Tulsa’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, offering beer enthusiasts a diverse array of local brews to explore. From rooftop taprooms with stunning city views to innovative breweries pushing the boundaries of flavor, the city has become a destination for craft beer lovers. Tulsa’s top-rated breweries showcase Oklahoma-born talent, using high-quality ingredients to craft exceptional beers that capture the spirit of the region.
Visitors and locals alike can embark on a flavorful journey through Tulsa’s beer landscape, sampling everything from crisp lagers to bold stouts. Many breweries offer on-site taprooms, creating inviting spaces for patrons to enjoy fresh pours directly from the source. Some even pair their brews with delicious food options, elevating the tasting experience.
The growth of Tulsa’s craft beer industry has not only provided more choices for consumers but also contributed to the city’s cultural identity. Local brewers often draw inspiration from Tulsa itself, infusing their creations with a sense of place that resonates with the community. This guide will help beer enthusiasts navigate Tulsa’s thriving craft beer scene and discover the best spots to raise a glass in the city.
History of Tulsa’s Craft Beer Scene
Tulsa’s craft beer scene has undergone significant transformation, shaping the city’s cultural landscape and brewing industry. Local breweries have played a pivotal role in this evolution, introducing unique flavors and fostering a sense of community.
Evolution of Local Breweries
Tulsa’s craft beer journey began in earnest with the opening of Marshall Brewing Company in 2008. This milestone marked the city’s first new commercial brewery since 1940, signaling a renaissance in local brewing. Prior to this, Tulsa’s beer options were limited to mass-produced offerings.
In the years that followed, numerous breweries emerged across the city. Each establishment brought its own distinct style and approach to brewing. Some focused on traditional recipes, while others experimented with innovative ingredients and techniques.
The growth of Tulsa’s craft beer scene accelerated in the 2010s. New breweries like Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing and Cabin Boys Brewery opened their doors, expanding the city’s beer portfolio. These enterprises contributed to the diversification of beer styles available to Tulsa residents and visitors.
Impact of Craft Beer on Tulsa’s Culture
The rise of craft breweries has significantly influenced Tulsa’s social fabric. Taprooms and brewpubs have become popular gathering spots, fostering a sense of community among beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Local breweries have also contributed to Tulsa’s economic growth. They’ve created jobs, attracted tourists, and stimulated related industries such as hospitality and agriculture. Many breweries source ingredients locally, supporting Oklahoma farmers and producers.
Craft beer festivals and events have become staples of Tulsa’s cultural calendar. These gatherings celebrate local brews, showcase new releases, and provide platforms for brewers to connect with their customers. Such events have helped solidify Tulsa’s reputation as a destination for craft beer aficionados.
Guide to Tulsa Breweries
Tulsa’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of breweries, each with its own unique character and selection of brews. From established pioneers to innovative newcomers, the city boasts an impressive array of taprooms and beer styles to explore.
Marshall Brewing Co
Marshall Brewing Co holds the distinction of being Tulsa’s first production craft brewery. Founded in 2008, they’ve built a reputation for consistently high-quality beers. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of 16 beers on draft, including year-round favorites and seasonal specialties.
Marshall’s flagship brews include the Atlas IPA and McNellie’s Pub Ale. They also produce a range of German-style lagers, showcasing their brewing versatility. The taproom features a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying their beers in warmer months.
Visitors can take guided tours of the brewery on Saturdays to learn about the brewing process and Marshall’s history in Tulsa’s craft beer scene.
American Solera Brewery
American Solera has gained national recognition for its innovative approach to brewing. Specializing in barrel-aged and mixed fermentation beers, they push the boundaries of traditional styles.
Their taproom offers a constantly rotating selection of unique brews, often featuring fruited sours, barrel-aged stouts, and wild ales. American Solera’s experimental nature means there’s always something new to try.
The brewery’s modern, industrial-style taproom provides a comfortable setting to sample their creations. They also offer crowlers and bottles to go, allowing beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorites at home.
Heirloom Rustic Ales
Heirloom Rustic Ales focuses on farmhouse-style beers and mixed fermentation ales. Their approach emphasizes local ingredients and traditional brewing methods, resulting in complex and flavorful brews.
The taproom offers a rustic, cozy atmosphere that complements their beer styles. Heirloom’s rotating tap list often includes saisons, wild ales, and barrel-aged creations. They also brew more conventional styles like IPAs and stouts with their unique twist.
Food trucks frequently visit the brewery, providing tasty pairings for their beers. Heirloom’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned them a loyal following among Tulsa’s craft beer enthusiasts.
Welltown Brewing
Located in a historic building in the Tulsa Arts District, Welltown Brewing combines a passion for beer with a love of local history. Their taproom features exposed brick walls and a rooftop patio with views of downtown Tulsa.
Welltown offers a diverse range of beer styles, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. Their Riverwalk Blonde Ale and F5 IPA are popular choices among regulars.
The brewery hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances. Welltown’s central location and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Cabin Boys Brewery
Cabin Boys Brewery takes pride in crafting approachable, balanced beers. Their taproom offers a warm, cabin-like atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and enjoy their brews.
Their beer lineup includes year-round offerings like the Cast-a-Line Kolsch and Bearded Theologian Stout. Seasonal and limited releases keep things interesting for regular patrons.
Cabin Boys frequently collaborates with local businesses and artists, fostering a strong sense of community. The brewery also offers tours, giving visitors insight into their brewing process and philosophy.
Renaissance Brewing Co
Renaissance Brewing Co aims to create exceptional beers using top-quality ingredients. Their taproom provides a modern, inviting space to sample their creations.
The brewery offers a wide range of styles, from light lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts. Their Black Gold Stout and Gamma Ray IPA are particularly popular among patrons.
Renaissance hosts regular events, including beer release parties and food truck nights. Their commitment to quality and innovation has quickly established them as a rising star in Tulsa’s craft beer scene.
High Gravity Brewing Company
High Gravity Brewing Company combines a brewery, taproom, and homebrew supply shop. This unique setup makes it a hub for both beer enthusiasts and aspiring homebrewers.
Their tap list features a rotating selection of house-brewed beers, spanning various styles. High Gravity’s experienced staff can offer advice on beer selection and even provide homebrewing tips.
The taproom hosts regular events, including homebrewing classes and beer pairing dinners. Their dual focus on commercial brewing and homebrewing education sets them apart in Tulsa’s beer community.
Nothing’s Left Brewing Co
Nothing’s Left Brewing Co is known for its experimental approach and unique flavor combinations. Their taproom offers a fun, eclectic atmosphere that matches their creative brewing style.
The brewery’s tap list often features unconventional beers like their popular Strawberry Milk Stout and Jalapeno Pineapple Sour. They also brew more traditional styles with their distinctive twist.
Nothing’s Left frequently collaborates with other local businesses, creating special brews and hosting events. Their bold flavors and playful attitude have earned them a dedicated following in Tulsa.
Dead Armadillo Brewery
Dead Armadillo Brewery has become a staple of Tulsa’s craft beer scene since its founding in 2013. Their taproom offers a relaxed, industrial-chic vibe perfect for sampling their brews.
The brewery is known for its flagship Amber Ale, a balanced and flavorful beer that’s become a local favorite. Their tap list also includes a variety of seasonal and experimental brews.
Dead Armadillo’s central location makes it a popular spot for after-work drinks and weekend gatherings. They often host food trucks and local musicians, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Neff Brewing
Neff Brewing stands out as Tulsa’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery. They craft beers using alternative grains like millet, rice, and buckwheat, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Despite the gluten-free focus, Neff’s beers appeal to all beer lovers. Their tap list includes a range of styles, from light lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts.
The taproom offers a modern, welcoming atmosphere. Neff’s unique niche and high-quality brews have quickly made them a valued part of Tulsa’s craft beer community.
Broken Arrow Brewing Co
Located in the historic downtown of Broken Arrow, a Tulsa suburb, this brewery offers a mix of
Exploring Beer Styles and Offerings
Tulsa’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles and flavors to satisfy every palate. From traditional ales and lagers to innovative specialty brews, local breweries showcase their creativity and skill through an array of unique offerings.
Unique Ales and Lagers
Tulsa breweries excel in crafting distinctive ales and lagers. Many taprooms feature crisp, refreshing pilsners perfect for hot Oklahoma summers. American pale ales and amber lagers are also popular choices, balancing hop bitterness with malt sweetness.
Some breweries experiment with fruity additions to their ales, incorporating local ingredients like blackberries or peaches. These fruit-forward beers provide a refreshing twist on classic styles.
Lager enthusiasts can find traditional German-style offerings alongside innovative American interpretations. Clean, crisp Vienna lagers and malty Oktoberfest beers are often available seasonally.
Stouts and Porters
Dark beer lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Tulsa’s craft beer scene. Rich, roasty stouts and smooth, chocolatey porters are staples at many local breweries.
Oatmeal stouts offer a silky mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. Coffee stouts, often made with beans from local roasters, provide a bold caffeine kick. Some breweries age their stouts in bourbon barrels for added complexity.
Robust porters showcase notes of dark chocolate and roasted malt. Vanilla or coconut additions create unique flavor profiles in some specialty porter offerings.
Gluten-Free and Artisan Options
Tulsa’s craft breweries cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Several taprooms offer gluten-free beers brewed with alternative grains like sorghum or rice.
These gluten-free options range from light, crisp ales to darker, maltier styles. Some breweries use innovative techniques to remove gluten from traditional barley-based beers.
Artisan malts sourced from small, specialty maltsters add unique flavors to many local brews. These high-quality ingredients contribute to complex flavor profiles and support sustainable agriculture practices.
Specialty Brews: Sours and IPAs
Tulsa’s craft beer scene embraces bold, experimental flavors through sour beers and hop-forward IPAs. Kettle sours offer a tart, refreshing option for warm days. Some breweries age their sours with fruit additions, creating complex flavor combinations.
Blackberry sours are particularly popular, balancing fruity sweetness with puckering acidity. Dry-hopped sours combine tart flavors with aromatic hop notes.
IPA enthusiasts will find a wide range of options, from classic West Coast styles to hazy New England IPAs. Tropical IPAs showcase bright, fruity hop flavors reminiscent of pineapple and mango. Double and triple IPAs push hop intensity to new levels for those seeking bold bitterness.
Brewing Process and Techniques
Tulsa’s craft breweries employ a range of methods to create their unique beers. Local ingredients and innovative approaches contribute to the distinctive flavors that define the city’s brewing scene.
Crafting the Perfect Brew
Tulsa brewers start with selecting high-quality malted grains, often sourcing from local farmers. The grains are milled and mixed with hot water in a process called mashing. This creates a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and flavor.
After cooling, yeast is added to begin fermentation. The yeast consumes sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Some breweries use temperature-controlled fermentation tanks to ensure consistency.
Many Tulsa brewers dry-hop their beers, adding hops after fermentation for enhanced aroma. The beer is then conditioned, carbonated, and packaged for distribution or serving in taprooms.
Role of Local Ingredients
Tulsa breweries often incorporate locally sourced ingredients to create unique flavors. Some use Oklahoma-grown wheat, barley, and hops. These ingredients contribute to the terroir of Tulsa beers, giving them a distinct regional character.
Local fruits, herbs, and spices are also popular additions. Brewers might use Oklahoma peaches in summer ales or locally grown pumpkins in fall seasonals. Some even experiment with native plants like sumac or sassafras.
Water quality plays a crucial role in brewing. Tulsa’s municipal water, sourced from lakes fed by the Illinois River, provides a good base for various beer styles. Some breweries further treat their water to match specific flavor profiles.
Innovations in Brewing
Tulsa brewers are constantly pushing boundaries with new techniques. Some use barrel aging to impart complex flavors from whiskey, wine, or other spirits. Others experiment with mixed fermentation, using multiple yeast strains or bacteria for unique taste profiles.
Hop techniques like whirlpool hopping and hop bursting are gaining popularity. These methods maximize hop flavor and aroma without excessive bitterness. Some breweries use specialized equipment like hop guns for precise hop additions.
Cold brewing and nitro infusion are other innovative techniques used in Tulsa. These methods create smooth, creamy textures in certain beer styles. A few breweries are also exploring low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options, using specialized equipment to remove alcohol while preserving flavor.
Beer Enthusiast Experiences in Tulsa
Tulsa’s craft beer scene offers a variety of experiences for beer enthusiasts. From guided brewery tours to lively festivals and cozy pubs, the city caters to all levels of beer appreciation.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Beer lovers can explore Tulsa’s brewing heritage through guided tours. American Solera Brewery, known for its innovative fermentation techniques, offers behind-the-scenes looks at their brewing process. Visitors can sample unique sour beers and barrel-aged creations.
Many breweries provide tasting flights, allowing enthusiasts to sample a range of styles. Knowledgeable staff often share insights into ingredients and brewing methods.
Some tours include food pairings, enhancing the tasting experience. Reservations are recommended for most brewery tours, especially on weekends.
Craft Beer Events and Festivals
Tulsa hosts several beer-centric events throughout the year. The Tulsa Craft Beer Week celebrates local breweries with special releases and tap takeovers at various venues.
Oktoberfest brings German-style beers and festivities to the city each fall. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy traditional brews alongside local interpretations of classic styles.
Smaller events like beer and food pairings or brewer meet-and-greets occur regularly. These intimate gatherings allow for deeper discussions about brewing techniques and beer appreciation.
Local Beer Venues and Pubs
Pearl Beach Brew Pub offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy locally crafted beers. Their outdoor seating area is popular during warmer months.
Elgin Park combines craft beer with gourmet pizza in a sports-friendly environment. Their tap list features both house-brewed beers and guest selections from other local breweries.
Many Tulsa pubs curate extensive beer lists, showcasing local and regional craft options. Some venues offer beer flights, allowing patrons to sample multiple styles in one sitting.
Taprooms at local breweries often provide a more immersive experience, with views of brewing equipment and opportunities to chat with brewers.
Conclusion
Tulsa’s craft beer scene continues to flourish, offering a diverse array of high-quality brews and unique taproom experiences. Local breweries have put Tulsa on the map as a destination for beer enthusiasts.
The Future of Tulsa Craft Beer
Tulsa’s craft beer industry shows promising signs of growth and innovation. New breweries are expected to open in the coming years, adding to the city’s already impressive lineup. Established breweries are likely to expand their offerings, experimenting with new styles and ingredients.
Collaboration between breweries may increase, fostering a stronger sense of community within the industry. This could lead to exciting limited-edition brews and special events that celebrate Tulsa’s beer culture.
Sustainability efforts are becoming more prominent, with breweries adopting eco-friendly practices in their production processes. This trend is likely to continue, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
As Tulsa’s reputation for craft beer grows, beer tourism may see a boost. This could bring economic benefits to the city and further solidify its status as a craft beer destination.
