Tap List | Pondering Seasonal Beer Conformity

About a year ago, I would have vehemently opposed conforming to the changing seasons. I used to be the guy wearing shorts in sub-freezing temperature, the guy binging on chocolate fudge ice cream during the winter holidays, the guy loading the smoker with burning hot charcoal as snow is falling.

But there’s something ridiculously satisfying about pouring myself a stout, taking a sip every time the beer gets warmer, and detecting notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and coffee as the leaves begin to fall. 

For those who are wondering, I am no longer a non-conformist. But I’m also not a conformist. Call me a non-conforming, non-conformist.

So, I hereby state that fall is upon us. Leaves are changing color and, pretty soon so will the beers in my refrigerator.

Beer Releases

Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company — 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, Missouri — is releasing its first anniversary ale. Year in Review (11.1% ABV) is Rochester Brewing’s first barrel-aged release, and is made of their 50% Wee Heavy, 45% Rochester Original Stout, and 5% American Barleywine. This beer was aged in whiskey barrels from DogMaster Distillery in Columbia, Missouri.

Alma Mader Brewing — 2635 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri — has released two beers. Pillar is a German-style pilsner clocking in at 5.1% ABV, and brewed with pilsner malt and German hops. The next beer is Settling In: All Night Diner, a double-milk stout with coffee and maple clocking in at 8.5% ABV. 

BKS Artisan Ales — 633 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, Missouri — still has bottles of their Vacation Island Sour Ale (6.5% ABV) available. Those familiar with BKS understand the commitment to quality, and this sour is no exception. This Gose-style sour ale boasts of passion fruit, citrus and sea salt.

Fields and Ivy Brewery — 706 E. 23rd St., Lawrence, Kansas — is selling bottles of their version of Black is Beautiful Stout (10% ABV, 55 IBU) available in six-packs! All of the proceeds will be donated to Kansans for Smart Justice. 

Lost Evenings Brewing Co. — 8625 Hauser Court, Lenexa, Kansas  — recently released Mountain Sound (4.5% ABV, 14 IBU), an American wheat beer infused with huckleberry syrup. This beer is on limited supply, so head over to Lost Evenings before they run out!

Pathlight Brewing — 11200 W. 75th St., Shawnee, Kansas — released Enclave, a West Coast IPA clocking in at 6.8%. This beer was brewed with Columbus, Cascade, Chinook, and Simcoe hops. They also released Rampion, a Helles Lager clocking in at 5% ABV brewed only with German malts and hops. 

Transport Brewery — 11113 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas — released Pineapple Queen, a New England IPA (7.2% ABV) brewed with pineapples alongside Azacca, El Dorado, Mosaic and Citra hops. 

Servaes Brewing Company — 10921 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas — had three of their Daiquiri Sour beers (all clocking in at 5% ABV) on tap: pomegranate, watermelon and strawberry. They also have two Her Sun Shandys available on tap (5% ABV): lemon orange and grapefruit. 

Limitless Brewing — 9765 Widmer Road, Lenexa, Kansas — is releasing a beer on Sept. 11 for Suicide Prevention Month. The beer is a hazy double IPA brewed with Galaxy, Hellertau Blanc, and Azacca hops. With the help of Worldwide Beverage, the beer will be made available in local restaurants, and all of the proceeds will be donated to the Johnson County Suidice Prevention Coalition. 

Beer Events

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Not Lost Brewing — 229 S. Main St., Ottawa, Kansas — will be celebrating the release of their dry-hopped Freshie Kanook (6.9% ABV, 50 IBU) on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. This very special beer was brewed with hops from Kansas Hop Company.

3 Trails Brewing Co. — 111 N. Main St., Independence, Missouri — is hosting an Open Mic Night this Wednesday from 7-10 p.m. If you’re a singer, songwriter, professional magician or a yoyo expert, this is your chance to shine!

Thursday, Sept. 10

This Thursday, you have two options for checking out the Chiefs game at a local brewery! East Forty Brewing — 1201 W. Main St., Blue Springs, Missouri — is hosting a night of trivia while you enjoy the Chiefs game from 7-10 p.m. Border Brewing Co. — 406 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri — is also hosting the Chiefs game!

Friday, Sept. 11

Rockcreek Brewing Co. — 5880 Beverly Ave., Mission, Kansas — is hosting Fiesta Fridays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday. Snag some delicious Rockcreek beer and pair it with savory Mexican street food courtesy of Taco Tank!

Saturday, Sept. 12

Get ready for this. Last year, Big Rip Brewing Company — 216 E. 9th Ave, North Kansas City, Missouri — brewed an imperial stout and subsequently nestled this stout into whiskey barrels courtesy of Restless Spirits Distilling. Eternal Life (12% ABV) is an imperial stout that boasts of whiskey, vanilla, fruit and dark chocolate. This mega stout is slated to be released this Saturday, so stay tuned for the pre-order!