Review: Kansas City’s local brewery scene boasts many great options

Andrew Knopke, Staff Writer

Kansas City is known for a great many things. From BBQ to celebrated sports teams, KC has slowly moved into the national spotlight.

But it’s not all just ribs and baseball in this great city.

Ever since Boulevard Brewing Co. opened its doors in 1989, the craft beer scene has been making its way into town. Today, many who call Kansas City home recognize the Boulevard brand, but what they may not know is that this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

With a beer boom in recent years, many craft breweries now proudly call KC home. All it takes is a stroll through the Crossroads district and a new world of lager, ale and stout possibilities appear. Lucky for those of you of age, I have tried many of these breweries and am here to bring you my conclusions.

Emperial Brewery
1829 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Beer I tried: Pilsener, 4.7% ABV (alcohol by volume), 16 IBU (international bitterness units)

This beer is one I would describe as a small brewery’s attempt at a “Bud Light.” It was clean and clear with a fresh, subtle hoppy character. Good flavor, but an aftertaste that was not too keen to this taster.

Price: $$

Taste: 3.6

Finish: 2

Drinkability: 4

Score: 3.2/5

Casual Animal Brewing
1725 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Beer I tried: Honey Wheat, 5.5% ABV, 6 IBU

Casual Animal has the recipe for a great wheat beer. Very refreshing with a nice sweet finish. At 5.5 percent ABV, it is heavier than other wheat beers similar to it. However, it is a perfect drink for a dry summer afternoon.

Price: $$

Taste: 4

Finish: 3.5

Drinkability: 4

Score: 3.8/5

Boulevard Brewing Co
2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Beer I tried: Single-Wide IPA, 5.7% ABV, 57 IBU

Single-Wide is one of the most well-known Kansas City IPA’s. This is a very balanced IPA, not too heavy or bitter, but still jammed packed with flavor.

Price: $$

Taste: 4.4

Finish: 4

Drinkability: 4.2

Score: 4.2/5

KC Bier Co.
310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114

Bier I tried: Hefeweizen, 5.2% ABV, 16 IBU

Established in 2014, Bier Co. has carved out a following in Kansas City. Hefeweizen–their Bavarian style wheat beer–is the perfect drink for those who love malt heavy wheat style ales.

Price: $$

Taste: 3.8

Finish: 4.2

Drinkability: 3.7

Score: 3.9/5