In case you hadn’t noticed, Kansas City makes a lot of great craft beer. Local brewers in Missouri and Kansas are constantly tapping their creative juices to drum up crafty collaborations, standout recipes, and fun names for their frothy masterpieces.
We’re raising a glass to five Kansas City-centric brews with names that draw inspiration from our city’s history, communities, and culture.
Southwest BLVD, Boulevard Brewing Co.
A lager love letter. Taste this brew and you’ll be reminded of its namesake’s abundant Central American culture, like food trucks, restaurants + Latin dance clubs.
Style + flavor: With a pinch of salt and a little lime, this beer has a 4.5% ABV and earns a whopping 10 on the bitterness scale — so pucker up.
West Bottoms IPA, Stockyard Brewing Co.
An ode to the historic West Bottoms, this IPA is a tropical brew combining Midwest + West Coast IPA styles for a unique Kansas City flare.
Style + flavor: Coming in at a nice 5.80% ABV, this medium-bodied IPA is described as offering a “sublime balance of bitterness and sweetness.”
The Archduke, Strange Days Brewing Co.
Launched last month, the new bev is a crafty collab with the National WWI Museum and Memorial, featuring gorgeous artwork inspired by a Fifth Austrian War campaign poster — a rare artifact found within the museum’s permanent collection.
Style + flavor: This little lager comes Vienna-style, meaning it has a malty aroma amid a slight sweetness. At 5% ABV, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy a couple in one sitting.
State Line IPA, City Barrel Brewing Co.
Named for the locally famous border + street, the State Line IPA is a part of City Barrel’s Hazy/Juicy/Hoppy collection. Maybe it’s the key to ending the border war.
Style + flavor: Made with Centennial Hops, take in the grapefruit aroma of this 6% ABV West Coast IPA.
Jazzman, Vine Street Brewing
Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery crafted a beer honoring the Jazz District which it calls home. The Jazzman is a slow pour, so you’ll need to wait a little longer to enjoy it — but we hear it’s worth the wait.
Style + flavor: Just like the tunes, you’ll find this beer to be the perfect balance of smooth and refreshing. Enjoy notes of roast malt, nuts, and cola at 5% ABV.
Cheers to you, City of Fountains. This is just a sampling of local craft brews with KC-related nods in their names. If we missed your favorite, share it with us.
