Brewing Excellence in The Natural State: Exploring Arkansas Breweries

Arkansas, known as “The Natural State” for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, is also home to a burgeoning craft beer scene. From the scenic Ozark Mountains to the vibrant cities of Little Rock and Fayetteville, breweries across Arkansas are crafting innovative and flavorful beers that showcase the state’s unique flavors and culture. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the breweries of Arkansas, their history, brewing techniques, flagship beers, and the growing popularity of craft beer in the state.

History of Brewing in Arkansas

Positive News In Arkansas

While Arkansas may not have the long brewing history of some other states, such as neighboring Missouri or Tennessee, brewing has been a part of the state’s culture since its early days. The first commercial brewery in Arkansas, the Little Rock Brewery, was established in 1838 and produced beer for local consumption. However, like many breweries of that era, it eventually closed due to Prohibition in the early 20th century.

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that brewing began to experience a resurgence in Arkansas. The passage of laws favorable to craft brewing, combined with the growing demand for locally made beer, led to the establishment of a new generation of breweries across the state. Today, Arkansas boasts a diverse and thriving craft beer industry, with breweries of all sizes producing a wide range of styles to suit every palate.

Brewing Techniques

Arkansas breweries employ a variety of brewing techniques to create their unique and flavorful beers. From traditional German-style lagers to innovative experimental ales, brewers in Arkansas are constantly pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. Some common brewing techniques used by Arkansas breweries include:

1. Hop Selection: Arkansas breweries often use a mix of locally sourced and internationally sourced hops to add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to their beers. Some breweries even grow their own hops on-site, taking advantage of the state’s fertile soil and temperate climate.

2. Yeast Strains: Yeast selection is crucial in determining the flavor profile of a beer, and Arkansas breweries often experiment with different yeast strains to create unique and distinctive brews. From clean and neutral ale yeasts to funky and wild strains, brewers in Arkansas have access to a wide variety of yeast options to play with.

3. Barrel Aging: Many Arkansas breweries embrace the art of barrel aging, using barrels previously used for whiskey, wine, or other spirits to impart complex flavors to their beers. Barrel-aged beers are often rich, boozy, and full of character, making them a favorite among beer enthusiasts.

Flagship Beers

Arkansas breweries are known for producing a wide range of beers, from crisp and refreshing lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs. Some flagship beers from breweries across the state include:

1. Lost Forty Brewing – Love Honey Bock: This German-style bock beer from Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock is brewed with local honey and German malt, resulting in a smooth and malty beer with a hint of sweetness.

2. Ozark Beer Company – American Pale Ale: This classic American pale ale from Ozark Beer Company in Rogers is brewed with Cascade hops for a citrusy and floral aroma and a balanced malt backbone.

3. Diamond Bear Brewing Company – Presidential IPA: This flagship IPA from Diamond Bear Brewing Company in Little Rock is brewed with a blend of American hops for a bold and hoppy flavor profile with notes of pine and grapefruit.

4. Core Brewing Company – Arkansas Red: This Irish-style red ale from Core Brewing Company in Springdale is brewed with caramel malts for a rich and malty flavor with a hint of roastiness.

5. Flyway Brewing – Free Range Brown Ale: This English-style brown ale from Flyway Brewing in North Little Rock is brewed with toasted malts for a nutty and caramel flavor with a smooth and creamy finish.

Growing Popularity of Craft Beer in Arkansas

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The craft beer scene in Arkansas has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fueled by a combination of factors including changing consumer preferences, favorable legislation, and a growing appreciation for locally made products. Brewpubs, taprooms, and breweries are popping up across the state, attracting beer enthusiasts and tourists alike.

In addition to producing high-quality beer, Arkansas breweries also play an important role in their local communities. Many breweries support local charities, host events and fundraisers, and participate in community outreach programs, helping to strengthen the social fabric of their neighborhoods and cities.

From the lush forests of the Ozark Mountains to the bustling streets of Little Rock, Arkansas breweries are crafting some of the finest beer in the South. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community, these breweries are helping to put Arkansas on the map as a destination for beer lovers everywhere. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, be sure to raise a glass and toast to the brewing excellence of The Natural State.

Links:

• Lost Forty Brewing
• Ozark Beer Company
• Diamond Bear Brewing Company
• Core Brewing Company
• Flyway Brewing

Embarking on an Arkansas brewery tour promises a delightful journey through the state’s vibrant craft beer scene. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply curious to explore local flavors, this brewery tour will introduce you to some of Arkansas’s finest breweries, each offering its own unique ambiance and distinctive brews. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your Arkansas brewery tour:

1. Lost Forty Brewing – Little Rock: Start your brewery tour in the state capital with a visit to Lost Forty Brewing, a renowned brewery located in the heart of Little Rock. Named after the historic forest that once covered much of Arkansas, Lost Forty Brewing specializes in crafting innovative beers inspired by the natural beauty and flavors of the region. Take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about their brewing process and sustainability initiatives, then relax in the spacious taproom and sample a flight of their award-winning brews, including favorites like Love Honey Bock and Forest Queen Milk Stout.

2. Flyway Brewing – North Little Rock: Next, make your way across the river to North Little Rock and stop by Flyway Brewing, a charming brewery nestled in the historic Argenta district. Flyway Brewing is known for its commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, reflected in both their brewery operations and beer names. Take a seat on the outdoor patio overlooking the Arkansas River and enjoy a pint of their flagship Free Range Brown Ale or Duck Duck Goose IPA, made with locally sourced ingredients and brewed with passion and creativity.

3. Diamond Bear Brewing Company – Little Rock: Continue your brewery tour with a visit to Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Arkansas’s oldest production brewery located in downtown Little Rock. Diamond Bear Brewing is housed in a historic warehouse building and offers guided tours of their state-of-the-art brewing facility, where you can learn about their brewing process and history. After the tour, head to the taproom to sample a variety of their handcrafted beers, including their flagship Presidential IPA and Southern Blonde Ale, while enjoying views of the brewery’s gleaming stainless steel tanks.

4. Ozark Beer Company – Rogers: For the next leg of your brewery tour, venture northwest to the picturesque town of Rogers and visit Ozark Beer Company, a beloved brewery known for its commitment to quality and community. Located in a renovated historic building in downtown Rogers, Ozark Beer Company offers guided tours of their production facility, followed by tastings of their lineup of craft beers, which includes classics like American Pale Ale and Cream Stout, as well as seasonal and experimental brews. Grab a seat in the spacious beer garden and soak in the laid-back atmosphere while sipping on your favorite brew.

5. Core Brewing Company – Springdale: Wrap up your brewery tour with a visit to Core Brewing Company in Springdale, where you can experience the vibrant beer culture of Northwest Arkansas. Founded by a husband-and-wife team with a passion for brewing, Core Brewing Company offers a diverse lineup of beers ranging from traditional styles to creative and experimental brews. Take a tour of their production facility and sample a flight of their flagship beers, including Arkansas Red and ESB, before bidding farewell to your Arkansas brewery tour adventure.

With its thriving craft beer scene and welcoming breweries, an Arkansas brewery tour promises a memorable and palate-pleasing experience for beer enthusiasts and travelers alike. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the flavors of The Natural State, one pint at a time. Cheers!

A List of Arkansas Breweries

Arkansas Wineries

Most of these breweries are in our Business Directory for Location, Website, and Phone Numbers

• Apple Blossom Brewing Company
• Bentonville Brewing Company
• Bike Rack Brewing Company
• Blade & Barrel Brewing Company
• Boston Mountain Brewing
• Brick & Forge Brew Works
• Bricktown Brewery
• Bubba Brews Sports Pub & Grill
• Burks Brothers Brewing
• Columbus House Brewery & Taproom
• Core Brewing & Distilling Company
• Country Monks Brewing
• Crisis Brewing
• Flyway Brewing Company
• Fort Smith Brewing Company
• Fossil Cove Brewing Company
• Goat Lab Brewery
• Gotahold Brewing Company
• Gravity Brew Works
  Most of these breweries are in our Business Directory for Location, Website, and Phone Numbers
• Hawk Moth Brewing Company
• Ivory Bill Brewing Company
• JJ’s Beer Garden & Brewing Company
• Lost 40 Brewing Company
• Native Brew Works
• Native Dog Brewing
• Natural State Beer Company
• New Province Brewing Company
• Norfolk Brewing Company
• Ox Bend Brewing Company
• Ozark Beer Company
• Point Remove Brewing Company
• Prestonrose Farm & Brewing Company
• Pridgin Family Brewery
• Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company
• Rebel Kettle Brewing Company
• Refined Ale Brewery
• Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company
• Saddlebock Brewery
• Slate Rock Brewing
• Social Project Brewing Company
• SQZBX Brewery
• Stone’s Throw Brewing
• Studduck Beers
• Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
• The Oauchitas Of Mena
• Three Birds Brewing Company
• Vino’s Pizza Pub Brewery
• West Mountain Brewing Company
  Most of these breweries are in our Business Directory for Location, Website, and Phone Numbers