Wichita’s craft beer scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The city now boasts a diverse array of local breweries, each offering unique and flavorful creations that cater to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Wichita’s craft beer selection spans a wide range of styles, from refreshing wheat ales that pay homage to Kansas’ agricultural heritage to bold stouts that showcase the brewers’ creativity.
Visitors and locals can explore Wichita’s craft beer culture through brewery tours, taprooms, and beer-focused events. These experiences provide opportunities to taste distinctive local brews and learn about the brewing process from passionate artisans. The growth of craft breweries in Wichita has not only enriched the city’s beverage options but also contributed to its evolving culinary landscape.
History of Wichita’s Craft Beer Movement
Wichita’s craft beer scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. While Kansas has historical roots in temperance movements, the city has embraced a growing appreciation for artisanal brewing.
The craft beer revolution in Wichita began to take shape in the early 2010s. Local entrepreneurs and beer enthusiasts recognized the potential for unique, flavorful brews that could capture the city’s character.
Pioneer breweries like River City Brewing Co. and Wichita Brewing Company paved the way. They introduced Wichitans to a diverse range of beer styles beyond mass-produced lagers.
As interest grew, more microbreweries and taprooms opened their doors. Each brought its own personality and brewing philosophy to the local beer landscape.
The Wicked Brew Tour, launched in the mid-2010s, became an annual celebration of Wichita’s burgeoning craft beer culture. It connected beer lovers with over 20 participating businesses.
Today, Wichita boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous breweries, beer gardens, and tap houses. These establishments offer a wide array of locally-brewed options, from traditional ales to experimental small-batch creations.
The movement has not only diversified Wichita’s beverage options but also contributed to local economic growth and community building. Craft breweries have become gathering spaces, fostering a sense of neighborhood pride and identity.
Guide to Wichita Breweries
Wichita boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries offering unique flavors and experiences. These establishments showcase the city’s brewing talent and provide beer enthusiasts with a diverse range of options to explore.
Hopping Gnome Brewing Company
Hopping Gnome Brewing Company is a popular spot in Wichita’s craft beer landscape. Known for their Sepia Amber ale, which won a medal at the Great American Beer Festival, this brewery offers a cozy taproom experience.
Their beer lineup includes a variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Visitors can enjoy flights to sample multiple brews or grab a pint of their favorite.
The brewery often hosts events and food trucks, adding to its lively atmosphere.
River City Brewing Co
River City Brewing Company, established in 1993, is one of Wichita’s oldest craft breweries. Located downtown, it offers a spacious taproom and restaurant.
Their flagship beers include River City Wheat and River City IPA. The brewery also experiments with seasonal and specialty brews.
River City’s menu features pub-style food that pairs well with their beers. The combination of good food and craft beer makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Central Standard Brewing
Central Standard Brewing is known for its innovative approach to beer-making. They offer a wide range of styles, from traditional to experimental.
The brewery’s taproom has a modern, industrial feel. It features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, making it a great spot for year-round visits.
Central Standard often collaborates with other local businesses, creating unique beer experiences. Their rotating tap list ensures there’s always something new to try.
Wichita Brewing Co
Wichita Brewing Co operates two locations in the city, each offering a full-service restaurant alongside their brewery. They’re known for their wood-fired pizzas and craft beers.
Their beer selection includes year-round favorites and rotating seasonal options. The brewery’s 5:02 Amber Ale is particularly popular among locals.
Wichita Brewing Co also offers brewery tours, giving visitors insight into their brewing process.
Third Place Brewing
Third Place Brewing is a smaller, community-focused brewery in downtown Wichita. Their name refers to the concept of a “third place” – a social space separate from home and work.
The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers, often experimenting with unique ingredients and styles. Their taproom has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Third Place frequently hosts events like trivia nights and live music, fostering a sense of community among beer lovers.
Walnut River Brewing Co
Walnut River Brewing Co, located in El Dorado just outside Wichita, has gained popularity among local craft beer enthusiasts. Their taproom offers a rustic, laid-back atmosphere.
Known for their Warbeard Irish Red and High Beam IPA, Walnut River produces a range of well-crafted beers. They also experiment with barrel-aged and sour beers.
The brewery often participates in local events and collaborates with other Kansas breweries.
Limestone Beer Co
Limestone Beer Co, situated near the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue, offers a unique brewing experience. They specialize in farmhouse ales and sour beers.
Their Keeper sour biere de garde pays homage to the nearby statue. The brewery’s focus on wild fermentation techniques sets them apart in the Wichita beer scene.
Limestone’s taproom provides a view of their brewing equipment, giving visitors a glimpse into their process.
Bricktown Brewery
Bricktown Brewery, while part of a regional chain, offers a local touch to their Wichita location. They brew some of their beers on-site, complementing their full-service restaurant.
Their beer selection includes both their own brews and guest taps from other local breweries. This variety caters to a wide range of beer preferences.
Bricktown’s menu features elevated pub fare designed to pair well with their beers.
Nortons Brewing Co
Nortons Brewing Co combines a brewery, restaurant, and beer garden into one vibrant space. Their outdoor area is particularly popular during warmer months.
The brewery offers a diverse range of beers, from traditional styles to more adventurous brews. Their food menu includes unique items like their famous “Dirty Mac” nachos.
Nortons often hosts events and live music, adding to its lively atmosphere.
Augustino Brewing
Augustino Brewing stands out for its combination of craft beer and coffee. They roast their own coffee beans and use them in some of their beer recipes.
Their Liquid Deception, a vanilla hazelnut American porter, showcases their skill in blending coffee and beer flavors. The brewery offers tours, providing insight into their unique brewing process.
Augustino’s taproom serves both beer and coffee, catering to different crowds throughout the day.
Hank is Wiser Brewery
Hank is Wiser Brewery, located in Cheney just outside Wichita, offers a small-town brewery experience. Their taproom has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The brewery produces a range of traditional beer styles, with their cream ale being a local favorite. They also experiment with seasonal and specialty brews.
Hank is Wiser often collaborates with local food trucks, enhancing the visitor experience.
Aero Plains Brewing
Aero Plains Brewing draws inspiration from Wichita’s aviation history. Their taproom features airplane-themed decor and beer names.
The brewery offers a mix of classic and innovative beer styles. Their Bingo’s IPA and Wingman Wheat are popular choices among regulars.
Aero Plains hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances.
Tor Brewing
Tor Brewing is one of Wichita’s newer additions to the craft beer scene. They focus on producing small-batch, artisanal beers.
The brewery experiments with various styles and ingredients, offering a constantly rotating tap list. This approach ensures that each visit to Tor can be a unique experience.
Their taproom provides a intimate setting for beer tasting and appreciation.
White Crow Cider Company
White Crow Cider Company brings variety to Wichita’s craft beverage scene by focusing on hard ciders. They use locally sourced apples when possible.
Their cider selection ranges from dry to sweet, catering to different palate preferences. White Crow also experiments with fruit-infused and hopped ciders.
The cidery’s taproom offers a different
The Art of Brewing
Wichita’s craft beer scene showcases diverse brewing techniques and styles. Local brewers demonstrate their expertise through innovative recipes and traditional methods, creating unique flavors that captivate beer enthusiasts.
Mastering IPAs
India Pale Ales reign supreme in Wichita’s craft beer landscape. Brewers skillfully balance hop bitterness with malty sweetness, producing aromatic and flavorful IPAs. Local favorites often feature citrusy and piney notes from American hops.
Techniques like dry-hopping enhance aroma without increasing bitterness. Some breweries experiment with New England-style hazy IPAs, known for their juicy flavors and smooth mouthfeel.
Double and triple IPAs push boundaries with higher alcohol content and intense hop profiles. These bold brews showcase the brewers’ ability to maintain balance despite increased ingredients.
Savoring Stouts
Wichita’s stouts offer rich, complex flavors perfect for cooler weather. Brewers use roasted malts to create deep, dark colors and coffee-like notes. Oatmeal stouts provide a silky texture, while milk stouts incorporate lactose for added sweetness.
Imperial stouts pack a punch with higher alcohol content and intense flavors. Some local breweries age these robust beers in bourbon barrels, imparting vanilla and oak characteristics.
Seasonal variations might include pumpkin stouts in fall or peppermint stouts for winter. These creative twists demonstrate the versatility of the style and the brewers’ ingenuity.
Exploring Sours and Wild Ales
Sour beers and wild ales are gaining popularity in Wichita. Brewers use specific yeast strains or bacteria to create tart, funky flavors. Techniques like kettle souring produce quick results, while traditional methods may involve aging for months or years.
Fruit additions complement the acidity in many sours. Local breweries might use Kansas-grown berries or stone fruits to create unique flavor profiles.
Wild ales fermented with Brettanomyces yeast offer complex, earthy notes. These beers often develop over time, rewarding patient drinkers with evolving flavors.
Cultivating Ciders
Wichita’s cider scene is growing, with local producers crafting both traditional and innovative styles. Brewers select specific apple varieties to achieve desired sweetness and acidity levels.
Dry ciders appeal to beer drinkers seeking a crisp alternative. Semi-sweet options offer a balance between fruit flavors and refreshing tartness.
Infusions with other fruits or spices create unique flavor combinations. Some local cideries experiment with hopped ciders, bridging the gap between beer and cider worlds.
Crafting Kombucha
Kombucha brewing adds diversity to Wichita’s fermented beverage scene. This probiotic tea undergoes a fermentation process using a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast).
Local kombucha brewers experiment with different tea bases and flavor additions. Popular options include ginger, berry, and citrus infusions.
Some Wichita breweries combine kombucha with beer, creating innovative hybrids. These blends offer lower alcohol content while maintaining complex flavors and potential health benefits.
Pairing Food and Craft Beer
Wichita’s craft beer scene offers exciting opportunities to explore flavor combinations with local cuisine. From wood-fired pizzas to vegan delights, the city’s breweries and restaurants have mastered the art of pairing food with their unique brews.
Gourmet Pizza and Beer
Wood-fired pizzas have become a popular companion to Wichita’s craft beers. The crispy crusts and smoky flavors complement a variety of beer styles. Light wheat beers pair well with margherita pizzas, enhancing the fresh basil and tomato flavors.
For meat lovers, a robust IPA can stand up to pepperoni or sausage toppings. The hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Some local breweries offer specialty pizzas designed to match their signature beers.
Vegetable-topped pizzas find harmony with amber ales or pale lagers. These beers provide a balanced backdrop that doesn’t overpower the subtle flavors of roasted vegetables.
Brunch and Brews
Wichita’s breweries have embraced the brunch trend, creating special menus and beer pairings for late morning diners. Light, fruity beers like wheat ales or fruit-infused sours complement classic brunch fare such as waffles or French toast.
For savory dishes, consider pairing a stout or porter with eggs benedict. The roasty notes in these dark beers enhance the richness of hollandaise sauce. Breakfast burritos match well with Mexican-style lagers, offering a refreshing contrast to spicy ingredients.
Some breweries offer beer-based cocktails for brunch, like beermosas or micheladas. These creative drinks provide a unique twist on traditional brunch beverages.
Burgers and Beers
The classic burger finds its ideal match in Wichita’s craft beer scene. A juicy cheeseburger pairs excellently with a malty amber ale or a crisp pilsner. The caramel notes in amber ales complement the beef’s char, while pilsners cleanse the palate between bites.
For spicy burgers topped with jalapeños or hot sauce, an IPA can balance the heat with its hoppy bitterness. Mushroom Swiss burgers find harmony with brown ales, as the nutty flavors in both the beer and the mushrooms create a delightful synergy.
Some local breweries offer beer-infused burger sauces or patties, further enhancing the pairing experience. These specialty burgers are often designed to match specific beers on tap.
Seafood with Wheat Ales
Despite being landlocked, Wichita offers seafood options that pair wonderfully with local wheat ales. The light, crisp nature of wheat beers complements the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish without overpowering them.
Grilled salmon pairs well with a hefeweizen, its subtle banana and clove notes enhancing the fish’s richness. For fried seafood, a witbier’s citrusy undertones cut through the batter’s heaviness and brighten the dish.
Some breweries offer seafood boils or crab feasts, pairing them with specially brewed wheat ales or light lagers. These events often feature seasonal catches and limited-edition beers.
Vegan Options and Craft Beer
Wichita’s craft beer scene caters to vegan diners with thoughtful food and beer pairings. Many breweries offer plant-based menu items that complement their beer selection. Roasted vegetable platters pair well with saisons, the beer’s earthy and spicy notes enhancing the vegetables’ natural flavors.
Vegan burgers made from beans or grains find harmony with brown ales or porters. The nutty, roasted flavors in these beers complement the hearty textures of plant-based patties. For lighter fare like salads or vegetable wraps, fruit-forward sour beers provide a refreshing contrast.
Some local breweries collaborate with vegan chefs to create special pairing menus. These events showcase innovative plant-based cuisine alongside carefully selected craft beers.
Craft Beer Tasting and Tours
Wichita’s craft beer scene offers exciting ways to explore local brews through guided tours and tasting experiences. These events showcase the city’s best breweries and provide opportunities to sample a variety of craft beers.
Wicked Brew Tour
The Wicked Brew Tour highlights Wichita’s top craft breweries, cideries, and specialty coffee shops. This popular event draws both locals and visitors, resulting in approximately 19,000 visits to participating establishments in recent years.
Participants can sample a diverse range of locally crafted beverages, including beers, ciders, kombucha, and coffee drinks. The tour promotes Wichita’s thriving craft beverage industry and encourages people to support local businesses.
To join the Wicked Brew Tour, visitors collect stamps from participating locations. Those who complete the tour receive a free T-shirt as a souvenir of their tasting adventure.
Pourhouse Experiences
Pourhouse offers unique craft beer tasting experiences in Wichita. This establishment focuses on creating a welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts to explore new flavors and learn about different brewing styles.
Visitors can enjoy flights of craft beers, allowing them to sample multiple brews in one sitting. Pourhouse also hosts special events and tastings, featuring local and regional breweries.
The knowledgeable staff at Pourhouse guide customers through their beer selections, providing insights into brewing techniques and flavor profiles. This educational approach enhances the tasting experience for both newcomers and seasoned craft beer fans.
Brew Wagon Tours
Brew Wagon Tours provides a fun and safe way to explore Wichita’s craft brewery scene. These guided tours typically last about three hours and include visits to three local breweries.
Tours accommodate groups of 6 to 14 people, with options for private bookings or individual seat purchases. Participants travel in a shuttle bus with perimeter seating, ensuring a comfortable and social experience.
At each stop, visitors enjoy beer samples and learn about the brewing process. The tours offer an educational component, providing insights into Wichita’s craft beer industry and the unique characteristics of each brewery.
Anchor Events
Anchor, a prominent Wichita brewery, hosts various events throughout the year that celebrate craft beer. These gatherings bring together beer enthusiasts and showcase the brewery’s latest offerings.
Anchor’s events often feature special releases, seasonal brews, and collaborations with other local businesses. Visitors can enjoy live music, food pairings, and brewery tours during these occasions.
The brewery’s events foster a sense of community among craft beer lovers and provide opportunities to meet the brewers behind Anchor’s creations. These gatherings contribute to Wichita’s reputation as a growing craft beer destination.
Famous Local Brews
Wichita’s craft beer scene boasts several standout brews that have gained local fame. The Wichita Brewing Company offers a diverse lineup of beers that capture the city’s spirit.
One notable offering is their Emerald City Stout. This rich, dark beer features coffee and chocolate notes, making it a favorite among stout enthusiasts.
Another popular choice is the Valleyview Vanilla Porter. This smooth porter blends subtle vanilla flavors with roasted malt, creating a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.
Central Standard Brewing‘s Standard Issue IPA has also made a name for itself. This crisp, hop-forward beer showcases the brewery’s skill in crafting well-balanced India Pale Ales.
River City Brewing Co.‘s Tornado Alley IPA is another local favorite. Its bold hop profile and citrusy notes have earned it a dedicated following among Wichita beer lovers.
These famous local brews represent just a small sample of Wichita’s thriving craft beer scene. With 10 breweries across 12 locations, the city offers a wide range of options for both beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
Craft Beer At Home
Wichita’s craft beer scene extends beyond local taprooms and into homes across the city. Many enthusiasts have embraced home brewing as a way to explore their passion for craft beer.
Home brewing kits are readily available at local specialty shops. These kits provide the essential equipment and ingredients for beginners to start crafting their own brews.
Experienced home brewers often source ingredients from local suppliers. Many favor using locally grown hops and grains to create unique, Wichita-inspired flavors.
Some local breweries offer classes on home brewing techniques. These sessions cover topics like fermentation, bottling, and recipe development.
Online communities and forums connect Wichita’s home brewers. They share tips, recipes, and organize meetups to taste each other’s creations.
For those who prefer to enjoy without brewing, many local craft beers are available in cans and bottles at specialty stores. This allows residents to savor Wichita’s craft beer offerings from the comfort of their homes.
Local beer delivery services have gained popularity. They bring a curated selection of Wichita’s finest craft beers directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Home beer tasting events have become a trend. Friends gather to sample and compare different local craft beers, fostering a sense of community around the city’s brewing culture.
Beyond Beer: Other Local Beverages
Wichita’s beverage scene extends well beyond craft beer, offering a diverse range of locally-made drinks to satisfy various tastes. From artisanal coffee to craft sodas and kombucha, the city boasts a thriving culture of innovative beverage makers.
Coffee Shops and Culture
Wichita’s coffee culture is vibrant and growing. Local roasters and cafes take pride in sourcing high-quality beans and crafting unique blends. Reverie Coffee Roasters stands out for its commitment to small-batch roasting and direct trade practices.
The Donut Whole, a popular spot, combines excellent coffee with delicious donuts. Their cold brew is a local favorite, especially during hot Kansas summers.
Ecclesia Coffee & Community focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere alongside their expertly prepared espresso drinks. They often host events that bring together coffee enthusiasts and foster community connections.
Craft Soda
Wichita’s craft soda scene offers refreshing alternatives to mass-produced beverages. Fizz Soda Works creates small-batch sodas using natural ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
Popular flavors include:
- Lavender Lemonade
- Ginger Beer
- Cherry Vanilla Cream
These sodas are available at local restaurants and specialty shops. Some breweries, like Central Standard Brewing, also offer house-made sodas as non-alcoholic options for patrons.
Locally Made Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, has gained popularity in Wichita. Local producers create flavorful and health-conscious options for residents.
Songbird Juice Company crafts small-batch kombucha using organic ingredients. Their rotating flavors often incorporate seasonal fruits and herbs.
Atomic Kombucha, another local brand, focuses on bold flavors and vibrant packaging. They distribute to various health food stores and cafes across the city.
Some Wichita breweries have even experimented with kombucha-beer hybrids, blending the fermented tea with traditional brewing techniques for unique flavor profiles.
The Future of Craft Beer in Wichita
Wichita’s craft beer scene is poised for continued growth and innovation. Local breweries are expanding their offerings and experimenting with new flavors and brewing techniques.
Collaboration between breweries is expected to increase, fostering a sense of community within the industry. This may lead to unique limited-edition brews and special events that showcase Wichita’s brewing talent.
Sustainability is becoming a key focus for many breweries. Expect to see more eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients and implementing water conservation measures.
The city’s craft beer tourism is likely to grow, attracting beer enthusiasts from across the region. Brewery tours and tasting events may become more popular, boosting the local economy.
Craft beer enthusiasts can look forward to:
- More diverse beer styles
- Increased use of local ingredients
- Enhanced taproom experiences
- Expanded distribution of Wichita-made beers
As consumer palates evolve, breweries will adapt by creating innovative flavor profiles and reviving forgotten brewing traditions. This blend of old and new will keep Wichita’s craft beer scene fresh and exciting.
The future of Wichita’s craft beer industry appears bright, with continued expansion and a growing reputation for quality and creativity.
