If you’ve ever typed craft breweries near me or brewery Rapid City into your phone while craving something bold and local, chances are you’ve landed on us—Cohort Craft Brewery. But we’re more than just a name on a map. We’re a vibe, a story, and a community.
Meet Cohort Craft Brewery
Cohort was born from a love of craft beer and a refusal to follow the rules. Founder, Jason Kingsbury started as a home brewer back in the late ’90s, long before the Black Hills had a scene worth sipping. Fast-forward to 2020, and Cohort was officially incorporated—right in the middle of a global standstill. While others hit pause, we hit brew.
Our Rapid City location came together during a time when no one was making moves, which meant we could build something truly unique. Jason brought in what he loved, stripped out what he didn’t, and created a space that feels more like your best friend’s living room than a typical taproom.
And now, we’re proud to say our Hill City brewery is officially open—bringing the same Cohort energy to a new corner of the Black Hills.
A Neighborhood Brewery with No Middleman
We don’t do distribution. If you want our beer, you’ve gotta come hang out. That’s intentional. We want you to see the tanks, meet the brewers, and feel like this is your brewery. Our staff is handpicked, our music is just right, and our food hits the spot. It’s all about the experience.
We’re also soccer fanatics. Every four years, we go all-in for the World Cup, and we’re proud members of the American Outlaws. That energy is part of our DNA—and it’s now flowing through Hill City too.
What’s on Tap?
Our beer styles are eclectic and ever-changing. We didn’t plan on having flagships but Overcast and Kellerbier earned their permanent spots. Overcast is our crowd favorite, and Kellerbier? It’s a traditional German lager with naturally produced carbonation—no shortcuts, just time and temperature.
But here’s what really sets us apart: mead. Not only do we make it, we always have it on tap. We’re the only brewery in the Black Hills doing that. Our mead is made with 100% South Dakota honey from New Underwood, hand-delivered by the beekeeper himself. It’s local, it’s rare, and it’s delicious.
Small Batch, Big Flavor
We run one of the smallest brew systems in the state—by design. Our 5-barrel setup means fast turnover and the freshest beer in town. Nothing is pasteurized, nothing is filtered. Just pure, handcrafted beer.
Even our cans are different. We went with 12 oz formats because they’re more approachable and perfect for the neighborhood vibe. And yes, we asked around—everyone wanted 12 oz.
Why We Brew
Jason used to be a clinical dietician specializing in IV and nasal feedings. Now? He brews beer. His philosophy is simple: “Beer is food, bruh.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Want to know more about our journey? Check out Our Story and get to know the people, the passion, and the process behind Cohort Craft Brewery.
