A lot of great beer releases happening this week around our state, so if you’re looking for something to do, supporting your local brewery is always an option. I know doubt know I’ve missed some other releases and many others may be posted later this so please feel free to let me know what to add! Contact me here benmed15@yahoo.com Here’s a look at this week’s releases:

**Contrary Brewing – Friday July 24th – Syvyys Russian Imperial Stout

Barrel-aged (for 16 months!) Syvyys Russian Imperial Stout release is this Friday, July 24th at 3pm! We are selling the Syvyys 4-packs for $80/tax included. Sorry, no substitutes. Individual bottles will be available for sale, while supplies last. There will be no limit. No preorders, except for our Lifetime members (some limit restrictions apply, please see your email). That said, we did our best to get enough Syvyys into bottles that we do not foresee running out too quickly (I’ve been wrong before, and I will be again, but…). We look forward to sharing this beer with you!

**Lion Bridge Brewing – Wednesday July 22nd- Cucumber Kolsch

One of our summer favorites, Cucumber Kölsch, will be available this Wednesday on draft and in cans for the first time ever!

The bright melon character of freshly picked local cucumbers play with the crisp, spicy nature of the style. The result is refreshing and delightful.

**Big Grove Brewing– Saturday July 25th – BA Velvet, Double Nod, Into the Jungle

BA Velvet is a sold out ticket release, but will be available on tap. Double Nod and Into the Jungle will be available presale starting on July 22nd so check Big Grove out on Facebook for that link. Along with those 3 beers, their popular Strawberry Lemonade sour is available around the area right now. Here’s more on the 1st 3 brews:

We are excited to present you with Barrel Aged Velvet. This special brew is an Extended Boil Imperial Stout that we aged in freshly emptied Kentucky Bourbon Barrels. The beer was aged for a year and then finished on Grade A Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans. You can expect a viscous mouthfeel, notes of roasted malt, marshmallow, dark chocolate, and an explosion of vanilla—highlighted by a smoothness that only comes from age and using the finest ingredients.

We offer BA Velvet to you as an escape from life’s stressors, and a celebration of what is good in life.
Many thanks and cheers,
The Big Grove Team

Barrel Aged Velvet will be available for pick up July 25 in Iowa City and Solon. The Iowa City Taproom and Solon Brewpub will each open at 9:00 am. You’re welcome to come into the Taproom to get your beer (with strict social distancing measures in place), or we will have a contactless drive-thru available from 9-11 am. You’re required to have your ID and receipt with your order number (paper or electronic version) available for pick up.

We will be running food specials starting at 9:00 am and Barrel Aged Velvet will be on tap at both locations.

Double Nod and Into the Jungle (new) will also be available for purchase. We will be launching a pre-sale for those 2 brands on 7/22 at 10 am. They will be available for pick up when during the same period as Barrel Aged Velvet. It is okay to order separately and pick up together, though we ask that you please keep all receipts on-hand.

Proxies are allowed. The party picking up the beer must have a photo of the buyer’s ID (smartphone image is acceptable) and the order receipt (paper or electronic version) for the beer they are picking up.

**Backpocket Brewing – Wednesday July 22nd – Pucker Up Right Meow

Backpocket will be releasing their double dry hopped sour this coming Wednesday and if you’re a mug club member you can get a free pour today!

**Marto Brewing – ALL WEEK! Happy 1 year anniversary to Marto Brewing Company and they have a lot of tasty beers in store all through the week! Here’s their lineup:

Bent w/ hazelnut, Madagascar vanilla beans, & coconut. 11% ABV pastry stout brewed with lactose. Available on tap only, no crowlers.