The Golden Tappys for 2015

After the Grammys and Oscars. After months fighting for a decent WordPress Poll plugin (suggestions are welcome). After the loss of the results from the eventual poll plugin which, thankfully, weren’t totally lost. After two-and-a-half months of toddler ear infections and colds. After your attention was lost. After all that …

Golden-Tappy-2015

The Golden Tappys for 2015

Thank all of you for your votes and interest in our inaugural year’s best awards. We started with five categories as we looked back at 2015 one last time. The Golden Tappy was awarded to the popular-vote-getter in each category. And, after internal discussions, we chose to award a “Scouts’ Honor” in each category, because we just couldn’t bear to see some of our favs get passed over by the voters. (Too bad we don’t have that kind of power with the current presidential election…) And now, on with the show!

Best Local Beer: Boulevard The Calling

Pulled from boulevard.com without permission.
Pulled from boulevard.com without permission.

We can’t really argue with the results. We love Boulevard’s The Calling. Which is about as awkward a the as Mr The Conductor. (Sorry, that’s a Dinosaur Train reference for those of you who don’t have young children. Back to the adult discussion.) Its bright, fruity, juicy hoppiness is delightful. There’s enough malty backbone to support the hops. And its bitterness doesn’t crush the back of your tongue. Wonderful.

Great, where can I get it? You can find the Calling everywhere good beer is sold around town.

That being said …

Scouts’ Honor for Best Local Beer: Cinder Block Black Squirrel

We love this beer. Love, love, love. Behind the black curtain is a boozy, vanilla, chocolate, smooth beauty of a woodland creature. Nice work, gents.

Great, where can I get it? Black Squirrel is a winter seasonal release from Cinder Block. According to the Cinder Block website, it’s still available at their taproom.

Best Small Brewery: Border Brewing

Border Brewing
Border Brewing

Eric Martens and company rallied the troops and blew away everyone else in this category, nearly doubling up Crane Brewing, who came in second. Border Brewing was the first of the Brewers’ Alley taprooms to open along 18th Street in the Crossroads. They also brew beer based on patron voting. So their customers are used to this whole voting thing.

Sound good, where are they? Border Brewing is located at 406 E 18 St. That’s just east of Oak on 18th St in the Crossroads Art District. They are open Thursdays and Fridays starting at 4:00, and Saturday and Sundays at noon.

Scouts’ Honor for Best Small Brewery: KC Bier Co.

It might be the easy-drinking beer, um, bier that flows so freely from the taps at KC Bier Co. It might be the easy-going atmosphere. It might be the wow of the Weizenbock and the refreshing zing of the Pils. (Bring it back, Karlton!) Add it all up, and you have our favorite small brewery.

Panorama of Kansas City Bier Co

Sound good, where are they? You can visit the KC Bier Co. tap room at 310 W 79th St. That’s east of Wornall Rd in south Waldo. The taproom is open Tuesdays thru Thursdays from 4:00 to 11:00 pm. Fridays they open at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am, and Sundays at noon. You can also find KC Bier Co beer on tap all around the metro.

Best Beer Bar, Best Bottle Shop, and Best Festival are next!

By jimmywags

I began the path through good beer in college. Exploring different sixers and bombers based on packaging and label design (art student, mind you), I weaved my way around the continental lagers and Colorado craft ales. My knowledge and interest exploded upon receiving a homebrewing equipment kit as a graduation gift from my parents. Twelve years later, I've brewed most styles, experimented between them, and hunted for the perfect pint.

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