Border Skirmish - Free State is Coming to Missouri

Exciting news coming out of our neighbors to the west.  Free State Brewing out of Lawrence, KS will start distributing in Missouri this year.  Free State opened in 1989, and was Kansas' first brewery in 100 years.  In 2008 they suffered through a fire that destroyed their bottling facility.  That fire caused $1 million in damages and delayed the bottling production until this year.

I spoke with Dave, one of the Beer Guys, and he gave me some general information.  They have signed a contract with Major Brands Distributors, and should have kegged beer in Missouri shortly.  Bottled beer should be on the shelves by April.  The initial release will be year round offerings of Ad Astra Ale, Copperhead Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Wheat State Golden Beer, and seasonal Stormwatch Ale.  Future seasonals will include Maibock and Papermoon Pils.  If everything goes to plan they are hoping to bottle some of their bigger beers, like Old Backus Barleywine, in 750s or 22 oz bombers.