By Dave Eckert
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As I’m writing this, the temperature is approaching 90-degrees. So, although the calendar doesn’t indicate it, summer, it appears, has arrived in Kansas City. Of course, this summer is going to be vastly different from those in the past with a couple possible exceptions. First, we know It’s going to be hot and humid. Second, there are lots of delicious local craft brews available to help you weather the weather. I reached out to some of the craft brewers responsible for those beers and others “in the know” when it comes to the Kansas City craft beer scene for some summertime beer selections.
Courtney Servaes
Servaes is the owner and brew master of Servaes Brewing Company in Shawnee, Kansas. Ruby on Rails from Diametric Brewing. I just had some of this a few days ago after Mac met me at the Lake of the Ozarks. On the can it says red ale, but I think it’s more like a red pale ale. It’s delicious and low ABV so you can enjoy more than one. I’m a huge fan.
Hang ‘Em High Batch #33 – Torn Label. I picked up a 4 pack of this a few days ago and it is the perfect IPA for grilling out. I’ve tried quite a few of the Hang ‘Em Highs over the years and this is one of my favorites to date. Lots of tropical fruit notes. Super easy drinking.
Rainbow Sherbet – Grains and Taps. It’s funny to list this one since we do a Rainbow Sorbet sour that is pretty similar to this one, but Grains and Taps has a way with vanilla. Their version of Rainbow Sherbet has Raspberry, Tangerine and lime. Yum!
Breaks at Dawn – Servaes Brewing Co. I had to include one of ours and I chose Breaks at Dawn, which is an IPA featuring lemon drop hops. It’s got a lot of lemon/citrus going on and is super crushable.
Pete Dulin
Dulin is a Freelance food and drinks writer and author of the beer-centric books: Kansas City Beer: A History of Brewing in the Heartland, and Expedition of Thirst: Exploring Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries Across the Heart of Kansas and Missouri. Dulin even threw in some food pairings to go with the suds. What a guy!
Stockyards Brewing Cerveza Royale. Try this Mexican-style lager when grilling burgers, chops and steaks in the backyard. Great with tacos, too. Cerveza Royale is well-balanced, light-bodied, and has a hint of sweetness that makes it easy-drinking.
Gose Back to Cali – Diametric Brewing Company. This is a sour ale with lime, orange, and pineapple. Pair this fruity tart ale with spicy Thai food, grilled chicken topped with mango jalapeno salsa, or a Thai basil, watermelon and feta salad with lime-chili vinaigrette. This golden-colored gose is moderately sour with a touch of refreshing acidity that dances on the palate. Each swig is packed with juicy flavors of pineapple and citrus that romp around the taste buds and makes it fun to drink.
Northtown Native – Cinder Block Brewery. This brew is a solid sipper while barbecuing and eating the spoils. Light, crisp, and clean, this full-bodied ale is a great option for camping, canoe trips, and rocking block parties when paired with ribs, brats, and gobs of deviled eggs. The malty profile adds heft and character to this beer compared to plain watery lagers. Northtown Native remains light enough to enjoy as a session beer.
Bri Burroughs
Burroughs is the head brewer at the Big Rip Brewing Company in North Kansas City.
Nevertheless She Brewed – Double Shift Brewing Company. This is the Pink Boots Collaboration that was brewed in March. It’s a Dry-Hopped Brut-Style Sour Ale with hand squeezed lime juice and zest and loads of Mango and Passionfruit Puree. It’s tart and dry, but also bright and juicy. I can’t wait to drink growlers-full while floating in my blow-up pool all summer long!
Alana Broyles
Broyles is one of the metro’s foremost beer experts and the creator of the fantastic beer blog Eleven Three KC. Summertime is my favorite season. It’s hot, so I don’t have to layer up, and it’s patio/porch (your own, unless social distancing in public) season!
The beers you’ll find me drinking during summer:
El Camino – Transport Brewing Co. in Shawnee, KS. This beer is a 5% margarita radler. It is light, sweet with hints of lime, and not bitter. I could easily drink several of these!
Belgian Wit – Sandhills Brewing Co. in Mission, KS. Another light beer coming in at 5.1%. This beer is a perfect lake beer or one you’d drink after mowing your lawn! It’s crisp and not sweet, like the previous suggestion.
Last, but not least, I’ll be sipping on one of KC Wineworks Wine Slushees! Yes, wine slushee. Sometimes you need something other than beer and their strawberry daiquiri wine slushee is so good! Something you can just sit back, relax, and slurp on.
You can find posts regarding these beverages on my Instagram @eleventhreekc
Jake Barnett
Barnett is the co-founder of Old Fashioned Beverage & Hospitality, www.oldfashionedbeverage.com
Ginger Shandy – Brewery Emperial, KCMO. This is the perfect beer for Brewery Emperial’s beer garden. It has a nice kick of ginger and it’s only 3.6% ABV, so you can have more than a couple without needing a nap!
Across the Pound Dry Stout – Brew Lab, Overland Park, KS. I just tried this one today. Little bit different choice for summer, but this is a bone-dry, low-alcohol (3.9%) Irish-style stout. Great with food, and a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor for when you’re missing those darker beers of winter.
Float Trip Ale – Piney River Brewing, Bucyrus, MO. This one has been around for awhile, but it’s consistently my favorite summer beer-a simple but perfect wheat ale.
Strawberry Daiquiri Hefe – Big Rip Brewing Co., NKC. This is a super refreshing, tart hefeweizen from our friends in North KC. Looks beautiful in the glass as well!
