USA, KS: Happy Basset Brewing opens its doors in Topeka on July 22

A new microbrewery in Topeka opened its doors on July 22 with four brews on tap and a packed house, cjonline.com reported.

Eric and Marne Craver were busy behind their business’ small bar about 4:30 p.m., just half an hour after Happy Basset Brewing Co. opened for business in the Villa West shopping center, 6044 S.W. 29th.

“Clearly it’s going well,” Marne Craver said.

Dozens of the couple’s friends and supporters crowded the small space to sip craft beer and cocktails and offer congratulations to the couple. Craver said the couple is planning to expand the business by purchasing an available space next door in the shopping center.

Happy Basset Brewing currently has four beers on tap: two cream ales, a porter and an IPA, Craver said. The business plans to keep six to eight beers on tap in the future, she said, but they haven’t yet had time to brew more because they only recently received their license.

The brewery will offer its beers and cocktails from Wednesday through Sunday. Because it doesn’t have a kitchen, customers are welcome to bring their own food. Craver said the couple also hopes that, after the business becomes more established, food trucks may park outside.

In a news release earlier in the week, the Cravers shared they would give Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant owner Jay Ives and brewmaster John Dean the first opportunity to purchase beer Friday at Happy Basset. The long-established brewery has been working with Happy Basset Brewing and a second brewery during the start-up process to teach them the ropes, and the Cravers wanted to show their appreciation for that support.

“Following my dream to open a brewery has been a long road and we have had so much support from our family, friends and the entire community,” Eric Craver said in a statement. “With all the support we’ve received, John has shown me what the craft beer industry is all about through his collaboration and support.”

Earlier this year, Dean invited the brewers at Happy Basset Brewing and Norsemen Brewing, which plans to open soon, for a collaborative lager brew named Topeka Beermuda Triangle.

The Cravers plan to hold a grand opening for Happy Basset Brewing in August.

24 July, 2016