Friday Drankin’: Empyrean Brewing

Last year it was easy to pick the Friday Drankin’ subject for Nebraska. they have a place called Boiler Brewing just a half mile walk from Memorial Stadium. While that will be a definite stop when I visit Nebraska to complete the Big Ten next year, I wanted to do a different brewery this year.

Empryrean Brewing

729 Q Street

Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

Empyrean Brewing is also very, very close to Memorial Stadium, as it is a mere 8 tenths of a mile walk from the stadium. With Nebraska being a heavy agriculture state they select only the finest grains for their brews with their on-site grain mill:

Two-row Malt is gravity fed from a Grain Silo on our roof to the Grain Room and weighed into our Mill, which cracks the husks between four metal rollers. During the milling process, we blend in other specialty malts that will give each beer its own unique flavor and color.

A grain silo on the roof? That is very Nebraska. Anyway, on to the beer:

Chaco Canyon Gold - 4% ABV, 21 IBUs - We brew this easy-going golden ale with a bit of Nebraska honey for a unique, sweet-yet-dry character, balanced with a crisp hop finish. Pair with fried foods, Southwest cuisine and grilled chicken or fish.

Burning Skye Scottish - 5% ABV, 13 IBUs - Brewed in the tradition of Scotland’s malty-sweet beers. Sweet and smooth with a wee hint of smoked character. Pair with grilled chicken, beef, BBQ or wild game.

Dark Side Vanilla Porter - 5% ABV, 23 IBUs - An infusion of old-world beer and contemporary soul. Smooth, dark and roasted with highlights of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Pair with beef, Indian or Asian cuisine and chocolate or vanilla desserts.

Long Route Peanut Butter Porter - 5% ABV, 20 IBUs - With delightful aroma of peanut butter cup, this beer maintains a porter backbone with twisting layers of chocolate, peanut butter and toast. An appealing balance of beer and peanut butter candy flavors. Pairs well with grilled meats, curry, Thai, baked apples and chocolate desserts.

Carpe Brewen Big Red Ale - 8% ABV, 44 IBUs - Our Carpe Brewem Big Red Ale is the color of warm amber with ruby highlights. Waves of malt sweetness hit your palate first; then caramel and smoke twist into fruit flavors of apricot and fresh cherries. Pair with sharp cheeses and caramel desserts.

In looking at their beers page these guys are not afraid to try different styles. They have more than 30 beers listed as either seasonal, one-offs, or core beers on the page. I am definitely taking a growler or two in tow for next year’s season opener.