Getting to Know NSBC

NSBC has been able to continue to grow its business largely due to the support of friends, family, business partners, and huge support from the community along our “ale trail”. NSBC has a phenomenal presence on social media thanks to Kat Smith, Mark’s wife and Vice President of NSBC. Kat has a knack for social media and works hard to promote the community, events, amenities of the brewery, and more. Be sure to give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram.

In the past three years, Natural State Beer Company has endured covid, won an award, and introduced new events for patrons. When asked what was next for Natural State Dan answered “We don’t want to abandon what we’ve created.” NSBC has been deliberate in everything they do from their name, their location, and optimizing their space for families, friends, and even dogs (did we mention they’re dog friendly). In 2021, Natural State Beer Company won Gold for their Maibock, a pale strong malty German Lager similar to a Helles, at The Great American Beer Festival, which came as a surprise to Mark who had been to the festival for years as an attendee. 

The Beer

Like most breweries, NSBC’s menu originated from recipes that the owners had homebrewed over the years. Unlike most homebrewers, Mark and Dan both have an affinity for home brewing lagers. The German Purity Law of 1516, Reinheitsgebot, is NSBC’s standard for the primary lagers on tap, using only malt, hops, water, and yeast. They gravitate towards lagers as they are often experientially simpler than ales, crisp and refreshing. NSBC also aims to keep alcohol content lower for many of their beers, allowing them to be what the industry calls “sessionable”; highly drinkable without making the consumer full. There are 8 primary beers on the menu that will always be available, with 3-4 seasonal beers rotating. Guests often try the variety of colors and flavors through flights of 6 to 8 beers to identify their favorites. Beers that do not conform to the German purity law are dubbed NSBC’s “Unnatural Series” and are rotated in occasionally. Also, beers above 6.5% ABV are dubbed their “Supernatural Series”.

NSBC wants their patrons to feel like they are learning and understanding about the beer. They traditionally do not name their beers, so patrons focus on and better recall the style of beer they are drinking. However they broke their own rule, and launched the first named beer called the Greenway Light Lager; a tribute to the patrons that frequently purchased “to go” beers as they came off the bike trail. This lager is 3.6% ABV | 15 IBU with fewer calories and is highly sessionable!

Unlike brewpubs, NSBC can not not serve food; however, Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken sits just outside the brewery’s front door. Patrons can order food at the truck window, hop inside to get tableside service for their beer (something unique to NSBC), and get their food when ready. The food menu includes spicy hot chicken (no worries there’s 5 spice levels), a salad, and freshing sides like slaw and potatoes. We recommened the bacon & blue potato salad, its the perfect side to off balance the heat of the chicken.

NSBC Legacy

NSBC wants to be remembered for great beer and for advocating for the NWA Community. Over the years they have been able to help support local non-profits like Autism Involves Me (AIM), which is a local organization here in NWA. Mark and Kat’s oldest son, Ryan, who works at the brewery and taproom has Asperger’s so this organization hits close to home for them and they wanted to support the local chapter. They were able to present AIM with a donation and Ryan was right there with them to help present. This past April, Natural State proudly served as an advocacy sponsor for Child Abuse Awareness Month with the local Children,s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas chapter. As parents and business owners, its important for NSBC to advocate for child safety and providing a safe family friendly environment. Natural State also partners with Ale-Truism, an organization that helps breweries organize, coordinate and collaborate in their charitable giving and receipts. You will find NSBC and Ale-Truism working together at the NWA Oktoberfest this September 23, 2023. Learn more about the event here.

Natural State Beer Company has weekly events, new beers, and a new food truck. They’ve got something for everyone all week long:

• On Sundays you can enjoy trivia with their emcee Kaitlin “K2” and win prizes while enjoying some European Lager beer
• Mondays are dedicated to Music Bingo, a mix of “Name that Tune” and traditional bingo. NSBC mixes it up each week with a new playlist and winners can walk away with prizes ranging from glassware to gift cards.
• Progressive Tuesday- Win big discounts by coming in early on Tuesdays. The earlier you arrive, the more you save: 11am to 3pm – 50% off 0.5L NSBC Drafts // 3pm to 4pm – 33% off 0.5L NSBC Drafts //4pm to 5pm – 16% off 0.5L NSBC Drafts // After 5pm – Normal Pricing
• On Wednesdays you’ll find the Natural State Running Club enjoying some Greenway Light Lager, a lighter version of their Helles with fewer calories, less alcohol and gluten reduced. 10% discount for all who participate, Runners, walkers, and bikers welcome!
• Thursday Night Live- Rock & Roll with NSBC and enjoy live local music on the patio. No cover needed.

The Natural State Beer Company is excited for the future in NWA. Stop by for some refreshing beer, live music, hot chicken, and more. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.