Trendsetting Crossroads brewer taps another first: KC’s only locally-owned non-alcoholic beer

A star on the Kansas City craft beer is setting a new baseline for inclusivity on the local brewing scene, said Eric Martens, introducing the metro’s first hometown non-alcoholic beer — a product of months dedication and innovation, he added.

Eric Martens, Border Brewing Co., courtesy photo

Border Brewing Co. on Friday announced its new Baseline brew — a canned offering crafted to provide a high-quality option for those seeking to enjoy the flavors of craft beer without alcohol, said Martens, owner and founder of Border Brewing Co.

It launched with two styles — Pale and Amber — with additional styles currently in planning.

“Baseline represents a new chapter for us,” he said. “Creating a non-alcoholic beer is no small feat — it requires precision, innovation, and an in-depth understanding of brewing processes, regulations, and testing. We’ve spent the past year perfecting Baseline to ensure it delivers the bold flavors and quality our customers expect while meeting the growing demand for high-quality NA options.”

The new non-alcoholic Baseline beer is now available at the Border Brewing Co. Taproom at 512 E. 18th St. in the Crossroads — and online — with plans to expand to select Kansas City retailers, bars, and restaurants soon, Martens said.

Baseline is more than a non-alcoholic beer, he added, noting it’s part a movement toward inclusivity in craft beverages. As health and wellness trends rise, the demand for non-alcoholic options is skyrocketing, and Baseline is poised to meet this need while staying true to Border Brewing Co.’s commitment to craftsmanship and community, Martens said.

“We’re proud to offer a product that stays true to the craft beer experience while providing an option for anyone seeking balance,” he continued, describing it as the embodiment of the local craft beer scene’s spirit. 

Border Brewing Co.’s Baseline Pale non-alcoholic beer, courtesy photo

Founded in 2015 as the first brewery and taproom in Kansas City’s Crossroads, Border Brewing Co. is continuing to innovate while remaining a cornerstone of the local brewing community, Martens said. Introducing the city’s first KC-owned non-alcoholic beer is part of his team’s dedication to crafting approachable, high-quality drinks that bridge the gap between people and craft beverages.

Border Brewing Co. also is the maker of Kin Seltzer — a collaborative project billed as the first Black-owned hard seltzer — which also strives to add inclusivity to the industry.

From the archives: Kin crafts flavor into hard seltzer market, targeting overlooked Black consumers looking for authentic social experiences