Five years is a milestone worth raising a glass
Surviving and thriving in today’s craft beer market is no small feat. Transparent Brewing Co., a family-owned brewery in Grandview, Missouri, is hitting that five-year mark on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The brewery will host an all-day anniversary celebration with special beer releases, live music, raffles, and more. Founded in 2020 by Nolan Brown and his parents, Mark and Michelle, Transparent Brewing opened during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Browns turned those challenges into opportunities, building a community-focused brewery that now stands as a fixture in the Kansas City beer scene. From the press release:
“We like to joke that we had a two-year soft opening,” said Nolan Brown, founder and head brewer. “But honestly, that time shaped who we are. We learned to adapt, we leaned on each other, and we built something real with the people around us.”
Brewing with approachability and sustainability
Transparent is known for its lower-ABV beers, designed for flavor without excess strength. The tap list changes frequently but highlights have included:
- Kickstand Kölsch — crisp and floral at 4.6% ABV
- Lucent Galaxies Pale Ale — hoppy with Galaxy and Citra at 5.6% ABV
- Oui Bit Fancy Saison — a 6.8% farmhouse ale with subtle spice
- Tippin’ Stout — rich with chocolate and coffee notes at 6.9% ABV
From the beginning, sustainability has been central to Transparent’s identity. The brewery taproom incorporates reclaimed wood from a 1920s hay barn, recycled plastic tables, and native Missouri landscaping. Future plans include solar panels, a greywater system, and horizontal lagering tanks to expand brewing capacity.
A celebration of community and craft
The anniversary party runs from 12 to 10 pm on August 23. Visitors can expect:
- Four special beer releases, including the fifth edition of What Barrels? Barrel-Aged Barleywine
- The debut of three rotating beer series: Brewer’s Series, Hop Series, and Cellar Series
- Live music on the patio:
- 12 pm — Micah Smith
- 3 pm — The Black Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute)
- 6:30 pm — Tim & Ang
- Raffles for merchandise and brewery swag throughout the afternoon
- Commemorative glassware for the first 100 guests (see first photo!)
- Lawn games and all-day food from The Kitchen at Transparent
Why this anniversary matters
Transparent Brewing’s fifth anniversary is about more than beer. It’s about resilience, creativity, and building a space where locals and visitors connect. The Browns launched their brewery during one of the hardest times for small businesses and came out stronger, growing production by 30% year over year. From the press release:
“Five years is wild,” said Brown. “There were a lot of sleepless nights, but seeing how people have connected through this place — it makes it all worth it. If you haven’t been here before, this anniversary is the perfect time to see what we’re about.”
Plan your visit
Beer lovers in the Kansas City area should make the trip to Grandview this weekend. Whether you’re after a barrel-aged sipper, a crisp patio beer, or just a good time with friends, Transparent Brewing’s five-year celebration will deliver. Congrats.
