Best IPAs in Kansas City
Kansas City, renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, is a haven for IPA lovers.
This comprehensive guide is tailor-made for those who revel in the hoppy delights and crave the lingering bitterness that only a well-crafted India Pale Ale can provide.
Since many Kansas City breweries offer rotating and seasonal options, we’ve included a short list of those that serve IPAs that have seemed to stay around for a while.
Just know that our list is not all-inclusive of their IPAs on tap – a visit to their taproom will include others.
So, whether you’re a seasoned “hophead” in pursuit of that perfect IBU high or a curious beer lover eager to explore the frothy depths of hoppy goodness, Kansas City has an abundance of exceptional brews waiting just for you.
Several of them happen to be at the best breweries in town.
1. City Barrel Brewing
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
City Barrel Brewing stands out as a beacon of innovation in the Kansas City beer scene.
With a modern taproom that buzzes with creativity, this place is a paradise for IPA lovers who crave the new and the next.
Below are their IPAs that are made in larger batches – they also make limited release options such as the Strawberry Shortcake Bar.
- Rad AF: City Barrel Brewing is well-known for its innovative brews, and Rad AF is no exception. This award-winning hazy New England IPA, teeming with Citra and Mosaic hops, is a riot of fruity flavors. Notes of tropical fruits and citrus create a playful palate.
- Daydrinker: This IPA, known for its refreshing lightness and subtle citrus undertones from mangos and oranges, is perfect for those seeking a mellow yet flavorful brew. It’s a brew that can be enjoyed throughout the day, making every moment a celebration.
- Space Dragon: This IPA, brewed with Citra and El Dorado hops, takes you on a space journey with its cosmic flavor profile. Notes of passion fruit, peach, and citrus are complemented by a moderate bitterness, resulting in a balanced and unique brew.
2. Alma Mader Brewing
Neighborhood: Westside
Down on Southwest Boulevard, a stretch known for its diverse cultural offerings, Alma Mader Brewery is celebrated for its precision-crafted beers.
With a minimalist approach to their taproom design, the focus here is all on the beer – and the results are speaking volumes.
Unique to them, you can join their membership club, which means you’ll have access to their most exclusive barrel-aged offerings.
- On Loop: This IPA is a beautiful fusion of Citra, Mosaic, and Strata hops, resulting in a robust hop flavor profile, layered with notes of tangerine and honeydew. The balanced bitterness and delicate carbonation make it an incredibly drinkable IPA, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
- Pattern Variation: This northwest style IPA, featuring a blend of Mosaic and Amarillo hops that create a complexity of flavors with tangerine and peach-pineapple, is sure to intrigue.
3. Double Shift Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Known for its experimentation and ever-changing list of beers, this 5-barrel brewhouse features small-batch offerings that are approachable and popular amongst locals.
The decor is inspired by firehouses – a nod to the founder, a former firefighter himself.
- Tessellation: With exclusively Mosaic, this IPA is vibrant and highly-drinkable with flavors of tropical fruit and floral notes of berry and mango.
- Power Moves: Brewed with Citra, Idaho 7, and Enigma, this IPA is hugely aromatic with tangerine, mango, lemon, pine, and guava.
4. Cinder Block Brewery
Neighborhood: North Kansas City
Cinder Block Brewery is a staple for locals.
With its rustic, industrial vibe and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that feels like home the moment you walk in.
They have several rotating IPA options.
- Block IPA: The true hop flavor is achieved by using six different hop varieties. Initial aroma of citrus and passion fruit followed by green hop and pine flavors.
5. BKS Artisan Ales
Neighborhood: Brookside
With an excellent rotating IPA selection, this industrial-chic brewery combines traditional brewing methods with innovation and creativity.
- Flower of the Dead: This hazy IPA, bursting with tropical and citrus notes, is balanced by sweetness and earthy tones.
- Counterculture: This double hazy IPA is fruity and delicious.
6. Boulevard Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Westside
Your beer lover’s journey would not be complete without paying homage to Boulevard Brewing Company, the OG of Kansas City craft beer.
Founded in 1989, Boulevard is one of the largest specialty breweries in the heartland and is sold in over 40 states.
Compared to the other craft breweries, this one is more of a commercial operation. Despite that, the locals still love it.
Stop by for a brewery tour and to visit the trendy Beer Hall where you can sample exclusive test beers.
- Space Camper: This one is a local favorite. A juicy IPA bursting with tropical fruit flavors and aromas of nectar and citrus.
- Single-Wide: This midwestern IPA features aromas of citrus and pine, balanced by a subtle caramel malt flavor.
Cheers!
These brews serve as a testament to the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene, each one showcasing the creativity and dedication of its brewers.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious beginner, exploring the IPA offerings in Kansas City is an adventure in taste that is well worth undertaking.
Brewing in Kansas City has a rich history, and the development of local IPAs is a testament to the ability to hold onto tradition while pursuing innovation.