Ten years ago, Sip Nebraska started as a wine event. Now, the event showcases the beverage industry in Nebraska as a whole. There is a spring and fall event to let local patrons enjoy craft beer, spirits, and wine. Over the last ten years, Nebraska has grown tremendously in the number of breweries. I always tell people we have craft beer that stands up against any state across the United States, and it is important to have events like this one to promote it!
Best friends of my wife and I - the Richlings
Festivals like this one focus on great beer and the experience. It is about taking time with friends to spend a fall afternoon enjoying each other’s company over sampling Nebraska craft beer, spirits, and wine. Life is hectic, but events like this help all of us hit the pause button and enjoy an afternoon even though the day was chilly and gray.
My good friends, the Richlings, accompanied my wife and myself to the festival. We have had so much fun going to breweries across the state, like Flyover Brewing Company in Scottsbluff. Events like Sip Nebraska provide another great memory for us to talk about years later.
Sip Nebraska considers those who don’t drink but want to have a good time. My wife got a designated driver pass to enjoy the afternoon shopping and taking care of the rest of the group, which we appreciated! Some of her favorite places were Dip Cravers and Backroad District Boutique.
Sip Nebraska is an excellent opportunity to catch up with industry friends you have met, like Nathan and Jessi Hoeft from First Street Brewing Company in Hastings. In addition to sampling the Haze Stings IPA, Jessi introduced me to their Ensign Beverage cold brew coffees. That was an unexpected surprise, but oh so good!
Stone Hollow Brewing Company from Beatrice is unique because it is part of Nebraska's first indoor entertainment center. I remember my first visit and the young gentleman behind the bar. The tap house manager, Austin Packett, has been at the brewery since Bryon Belding opened it. Austin is always a great host, and I like catching up on the latest Stone Hollow brews. I enjoyed trying the beers, especially the Bock, at that event.
There was a nice mixture of local breweries like Code Beer Company out of Lincoln and Flyover Brewing Company from across the state in Scottsbluff.
I remember meeting Matt Gohring from Code Beer many years ago at Benson Beer Fest. It has been exciting to see all of the great beers Matt has created, like his Saison De Code that he had at Sip Nebraska. This is a Belgian-style saison aged for 18 months in Chardonnay barrels. It was definitely the most unique beer of the day!
I had such an amazing visit this summer to Flyover Brewing that I was excited they were making the long drive to Lincoln! I was able to talk with Dan Warburton, who is the head brewer. Their tent was very popular all day, serving up the likes of their Hellcat Helles Lager. My wife got me a T-shirt without me knowing, which made me very happy!
A festival can only be complete when you experience the trifecta of Kinkaider Brewing Co., Bierhaus Maisschäler, and Sideshow Spirits. It was the first time I had The Stag German Pilsner from a can; I had only had it on tap at the Bierhaus before. An excellent German Pilsner! It is always a good time to talk with the folks from Kinaider Brewing!
Since it was a cold day, trying some bourbon from Side Show Spirits was a must! I had the Double Barrel Bourbon, which was rich with caramel notes. It was very smooth and warm, making it hard to say goodbye.
This was my first time attending this event, but it won’t be my last! It was fun being there with friends and meeting new ones.
I am looking forward to more spectacular days sipping Nebraska craft beer.
Cheers!