Local Breweries

[Brad]

Backswing brewing Company announced on their Facebook page that they are closing their Omaha taproom effective October 31.

They’re gonna focus on their main brewery in Lincoln and continue to distribute to Omaha store, bars and restaurants.

[nativeomahan]

I realize this post isn’t about breweries near Omaha, but you might find it interesting as it refers to local breweries in bier crazy Germany. My husband and I spent two weeks traveling in middle Europe and while in the small German city of Koblenz we were informed that there are about 200 local breweries located within a 200 km radius of that city. Most of the biers I drank while in Germany, Hungary and Austria were on the light side. It was Oktoberfest season but that event is really centered in Munich, where we spent little time.
Fans of good beer would really enjoy spending time in middle Europe. And don’t skip the pretzels!

[ChadJK]

Backswing brewing Company announced on their Facebook page that they are closing their Omaha taproom effective October 31.

They’re gonna focus on their main brewery in Lincoln and continue to distribute to Omaha store, bars and restaurants.

Isn't Backswing owned by the people behind Brewsky's?

[ChadJK]

I realize this post isn’t about breweries near Omaha, but you might find it interesting as it refers to local breweries in bier crazy Germany. My husband and I spent two weeks traveling in middle Europe and while in the small German city of Koblenz we were informed that there are about 200 local breweries located within a 200 km radius of that city. Most of the biers I drank while in Germany, Hungary and Austria were on the light side. It was Oktoberfest season but that event is really centered in Munich, where we spent little time.
Fans of good beer would really enjoy spending time in middle Europe. And don’t skip the pretzels!

I used to go in the bars in Germany and just point at a random tap handle and drink that one. I don't recall ever being disappointed (or perhaps I've just blocked the memory... lol).

[Brad]

Backswing brewing Company announced on their Facebook page that they are closing their Omaha taproom effective October 31.

They’re gonna focus on their main brewery in Lincoln and continue to distribute to Omaha store, bars and restaurants.

Isn't Backswing owned by the people behind Brewsky's?

Google says:

Brewskis = Jim Mumgaard, Jon Mumgaard, and Brian Kitten
Backswing = TJ Walker, Pat Simpson, and Cory Sinclair

[ChadJK]

Backswing brewing Company announced on their Facebook page that they are closing their Omaha taproom effective October 31.

They’re gonna focus on their main brewery in Lincoln and continue to distribute to Omaha store, bars and restaurants.

Isn't Backswing owned by the people behind Brewsky's?

Google says:

Brewskis = Jim Mumgaard, Jon Mumgaard, and Brian Kitten
Backswing = TJ Walker, Pat Simpson, and Cory Sinclair

I saw this blurb, but the rest is behind a paywall:
"Backswing was the result of 'one big tangled web.' Simpson, Walker and original partner Kevin Faust were all employed at various Omaha Brewsky's locations."
https://journalstar.com/entertainment/d ... 07864.html

[Brad]

Prairie Pride brewing in Grand Island, Nebraska has announced on their Facebook page that they are closing at the end of the year.

They cited ongoing health issues as the reason.

Prairie Pride was a solid brewery in the heart of Downtown GI.

[nebugeater]

Prairie Pride brewing in Grand Island, Nebraska has announced on their Facebook page that they are closing at the end of the year.

They cited ongoing health issues as the reason.

Prairie Pride was a solid brewery in the heart of Downtown GI.

If you are looking to start your own brewery, their equipment is up for auction. Got this alert in an email at work. Better hurry closes on 12/16



https://www.grafeauction.com/event/prai ... LKhifVo0sw

[iamjacobm]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

[Brad]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

That's cool. I'm assuming traditional German style beers?

[nebugeater]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

That's cool. I'm assuming traditional German style beers?

Probably more along the lines of a Corona or Tecate !!!!

[iamjacobm]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

That's cool. I'm assuming traditional German style beers?

Looks like that is the plan. They are updating their liquor license to allow on site brewing and talk about the brewer being inspired by travels in Germany learning about their process. Will only be for on site sales.

[ChadJK]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

Interesting. I wonder if it will be for consumption by the public or just a club activity for members.

[BuildTaller]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

Interesting. I wonder if it will be for consumption by the public or just a club activity for members.

They usually have a few public events per month

[Habits76]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet but Stone Hollow Brewing Company will be taking over the old Roc Hopper Brewing location in Syracuse. This will be their second location and the grand opening will be held this Saturday.

Also, seen that White Elm is opening a taproom in York sometime this Summer.

[Brad]

Cool, thanks for the update.

[Brad]

Updated the Brewery List. Added Zaska! Beer Co, Realized I was missing Stone Hollow Brewing for 7 years now, and moved Nebraska Brewing Co and Roc Hopper Brewing Company to the closed list.

Anything else needing updated?

-----------------------------

Omaha Breweries
O1. Jaipur Brewery (1992) - Does not have its own thread yet.
O2. Upstream - Old Market (1996) Upstream Thread
O5. Lucky Bucket (2008) Lucky Bucket Thread
O6. Infusion Brewery (2013) Infusion Thread
O7. Benson Brewery (2013) Benson Brewery Thread
O9. Brickway (2013) Borgata Thread
O10. Scriptown (2014) Scriptown Thread
O11. Kross Strain Brewing (2017) Kros Strain Brewing Company Thread
O12. Pint Nine Brewing (2017) Pint 9 Brewing Thread
O13. Vis Major Brewiner - Omaha (2017) Vis Major Thread
O14. Jukes Ale Works - Elkhorn, NE (2019) - Jukes Ale Works Thread
O15. Monolithic Brewing- Omaha (2020)- Monolithic Brewing Thread
O16. Site-1 Brewing - Omaha (2020)- Site-1 Brewing
O17. Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales - Omaha (2021)- Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales Thread
O18. Lumen Beer Company - Omaha (2021)- Lumen Beer Co Thread
O19. Heavy Brewing - Gretna, NE - Heavy Brewing Thread
O20. B5 Brewing - Benson (2024) B5 Brewing Thread
O21. Lovely Brewing - Ralston (2025) Lovely Brewing Thread


lINCOLN Breweries
L1. Empyrean Ales - Lazlos (Lincoln - 1990) Empyrean Thread
L2. Zipline (Lincoln - 2012) - Does not have its own thread yet.
L4. Boiler Brewing Company - Lincoln, NE (2016) - Boiler Brewing Company Thread
L5. White Elm Brewing Company (Lincoln - 2016) - White Elm Brewing Company Thread
L6. Backswing Brewing (Lincoln - 2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
L7. Beer Code Co. (Lincoln - 2017) Beer Code Co. Thread
L8. Catalyst (Formerly 5168 Brewing) (Lincoln - 2018) Catalyst Brewing Co/5168 Brewing Thread
L9. Saro Cider (Lincoln - 2021) Saro Cider Thread
L10. Corn Coast Brewing Company (Lincoln - 2021) Corn Coast Brewing Company Thread

Nebraska Breweries
N1. Gottberg (Columbus - 1995) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N2. Thunderhead Brewing (Kearney - 1999) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N3. ShillingBridge (Pawnee City - 2007) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N5. Soaring Wings (Springfield - 2011) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N6. Scratchtown (Ord - 2013) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N7. Platte Valley Brewery (Kearney - 20??) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N8. Kinkaider Brewing (Broken Bow, NE 2014) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N9. Lazy Horse Vineyard (Ohiowa, NE - 2015) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N10. Pals Brewing Company (North Platte - 2015) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N11. Fairfield Opera House Brewery & Grill (Fairfield, NE 2015) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N12. Bottle Rocket Brewing Company (Seward - 2016) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N13. Loop Brewing (McCook, NE) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N14. Bolo Brewing (Valentine, NE) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N15. Prairie Pride Brewing (Grand Island) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N16. Steeple Brewing - Hastings, NE (2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N17. First Street Brewing - Hastings, NE (2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N18. Hanging Horseshoe Brewing Company (Imperial, NE - 2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N19. Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company (Wayne, NE - 2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N20. Lost Way Brewery (Holdrege, NE - 2017) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N21. Flyover Brewing Company (Scottsbluff, NE - Spring 2018) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N22. Stone Hollow Brewing Company (Beatrice, NE - Spring 2019) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N23. Peg Leg Brewing (North Platte - 2020) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N24. Upper Room Brewing (Kearney, NE 2021) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N25. Five-0-Five Brewing Company (Fremont, NE - 2022) - Five-0-Five Brewing Company Thread
N26. Highway 14 Brewing Company (Albion, NE - April 2022) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N27. Salt Mine Brewing City Brewing Co. (David City, NE - May 2022) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N28. Hard Patch Brewing Company - Formerly Big Hair Brewhaus (Hartington, NE) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N29. Ape Ship Brewing (North Platte, NE - 2024) - Does not have its own thread yet.
N30. Ashland Brewing Company (Ashland, NE - 2025) - Ashland Brewing Company Thread
N31. Zaska! Beer Co (Seward, Nebraska - 2025) - Does not have its own thread yet.

Iowa Breweries
I1. Keg Creek Brewing Company - Glenwood
I2. Full Fledged Brewing - Council Bluffs

Planned Breweries
Wilber Czech Brewery Company - Wilbur, NE - Wilber Czech Brewery Company Thread

Historic Breweries (Closed)
Metz - 1859-1961
Fred Krug Brewing Company - 1859-1936
Storz (The Original) - 1876-1972
Jetter Brewery - South Omaha 1887-1934
Falstaff - 1917-1975

Closed/Never Happened
Jobbers Canyon Brewery - 2005- CLOSED 2007 Jobbers Canyon Brewery Thread
Aksarben Brewing -2006 - CLOSED 2007 Aksarben Brewing Thread
Omaha Brewery - North Downtown (20??) 318 North End Thread
Chaser Brothers (20??)
Storz (V2.0) - Beer not brewed in house - Contracted out to different breweries in NE and IA - CLOSED
Upstream - Legacy -2003 - CLOSED 2017
Spilker Ales, Cortland - 1996 - CLOSED 2017* Spilker Ales Thread
*Some Spilker beers now produced by Thunderhead.
Ploughshare, Lincoln - 2014 - CLOSED 2017
Moonstruck Meadery, Bellevue - 2011 - CLOSED 2017 Moonstruck Meadery Thread
Blue Blood (Lincoln - 2011) - - CLOSED 2019 Blue Blood Thread
Green Flash / Alpine - 2018 - CLOSED 2019 Green Flash Thread
C.I.B. Brewery - Carson (Possibly Closed)
Brick Street Brewing Company - Woodbine (Closed August 2016)
Modern Monks (Lincoln - 2014 - Closed 2018) - Does not have its own thread yet.
Farnam House (2013) Farnam House / Goldenrod Thread (Closed Fall 2022)
Brush Creek Brewing Company (Atkinson, NE - 2016) - Closed early 2023.
Beaver view (Albion - 2011) - Does not have its own thread yet.
Cosmic Eye Brewing (Lincoln - 2018) Cosmic Eye Brewing Thread
Bootleg Brewers (Taylor, NE - May 2016) - Does not have its own thread yet.
Nebraska Brewing Co (2007) NE Brewing Thread
Roc Hopper Brewing Company (Syracuse, NE - Spring 2022) - Does not have its own thread yet.

Chain Breweries
Rock Bottom (Des Moines) (Closed Omaha Location)
Granite City (St. Cloud) (Closed Omaha Location)
Big Grove Brewery (Solon, IA) - Opening Summer 2025

[Stan]

Zipline Brewery closing effective immediately.
https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/11/zipl ... sbwxytfSfg

[ChadJK]

Zipline Brewery closing effective immediately.
https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/11/zipl ... sbwxytfSfg

This was one of the first signs:
viewtopic.php?p=395934#p395934

[Brad]

Zipline Brewery closing effective immediately.
https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/11/zipl ... sbwxytfSfg

Daaang! Thant sucks. I don't drink their beer like once did, but still sad to see.

I believe this is another Brewery that was following the core beer distribution model. That model has really struggled across the country lately. Breweries with every changing offerings have really hurt places like Zipline, Nebraska Brewing, etc. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a new beer in Omaha from Zipline.

[OverlookedFarm]

Bad news.

Seriously good product. Great brand, great variety.


But, when I walk into Hyvee and the entire craft brew cooler is now High Noons and Sun Cruisers, you know craft beer is DOA.

[ChadJK]

Zipline Brewery closing effective immediately.
https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/11/zipl ... sbwxytfSfg

Daaang! Thant sucks. I don't drink their beer like once did, but still sad to see.

I believe this is another Brewery that was following the core beer distribution model. That model has really struggled across the country lately. Breweries with every changing offerings have really hurt places like Zipline, Nebraska Brewing, etc. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a new beer in Omaha from Zipline.

Reddit seems to think AKRS ruined Zipline. I really don't know much about that relationship.

[Brad]

Zipline Brewery closing effective immediately.
https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/11/zipl ... sbwxytfSfg

Daaang! Thant sucks. I don't drink their beer like once did, but still sad to see.

I believe this is another Brewery that was following the core beer distribution model. That model has really struggled across the country lately. Breweries with every changing offerings have really hurt places like Zipline, Nebraska Brewing, etc. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a new beer in Omaha from Zipline.

Reddit seems to think AKRS ruined Zipline. I really don't know much about that relationship.

I don't know anything about them either. But if they were running the business and chose to keep brewing the same beers year after year with nothing really new to offer, then I can see it being their fault. The Craft Beer industry has completely changed in the 14 years Zipline has been open. Theses days its about experimentation and ever evolving beer lineups, and from my perspective they never evolved to that.

[GenX]

The Reddit crowd is saying something along the lines of the employees allegedly voicing opposition to Zipline hosting Ted Cruz and Pete Ricketts for a rally, so the owners apparently rug pulled the employees by shutting the whole place down. Take that with an enormous grain of salt.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lincoln/s/f8bwTUAFE2

[OverlookedFarm]

The Reddit crowd is saying something along the lines of the employees allegedly voicing opposition to Zipline hosting Ted Cruz and Pete Ricketts for a rally, so the owners apparently rug pulled the employees by shutting the whole place down. Take that with an enormous grain of salt.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lincoln/s/f8bwTUAFE2

Saw and heard elsewhere this was what happened.

If so, the roll reverse hypocrisy is easy to point out, if that is the real reason.

I was unaware of the Akers ownership, but yea, the industry isn't in a good place, and this was probably a timely opportunity to pull the rug. The "come to rest" distribution model in Nebraska isn't helping. "Inflation and rising costs" impact everyone, not just breweries.

[almighty_tuna]

Daaang! Thant sucks.

[nebugeater]

Not local unless you live in KC but this is a place I may have to try next time I am near the new location.

Lenexa location just opened

https://kcbier.com/

KC Bier Co is a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri founded in 2014. We distribute bier throughout Missouri and Kansas and operate two retail locations: a tasting room and biergarten at the original brewery in Kansas City, MO, and a brewpub, bier hall, and biergarten in the suburb of Lenexa, Kansas.

[Brad]

Not local unless you live in KC but this is a place I may have to try next time I am near the new location.

Lenexa location just opened

https://kcbier.com/

KC Bier Co is a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri founded in 2014. We distribute bier throughout Missouri and Kansas and operate two retail locations: a tasting room and biergarten at the original brewery in Kansas City, MO, and a brewpub, bier hall, and biergarten in the suburb of Lenexa, Kansas.

They have been distributing to Omaha for a couple months now.

[nebugeater]

Not local unless you live in KC but this is a place I may have to try next time I am near the new location.

Lenexa location just opened

https://kcbier.com/

KC Bier Co is a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri founded in 2014. We distribute bier throughout Missouri and Kansas and operate two retail locations: a tasting room and biergarten at the original brewery in Kansas City, MO, and a brewpub, bier hall, and biergarten in the suburb of Lenexa, Kansas.

They have been distributing to Omaha for a couple months now.

Didn't know that. Their web site just says Missouri and Kansas

[Brad]

Not local unless you live in KC but this is a place I may have to try next time I am near the new location.

Lenexa location just opened

https://kcbier.com/

KC Bier Co is a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri founded in 2014. We distribute bier throughout Missouri and Kansas and operate two retail locations: a tasting room and biergarten at the original brewery in Kansas City, MO, and a brewpub, bier hall, and biergarten in the suburb of Lenexa, Kansas.

They have been distributing to Omaha for a couple months now.

Didn't know that. Their web site just says Missouri and Kansas

KC Bier Co Enters Nebraska Market
Jun 6, 2026 |
KC Bier Co has launched distribution in Nebraska. The independent craft brewery is located in Kansas City, Mo., and specializes in authentic German-style bier. Nebraska is the company’s third state along with Missouri and Kansas. The beer is already showing up in Omaha-area businesses on draught and in cans. To kick things off, KC Bier Co is participating in today’s Benson Beer Festival in Omaha.

[OverlookedFarm]

Bit of a disturbing trend to see out of state brewers move into the market as all the local ones fail.

I'm wondering if they have the wherewithal to withstand our distribution BS.

[nebugeater]

Not local unless you live in KC but this is a place I may have to try next time I am near the new location.

Lenexa location just opened

https://kcbier.com/

KC Bier Co is a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri founded in 2014. We distribute bier throughout Missouri and Kansas and operate two retail locations: a tasting room and biergarten at the original brewery in Kansas City, MO, and a brewpub, bier hall, and biergarten in the suburb of Lenexa, Kansas.

They have been distributing to Omaha for a couple months now.

Didn't know that. Their web site just says Missouri and Kansas

KC Bier Co Enters Nebraska Market
Jun 6, 2026 |
KC Bier Co has launched distribution in Nebraska. The independent craft brewery is located in Kansas City, Mo., and specializes in authentic German-style bier. Nebraska is the company’s third state along with Missouri and Kansas. The beer is already showing up in Omaha-area businesses on draught and in cans. To kick things off, KC Bier Co is participating in today’s Benson Beer Festival in Omaha.

Their website shows these counties in the three states as having their beer.

I search by zip code and distance; that covers anything in Nebraska counties, but I do not get any results showing where it can be found. Not sure if that would be accurate, or if it is just not up to date.

https://kcbier.com/findbier/

[Brad]

Bit of a disturbing trend to see out of state brewers move into the market as all the local ones fail.

I'm wondering if they have the wherewithal to withstand our distribution BS.

I’ve seen way more of these out of state breweries come in here, and within 6 months or a year, they end their distribution here because their beer is just sitting on the shelf.

[nebport5]

The craft beer bubble has been bursting even before covid. The over saturation of craft breweries nation wide coupled with the rise of lower calorie seltzers eating away at market share. I refer to Michelob Ultra as the original hard seltzer with even less calories and even less hints of flavor. Gen Z doesn't drink as much as their elders and of course covid accelerated decline as post pandemic adults cut back or abstained all together after pandemic level consumption.

[Brad]

Can't say i'm surprised after our visit this past march.

Steeple Brewing is for sale, Asking Price: $120,000

STATE OF THE STEEPLE

Between three owners with three full-time careers and growing families, we've hit the ceiling on what we can brew. Our tap list has been thin; if you've been in, you've undoubtedly noticed.

So here's what's happening:
We're looking for a new owner or operator. Someone who can give this place the full-time attention it deserves. We've had some early interest, and we're optimistic.

We're not closing. You'll start seeing us lean into a craft beer bar model — our house beers alongside curated local and Nebraska craft beers you can't easily find in Hastings.

Know someone who can take up the pulpit? Send them here: https://buy.steeplebrewing.com/

Same pews. New sermon.

[Brad]

Looks like the German American Society is going to start brewing on site at their building off S 120th

Plattfluss Brauhaus

After more than two years of work, we are excited to announce our GRAND OPENING is Friday, 16 October 2026, from 5p to 10p at The German-American Society of Omaha!

But if you want to drink our beer earlier, we are hosting a Soft Opening for German-American Society Members Only on Saturday, 3 October, from 2p to 6p. If you're not a member already, just go here: https://www.germanamericansociety.org/membership.

Thank you to all of our supporters that have helped us over the past two years. Rewards for donors will be available for pickup at the Soft Opening, and also at the 2 Oct and 9 Oct Keller Nights from 5p to 7p. We will not be doing pickups at the Grand Opening. See less