Around 40% of the population say that when enjoying a beer, they prefer a selection of craft beers, according to the Brewers Association.
In Omaha, Nebraska, craft brewing is more than a trend. It’s a celebration of community, history, and local agriculture. Nowhere is that more evident than at Upstream Brewing Company, where each pint tells a flavorful story. By spotlighting locally sourced beers made with Nebraska-grown ingredients, Upstream is redefining what it means to enjoy a true craft beer in Omaha.
Read on to learn about the beer ingredients that make Upstream’s options unique.
A Laboratory of Flavor and Innovation
The team at Upstream Brewing Company is always experimenting. Beyond the core lineup, they offer rotating seasonal beers and small-batch releases that highlight unique combinations of local ingredients.
Whether it’s a coffee stout brewed with beans from an Omaha roastery or a farmhouse ale infused with regional herbs, these creative ventures showcase the versatility of local agriculture. Each experiment gives beer enthusiasts something new to explore and often leads to exciting new additions to the main menu.
A true spirit of innovation keeps Upstream’s offerings fresh and gives loyal customers a reason to return again and again.
An Omaha Brewery Philosophy Rooted in Local Pride
At its core, Upstream Brewing Company is about more than just making beer. Rather, it’s about crafting experiences that reflect the character of Omaha and the surrounding region.
Located in the historic Old Market district, Upstream was one of the city’s first modern brewpubs and has built a loyal following through innovation and quality. What truly sets the brewery apart is its commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
Whether it’s Nebraska-grown hops and grains or honey sourced from regional beekeepers, Upstream’s brews showcase what it means to drink locally. An approach like this not only supports nearby farms and businesses but also creates local beer flavors that are fresh and distinctive.
Nebraska-Grown Hops Bring a Local Punch
Many beer lovers associate hops with the Pacific Northwest, but Nebraska is making a name for itself in hop production. Upstream Brewing Company has embraced this growing local industry by incorporating Nebraska-grown hop varieties like Cascade and Chinook into several of its beers.
Such hops are known for the following notes that add complexity and aroma to Upstream’s IPAs and pale ales:
- Citrus
- Floral
- Piney notes
Since the hops are harvested and delivered in the local area, they retain a brightness and freshness that’s often lost in long-distance shipping. As a result, each pint offers a more vibrant and immediate flavor profile.
By working with nearby hop farmers, Upstream is able to capture a sense of place in each brew. The hops reflect Nebraska’s climate and soil, offering a profile that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Grain From the Great Plains
While hops bring aroma and bitterness, malted grains are the foundation of any great beer. Upstream Brewing Company partners with local and regional maltsters who use Nebraska-grown barley and other grains. Such ingredients contribute everything from sweetness and body to color and mouthfeel.
For example, two-row barley grown in the heart of Nebraska is often featured in Upstream’s lagers and amber ales. It provides a clean, smooth base that allows the other brewing ingredients to shine through. Grains like these also help create a sturdy malt backbone for more complex brews like porters and stouts.
Choosing locally grown grains not only enhances flavor but also reduces the brewery’s environmental footprint. It cuts down on transportation and supports sustainable agricultural practices, all while keeping the brewing process close to home.
Sweet Success with Local Honey
In some of Upstream’s specialty brews, you will find a delightful touch of Nebraska honey. An ingredient of this nature offers more than sweetness. Instead, it contributes to the following:
- Floral notes
- A silky texture
- Depth of character that’s better than other sugar sources
One standout example is a seasonal honey blonde ale, where wildflower honey sourced from area beekeepers adds a delicate complexity to the brew. The honey carries subtle notes of clover and native prairie plants, offering a unique flavor that reflects the landscape itself.
Using local honey strengthens the connection between the brewery and the region while also introducing a naturally fermented ingredient that enhances every batch.
Why Local Ingredients Matter
Using local ingredients has several important benefits. For one, it improves the freshness and quality of the final product. When hops, grains, or honey travel shorter distances, they retain more of their flavor and aroma.
Every pint poured at Upstream contributes to the local economy and encourages sustainable practices. In a time when many products feel disconnected from their origins, drinking locally sourced beers is synonymous with meaningful connection.
For Upstream Brewing Company, using local ingredients is also a way of doing the following:
- Preserving traditions
- Promoting transparency
- Honoring Nebraska’s natural abundance
Experience Historic Omaha
A visit to Upstream Brewing Company is a flavorful journey through Omaha’s agricultural and culinary heritage. The brewpub’s inviting space in the Old Market serves as a gathering place for experience, seekers, including:
- Beer lovers
- Foodies
- Anyone interested in supporting local craftsmanship
Tasting a flight at Upstream is a great way to explore the range of craft beer in Omaha. From smooth and easy-drinking to bold and experimental, there is something for every palate. Best of all, every beer reflects the unique character of the region.
Building Community One Pint at a Time
Upstream Brewing Company is a major player in Omaha’s rich brewing scene. Its dedication to using local beer flavors and regional ingredients has helped set a new standard for what it means to drink craft beer. Through collaborations with local farmers, participation in city events, and a commitment to sustainability, the brewery has become a cultural cornerstone.
Savor a Superior Experience
With the right beer ingredients comes the best beer tasting experience. Upstream Brewing Company is the number one place to crack a cold one with friends and family members. We’ve won multiple awards over the years, including the best microbrewery and even the best bowl of soup.
If you love beer, food, and good vibes, then don’t hesitate to reach out and reserve a spot at Upstream Brewing Company.