Free State Brewing
American craft brewery in Kansas.
Last updated August 31, 2026
Overview
Free State Brewing is a craft brewery in Lawrence, Kansas, founded by Chuck Magerl in 1989, the first craft brewery in Kansas.
Products and positioning
Craft beer
Product categories. Beer · Craft beer · Bottled beer · Pale ale · Stout · Golden ale
Flagship businesses
- Free State Oatmeal Stout
- Ad Astra Ale
- Copperhead Pale Ale
- Oatmeal Stout
- Wheat State Golden
Leadership
| Name | Title | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck Magerl | Founder | 1989– |
Recent events
- 2010Free State Brewing Company announces regional distribution expansion
The brewery announced plans to distribute its beer to vendors in Kansas and Missouri, with the proposed reach extending as far east as St. Louis.
Other - 2010Free State begins bottled-beer sales in Lawrence
On May 21, 2010, Free State began distributing bottled beer to Lawrence stores. The initial release included Copperhead Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Ad Astra Ale, and Wheat State Golden.
Product launch - 1991Ad Astra Ale earns recognition at the Great American Beer Festival
Ad Astra Ale won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival, one of the brewery’s earliest documented competitive distinctions.
Other
Sources
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