Best 6 Breweries in Arkansas: A Guide to the State’s Top Craft Beer Makers

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Arkansas may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of craft beer, but it is home to a thriving brewery scene. From traditional lagers to experimental brews, there is something for every beer lover in Arkansas. In this article, we will explore some of the best breweries in the state and what makes them unique.

One of the most highly acclaimed breweries in Arkansas is Ozark Beer Company, located in Rogers. Known for its wild and unique flavored beers, Ozark Beer Company has won numerous awards for its brews. Visitors can sample year-round and seasonal beers in the taproom or take them to go in cans or growlers. Another must-visit brewery is Diamond Bear Brewing Company, located in Little Rock. This brewery has been a mainstay in the Arkansas craft beer scene since 2000 and is known for its classic American-style ales and lagers.

Craft Beer Culture in Arkansas

The Rise of Craft Beer

Arkansas may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about craft beer, but it is certainly making a name for itself in the industry. Over the past few years, the state has seen a rise in the number of craft breweries and microbreweries. The craft beer scene in Arkansas is still relatively new, but it is growing rapidly and attracting attention from beer enthusiasts across the country.

One of the reasons for the rise of craft beer in Arkansas is the increasing demand for locally produced, high-quality beer. Many craft breweries in the state are using locally sourced ingredients and experimenting with unique flavors and brewing techniques. This has helped to create a vibrant and diverse craft beer culture in Arkansas that is attracting both locals and visitors.

Community and Atmosphere

Another important aspect of the craft beer culture in Arkansas is the sense of community and atmosphere that is created in local breweries. Many of the breweries in the state are small and independently owned, which gives them a unique character and charm. Visitors to these breweries can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and a laid-back vibe.

In addition to providing a space for people to enjoy great beer, many breweries in Arkansas also host events and activities that bring the community together. From trivia nights to live music, these events help to create a sense of community and belonging that is an important part of the craft beer culture in Arkansas.

Notable Breweries in Arkansas

Lost Forty Brewing

Lost Forty Brewing is a craft brewery located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They are known for their award-winning beers such as Love Honey Bock and Trash Panda IPA. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

Website: https://www.lost40brewing.com/

Address: 501 Byrd St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA

Diamond Bear Brewing

Diamond Bear Brewing Company is a brewery located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They are known for their signature beer, the Presidential IPA, which is named after Bill Clinton. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

Website: https://diamondbear.com/

Address: 600 N Broadway St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA

Ozark Beer Company

Ozark Beer Company is a craft brewery located in Rogers, Arkansas. They are known for their unique and delicious beer selection, including the American Pale Ale and Cream Stout. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

Website: https://www.ozarkbeercompany.com/

Address: 109 N Arkansas St, Rogers, AR 72756, USA

Fossil Cove Brewing Co

Fossil Cove Brewing Co is a craft brewery located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They are known for their creative and experimental beer selection, including the La Brea Brown Ale and the Oatty Stout. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

Website: https://www.fossilcovebrewing.com/

Address: 1946 N Birch Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA

Core Brewing & Distilling Company

Core Brewing & Distilling Company is a craft brewery located in Springdale, Arkansas. They are known for their diverse and extensive beer selection, including the Arkansas Red Ale and the ESB. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

Website: https://coreofarkansas.com/

Address: N, 2470 Lowell Rd, Springdale, AR 72764, USA

Flyway Brewing Company

Flyway Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They are known for their unique and flavorful beer selection, including the Bluewing Berry Wheat and the Free Range Brown Ale. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant where visitors can enjoy their beers and food. They also offer tours of the brewery.

These are just a few of the notable breweries in Arkansas. Each has its own unique style and selection of beers, making them worth a visit for any beer enthusiast.

Website: https://flywaybrewing.com/

Address: 314 Maple St, North Little Rock, AR 72114

Diverse Beer Selection

Arkansas is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and a big part of that is its diverse beer selection. From ales and stouts to pale ales and IPAs, there’s something for everyone in Arkansas.

Ale and Stout

Arkansas breweries have a great selection of ales and stouts. Cream stouts, dark ales, and bocks are just a few of the options available. Some breweries even offer unique flavors like coffee stouts and bourbon barrel-aged ales. One popular stout is the Nutty Runner from Bentonville Brewing, which has a nutty flavor and a smooth finish. Another great option is the Angus Chute American Stout from Ozark Beer Company, which has a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Pale Ale and IPA

For those who prefer a hoppier beer, Arkansas breweries have plenty of pale ales and IPAs to choose from. Many of these beers feature unique blends of hops, giving them a distinct flavor. Some popular options include the Early Bird IPA from Lost Forty Brewing, which has a citrusy flavor, and the Yellow Card from Flyway Brewing, which is a New England-style IPA.

Seasonal Beers

Arkansas breweries also offer a variety of seasonal beers throughout the year. Saisons and sours are popular choices during the summer months, while darker, heavier beers are more common in the winter. Some breweries, like Stone’s Throw Brewing, offer a rotating selection of new beers throughout the year. Others, like Superior Bathhouse Brewery, have a signature seasonal beer, like their Slaughter Pen Ale.

Food and Entertainment

Pub Fare

Many of the breweries in Arkansas offer delicious pub fare to accompany their craft beers. From burgers to wings to sandwiches, there is something for everyone. Some breweries even have food trucks that rotate weekly, providing visitors with a unique culinary experience.

Events

In addition to their regular menu offerings, many breweries in Arkansas host special events throughout the year. These events can range from beer releases to charity fundraisers to live music performances. Check the brewery’s website or social media pages to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.

Live Music

Several breweries in Arkansas also offer live entertainment, including live music performances. This provides visitors with a fun and lively atmosphere to enjoy their craft beer and pub fare. Some breweries have regular live music nights, while others host special events featuring local musicians.

Breweries Beyond the Beer

Brewery Tours

Many breweries in Arkansas offer tours of their facilities, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Ties to Local Community, Brown-Eyed Girl Brewery, and Saddleback Brewery are just a few examples of breweries that offer tours. These tours typically include a guided tour of the brewery, a tasting of the beer, and a chance to learn about the history of the brewery and the brewing process. Some breweries may also offer special VIP tours that include access to areas not normally open to the public.

Ties to Local Community

Breweries in Arkansas often have strong ties to their local communities. For example, Victory Brewing Company in Little Rock partners with local charities to raise money for important causes. Meanwhile, Bluewing in Fayetteville is committed to using locally-sourced ingredients in their beers whenever possible. Other breweries, such as Pig Trail Porter and New Province Brewing Company, have also made it a priority to support local businesses and organizations.

Many breweries in Arkansas also have a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, T-Rex Tripel Brewing Company in North Little Rock uses solar panels to power their brewery, while Bike Rack Brewing Co. in Bentonville has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint.

Atmosphere

In addition to great beer, many breweries in Arkansas offer a unique atmosphere that makes them a great place to hang out with friends. Rendezvous Junction in Springdale, for example, has a cozy, rustic feel that makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy a beer. Meanwhile, Brown-Eyed Girl Brewery in Paragould has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Taprooms and Pub Fare

Many breweries in Arkansas also have taprooms where visitors can sample their beers and enjoy some delicious pub fare. Shamus Stout in Fayetteville, for example, offers a variety of tasty snacks and small plates to pair with their beers. Homewrecker in Hot Springs has a full kitchen and offers a range of pizzas, sandwiches, and other pub favorites.

Overall, the breweries in Arkansas offer a diverse range of experiences for beer lovers. Whether you’re interested in taking a brewery tour, enjoying some delicious pub fare, or just hanging out with friends and enjoying a great beer, there’s something for everyone.