Transparent Brewing Company Celebrates 5 Years of Beer, Resilience, and Community

From launching during a pandemic to becoming a local favorite, the Grandview brewery toasts five years of craft beer with a full-day anniversary celebration

GRANDVIEW, MO (July 23, 2025) — Transparent Brewing Company is marking a major milestone this summer: five years of brewing beer and building community in Grandview. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 12 PM to 10 PM, the brewery invites the public to celebrate how far they’ve come—and where they’re headed. 

Launched in 2020 by Nolan Brown, alongside Nolan’s parents, Mark and Michelle Brown, Transparent Brewing opened its doors during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. What followed was more than just a crash course in running a business—it was a true test of resilience, creativity, and the strength of community support.

“We like to joke that we had a two-year soft opening,” said Nolan Brown, founder and head brewer. “But honestly, that time shaped who we are. We learned to adapt, we leaned on each other, and we built something real with the people around us.” 

Nolan’s path to brewing began in college, where he blended his background in biology and chemistry with homebrewing. After walking away from a planned medical career, he dove into the brewing industry, proving himself before founding Transparent Brewing with the support of his family. The name "Transparent" reflects the brewery’s core values of openness, education, and honest hospitality. The team intentionally avoids distractions—like TVs—in favor of conversation, and they’ve built a welcoming space where strangers become regulars, and regulars become friends. 

From construction to day-to-day operations, sustainability has been part of Transparent’s identity from the beginning. The taproom features reclaimed materials, including wood from a 1920s hay barn, recycled plastic tables, and native Missouri landscaping. Future plans include solar panels, a greywater system, and expanded eco-friendly brewing infrastructure. 

Transparent continues to grow, with production increasing 30% year over year. In 2025, the brewery added new fermenters and plans to install horizontal lagering tanks to expand its lineup. They’ve also introduced limited-run beer series and are steadily building their private events program. 

“Five years is wild,” said Brown. “There were a lot of sleepless nights, but seeing how people have connected through this place—it makes it all worth it. If you haven’t been here before, this anniversary is the perfect time to see what we’re about.” 

The brewery’s 5-year anniversary will feature four special beer releases, including the fifth edition of “What Barrels?” Barrel-Aged Barleywine, the launch of three new rotating beer series (Brewer’s Series, Hop Series, and Cellar Series), and live music on the patio with Micah Smith at 12 PM, The Black Diamond (Neil Diamond Tribute) at 3 PM, and Tim & Ang at 6:30 PM. There will be free raffles throughout the afternoon for merchandise and brewery swag, commemorative glassware for the first 100 guests, lawn games, and all-day food from The Kitchen at Transparent. 

About Transparent Brewing Company

Founded in 2020 in Grandview, Missouri, Transparent Brewing Company was built on the belief that beer should be approachable, honest, and shared. With a focus on lower-ABV, flavorful beer, the family-owned brewery has become a local favorite for its welcoming taproom, sustainable practices, and dedication to community. Transparent is more than a name—it's a philosophy reflected in every pint forged inside their walls. Learn more at transparentbrewingcompany.com or follow @transparentbrewing on social media.