THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

If you are familiar with craft beer in Nebraska in general, and with Kinkaider Brewing Co. specifically, then you have heard the name or seen the face or both of Dan the Wiser.  Dan the Wiser and his trusted Harley are visible on Kinkaider products and promo, most notably the signature beer (and t-shirt and tin tacker and Hawaiian shirt) which carries his name – Dan the Wiser – a light, easy drinking Kolsch.

But who is Dan the Wiser?

Dan the Wiser, whose real name is Dan Hodges, is one of the 4 owners of Kinkaider Brewing Co. based in Broken Bow, Nebraska.  He is also the head brewer and “designer” of all the delicious beer varieties that Kinkaider offers, both year around staples, to seasonals, to special “one off” offerings.

Dan turned wrenches for much of his life, owning his own repair shop in Thedford, Nebraska, where he still currently resides with his wife Alice.  When Dan decided to “retire” and sell the shop he and Alice were going to retire in style by traveling and touring the country on his Harley.  But before he could hit the road, a proposal came his way.  A proposal to open a brewery.  A proposal that Dan couldn’t resist.  A proposal that pulled him out of retirement as quickly as he’d gotten “in”.  Dan was now not only a part owner, but the head brewer for the new brewery, Kinkaider Brewing Co.

Oh, I might mention that Dan had been home brewing for over 15 years and was part of a well established home brewing community throughout the state.  Dan was no stranger to beer.  It didn’t hurt that he liked to drink the stuff too and had lots of practice.

Now, 8 years later, Dan’s name, face and legacy are all over the state of Nebraska.  If you talk craft beer, you know Dan the Wiser.  

Nowadays, Dan has gotten help brewing from his son Jesse who has taken over a lot of the day-to-day brewing grind.  Now, Dan gets to do the “fun” stuff.  He is currently spending his days brewing small batches of specialty beers that are only available at Kinkaider taprooms on tap – his “Wiser Choice” selections have been a huge hit and often times are gone within the first few days of their tapping.  

You can also catch up to Dan via the “Dan phone” located at all 4 Kinkaider taprooms.  Pick up the Dan phone and it rings directly to the brewery.  There you can leave Dan a message or you might be surprised with him actually picking up the phone to chat.  It happens!  And even if it doesn’t, every message is listened too.  

So, whether a trip to the brewery, drinking one of Kinkaider’s beers, sporting Dan on a piece of merch or calling him on the Dan phone, you get to be a part of the legacy of The Man, The Myth, The Legend – Dan the Wiser!

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