The Liquid Speaks: Jazzman Scores a 94 in Craft Beer & Brewing

When we opened Vine Street Brewing Co., we made a promise to the 18th & Vine Jazz District: we weren’t just going to build a beautiful space. We were going to brew world-class beer. 

This week, the liquid spoke for itself. 

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine, one of the most respected voices in the industry, just reviewed Jazzman—our flagship Schwarzbier (Black Lager)—and gave it an outstanding 94 score.

Here is what their editors had to say:

"Dark chocolate in the aroma with a slight charcoal and burnt-bread-crust tinge. Open and lighter in the flavor with a very subtle malt note that softens without sweetening. Crisp and concise finish with lingering lightly bitter dark chocolate."

For a brewery that is barely scratching the surface of what we plan to do, a 94 on a national stage is massive validation. It’s a testament to Elliott, who wrote this original homebrew recipe that became our flagship, along with Brewer Dez Jones and Cellar Woman Keira, who obsess over the dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes in every single batch to ensure it finishes crisp and clean.

Kansas City liquid is world-class across the board right now—shoutout to our peers at BKS Artisan Ales, Strange Days Brewing Co., and Boulevard Brewing for also pulling massive scores—but we're proud to hold it down for 18th & Vine.

We’ve always said that culture is our foundation, but the beer is our vehicle. Jazzman is the beer that proves we aren't just here to participate—we're here to set the standard.

Jazzman will be back on draft and in 4-packs in the next two weeks. Keep an eye out and get ready to taste a 94.