The sign that greets you on the bricked 5th Street in Syracuse, Nebraska
It has been amazing to follow Roc Hopper Brewing Co over the past two years as they prepared for a spectacular grand opening on Saturday, May 28th, 2022! Growing up, I spent some time in Syracuse enjoying Elms Ballroom while listening to local Omaha and Lincoln bands. Also, I was born there in a small community hospital during a tornado. Mom says we had to go to the basement to ride out the storm. She said that all dad could talk about was taking me fishing when I got a little bigger. We had some great times during my childhood fishing in ponds around Syracuse!
Ben and Katy Biehl, founds of Roc Hopper Brewing Co
Fast-forward as an adult, I never in a million years would have thought there would be a brewery in Syracuse. Ben and Katy’s vision for this taproom is nothing like I have seen before. As I walked around, I felt like I was in an art gallery in Laguna Beach, California!
Katy’s art is on display throughout the brewery. I love art, and I would say Katy is one of the top artists I have ever seen. There are sections of the taproom with different themes that make it such a great atmosphere.
The black and white theme throughout is elegant and brings out some of the rustic features of the building built in the 1880s. Back then, the building was originally an opera house. Before Ben and Katy acquired the building, it was a pharmacy. Two years of hard work has turned into a beautiful gathering spot in this small community. Ben said it would have never been possible without the design and buildout that Katy’s brother Noah Zahn did.
The bar has plenty of seating and has a beautiful white bartop. It is in the middle of two sections. One is the main area with tables and a small lounge to kick back and relax. The other section is space for events. A good friend of mine, Nathan, says he looks forward to having a family event there.
The flight boards are very cool and easy to carry!
Clementine Wit
I got to sample four of Roc Hopper’s delicious craft beers in a flight.
Doll Face Coconut Blonde - easy drinking with a nice bit of coconut flavor. ABV: 4.8% IBUs: 14
ALT’rd Mental Status - is a German Altbier. Nutty and bready notes with a wonderfully dry finish. ABV: 4.7% IBUs: 28
Polar Bear White Coffee Stout – has an excellent coffee flavor with some vanilla notes. Medium to full mouthfeel makes this white stout seem like a dark one! ABV: 6.6% IBUs: 40
Clementine Wit - This Witbier has sweet orange notes upfront, then finishes with a bit of spiciness. Excellent summer brew! ABV: 4.8% IBUs: 14
Series of rock artist on one of the walls in the taproom
The taproom this afternoon was a constant stream of people coming in and enjoying the atmosphere and beer. Also, Chef Kelley was preparing some fantastic food! A great time to be had by all.
With it being so busy, I didn’t get as many pictures as I would like to have. However, that is a good thing to leave some intrigue to make your way to Syracuse soon to check out Roc Hopper Brewing Co.
Cheers!
