Craft beer has gone from a subculture to a craze to a massive industry, attracting natives and tourists alike to sample local, hand-crafted brews. Arkansas is no exception as the number of breweries in The Natural State attest. AY is About You tapped author and noted beer expert Brian Sorensen to pen a snapshot of the state’s breweries and provide a guide for your next quest for hops. This month, he takes us north of Interstate 40 to see what’s brewing.
There are currently more than 50 breweries operating in Arkansas, as what was once considered a novelty is now accepted as normal. Craft beermakers have found success in the population hubs of Central and Northwest Arkansas but are also thriving in smaller communities such as Mena, Mountain Home, Paragould and Paris. A majority of Arkansans now live within an easy drive of a state-made IPA, making local beer is one of the increasingly rare ties that bind our urban and rural citizenry.
It hasn’t always been so grand for beer drinkers in Arkansas, as the state was a craft beer wasteland for most of the 20th Century. Arkansans generally opted for mass-produced lagers made in places like Milwaukee and St. Louis, the cheaper and blander the better. Local breweries were non-existent in those years, though Arkansas’s brewing landscape wasn’t always so barren.
Pre-Prohibition Arkansas showed promise before beer drinkers’ dreams were dashed by bad legislation. German immigrants moved to the state and set up small breweries and beer gardens in the 1800s. By 1900, Little Rock Brewing & Ice Co. was the biggest brewery in Arkansas, financed in part by the Busch and Lemp families of St. Louis, beer barons with deep pockets. At its peak, Little Rock brewing & Ice Co. could be found in homes and bars throughout the capital city until the Newberry Act of 1915 – Arkansas’s early version of Prohibition – took the wind from its sails.
When the 21st Amendment reversed the federal ban on booze in 1933, Arkansas-made beer was all but forgotten. Budweiser, Falstaff, Hamms, Miller, Schlitz – these were the brands of beers swilled in the state in the decades that followed. It would be 51 years after Prohibition’s defeat before another Arkansas brewery made beer commercially when William Lyon opened Arkansas Brewing Co. in Little Rock in 1984. It only lasted two years, but it was an important milestone for a state that had been absent a brewery for so long.
The last decade of the century saw a rush of brewpubs. Weidman’s Old Fort Brew Pub opened in Fort Smith in 1991. Two years later, Vino’s started making beer to go along with the pizza and punk rock it was dishing in downtown Little Rock. Ozark Brewing Co. – not to be confused with present-day Ozark Beer Co. in Rogers – opened in 1994 in a renovated building at the corner of West Avenue and Dickson Street in Fayetteville. River Rock Brewery was founded in the capital city in 1997. Arkansans were increasingly interested in exploring beer, and brewpubs were an effective format to bring more people into the fold. All proved successful, though Vino’s is the only one of these four pioneers still in operation today.
The state reached an important milestone when Diamond Bear Brewing opened in Little Rock in 2000 as it represented the return of large-scale commercial brewing to Arkansas. By 2010 the proliferation of craft breweries in the state had begun in earnest.
There are far too many breweries in operation today to list them all in the space provided here. For this reason, Arkansas breweries have been divided into a northern group and a southern collection. Let’s first look at the breweries of northern Arkansas, which includes the booming Northwest Arkansas corner, the smaller towns of the Ozark Mountains, and the beginnings of the Arkansas Delta at the state’s northeast edge.
NORTH ARKANSAS
409 W. Van Buren
Eureka Springs
The husband-and-wife team behind this brewery say they chose Eureka Springs as their new home because the charming Carroll County town “got ahold” of them and didn’t let go. Gotahold catapulted to the top of many Arkansas beer drinkers’ list of favorite breweries when it opened in 2020, due in part to the many years of experience co-owner and head brewer Dave Hartmann brought to the table. If you’re into big beers, Crooked and Steep is a barleywine-style ale that has been released in small batches. Ask for it by name, but sip on it slowly because it approaches 12 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
A father-and-son duo opened Eureka Springs Brewery in June 2019. They carved out space in the forest and built a small brewery with outdoor seating and a nine-hole disc golf course. The owners have roots in Kansas City, so there’s a good chance the Chiefs or Royals are on the tube in the taproom during their respective seasons. Ole Chap ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is one of the flagship beers at Eureka Springs Brewery and it’s a style that is rarely brewed in Arkansas, an English take on pale ale.
3. Brick & Forge Brew Works
814 U.S. Highway 62, Unit 1009D
2410 Linwood Dr.
Few people consider Harrison a brewing hotspot, but Brick & Forge Brew Works has been making quality beer here since 2012. When people finally get around to trying it for themselves, they realize it’s top-shelf stuff. Longtime brewer Kenny Peden recently moved on, but the excellent beer at Harrison’s Brick & Forge remains. The location in Paragould also makes its own beer. There’s an extensive food menu at both locations to stave off hunger.
601 S. Baker St.
Mountain Home
Mountain Home is the jewel of Baxter County, with lake-based recreation fueling growth in population and new amenities sprouting for visitors and residents alike. All of those people, it seems, have a thirst for craft beer, which Rapp’s Barren is willing to quench. The brewery opened in 2017 and moved into its current location on Mountain Home’s historic downtown square in 2021. Settlers Brown Ale and Buffalo Blonde are a couple of the brewery’s well-made classics.
13980 AR-5
Norfork
Norfork Brewing resides in the town of the same name, which sits near the confluence of the North Fork and White Rivers. Cans of Norfork beer have been spotted throughout Arkansas, with distribution reach that belies the small size and relative remoteness of the brewery. Its Black Oak Stout is named for the 70s-era southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas. Woodsman Pilsner is an easy drinker for days on the lakes and rivers.
11512 AR-14 N.E.
Big Flat
According to the last official census count, Big Flat is home to less than 100 people, making it the least-populated township in Arkansas to claim a brewery of its own. In reality Gravity BrewWorks beckons to a thirsty crowd from all over northern Arkansas as its proximity to Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Buffalo River makes it a natural stop for those enjoying the outdoor amenities of the area. Gravity BrewWorks’ Nightfall Black India Pale Ale is a really good example of a style that came and went too quickly. A little roasted grain to accompany the bite of the hops and sweetness are an excellent combination.
515 S. Gee St.
Jonesboro
Jonesobro holds a lot of promise for brewers, despite Craighead County’s ongoing dry status. It’s a college town and the uncontested center of business, politics and population in eastern Arkansas. When a state law passed in 2019 allowing breweries to operate in dry counties, it was only a matter of time before Jonesboro’s potential was tapped. Enter Native Brew Works in August 2021. They’ve built a steady following with beers such as Cool Beans Blonde, Give ‘Em Helles and Harvest Farmhouse Ale. The brewery’s popularity has swelled, even without the ability to tout their wares (advertising a brewery’s beer is still a no-no in dry counties).
FORT SMITH / FAYETTEVILLE
621 Main St.
Van Buren
Another north Arkansas brewery taking advantage of the 2019 brewery-in-a-dry-county law is Pointer Brewery in Van Buren. It is unique among brewpubs with its Korean-influenced menu. The beers are fairly straightforward, however, with blondes, ambers and IPAs on the taplist. Maltese Mango Ale always pairs well with traditional Korean bulgogi.
7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd.
Fort Smith
Fort Smith was home to one of the earliest breweries on record in Arkansas, Joseph Knoble’s brewery located at the intersection of 3rd and E Streets near the Arkansas River. Fort Smith Brewing Co. is currently the only brewery operating in the third-largest city in the state. Located in the Fort Chaffee development, the brewery has been in business since 2017. A couple of dark beers stand out on the menu. “Bill” Bradford’s Porter is named for the man who founded Fort Smith in 1817. Dat Nguyen Stout is an homage to the football legend of the same name.
515 S. Gee St.
Fayetteville
This longtime brew pub is situated on the city’s north end near Lake Fayetteville. Apple Blossom brewers produce classic beer styles, such as IPA, porter and hefeweizen. A streetside patio provides a nice place to sip a beer and watch cyclists cruise by on their way to the Razorback Greenway, which runs just behind the brewpub.
11. Boston Mountain Brewing & Supply
121 W. Township St., Suite 11
Fayetteville
Boston Mountain is the only combination brewery/home brew supply shop in the state. The shared space creates a nice environment for home brewers to shop and sip on a pint. Some do, some don’t; many people are strictly there for Boston Mountain beer, some just for brewing supplies. It’s nice to have options. And speaking of options, the tap list at Boston Mountain is constantly changing, with a never-ending supply of styles to keep beer drinkers on their toes.
1946 N. Birch Ave.
Fayetteville
One of the early entrants to the Northwest Arkansas brew scene, Fossil Cove has been making beer in midtown Fayetteville since 2012. The brewery has seen steady growth since that time, both in production output and popularity. A new 20-barrel brewhouse was installed a block away from the original taproom in 2020. Fossil Cove is host of the annual Frost Fest, one of the most popular beer events in Arkansas. Frost Fest Double IPA is released around the same time each year, keeping the festival fresh in people’s memories for weeks post-bash.
701 W. North St.
Fayetteville
The owners of Columbus House are devout runners who sponsor running-themed events at the brewery throughout the year. The Razorback Greenway runs alongside the brewery, providing a natural launching spot for group runs. The small taproom provides an intimate environment while the elevated outdoor deck is a good choice during warmer months. One of the most beloved beers in the Columbus House lineup is Spottie Ottie Oatmeal Stout.
14. Puritan Brew Co.
205 W. Dickson St.
Fayetteville
Puritan has been known for its coffee and quality draft beer list for many years, but it recently started making its own beer, too. The brewery is located in a tiny space underneath the stairs that lead to the taproom loft. There is only enough output for sales in the taproom, which seems to be fine with everyone involved. Puritan offers two basic beers – a pale and a dark – with each coming in two different strengths. The patio overlooking Dickson Street provides a good view of Fayetteville’s entertainment district.
15. West Mountain Brewing Co.
21 W. Mountain St.
Fayetteville
This venerable brew spot occupies a special place in the hearts of many Fayetteville beer drinkers. Located on the city’s downtown square, West Mountain produces a wide range of beers that people from all walks of life enjoy over conversations. And that’s the thing about West Mountain; it has an English pub vibe, which tends to prioritize conversing over screen-gazing. Pints of IPA and Molé Stout lubricate discussions on politics, philosophy and Razorback sports. There’s a selection of 16-ounce cans for takeaway, priced at $3 for most styles and $4 for the beloved Blood Orange IPA.
16. Crisis Brewing
210 S. Archibald Yell Blvd.
Fayetteville
Crisis set up shop in a tiny renovated outbuilding across the parking lot from Penguin Ed’s Bar-B-Que in 2018. Outdoor seating has since been expanded and enclosed to better accommodate the throngs of people who enjoy the taproom’s laid-back atmosphere. The brewery’s New Year’s Eve for Old People event draws big crowds each year. It features a ball drop at midnight London time (6 p.m. in Fayetteville), which is perfect for the early-to-bed set. As for beers, Fayzed Hazy IPA is one people really seem to love. Southtown Brown is a good one too.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
516 E. Main St., #1
Siloam Springs
Like many downtowns in Northwest Arkansas, the one in Siloam Springs is experiencing a resurgence. Anchoring downtown’s eastern entrance is Ivory Bill, a small brewery that focuses on small-batch beers made with an old-world touch. The handsome seven-barrel wood-clad brewhouse is visible through the windows that separate the taproom from the production floor. Blood Orange Rye was a great winter-to-spring beer that Ivory Bill released in late February. Extra Extra! Is the house IPA. A few of the beers are named Dark, Mild, and Strong to punctuate the brewery’s straightforward approach to brewing.
18. Hawk Moth Brewery & Beer Parlor
1000 SE 5th St., Suite H
Bentonville
The location for Hawk Moth is listed as 1000 SE 5th St., Suite H in Bentonville because the Rogers brewery’s original home at 710 N. 2nd St. has closed in anticipation of moving to the new location. The brewery opened in 2018 and quickly became known for sours, barrel-aged beers and obscure French and Belgian styles. Hawk Moth has invested time and effort in developing non-alcoholic beers as well (one of the few in Arkansas to do so). Some of its most notable beers come from the brewery’s nine-barrel white oak foeder – a wooden vessel used to blend and age beer. Hazy & Hoppy is a beer you can find from Hawk Moth at several bars and restaurants in Northwest Arkansas.
801 S.E. 8th St., #61
Bentonville
Bike Rack is a tenant in the cool culinary concept known as 8th Street Market. It shares space with chocolatier Markham & Fitz and the James Beard Award-nominated Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, as well as the culinary school known as Brightwater. Bike Rack has been brewing beer since 2014, though its original location was much smaller and closer to downtown Bentonville. Epic Trail Amber Ale and Urban Trail Golden Ale are approachable offerings that appeal to a wide variety of beer drinkers.
901 S.W. 14th St.
Bentonville
Humble beginnings led to a beautiful new brewery for Bentonville Brewing. It moved into a new 20,000-square-foot brewery in 2020 after spending the previous five years in much smaller spaces. There are several interesting variants of the beer here, many of which are brewed on a rotating basis. Bentonville’s Home Wrecker series of IPAs is a good choice for hop heads while its Deliverance Imperial Stout is a huge beer popular with dark beer lovers. The barrel-aged version doubles down on flavor.
21. Social Project Brewing Co.
600 S.W. 41st St., #4
Bentonville
One of the newest breweries in Northwest Arkansas, Social Project focuses on IPAs, pastry stouts and sours. These are some of the most popular styles in American craft beer today and Social Project is making very good examples of its own. The brewery recently opened a satellite taproom in downtown Springdale (205 E. Johnson Ave.), making its beer more accessible to folks further south. Despite the penchant for nouveau beer styles, try the pilsner on the tap list as brewers here also do simple things with excellence.
5214 Village Pkwy., Suite 140
Rogers
This Rogers brewery focuses on traditional German styles such as dunkel, helles and pilsner. There is a spacious outdoor patio with covered seating that provides a view of the sun setting over a picturesque pond each evening. The Razorback Greenway skims the outer edge of the beer garden, making Natural State a popular stopping point for cyclists. The brewers sometimes break the Reinheitsgebot (the German purity law that forbids excess ingredients) by going big on the typically straight-forward styles of German beer. Bourbon Barrel Aged Doppel Scharzbier is a good example of that approach.
23. Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co.
2001 S. Bellview Rd., #2
Rogers
Rendezvous Junction moved into its much larger brewery and taproom in July 2021, just three years after starting out in a broom closet of a space just up the road. Just Jammin’ is a cream ale that serves as a good introduction to craft beer for newbies. They feature plenty of lagers, pilsners and wheat beers that serve the same purpose. Rendezvous Junction really excels, however, in putting out the push-the-envelope stuff. The brewers use fruit to create variants of similar styles, and they like to play around with sour beer as well. Eavesdrop is an imperial vanilla porter that demonstrates the brewery’s willingness to go big on flavor.
1310 W. Hudson Rd.
Rogers
New Province, which opened in 2016, changed hands last year. One of the new owners is John Lee, former head brewer for Rebel Kettle Brewing Co. in Little Rock. Lee and his partners took control of a well-respected brewery, one of the first in the area to can its beers. This helped bring Philosopher King IPA, a reliable hop bomb, and Fallen Queen, a refreshing Belgian witbier, to the masses. Look for small-batch sours and milkshake IPAs in the taproom on a regular basis.
25. Ozark Beer Co.
109 N. Arkansas St.
Rogers
Ozark opened in 2013, making it one of the earliest entrants to the Northwest Arkansas beer scene. Co-owner and head brewer Andy Coates previously brewed at West Mountain Brewing Co., not to mention stints with a couple of big-name, out-of-state breweries prior to arriving in Arkansas. Ozark is best known for its big barrel-aged stout known as BDCS, but there are several other noteworthy beers in the brewery’s portfolio, including the dependable American Pale Ale and the venerable IPA. An Onyx coffee-infused stout is a must-have wherever you see it on tap.
26. GOAT Lab Brewery
722 S. Bloomington St.
Lowell
German beer influenced the father-and-son team behind GOAT Lab Brewery in Lowell. The brewing operation is an offshoot of the existing Grove Comedy Club next door but stands on its own as a friendly pizza joint with traditional German beer styles on tap. The response from the drinking public was so strong after the place opened in March 2022 that the brewhouse has already been upgraded from five to 10 barrels to accommodate the crowds. Lowsch (a Kölsch-style beer), Pygmy Pilsner and Vienna Lager are popular beers in the taproom.
27. Core Brewing & Distilling Co.
2470 Lowell Rd.
Springdale
Core is better known for hard seltzer than beer these days, but the Springdale brewery continues to excel at both. Core has been making beer since 2010, making it one of the first to brew commercially in Northwest Arkansas. The appeal of Scarlet Letter – Core’s lineup of hard seltzers – is clear in the market. It’s everywhere booze is sold. But when it’s time for something more traditional, Core has you covered there too. Los Santos IPA is a balanced IPA that leans a little hoppy. Toasted Coconut – a coconut brown ale – is also a fan favorite.
321 E. Emma Ave.
Springdale
Downtown Springdale got a boost when Black Apple opened in 2015. The original setup resembled a speakeasy, with back-alley access and a keep-it-on-the-down-low vibe. The cidery taproom has since taken over the part of the building that faces a reawakening Emma Avenue. The ciders are drier than the big national brands, which appeals to a wide range of palates. Blueberry is a good cider flavor to try before branching out to other varieties.
18244 Habberton Rd.
Springdale
The landscape that surrounds Saddlebock is some of the most beautiful in Northwest Arkansas. The White River runs into Beaver Lake, which is a short distance away while the rolling hills and two-lane roads that lead to the brewery are ideal for cruising on a Sunday afternoon. Saddlebock opened in a custom three-story structure built for brewing back in 2012. The brewery was sold last year, starting a new chapter for the rural backwater operation. Renovations to the property are causing occasional closures, so check with the brewery before you visit.
READ ALSO: 100(ish) More Things to Do in The Natural State
