Go north for great beer.
Big Rip Brewing Company, despite its name, isn’t the biggest brewery in Kansas City. Heck, it might not even be the biggest brewery in the Northland. But you know what they say – big things come in small packages. In this case, it’s big flavors in delicious beers.
Big Rip was opened in May 2013 by two friends who wanted to create unique beers that would be loved by beer snobs and novice beer drinkers, alike. Now with a tap room and well over a dozen distinct and delicious brews, they’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings.
And if the brews are any indication, things are continuing to look up. Depending on who you ask, their signature beer is either the 237 Milk Stout (carbonated with nitrogen for a smoother mouthfeel and silky texture) or the Hathor’s Sweet Brown Ale. Both are fantastic choices, but I’d personally recommend Zelda’s Vanilla Cream Ale. Not only is it named after the greatest video game of all time (I don’t know if that’s what it’s really named after, but I’d like to think it is), but it’s also perfectly balanced, with just the right hint of vanilla and sweetness. Extremely easy to drink, I personally enjoy it as a backer with my favorite glass of scotch.
But you really can’t go wrong with any of Big Rip’s offerings, including the homemade root beer or local wine. Yes, that’s right. Big Rip also brews wine. Because if the beer’s great, why wouldn’t you do wine as well?
You can enjoy either in their tap room, which is a comfortable, inviting space featuring a full bar. They don’t offer food, but El Burrito Loco is right next door, and outside food is always welcome.
And as great as all of this is, Big Rip has a big heart too. They regularly work with local charities like the Great Plaines SPCA and Social Heart, and all their spent grains go to other efforts, like chicken feed, fertilizer, or you guessed it, Beer Paws!
If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love Big Rip. Be sure to stop in whenever you’re north of the river.