If you remember in January of 2020, we toured all around Yankton, and one of the businesses I noticed right away while walking around downtown was Ben’s Brewing, and their inviting patio. I knew eventually
If you remember in January of 2020, we toured all around Yankton, and one of the businesses I noticed right away while walking around downtown was Ben’s Brewing, and their inviting patio. I knew eventually I wanted to feature local breweries on my blog, so I decided to stave off my visit to Ben’s, knowing eventually I would come back to Yankton just for this recognizable brand.
Well, after deciding to feature breweries in June, my husband and I decided to go back up to the River City to visit this local favorite. And having heard about Ben’s for the past three years, you can imagine how surprised I was to learn they had their beginning back in 2005. Originally operating out of a local bar, owners Ben Hanten and Perry Volden eventually opened their own establishment, and now have 20 beers on tap, which you can review here (https://www.taphunter.com/brewery/bens-brewing/4909800431943680).
Wall to wall beer
As usual, I wanted to try different brews outside of my go-to favorites of Stouts and Sours, so I ordered a flight, and since they currently did not have a stout on tap, I settled for a porter, but not just any porter, Ben’s Peanut Butter Cup porter! And once I took one sip of this beauty, I immediately knew I was going to nurse this lovely dessert until the bitter end.
Continuing on, I tried Ben’s refreshing Strawberry Blonde and their incredible 10.67% ABV Barleywine, and finally a fruity Lemon Grapefruit sour. My husband decided on a pint of Ben’s Kelly Cove blonde ale, while we spent about an hour here admiring Ben’s collection of retro beer cans.
For Christmas a few years back, I bought my husband a collection of vintage beer cans from a downtown secondhand store. In all, my husband’s personal collection consists of about 100 cans total, so when we noticed Ben’s assortment you can imagine how impressed we were.
Plan your visit
Being a traditional brewery, Ben’s does not serve any food, but they do have a large selection of liquor for those who want to venture off and enjoy some mixed drinks. And they also no longer have their brewery on site, rather, it has moved to its new location on 719 Walnut Street. Expanding became a must for Ben’s Brewing when they realized they were outgrowing their original location. Consisting of 28 beers on tap, this taproom headquarters also offers patrons pinball games and over 28,000 square feet to roam.
And finally, while you’re at Ben’s, make your way upstairs to their Speakeasy, where you’ll be welcomed into a small space with big intentions to impress visitors. With only six beers on tap, their emphasis is on uniquely handmade cocktails consisting of local ingredients intended to impress the patron. In addition, they host live bands almost every weekend, so if you’re wanting a truly intimate escape with some down-to-earth locals, make your way up to the River City one weekend, and enjoy your stay.
For more information on Ben’s Brewing and their hours of operation for all three locations, visit their website (https://www.bensbrewing.shop/), and keep up to date on current events and special offers via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bensbrewstation/).
