Arrowhead Pride Beer of the Week: Crane Brewing Champ Stamp

Welcome to another edition of the Beer of the Week!

As always, the Beer of the Week will be presented on the Arrowhead Pride Tailgate on 610 Sports Radio. This week’s show will happen from 5:20 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. on Sunday.

Another home game means another local brewery with a limited distribution footprint for those traveling in from out of town to try. With a Sunday night start time, what better brewery to choose than the closest one to the stadium — and what better beer than a Chiefs-themed beer!

This week’s Beer of the Week is Crane Brewing Company Champ Stamp!

A 5% ABV cream ale, Champ Stamp is tank conditioned for two months. It’s a crisp, refreshing style brewed with ale yeast and typically cold-conditioned for several months to reduce fruity esters. This gives a light, clean flavor to the beer and is a style that is easily approachable by any beer drinker.

Crane Brewing Company officially debuted in 2014, consisting of an assemblage of local home-brewers. Their coming-out party at the Parkville Microbrew Festival had the Kansas City beer scene buzzing about the amazing saisons and sours that this small brewery was putting out. After inking a deal with a distributor, Crane constructed their brewery and tap room — the closest brewery to Arrowhead Stadium. Featuring wild ales, saisons, sours and IPAs, Crane is not your run-of-the-mill spot. From a personal standpoint, I regularly have Crane’s Farmhouse IPA in my beer fridge as a terrific staple beer.

I got the opportunity to talk to one of Crane’s co-founders, Chris Meyers, about Champ Stamp, building a brewery, and the Chiefs.

CS: What was the first beer you made as a home-brewer?

CM: “It was a Marzen-Style Ale.”

CS: How did you take your home-brewing passion and turn it into a brewery?

CM: “Step by step, with the right people. I was fortunate to find two awesome partners, Michael (Crane) and Jason (Louk). We met every Sunday for over a year working on our plan and moving things along.”

CS: What’s your favorite part about brewing in Kansas City?

CM: “Kansas City has always been a special place for creative people in food and beverage. This city appreciates makers that put their heart into what they do.”

CS: What drew you to making “Champ Stamp”?

CM: “This beer was brewed in honor of David Leach, the gentleman who received some praise for his “Champ Stamp” tattoo of Patrick Mahomes on his lower back.”

CS: What’s your favorite memory as a Chiefs fan? Favorite player?

CM: “I do have to admit it was this past season and it is because of Mahomes. I am impressed by his talent of course but more so how he treats people off the field.”

CS: After people swing by Crane this weekend, they’ll head out to Arrowhead to watch Sunday Night Football. What’s your prediction for the Chiefs vs. the Colts?

CM: “We’re gonna break those ponies!”

Many thanks to Chris Meyer and Crane Brewing Company for taking time out to answer some questions and for making great beer! If you’re in Kansas City this weekend — or any weekend — make sure you stop by Crane Brewing to sample some of Kansas City’s finest local brews!

Check back here this time next week for the new Beer of the Week!