Home Brewing 101

Omaha is home to a lively network of brewing clubs, well-stocked local supply shops, and a brewing calendar shaped by Nebraska’s four distinct seasons. Groups like OmaHops and Local 402 Homebrewers welcome brewers at every experience level, while shops like Patriot Homebrew Supply keep essential ingredients close to hand. Whether you’re planning a fall lager or a summer wheat beer, Omaha’s community has the resources to support it.

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Warm Memories and a Rich History – Upstream Brewing

Upstream Brewing Company has stood as a favorite gathering spot in Omaha’s Old Market since we opened in 1996. Originally a fire station built in 1903, the building has been renovated into a lively craft brewery where fresh beers meet scratch-made food in a welcoming space that feels like home. Our focus on quality and community keeps drawing in craft beer fans from all walks of life.

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What Pairs Best with a Traditional Vienna Lager?

While many brewers have adopted Americanized recipes, Upstream Brewing has stuck to the European traditions and methods of brewing the signature Vienna Lager. This results in a bright, medium-bodied beer that is a great pour all on its own. But if you’re looking for the optimal pairings, you can’t go wrong with some of Upstream Brewing Company’s richer offerings like grilled meats, BBQ, sandwiches, pub snacks, and desserts with nutty or caramel tones. Its balanced flavor profile (malty and smooth, with a crisp finish) makes it one of the most food-friendly beers out there.

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Pairing Omaha-Style Comfort Food with the Best Local Brew

Upstream Brewing Company has coupled comfort food and beer for the ultimate dining delight. Explore expert recommendations that make the most out of this perfect pairing.

According to YouGov, 30% of people who drink alcohol say beer is their spirit of choice. For many folks, nothing beats an ice-cold beer paired with the perfect hearty meal.

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Spotlight Local Ingredients in Omaha Beers

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.

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A Guide to Beer Styles and Their Unique Flavors

At Upstream Brewing Company, nestled in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market district, we take pride in crafting a diverse selection of high-quality beers to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of craft brews, understanding the different styles of beer and their unique flavors can help you find your next favorite pour. We created this guide so people who want to try new types of beer can get an idea of what each type of beer tastes like, so they can more easily explore different types of beer that best suits their taste. If you are considering exploring the wide breadth of brews from which you can choose, Upstream Brewing has you covered.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular beer styles and what you can expect from each sip.

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Mead vs Beer: Delicious Beverages (With a Few Differences)

“Pour me some mead!” grunts a knight in armor as he enters a tavern. It’s the first drink that comes to mind when picturing Medieval England, but its history goes back even further. Mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages, drunk from India to Scandinavia for thousands of years.

Mead might be on tap next to ale and beer at your local brewery. Due to proximity, it may seem like they’re similar. It begs the question: mead vs. beer, what’s the difference?

In this guide, we take a deep dive into mead history and how it sets itself apart from beer brewing.

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West Coast vs East Coast IPA: The Key Differences

IPA (India Pale Ale) is one of the top choices at your local liquor store or craft brewery. It began in the 18th century with the East India Company, and has lived on through craft brewers. Despite the landslide adoration, no one knows who invented it.

This sense of mystery extends to another challenge with this type of beer, because many people can’t tell the difference among all of the IPA options! There’s Imperial IPA, Juicy IPA, and offshoots like American Pale Ale. And then there’s West Coast vs. East Coast IPA, which is perhaps the most confusing pair of them all.

How do you tell these types of IPA apart, and what makes each one distinct? Follow along as we answer these questions and more.

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What Makes a Craft Beer a Craft Beer?

Craft beer these days can be somewhat like veganism and CrossFit. One joke explains it perfectly: How can you tell if someone loves craft beer? Answer: They’ll let you know.

To some, craft beer is a hippy fad; to others, a much-needed industry revolution. All this begs one simple question: What makes a craft beer a craft beer?

In this guide, we’ll set the record straight and discuss what sets craft beer apart from all the other beer options on the market.

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What Does Craft Beer Taste Like?

Craft beer has been getting a bigger and bigger share of the United States beer market in recent years. 

As of 2022, it now has nearly 25% of the US market in the overall beer industry. On top of this, sales of craft beer increased by 5% in the United States from 2021 to 2022. 

If you are someone new to craft beer, you may be wondering what makes it tick.

Are there any commonalities that you can look for? Do you know how to drink craft beer? Do you know how to taste craft beer? What does craft beer taste like? 

This guide will answer all of those questions and more. 

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