On a beautiful warm, sunny June day, I made my way to Wayne, Nebraska to Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company. My wife and our good friends were excited about the visit. We parked the car and headed across the street to what was once the fire hall in Wayne. I opened the door to the taproom and looked forward to what would be a fantastic afternoon!

Every visit for me is so exciting getting to meet the people that started the brewery and to learn about their story. Greg and Kelly Ptacek are the owners of this fine establishment. Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company has been in business for over three years now. Time sure flies because I remember when a co-worker who grew up near Wayne told me about the brewery when it first opened.

We approached the bar and were greeted by Greg. I must admit that I was a little bit distracted checking out the different craft beer styles that were on the board.

We started to discuss how the brewery came into existence. Greg, who is originally from Osceola, Nebraska talked about his career in economic development. As we chatted on this Saturday, I got the distinct feeling that the creative side of him is a tremendous driving force!

Greg loved the small communities of Nebraska and wanted to come up with a business idea that would have an impact on the people. The question of what that would be didn’t last too long.

Greg had experienced homebrewing with some friends and enjoyed the creative process. If you think about one of the main social things that bring people together, what would it be? Well, I always feel a craft beer brewery should be at the top of your list!

So, you are probably wondering why Wayne, Nebraska? You have to go back to Greg’s college years at Wayne State. It was a great time of his life, not only for education but also for meeting his wife, Kelly. A cherished experience by both and a wonderful community to raise a family in!

Greg was so engaging telling us the story as we worked toward picking out a couple of flights of beer. I wasn’t the only one in the party asking questions. I think everyone loved the story and wanted to know more!

Getting back to where we left off… I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall as Greg proposed to his wife his business plan of moving the family from Neligh to Wayne to start a brewery. I am sure his excitement was hard to resist. Together they would be doing something to give back to rural Nebraska as their plans also included being a benefit corporation. For more information, check out their about page on their website.

The buildout occurred in a very short time in 2017 from June to November. Also, during this time, Greg was busy trying out different recipes.

Everything was taking shape from the taproom to the brewing area. There are two features that I really love in the taproom. The first is the items that represent how the brewery is named. The second is the pint glasses that are on display of the pint club members. These lucky folks get to partake in Tap Seven which are the test batches. I am sure all the members enjoy this very much except for the person that kicks the keg. This lucky person will have their name on the board for other members to have fun giving them grief about their deed.

Family history is a big part of how the brewery was named. Greg’s grandfather had a band by the name of Johnnie Byrd Orchestra. Byrd came from the fact that Ptacek means “little bird” in Czech. This is also why you see the bird in the logo which is very cool!

It was great to hear this story and to get to know Greg more! The flights were poured and I had to head out quickly to the amazing patio to grab some photos. I want to emphasize to Mrs. Joe Java-Stout how wonderful hops growing on a patio can be!

It is always tough coming up with the beers to choose for a flight, but I managed to do it! I asked Greg a little bit about his brewing style. He described to me that maltier beers have been a sweet spot for him. This aligns very well with the local water profile, in which Greg said he doesn’t have to change. I would say based on the beers I tried, that Greg has nailed them!

Here are just a few to share with you that the group enjoyed:

• Algo Ligero Cerveza - a really flavorful Mexican style lager. Exceptionally smooth coming in at 5.64% ABV and 24 IBUs.

• Rad Rabbit Dopplebock - this German lager was roasty with chocolate and caramel notes. A solid Dopplebock that comes in at 7.35% ABV and 22 IBUs.

• Amber Waves of Wayne - an easy-drinking beer! The maltiness in this one stands out and it also has a hint of sweetness. The ABV is 5.51% and IBUs come in at 31.

• Lender Tilt Raspberry Stout - I love a summertime stout! The level of raspberry is perfect adding a nice tartness in the chocolate notes. What is hard to believe is this stout comes in at only 4.73% ABV!

• Vanilla White Girl Milk Stout - was a group favorite! Coffee and vanilla notes in an awesome milk stout! Breakfast is served! Another stout on the lower end ABV coming in at 5.25%.

We finished the flights and Greg took us on a tour of the brewery. A nice setup and space that provides opportunities for him to use his creative talents!

Greg talked about some ideas for the future which add to the great experience when visiting Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company. I am excited for all that is to come at this brewery!

A wonderful day it was! I highly recommend making the trip to Wayne, Nebraska to visit Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company.

Cheers!