The Big Nob: Nebraska's Top Hop Champion Arrives Today!

The Big Nob is a hoppy beer brewed annually by Pals Brewing Company to honor the legacy of Paul and Mark’s father. Having just won the Nebraska Top Hop competition, this massive 83 IBU fruit-forward beer releases today, March 22, 2026, at the North Platte taproom.

Why is this beer called The Big Nob?

If you’ve spent any time at Pals Brewing Company, you know we aren’t exactly the 'pinky-up' kind of establishment. We like our beer cold, our jokes slightly questionable, and our family stories legendary. The Big Nob isn’t just a catchy name designed to make you chuckle into your pint glass—though it certainly does that. It is a heartfelt, albeit hilarious, tribute to the man who started it all: Paul and Mark’s father, The Big Nob.

He wasn't just 'Dad.' He was a presence. A man who commanded the room, usually with a beer in hand and a quip that could stop a freight train. His nickname, 'The Big Nob,' was earned through years of being the ultimate Nob in the family, the guy who duct taped everything and, occasionally, the guy who was just a little bit too stubborn for his own good. What a Nob. In the world of Pals, honoring the patriarch doesn’t involve a somber plaque or a dusty portrait. No, we honor him the only way he would have approved: by brewing a beer so big, so bold, and so unapologetically loud with hops that you can practically hear him tasting it with a "Bllleeeaaggghhh". The Big Nob wasn't exactly a fan of hops lol.

Every year, we release this beer on the anniversary of his passing. It’s a day of celebration, a day of remembrance, and a day where we see exactly how many of you can handle a beer that clocks in at a staggering 9.8% ABV. It’s a liquid legacy, and this year, that legacy just got a whole lot shinier.

How did The Big Nob win the Nebraska Top Hop competition?

If you believe in destiny, or just really good timing, you’ll appreciate this. Yesterday, March 21st, 2026—just one day before the official release—The Big Nob was entered into the prestigious Nebraska Top Hop competition. This isn't just a small-town 'whose basement smells most like yeast' contest. This is the big leagues, where the best hop-forward breweries in the state bring their absolute finest, hoppiest creations to be judged by palates more refined than a silver spoon. Kros Strain, Corn Coast, yup they were both there.

And guess what? We won.

The judges were apparently floored by the balance of massive fruit notes and that punchy, resinous finish that defines a truly great hoppy beer. They didn't know the story of the man behind the name, but they certainly felt the spirit of a champion in the glass. Taking home the gold right before the release feels like the universe (and maybe The Big Nob himself) is giving us a giant high-five from above.

So, when you walk into our  Tap Room  today, you aren't just drinking a beer. You are drinking the reigning champion of Nebraska. You are drinking a beer that has been officially vetted as the best of the best. If you see Mark or Paul walking around with an extra-wide grin and perhaps a slightly shiny trophy, now you know why. We’ve always known this beer was special, but it’s nice to have the hardware to prove it. Check out our  Drink Menu  to see what else we have on tap to round out your tasting flight, though we suspect the champion will be your first choice.

What does a 9.8% ABV champion taste like?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. You want to know what’s actually inside that glass. The 2026 vintage of The Big Nob is, in a word, explosive.

• The Aroma: As soon as the bartender slides this across the wood, you’re going to smell it. It’s like a tropical fruit basket got into a wrestling match with a pine forest. You’ll get hits of mango, passionfruit, and a distinct citrus zest.
• The Punch: At 83 IBUs (International Bitterness Units), this beer has teeth. It’s not for the faint of heart or those who prefer their beer to taste like water. It’s a bitter, beautiful masterpiece.
• The Mouthfeel: Despite the high alcohol content, it’s surprisingly juicy. We’ve loaded it with enough hops to sink a small ship, resulting in a velvety texture that hides that 9.8% dangerously well.
• The Finish: It lingers. In a good way. Like a pleasant memory of a summer vacation, except it’s in your mouth and contains alcohol.

Because this beer is such a heavyweight, we highly recommend you pair it with something substantial from our  Menu like our an amazing Pals Smash Burger. You’re going to need some carbs to soak up all that championship glory. Trust us, a 9.8% beer on an empty stomach is a recipe for a very short afternoon and a very long conversation with your shoes.

Should you stay at the Bed & Brew Tonight?

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a second. You’re coming to hang at Pals Brewing Company. You see The Big Nob is on tap. You see it’s 9.8% ABV. You realize it tastes like liquid sunshine and tropical dreams. You aren't going to stop at just one. And you definitely shouldn't be driving home after a couple of these bad boys.

This is exactly why we created the  Bed & Brew. It’s the ultimate safety net for the craft beer enthusiast. Imagine this: you spend the evening celebrating the life of a legend, drinking award-winning beer, eating fantastic food, and instead of calling a ride or wondering if you're 'good to go,' you just walk a few steps to your comfortable room.

It’s the most responsible way to be slightly irresponsible. Plus, waking up at the brewery is a dream come true for most of us. You can roll out of bed, grab some coffee, and maybe—just maybe—have another small pour of The Big Nob to start your day. We won't judge. It’s a celebration, after all.

How to handle the 'Big Nob' experience in North Platte

If you're making the trip to North Platte specifically for this release (and many of you are), here is our expert guide on how to survive and thrive during the release of the 2026 Nebraska Top Hop champion:

1. Hydrate: For every glass of The Big Nob, have a glass of water. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Eat Early: Grab a pizza or smash burger friend cuz you need a solid foundation for an 83 IBU beer.
3. Share the Story: Tell your friends why the beer is called what it is. It makes the experience better when you know the history.
4. Check the Events: We have Yoga today at 11am. Pre-exercise those calories off.
5. Grab Merchandise: You’re going to want to remember this win. Check our Shop for any special release shirts or glassware so you can show off your Pals pride back home.

We are incredibly proud of this beer, not just because of the trophy it brought home, but because of what it represents to our family and our community. It’s a reminder that bold risks—whether in life or in brewing—often lead to the greatest rewards. Our father would have been the first one in line today, likely telling us all that we could have made it a 'little bit stronger,' but secretly, he’d be beaming with pride.

Summary of The Big Nob Release

To wrap things up, here is everything you need to know about today's big event at Pals Brewing Company. The Big Nob is officially back and better than ever. It has been crowned the 2026 Nebraska Top Hop winner, making it a must-try for any serious beer lover. With a high ABV and a complex hop profile, it's a beer that demands respect and a designated driver.

Key Takeaways for Today:

• Release Date: Today, March 22, 2026.
• Stats: 9.8% ABV and 83 IBUs of tropical, juicy goodness.
• Accolades: Fresh off a gold medal win at the Nebraska Top Hop competition.
• Availability: On tap now at our North Platte location.
• Planning: Check ourContactpage for hours or to book a room at theBed & Brew.
• Lastly: Don't Be a Nob!

Come down, raise a glass to the man, the myth, and the nickname. Let's celebrate The Big Nob together. We can't wait to see you in the  Tap Room!