Grain to Glass owner Jennifer Helber organizes and hosts Picnique Belgique, a Belgian-inspired beer festival held on Saturday, September 7, 5-9 pm. The festival has limited ticket sales to minimize lines at the taps. Award-winning homebrewers will pour Belgian-inspired beers. Beers from Boulevard Brewing and Duvel USA will also be on tap and served in a souvenir taster glass. Nosh on Belgian-inspired foods, starting with Belgian fries, along with a salad and main course. The meal concludes with a special dessert catered by neighbor Chef Tito’s American Fusion.
Guest speaker Keke Gibb, a microbiologist at Boulevard Brewing, will discuss the yeast evolution of saison and abbey beer styles, and Belgian yeast flavor production. Finally, winners of the Picnique Belgique homebrew competition will be announced and awarded after the speaker.
Guests may participate in a raffle of special Belgian beer items. Proceeds will help Michael Wells, a local homebrewer battling cancer, and his family. Picnique Belgique takes place both outdoors under a tent and inside the shop. Admission is $45 in advance, $50 day of the event.
on tap at Grain to Glass. Photo Credit: Claire Gibson
About Grain to Glass
Helber originally opened Grain to Glass, a homebrewing supply retail shop, in August 2012 when Greater Kansas City’s craft beer boom was on the rise. She moved the store from the River Market to North Kansas City in March 2014 where it continues to operate.
Helber previously worked for nine years as a quality assurance sensory specialist and microbiologist at Boulevard Brewing. She established and equipped the brewery’s quality assurance laboratory. She also worked as a microbiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. When it comes to homebrewing, Helber thoroughly understands the yeast and bacteria involved with brewing.
pre-packaged in home brewing kits. Photo credit: Claire Gibson
Grain to Glass provides equipment, supplies such as milled grain and yeast, and classes for homebrewers. Helber is a key resource for newcomers to the hobby.
“Our best-selling categories include brewing equipment, packaged craft beer, grains for brewing, draft supplies, and brewing ingredient kits that feature our own recipes,” Helber says. “Newcomers to the shop should know that we aim to help new brewers through customer service and classes. We also do weekly tastings on Thursdays to teach beer styles.”
Craft beer fans may also visit and drink beer in the modest taproom. Grain to Glass has a rotation of four beers on tap. The selection highlights beers that are local/regional, limited-release, and seasonal beers that are fun to explore. The shop carries a curated collection of craft beer, local wine from Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery, and cider.
Click here for store hours and turn-by-turn directions
Grain to Glass, 1611 Swift, North Kansas City, 816-472-0516