Hopping Gnome Brewing

I stopped in at Hopping Gnome a couple weeks ago while exploring Wichita. They seem to have recently moved their taproom across the alley from their old location, so while the beer is brewed in a different building, I’d still call this the “brewery” (the old location is no longer open to the public). The taproom is a funky, welcoming space, with a couple TVs, but also folks playing games and some families there. There’s a pretty big outdoor space, too, which is cool. Service was quick and polite for me, if not gregarious.

There were about 16 beers on tap on my visit, with styles including hazy IPA, doppelbock, Munich lager, Irish red, pale, black IPA, strawberry blonde ale, märzen, ESB, coffee stout, American wheat, amber, saison, and a couple kettle sours; so, a pretty good selection of styles. Quality of the beers that I had was not bad, although also not really outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not a fan of this place. I've been twice and won't be back.

The inside just looks plain unfinished when I was there last. It didn't make me feel comfortable, and felt a little dirty. Perhaps this has improved.

The beers aren't impressive, with almost all of them just having the wrong mouthfeel and so-so taste.

 

 

By far the best brewery in Wichita! Located in an old building close to "Old Town" the Hopping Gnome brings quality craft beer to Wichita. I always make it a point to stop in and have a few pints and say hello. The locals are friendly and will start up a conversation with you and the owners will guide you in your beer selections. I see big things coming from Hopping Gnome. They know their beer well and can only get better!

This is a small taproom that's easy to find on Douglas Ave. There's some cool local artwork, but the space feels a little odd otherwise. The staff was very friendly, helpful and talkative. The beers ranged from okay to good. I hope they improve as they gain experience.

 

Fairly disappointed in my first visit. Had a flight witht the strong bitter, saison, Hefeweizen, pale ale, and amber ale. Saison was pretty good and Amber decent. The rest were pretty uninspiring. A strangely high spice level is detected in all the beers, with a soapy flavor coming though in the Hefeweizen and pale ale.