Empyrean Seasonal 6Pk

Empyrean Seasonal 6Pk is a rotating six-pack of seasonal craft beer from Empyrean Brewing Co. in Lincoln, Nebraska, with ABV varying by release. As one of the state's longest-running craft breweries—founded in 1990—Empyrean's seasonal lineup, branded "Seasonal Navigators," features styles designed to reflect the character of each time of year.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by seasonal release  |  Origin: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA  |  Style: Rotating Seasonal  |  Brewery: Empyrean Brewing Co. (est. 1990)

Production & Heritage

Empyrean Brewing Co. has operated out of Lincoln's historic Haymarket district since 1990, making it a foundational name in Nebraska's craft beer movement. All Empyrean beers are unfiltered and unpasteurized, presented in what the brewery describes as their most natural state. The seasonal program rotates throughout the year, with past releases including Solar Flare Summer Lager (4.8% ABV), Golden Cypher Hazy IPA (6% ABV), and Winter Wisdom, a malt-forward winter warmer—each brewed in small batches to embody a specific season.

Tasting Notes

Because this is a rotating seasonal release, flavor profiles change with each edition. The following reflects the general range across recent Seasonal Navigator releases.

Aroma: Past seasonal releases have ranged from bright citrus and stone fruit (Golden Cypher) to roasted malt, hazelnut, and brown sugar (Winter Wisdom). Expect the aroma to align closely with the season—lighter and more floral in warmer months, deeper and more malt-driven in colder ones.

Taste: Summer editions like Solar Flare lean crisp and smooth with restrained malt sweetness, while hop-forward releases like Golden Cypher deliver layers of orange, apricot, and mango. Winter releases tend toward roasted grain, caramel, and toasted nut flavors that build through the mid-palate.

Finish: Lighter seasonal styles finish clean and dry, while darker, maltier editions carry a lingering warmth with notes of toffee or subtle bitterness. The unfiltered, unpasteurized approach gives each release a slightly fuller body and more textured close than comparable filtered beers.

How to Drink Empyrean Seasonal

Pour into a pint glass or tulip to let the unfiltered character express itself fully; temperature should match the style—colder for lagers and lighter ales, slightly warmer for darker winter releases. A summer seasonal like Solar Flare works well in a Radler, mixed with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV refresher. Hop-forward editions like Golden Cypher shine in a Beermosa, paired with fresh orange juice to amplify the citrus notes. Malt-driven winter releases can stand in for stout in a Beer Float, layered over vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert serve.

Best For

• Exploring Nebraska's craft beer scene through a single brewery's seasonal range
• Bringing a conversation-starting local beer to a dinner party or cookout
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values small-batch, unfiltered production
• Pairing with seasonal meals—summer grilling through winter comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Empyrean Seasonal taste like? The flavor profile changes with each rotating release; summer editions tend toward crisp, clean, and lightly sweet, while winter releases feature roasted malt, caramel, and nut-forward flavors. Hop-forward seasonal editions deliver tropical and citrus fruit notes.

How does Empyrean Seasonal compare to other rotating seasonal packs? Unlike many regional seasonals from larger breweries, Empyrean's releases are unfiltered and unpasteurized, resulting in a fuller body and more raw grain character. The small-batch approach in Lincoln's Haymarket district gives each release a distinctly local, less industrialized profile.

Is Empyrean Seasonal good for craft beer beginners? Yes—the rotating format exposes new drinkers to a range of styles throughout the year, and lighter releases like Solar Flare (4.8% ABV) are approachable and sessionable.

Where is Empyrean Seasonal made? Empyrean Seasonal beers are brewed at Empyrean Brewing Co. in the Haymarket district of Lincoln, Nebraska. The brewery was founded in 1990 and is one of the pioneering craft breweries in the state.

What foods pair well with Empyrean Seasonal? Summer lager releases pair well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or light salads due to their crisp, clean profiles. Hazy IPA editions complement spicy Thai or Indian dishes, where hop-driven fruit notes balance the heat. Winter seasonal releases with roasted malt and caramel stand up to smoked brisket, sharp cheddar, or chocolate desserts.

What sizes does Empyrean Seasonal come in? The Empyrean Seasonal is available as a six-pack; check current availability for specific can or bottle format, as packaging may vary by release.

Is Empyrean Seasonal worth the price? Empyrean Seasonal positions in the mid-range craft beer tier, and the unfiltered, unpasteurized, small-batch production method represents solid value compared to similarly produced craft seasonals from coastal breweries with higher price points.

Why Empyrean Seasonal?

Empyrean Brewing has been producing beer in Nebraska since 1990—over three decades of continuous operation that few craft breweries in the region can match. The commitment to releasing every beer unfiltered and unpasteurized sets the Seasonal Navigator program apart from competitors who prioritize shelf stability over raw flavor. Each rotating release is designed around the season rather than chasing trends, resulting in beers calibrated to the food and weather of the moment. For drinkers seeking genuinely small-batch, locally rooted craft beer with a sense of place, this six-pack delivers a snapshot of one of the Midwest's most established brewing programs.