When a task or project gets particularly trying or dicy, we like to ask the question:

“How do you eat an elephant?”

To the average person, it is an absurd question. Other queries arise. Why would I want to eat an elephant? What kind of bat shit statement is this?

There is a select group of people, 1 out of 10 who immediately approach the question as a problem to solve. Ultimately they come to a conclusion and say something to the effect of “One bite at a time.”

That is how you eat an elephant.

The enormity of any task can be broken down to a series of steps. In this way one can accomplish most anything, like opening your own brewery highlighting the techniques of lambic beers brewed for centuries by Trappist Monks. These beers are often described with the words crisp, tart, wild, light and dare we say, “Wine Like”.

It is  the latest and greatest trend in beer but Crane Brewing Company is different. They are a band apart. They are masters of the craft and have been quietly at practice for years. How does one go about becoming a master craftsman? Passion and practice are key components but distribution and a brewery in Raytown MO doesn’t hurt either. After all, this is more than the hobby where it all began with Michael Crane whipping up batchers of beer to pass the time with his son. This is Crane Brewing Company and they are set to stamp a mark on the Kansas City brew scene.

Witness The Craft Photo Gallery

Crane’s 750ml magnum  bottles are beautifully adorned with origami images. Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. You can spend hours and hours perfecting tiny folds to create elaborate wild flowers, bugs and creatures. It is no coincidence that the same amount of patience and attention can create  effervescent elixirs of wild fruit alive with brettanomyces and lactobacillus “bugs.” No worries. These are friendly bacteria, similar to those found in your yogurt or cherry Kombucha. How lucky we are to have such great and friendly people dedicated to mastering the art of hops, malt and yeast in Kansas City.

“What is more fun than to sit around a table sharing some unique craft beers…,” says Crane. “Enjoying each others company, that is the focus of the styles of beer we do.”

Pop the top on a Crane brew. These beers are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed over a nice meal with friends and family. 

Perhaps elephant tartare?

The first flagship Crane brews include:

• Saison at 6.8% ABV
• Orange Gose  4.1% ABV
• Farmhouse IPA 6.8%  ABV
• Apricot Weiss 4.5% ABV
• Grapefruit  Gose 4.1% ABV

Upcoming offerings:

• Tea Weiss 4.1%  ABV
• Beet weisse 4.5% ABV