Boulevard Brewing Company | Kansas City

Boulevard Brewing Company, located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the Midwest’s most iconic craft breweries and among the largest specialty brewers in the United States. Established in 1989 by founder John McDonald, Boulevard blends traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation, offering a vast portfolio of beers and an immersive visitor experience that has made it both a local institution and a national craft beer leader.

Origins and Founding Vision

Boulevard Brewing Company began as a dream inspired by McDonald’s travels through Europe, where he developed a deep appreciation for flavorful, character-driven beers. At the time, American beer was dominated by light lagers, and the concept of craft brewing was still in its infancy. McDonald, originally a carpenter, risked his life savings to install a vintage Bavarian brewhouse in a former 1920s laundry building on Kansas City’s historic Southwest Boulevard.

The first batch of Boulevard Pale Ale was brewed in November 1989, with the inaugural keg hand-delivered to a local restaurant. Demand quickly exceeded expectations, and Boulevard began to expand rapidly, introducing more styles and investing in larger brewing facilities throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Growth and Expansion

Boulevard experienced tremendous growth, fueled by the popularity of its Unfiltered Wheat Beer, which became a flagship product and a gateway beer for many Midwestern drinkers exploring craft brewing for the first time. A major turning point came in 2006 with the construction of a new $25 million brewing and bottling facility adjacent to the original building. This expansion increased capacity significantly, enabling Boulevard to distribute across more than 40 states and several international markets.

In 2014, Boulevard was acquired by Duvel Moortgat, a respected family-owned Belgian brewery. The acquisition preserved Boulevard’s independent spirit while providing the resources to grow further, both creatively and operationally. Under this partnership, Boulevard continued to thrive, maintaining its Kansas City identity while experimenting with new beer styles and sustainable practices.

Beer Portfolio

Boulevard offers a diverse lineup of beers across several categories, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs:

Flagship Beers

Unfiltered Wheat Beer – A cloudy, citrusy, easy-drinking wheat beer that helped define the Midwest craft beer palate.

Boulevard Pale Ale – The brewery’s original offering, a balanced, hop-forward American pale ale with a clean finish.

KC Pils – A classic American pilsner brewed with traditional European hops.

Smokestack Series

Launched in 2007, this series showcases more complex and experimental brews in large-format bottles. Highlights include:

Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale – A Belgian-style saison known for its fruity aroma, peppery finish, and high ABV.

Dark Truth Stout – An imperial stout with deep roasted flavors, chocolate, and coffee notes.

The Sixth Glass – A strong Belgian-style quadrupel ale rich in caramel and dark fruit.

Modern Innovations

Space Camper Cosmic IPA Series – A line of vibrant, juicy IPAs targeting hop lovers.

Quirk Hard Seltzers – Crafted with real fruit juice, offering flavor-forward alternatives in the seltzer market.

Fling Craft Cocktails – Canned cocktails blending spirits, mixers, and Boulevard’s creative flair.

Seasonal and limited-edition releases rotate throughout the year, including barrel-aged stouts, collaboration beers, and sour ales.

Brewery Campus and Visitor Experience

Boulevard’s presence is more than just a brewery-it’s a cultural attraction. The Tours & Recreation Center, located at 2534 Madison Avenue, features multiple floors of interactive exhibits, a retail shop, and the Beer Hall, a large rooftop tasting room and social hub.

Beer Hall

The spacious Beer Hall offers nearly 30 taps of Boulevard’s year-round, seasonal, experimental, and exclusive brews. Guests can sample flights, enjoy food from rotating food trucks or in-house offerings, and relax on the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Kansas City.

Tours

Boulevard offers several types of guided tours that showcase its history, brewing philosophy, and behind-the-scenes operations:

Brewery Tours – Standard 60-minute walking tours with tastings included ($10–$15).

Smokestack Tours – In-depth tours with paired tastings and insights into complex brewing styles ($35).

Barrel-Aged Tours – Saturdays only; focused on barrel-aging techniques and sampling rare brews ($30).

Behind-the-Scenes Unfiltered Tours – Premium tours for small groups offering a detailed look at the brewing, bottling, and cellaring processes ($40).
All tours must be reserved in advance and include branded glassware or keepsakes.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Boulevard integrates sustainability into its core operations:

Use of recycled and biodegradable materials in packaging.

Solar panels, energy recovery systems, and water conservation efforts in the brewery.

Composting and recycling programs throughout the facility.

Boulevard is deeply involved in the Kansas City community. It sponsors local events, arts initiatives, and fundraisers and frequently collaborates with sports teams such as the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. It also supports local nonprofits and hosts annual events such as Boulevardia, a citywide beer, food, and music festival.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

John McDonald’s pioneering vision helped usher in the craft beer renaissance across the Midwest. Boulevard remains not just a brewery but a symbol of Kansas City’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit, recognized nationally for quality and consistency. The brewery’s commitment to tradition, innovation, and hospitality has made it a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic, flavorful beer experiences.

Summary

Boulevard Brewing Company is a benchmark for American craft beer excellence. From its humble beginnings to becoming a regional powerhouse, it has consistently delivered high-quality, flavorful beers while staying true to its local roots. With an engaging visitor center, innovative product lines, and deep community ties, Boulevard continues to define what a modern craft brewery can be-authentic, evolving, and deeply connected to place.