Beer a science for Black Stag Brewery

LAWRENCE — John Hampton, co-owner of downtown Lawrence's soon-to-open Black Stag Brewery, knows a thing or two about beer.

Before retiring, Hampton spent time in Germany and, like any good beer connoisseur, sampled Europe’s beer. But his interest goes beyond the drinking. With a career in biopharmaceuticals and a degree in fermentation science, he understands the finer points of making beer.

“The process for making biopharmaceuticals and the process for making beer is nearly identical,” he said. “The science is very similar.”

That will come in handy at Black Stag, where Hampton will be head brewer. With construction permits now in hand, Hampton plans to open the brew pub at 623 Massachusetts St. by September or October, just in time for Oktoberfest.

The location is a stone’s throw from Free State Brewing Co., Kansas’ first brewery, at 636 Massachusetts St. That’s perfect for Hampton, who expects beer lovers will enjoy the easy walk between breweries and, on a nice day, further east to Lawrence Beer Co., which opened in 2017.

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“The idea is to make this a beer destination. People go to Colorado for beer, now they’re coming to Kansas, to Lawrence,” he said while walking around the 11,000-square-foot space. “Come here, have a beer and go to Free State for the gumbo. Or stop for their happy hour coming here for a steak dinner.”

A series of German and Belgian-style beers, such as kölsch, witbier and helles, will set Black Stag apart from other craft brewers that maintain a selection of pale ales. The brewery will have the capacity to serve 14 beers, with a black lager, dubbed “Black Stag,” as its flagship brew, Hampton said.

“I fell in love with the German and Belgian brewing styles when I was in Europe,” said Hampton, who has been a home brewer for about five years. “Those are around in America somewhat, but I think there’s a real lack of them.”

Hampton will also brew pale ales and some seasonal and experimental options. Small-batch fermentation tanks will allow for experimental beers.

Dane Morris, sous chef at Rye KC, will man the kitchen, which will feature locally sourced steaks, game and pasta, as well as rotating seasonal options. Pub favorites, including wings, will have a “Black Stag spin,” Hampton said.

Hampton’s wife, Kathryn Myers, a longtime area lawyer, will manage the business as co-owner. Her father, William Myers, is also a co-owner.

The building features a bit of Lawrence history.

Built in the 1930s as a Chrysler dealership, it once was one of the only buildings in an area now crowded with storefronts. Inside, the building features high ceilings, large windows and exposed stone walls.

The space is wide open now, with painter's tape marking possible walls and the old hydraulic car lift from the Chrysler service center poking out of the ground near the back.

Hampton described the brewery's aesthetic, once the remodel is complete, as “rustic chic.”

He wants to maintain the exposed stone walls and open rafters while building the bar around iron beams. Hampton is making the bar from a large slab of oak, accented with leather and iron railings. He’s also handcrafting the tables from repurposed wood pallets. The space should seat more than 150 people.

At the rear, a small stage will cover the former car lift, where Hampton hopes local musicians will play. Next to it, the garage door will be converted into a fireplace surrounded by leather chairs.

The building also has a downstairs, which formerly was an apartment. Hampton will use it to store grain and other brewery supplies. A separate space will be available for events like birthdays, wedding rehearsal dinners and company meetings.

Unlike most downtown Lawrence buildings, this one is set back from the street with a small front parking lot. Black Stag will use about half of that for an outdoor seating area, Hampton said.

“We want this to be a comfortable space,” he said.