Missouri and Washington are showing how craft breweries can thrive by blending local culture, community spaces, and sports enthusiasm. While Washington leads the nation in craft beer production, Missouri’s brewing scene is carving out its own unique identity, with both states embracing local fandom and building social hubs around their breweries.
Washington Tops National Craft Beer Production, Missouri Takes the Lead in Craft Breweries
According to the Brewers’ Association, Washington State ranks first among U.S. states for craft beer production, producing over 560,000 barrels annually in 2023. Despite this, Washington’s per capita production is relatively modest, with 3.0 gallons per adult over the age of 21, placing it 21st in the nation. Missouri, by comparison, sits close behind at 20th in brewery count, with 2.1 gallons produced per adult—though much of this figure is driven by the state’s growing craft beer sector.
In Missouri, one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Anheuser-Busch, still dominates, yet the craft beer movement continues to gain ground, especially in cities like Columbia, where the Trail Stop Brewery has become a notable success story.
The Rise of Community-Centered Breweries in Missouri and Washington
Trail Stop Brewery, which officially opened its doors on April 1, 2025, is a shining example of how craft breweries can act as vibrant community hubs. Located on a former floodplain near Columbia’s bustling downtown, the brewery offers a blend of craft beer, food, and recreational activities like pickleball. After five years of development and overcoming numerous challenges, Trail Stop has become a key spot for locals, blending the charm of small-town Missouri with a modern, community-oriented brewery experience.
The concept mirrors the success of the Trackside Beer Garden in Bellingham, Washington, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Like Trail Stop, Trackside offers not just great craft beer but also an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, featuring a spacious outdoor plaza that welcomes beer lovers from across the state.
The Power of Sports Fandom in Craft Beer Marketing
Sports are another common thread linking Missouri and Washington’s craft beer cultures. Missouri, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, has leveraged its passionate sports fanbase to propel its breweries into the spotlight. Anheuser-Busch, for instance, frequently taps into the fervor surrounding the Chiefs, creating special edition beers in collaboration with the team. As the state prepares for the launch of its sports betting industry, the synergy between Missouri’s brewing and sports industries is expected to grow, with bettors likely drawn to new craft beer promotions tied to their teams.
Adding to the excitement is Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who recently invested in Garage Beer, a craft brewery from Ohio, alongside his brother Jason. This move marks a growing trend of athletes investing in craft breweries, blending the worlds of sports and brewing in new and unexpected ways.
Washington, too, has seen athletes merge their love of sports and craft beer. Late last year, Seattle’s Dru Bru and Savage Brewing teamed up to host the “Party of Legends,” an event that featured three Seattle Seahawks icons—Kam Chancellor, Lofa Tatupu, and Walter Jones—each with their own signature beers. The event captured the essence of Washington’s culture, where craft beer and sports enthusiasts come together to celebrate local talent and brews.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Craft Beer in Missouri and Washington
While the number of craft breweries in Washington dwarfs that of Missouri, the two states share a similar strategy for expanding beer culture through community-driven experiences and sports. In the future, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Missouri’s craft brewers collaborate with athletes like Patrick Mahomes or Chris Jones to create special brews, further solidifying the state’s deep connection between sports and craft beer.
As both Missouri and Washington continue to develop their craft beer industries, it’s clear that the focus on local culture, community engagement, and sports fandom will remain key drivers in the growth and success of their brewing scenes.
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