeping Lincoln’s beer scene dynamic and exciting.
Exploring Local Breweries
Lincoln’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of breweries, each with its own unique character and specialty brews. From established pioneers to innovative newcomers, these local breweries showcase the city’s passion for quality craft beer.
White Elm Brewing Co
White Elm Brewing Co stands out for its creative approach to brewing. Located in a renovated warehouse, this brewery offers a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental beers. Their taproom features a cozy, industrial-chic atmosphere perfect for sampling flights.
White Elm’s flagship beers include the Hop Driven IPA and the White Elm Lager. They also produce limited-release barrel-aged beers and sour ales. The brewery hosts regular events, including food truck nights and live music performances.
Zipline Brewing Co
Zipline Brewing Co has become a Lincoln favorite since opening in 2012. Known for consistent quality and innovative flavors, Zipline offers a wide range of styles to suit various tastes.
Their year-round lineup includes the popular Copper Alt and NZ IPA. Zipline also produces seasonal and limited-edition beers. The taproom provides a relaxed environment for beer enthusiasts to enjoy pints or tasting flights.
Zipline’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of solar power and recycling practices.
Boiler Brewing Company
Boiler Brewing Company, situated in downtown Lincoln, combines historical charm with modern brewing techniques. The brewery occupies a restored boiler room, lending a unique ambiance to its taproom.
Boiler is known for its ever-changing tap list, featuring experimental brews alongside classic styles. Popular offerings include their Milk Man Milk Stout and rotating IPAs. The brewery often collaborates with local businesses for special releases.
Visitors can enjoy guided tastings and brewery tours to learn about the brewing process and Boiler’s history.
Empyrean Brewing Co
As Nebraska’s oldest craft brewery, Empyrean Brewing Co has been a cornerstone of Lincoln’s beer scene since 1990. Operating in conjunction with Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill, Empyrean offers a combination of traditional and innovative brews.
Signature beers include the Third Stone Brown and Luna Sea ESB. Empyrean also produces seasonal releases and limited-edition beers. Their taproom, attached to Lazlo’s, provides a full dining experience alongside their craft brews.
The brewery’s longevity and consistent quality have made it a local institution.
Kinkaider Brewing Co
Kinkaider Brewing Co brings a taste of rural Nebraska to Lincoln with its farm-inspired beers. Originally from Broken Bow, Kinkaider opened a Lincoln taproom to expand its reach.
Their beer lineup features creative takes on classic styles, like the Frame the Butcher IPA and Devil’s Gap Jalapeno Ale. Kinkaider’s taproom offers a rustic, welcoming atmosphere with a food menu that complements their beers.
The brewery emphasizes using local ingredients, including Nebraska-grown hops and grains.
Backswing Brewing
Backswing Brewing combines craft beer with a golf theme, creating a unique niche in Lincoln’s brewing scene. Founded by golf enthusiasts, the brewery infuses its passion for the sport into its branding and atmosphere.
Signature beers include the Slice IPA and Mulligan Kolsch. Backswing’s taproom features golf-themed decor and occasionally hosts putting contests. The brewery also offers a selection of seasonal and experimental brews.
Backswing has gained recognition for its consistent quality and approachable beer styles.
Blue Blood Brewing Company
Blue Blood Brewing Company, founded by a former police officer, brings law enforcement themes to the craft beer world. The brewery is known for its unique location atop Robber’s Cave, a historic Lincoln landmark.
Blue Blood’s core beers include the 1327 Pod pale ale and Outlaw Vanilla Porter. The brewery offers tours of Robber’s Cave, combining history with beer tasting. Their taproom features police memorabilia and hosts regular trivia nights.
The brewery’s commitment to community involvement includes partnerships with local charities and first responder organizations.
Craft Beer Varieties and Styles
Lincoln’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of beer styles to suit every palate. From classic ales and lagers to innovative IPAs and unique seasonal brews, local breweries showcase their creativity and skill.
Understanding Beer Styles
Beer styles are categorized based on factors like color, flavor, strength, and brewing method. Lighter beers include pilsners and wheat beers, while darker varieties encompass porters and stouts.
Hoppy beers feature prominent bitter flavors, while malty brews lean sweet. Some styles emphasize fruity or spicy notes from yeast strains or added ingredients.
Understanding beer styles helps drinkers navigate menus and find favorites. Many Lincoln breweries offer tasting flights to sample multiple styles.
Ales, Lagers, and IPAs
Ales and lagers form the two main beer families. Ales use top-fermenting yeast and typically have fuller bodies and fruitier flavors. Popular ale styles in Lincoln include pale ales, brown ales, and Belgian-inspired saisons.
Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, resulting in crisp, clean flavors. Local breweries craft refreshing pilsners and Vienna lagers.
IPAs (India Pale Ales) dominate craft beer menus. These hop-forward ales come in varieties like West Coast (bitter, piney) and New England (juicy, hazy). Many Lincoln brewers experiment with fruit-infused or barrel-aged IPAs.
Uncommon Finds: Sours and Stouts
Sour beers offer tart, funky flavors from wild yeast or bacteria. Styles like Berliner Weisse and gose are gaining popularity in Lincoln. Some local brewers age sours in oak barrels or add fruit for complexity.
Stouts deliver rich, roasted flavors from dark malts. Varieties range from dry Irish stouts to sweet milk stouts. Imperial stouts pack a punch with high alcohol content.
Several Lincoln breweries offer bourbon barrel-aged stouts as special releases. Coffee stouts made with local roasters are another local favorite.
Seasonal and Special Releases
Lincoln’s craft breweries embrace seasonal brewing. Light, refreshing wheat beers and fruit-infused ales dominate summer menus. Fall brings Oktoberfest lagers and pumpkin ales.
Winter sees the release of warming strong ales and spiced holiday beers. Spring ushers in crisp bocks and maibocks.
Many breweries offer limited “one-off” batches to showcase creativity. These might include experimental hop varieties, unique flavor combinations, or collaboration brews with other local businesses.
Special release events often draw crowds of beer enthusiasts eager to try rare offerings.
The Craft Beer Experience
Lincoln’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of flavors and atmospheres. Visitors can explore unique tasting rooms and pair local brews with delicious food options.
Tasting Rooms and Atmosphere
Lincoln’s breweries pride themselves on creating welcoming spaces for beer enthusiasts. The Happy Raven stands out with its cozy, rustic ambiance and extensive tap list. Exposed brick walls and wooden accents contribute to a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Single Barrel combines a speakeasy vibe with craft beer offerings. Low lighting and comfortable seating create an intimate setting for sampling local brews.
Many tasting rooms feature communal tables, encouraging social interaction among patrons. Some breweries offer outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on warm Nebraska evenings.
Pairing Beer with Food
Lincoln’s craft breweries often collaborate with local food trucks to enhance the tasting experience. These partnerships bring a variety of cuisines to complement the beer selection.
Some breweries, like Boiler Brewing Company, offer in-house food menus designed to pair perfectly with their beers. Popular options include artisanal pizzas, gourmet burgers, and locally-sourced charcuterie boards.
Beer and food pairing events are common, allowing visitors to explore flavor combinations guided by knowledgeable staff. These events often feature seasonal brews and specialty dishes, showcasing the versatility of craft beer in culinary pairings.
Artisanal Cider and Beyond
Lincoln’s craft beverage scene extends beyond beer to include artisanal ciders. These refreshing apple-based drinks offer a unique alternative for those seeking something different.
The Appeal of Ciders
Ciders have gained popularity in Lincoln, with Saro Cider leading the way. This local cidery crafts a variety of apple-based beverages, ranging from dry to sweet.
Saro Cider boasts an Untappd rating of 3.7, indicating its quality and appeal among enthusiasts. The establishment is closed on Sundays, giving patrons six days a week to explore its offerings.
Ciders provide a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. They often feature lower alcohol content compared to beer, making them a lighter choice for social gatherings.
Lincoln Craft Beer Week, held from October 20-26, 2024, may include cider options alongside traditional beers. This event showcases the city’s diverse craft beverage scene.
For a broader tasting experience, the Sip Nebraska festival on September 27-28, 2024, at Haymarket Park includes ciders among its unlimited tastings. This event highlights Nebraska’s beverage industry, featuring local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries.
Craft Beer Events and Community
Lincoln’s craft beer scene thrives on exciting events and a passionate community. Beer enthusiasts gather regularly to celebrate local brews and forge connections with fellow aficionados.
Lincoln Craft Beer Week
Lincoln Craft Beer Week takes place from October 20-26, 2024. This annual event showcases the city’s finest breweries and their creations. Visitors can sample over 150 Nebraska and Midwestern craft beers during the festivities.
Local favorites like Nebraska Brewing Company, 1867 Bar, and Empyrean Brewing Company participate in the celebrations. Special releases, beer dinners, and brewery tours are common highlights of the week-long event.
The Haymarket District serves as a central hub for many Craft Beer Week activities. Attendees can explore multiple venues within walking distance, making it easy to experience a variety of brews and atmospheres.
Local Meetups and Tours
Beer enthusiasts in Lincoln have numerous opportunities to connect throughout the year. Regular meetups take place at popular breweries and taprooms across the city.
Guided brewery tours offer behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process. Participants learn about ingredient selection, fermentation techniques, and the unique characteristics of different beer styles.
Downtown Lincoln hosts many of these gatherings, with its concentration of craft beer establishments. The area’s walkability makes it ideal for self-guided beer tours and pub crawls.
Some local businesses organize themed events, such as beer and food pairings or seasonal beer tastings. These gatherings provide a platform for beer lovers to share their passion and expand their knowledge of craft brewing.
Supporting Local: The Broader Impact
Craft beer in Lincoln, NE extends beyond just great flavors. It plays a significant role in the local economy and environment.
Economic Contributions
Craft breweries in Lincoln create jobs and stimulate economic growth. They employ local workers, from brewers to servers and administrative staff. These businesses also attract tourists, boosting revenue for nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Craft beer festivals, like PourFest near 70th and Pioneers Boulevard, showcase local brews and bring in visitors. Such events generate income for vendors and surrounding businesses.
Local breweries often collaborate with other small businesses. They may source ingredients from nearby farms or partner with local artists for label designs. This creates a ripple effect of economic benefits throughout the community.
Sustainability and Local Partnerships
Lincoln’s craft breweries often prioritize sustainability. Many use locally sourced ingredients, reducing transportation emissions. Some implement water conservation measures in their brewing processes.
Breweries frequently partner with local organizations for charitable events. Beer For Good, for example, raises funds for the Lincoln Central Neighborhood and Family Center through craft beer events.
These partnerships extend to environmental initiatives too. Breweries may participate in local clean-up efforts or donate spent grains to farmers for animal feed. Such practices minimize waste and support the local agricultural sector.
