Rodney Keim, head brewer, owner, and Cheers fan
I will admit to being an avid Cheers fan. Norm is my idol and I have longed for the day where I can walk into a brewery and get the loud roar of everyone saying “Joe!” Finding someone else that enjoys Cheers as much as I do is fun but finding someone who values a community where everyone knows each other’s name is priceless.
Making the trip to Atkinson, Nebraska was on my calendar in March before Covid hit. I had missed out on a couple of other opportunities to visit Brush Creek Brewing Company over the past couple of years, but my luck was changing. I was out on the road accompanied by someone else who enjoyed local craft beer and road trips. The drive was very scenic, and I was so excited to see how Brush Creek Brewing came into existence!
The really cool tap handles at Brush Creek Brewing
Finding the place to call home comes in many adventures as you go through life. There is the place that you grow up as a child and then the journey in your adulthood to find where you belong. For Rodney, growing up in Omaha, Nebraska was the starting point through his high school years.
Denver would be the next stop on his journey. Colorado is a state where craft beer is everywhere. At that time, Rodney wasn’t really into drinking beer. During a birthday party for his friend, his friend’s wife gave his buddy a craft beer brewing kit. The whole idea of brewing beer at home was mind blowing to Rodney and he had to give it a try!
Rodney found himself a used homebrewing kit and was ready to start brewing. I asked Rodney about the first beer he brewed. He responded by saying, “I wanted to brew a beer like the New Belgium 1554.” For those that aren’t familiar with this brew, it is a dark Belgian lager that has a complex flavor profile but is pure enjoyment. What a great first beer to brew!
A nice variety of session beers
Rodney was bit pretty hard by the craft beer bug. He began taking brewery tours, reading books, and absorbing every bit of information he could from those who had brewing experience.
It is always interesting to see where the turning point is where your hobby turns into the thoughts of someday having your own brewery. Rodney said for him that is was definitely after brewing the third batch of beer. He had visions of having his own brewpub and would need to be somewhere that his family could call home.
The whole time visiting with Rodney, he had a huge smile on his face while he told me his story. I could tell Rodney was exactly where he wanted to be! In 2012, the opportunity came up to make his way to Atkinson, Nebraska. Growing up and visiting his father’s Brush Creek Ranch close by brought back so many memories. Such a beautiful place to live. Now the question was "Can we build a brewpub that could survive and thrive in this wonderful small community of 1,250 people?”
Cool Brush Creek hats
I was fascinated roaming around the brewpub and taking in all the decor. There are so many charming items of the area. The brewery has a rustic yet classy atmosphere from the brewing equipment in the lowest level to the other two levels for people to gather.
I love the fact that Rodney took the ranch name for the brewery. That is so cool! The logo points out one of nature’s hidden treasures - the deer skull. Many ranchers will stumble across them on their land. It is just something that reminds them of home. Having the presence of the skull in the brewing is another way for the ranchers to feel at home.
The one thing that is mind blowing is having this awesome place in a small community. It must be hard at first to think will I make it? In the places that I have been, one thing I know is local breweries attract folks from close and far looking for a place to share a beer and have a great conversation.
This has been a huge part of what I love about the Nebraska craft beer scene and Rodney has been promoting it ever since opening the doors of Brush Creek Brewing in 2016.
Copper Mugs made for the Copper Coin Society members by Handlebend in near by O’Neil
Another big part about a brewpub is having something people can enjoy eating while having a beer. Rodney said that he was blessed finding an incredible brick oven to make pizzas. One thing that is so special about these pizzas is the crust. Even though it is a thin crust it is not crunchy. The outside is slightly crisp while inside is nice and soft.
Top quality ingredients also help make these pizzas extraordinary from the Italian Sausage they make themselves to specialty peppers like the Goat Horn pepper they use on certain pizzas. I was a little bit too early to get to try any the day I was in town but look forward to trying some the next time!
Pretty cool how the pizzas are named after charismatic people we meet in our lives and typically it is over a pint! Some of the names from over the years include: The Hot Mama, The Optimist, The Dreamer, The Paparazzo, and The Harvester. I wonder if they would ever consider having one called “The Drinker With a Storytelling Problem?” Probably too long of a name, but I digress.
Here is just a sample of what Brush Creek Brewing offers:
The Founding Father
Did you know George Washington had several hundred hogs and over 400 cucumber plants grown specifically for pickles? As a tribute to our great founder, enjoy our hand-tossed crust with garlic cream sauce, five-cheese blend, pecanwood-smoked freedom bacon, think sliced kosher pickles and a dusting of dill weed.
The Beach
Summer can’t come fast enough! Red sauce, our five-cheese blend, pecanwood-smoked Canadian bacon, smooth cream cheese, a double portion of pineapple chunks tossed in an authentic blend of Thai spices, and basil pesto drizzle.
The Cattleman
Hand-tossed crust, red sauce, Sirloin steak strips, caramelized onions, mushrooms, a blend of five cheeses, and garlic cream sauce on top. It’s a smothered steak…on a pizza!
The Patriot
Philadelphia is home to many American icons such as the Liberty Bell, U.S Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and of course, the Philly Cheesesteak! Hand-tossed crust, garlic cream sauce, five cheese blend, Sirloin steak strips, caramelized onion, sauteed green peppers, and a few chunks of cream cheese.
The colorful blonde and copper colored ales and lagers
I see some roasty flavors in these beauties
Always a great part of the visit is getting to sample some of the beers and to learn the philosophy of the brewer. Rodney had this great quote that stuck with me the whole drive home. “It is more about the butts in the seats than the beer in the glass.” Rodney went on to explain that for each person that arrives in his brewpub, he wants them to find the beer they enjoy. It is not about the brewer’s favorites but the patron’s favorites. Over the years, Rodney said it has been so much fun creating beers that people enjoy and will remember.
Here are some thoughts on some of the beers I was lucky to be able to try.
Brush Lite American Light Lager - 4.1% ABV 9.7 IBU
Love the name and this light lager. Lots of a flavor with a slightly sweet finish.
Rule Breaker Smash Ale - 3.9% ABV 41 IBU
This is my first Smash Ale - single malt and single hop. Rule Breaker has Cashmere hops that show through in this amazing melon flavor. I brought this back and shared with friends and it was a big hit!
Briars and Brambles IPA - 5.9% ABV 88 IBU
For those who like a nice dry IPA, Briars and Brambles is just that! A nice hoppy beer with some peppery notes.
Roostertail Pale Ale - 4.8% ABV 33 IBU
A beautiful cooper colored pale ale that has a bready, malty base. A great pale ale to pair with many different foods!
Rawhide Red Ale - 4.5% 20.6 IBU
Is a malty, nutty treat for those who like their beer more when it is slightly sweet then when it finishes with a little hop bitterness.
Sandhills Eclipse Porter - 4.8% ABV 38 IBU
A perfect roasty treat that is a session beer. This porter shows that dark beers don’t necessarily need to be heavy beers.
United by a common human condition - the need to quench our thirst
The visit was winding down and Rodney told the story behind The Well. It comes from John, chapter 4, “Jesus sat down at a well. A woman arrived to draw water and Jesus asked her for a drink. United by a common human condition—the need to quench thirst—they engaged in life-changing dialogue.”
The Well, home of Brush Creek Brewing depicts that completely! It is a place to enjoy food, drink, and build a connection with someone. That connection just might lead to a long-term friendship.
Make your way to Atkinson, Nebraska to enjoy what small town living is all about. Rodney has created a treasure and I am sure he will enjoy connecting with you over a beer!
Cheers!