Tap Handle #784: Thunderhead

November 05, 2021

Tap Handle #784: Thunderhead - Cornstalker

Tap size: 13.5"

Rarity: 10 or less seen

Mounting: oversized green 3/8" ferrule on 3/8" anchor bolt

This massive corn-themed tap was a very unique design and highly sought-after, until Busch released their own corn-themed tap earlier this year that took the market by storm. The Thunderhead Cornstalker is just slightly less detailed, but it's still very impressive considering the amount of work that went into it. The tap would have been created in 1 of 2 ways: either an ear of corn was sculpted from clay and each corn kernel had to be detailed, and then a mold was made; or a mold was taken of an actual ear of corn and then resin taps were cast from that mold. The latter is the most likely scenario. The label is really cool, with artwork done by an artist named Marc Finley, who studied at the University of Nebraska in Kearney (the city where the brewery is located). The middle of the tap features a huge sign made of a lightweight wood, about 5" by a little over 8", making the label probably the largest I've ever seen on a tap. The large green ferrule also an unique touch, simulating the shank of the ear of corn. To my knowledge, this is the only figural tap ever commissioned by the brewery, and though the place for a label indicates it could be used for any beer variety, Cornstalker is the only one I've seen used. In fact I've only seen 3 to 4 of these ever hit the secondary market. I first saw this tap around 2013 - about the time the brewery was expanding operations - and in those days it was very affordable; a more recent offering in 2016 sold for a whopping $300. The current value is quite a bit less, thanks in large part to the appearance of the aforementioned Busch tap, as well as an overall decline in tap market values.

Thunderhead brewing was founded in Kearney, Nebraska in 1999 by Trevor Schaben, his wife Jenny, and his parents Pam and Henry. Brewing beer started out as a hobby for Trevor, who had been in a flying job in the Air Force through which he traveled to many countries and tasted beers from around the world. When Trevor became a civilian again, he returned to Nebraska and found a job as a garbage truck driver in Kearney. That didn't last long, and the appeal of opening his own brewery won out. To expand on the home brewing knowledge that he already possessed, Trevor attended the American Brewers Guild, and learned the fundamentals while developing his own signature style. The name Thunderhead was settled on as a local reference to the thunderstorms that are common in the area. There were no breweries in Kearney, so Trevor had to create a market where one didn't exist. They started out as a small brewpub, with 8 chairs and a one barrel brewing system. Creating that non-existent market took time; in fact, it took nearly 8 years for Trevor to turn a profit.

Eventually the persistence paid off. Thunderhead started canning in 2006 with their Golden Frau, and expanded canning selections to their other year-round offerings; later, they were also able to add seasonals to their canning line. By 2013 business was soaring; the brewpub had relocated to an 80 seat location in a historic building in downtown Kearney, with enough space for pool tables and other games. The brewpub became known for its beer, pretzels and stone-fired pizza. Brewing and canning operations were moved to nearby Axtell, where they brewed three to four times a week.

In 2019, two additional pub locations were started up, one in downtown Omaha and one in West Omaha, with the latter having a large open patio capable of seating up to 100 people. Trevor is favorite for his interest in the local Kearney community, where he attends many local events and hosts private dinners. He is very open about sharing his brewing processes; in fact, the Thunderhead website hosts videos of Trevor explaining different processes and other aspects of his business. Currently the brewery offers about a dozen varieties on tap in its pubs, with distribution in bars and restaurants throughout Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and even in small parts of South Dakota.

A richer, darker version of a classic Wheat Ale, the Cornstalker is brewed with malted organic corn, wheat, and barley to celebrate Kearney’s local farming community. It’s mild, malty roasted coffee aromas balance the refreshing flavors of barley, wheat, and chocolate. It has as a bold, dark color that surprises the drinker with a mild clean flavor. A black version of an American Wheat, Germans would consider this a beer an American version of a Dunkel Weizen. Recommended food pairings are beer marinated chicken street tacos.