Tis’ the season for lovely patio weather and sipping back a few brews. And guess what? KC has tons of breweries popping up everywhere! Let’s first discuss some of the new releases with our good old faithful Boulevard Brewing Company. This week they officially released their summer Fling Craft Cocktails in a can. They are all natural and gluten free coming in four different flavors; Mai Tai, Margarita, Cucumber Gin & Tonic and a Blood Orange Vodka Soda. So far the G&T has been my personal favorite and all come in around 7% alcohol content, perfect for a boating or pool day if you ask me!
In the downtown area I have seen so many local breweries starting to grow. The first to touch on is Double Shift Brewing Company, with their taproom located in East Crossroads. The inside has giant roll up doors so it is perfect and quant for a lovely day. I am not positive if I choose these next mentioned for the names, but “Power Moves” a hazy IPA and “Nevertheless She Brewed”, a sour which I normally do not enjoy were my two favorites from the flight I tried. Bumping on over to River Market the next brewery on the must try list is Strange Days Brewing. The building itself used to house an older brewery so there is fun history there and their beers focus on local and global concepts. The environment is super chill and tons of games available to play while trying some of their rad beers. Ones on the for sure try list are; “River Quay”, an Irish Extra Stout with hints of chocolate, and “The Raspberries taste like Raspberries!”, a perfect blonde to kick off spring, the name tells you everything you need to know.
Hopping back over to Crossroads District you will find Casual Animal Brewing Co. The inside also provides games to share with neighbors and a small little patio great for people watching. The decor is colorful graffiti to match that of the crossroads area and this brewery kept with its’ name coordinating all of its’ beers to quirky and punny animal related names. Normally I am not a cider type of gal, but the “Vipers in the Garden” is one of the best ciders I’ve had to date and my other favorite was the Peanut Butter Stout, which is exactly as it sounds. Warning: the beers here are quite unique and go down ever so smoothly.
I want to share a secret with you, some of the best places to drink in KC including those listed are above are all available in KC’s Passport Program. The winter edition is ending here next week which means it is perfect time to learn my secret. The summer edition should be released soon and for a seriously cheap price you get buy 1 get 1 drinks at 40-50 places here locally. Having a passport pushes you to branch outside your neighborhood hangout and try new local places and some good old classics. I am all about giving back to the community to support local spots. Also, pay attention this summer to some of the events that are planned. KC is growing ever so rapidly, which means more opportunities to display this such as, Boulevardia in June or KC Nanobrew Festival in the River Market mid May. I realize this post makes you think I just want you to be more boozy, but so many exciting places keep opening here locally and I couldn’t not share the ways you can explore! Try ones of these new spots this weekend, you won’t regret it.
Until next week,
Kimmy