Comfort in a Great Liquor Store

johncysI’ve been meaning to write this for a while as I feel it is important to show my gratitude to the great people that run our wonderful liquor stores in Eastern Iowa. We have quite a few to choose from actually. Whether you choose something local, a Hy-Vee, Johncy’s Liquor, Johns Grocery, Family Beer and Liquor, or Benz, we have a pretty great selection of places we can go to get the latest and greatest craft beer.

I was a frequent flyer at the Oakland Road Hy-Vee, who, in my opinion has a huge selection of beer to choose from and you can also get added to the beer club. I believe it is buy so many different beers and get a gift card of sorts, which is a pretty sweet deal, I believe the gift card is somewhere between $50-$100.

As far as customer service goes, Johncy’s Liquor store in North Liberty seems to take the cake for me. So polite, helpful, and accommodating, Johncy is running a class establishment. Willing to have conversations, help you out with a selection, or anything else, I drive the few extra miles from Mount Vernon because I know I’m going to walk out of Johncy’s with what I wanted. (And probably $50-$100 worth of beer).

Another one I have to mention because I practically lived there for a while is the famous John’s Grocery. Terrific selection, especially on the imports, they sell single bottles so you don’t have to throw $10 on something you’re unsure of. I always called them on Wednesday’s just to chat beer with their beerman at the time, Joe Hotek, who is now working for Tallgrass. Joe knew EVERYTHING and ANYTHING about beer and to make it better is just a super nice guy. I go there yet, since my wife is now working in the Iowa City area, and this is another place that it’s hard to leave without dropping a Benjamin.

The other place is one that is closer to where my parents and other family members live. Family Beer and Liquor in East Dubuque, IL has a huge selection of beer and has stuff we just can’t get our hands on in Iowa. I reached out to them during the Bourbon County release and they were gracious enough to hold a nice allotment for me. If you call or contact them they will do whatever they can to help, great beer people! You can also buy singles there and you are guaranteed to drop some dough, as they have a great selection. If you’re lucky enough to find limited releases from Firestone Walker, Lost Abbey, and Dogfish, amongst a ton of others.

The amount of phone calls they receive when a new brew or a beer that is released occasionally come out has to drive them nuts, but they all handled out well, and they can also blame Toppling Goliath for that. (#beerjoke).

So, thanks to all of these terrific beer shops for keeping this beer consumer happy, entertained, and satisfied. Cheers!

Central Waters Brewing Coming to Iowa!

indexA few correspondences this morning and a nice confirmation by @JasonBGP along with a beer releasing at Reds have confirmed that Central Waters Brewing is coming to Iowa. Here’s the info I received:

rolling out last week of this month via Johnson Brothers

From Reds Alehouse: Central Waters Brewing Company is coming! Be here on Feb. 26th to drink it in!

More about the brewery:

History

In 1996, two friends, Mike McElwain and Jerome Ebel, bought an old brick building on Highway 10 in Junction City, Wisconsin. The building, built around 1920, was originally a Model-A Ford dealership. Subsequently, the building housed a barbershop, followed by a liquidator of second-hand goods, before being vacated in 1988. Mike and Jerome purchased the building in 1996, and spent the next two years thoroughly cleaning and restoring it. When the facility was ready for its first beer production, the friends put together the funds to purchase some used dairy equipment. This equipment was retrofitted to ultimately become the brewery’s first brew house. Months later, Central Waters Brewery came to be…

Stone Enjoy By 2-14-14 Coming to Iowa 1-15-14!

stone enjoy byMore Stone Enjoy By will be making its way to Eastern Iowa shelves with the estimated arrival date of January 15th! Here’s more from beerpulse.com:

Escondido, CA) – Stone Brewing Co. is now going big with its newest edition of Enjoy By 02.14.14 IPA.

The company is adding onto the previously announced list of several states for 02.14.14 IPA distribution with the beer now making its way to more than half of U.S. markets.

It will ship next week with availability expected to begin the following week.

Check out the full list of markets below.

 

LOCATION ETA STATUS HASHTAG
Arizona 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #AZ
Connecticut 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #CT
Delaware 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #DE
Florida 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #FL
Georgia 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #GA
Iowa 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #IA
Illinois 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #IL
Kansas 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #KS
Massachusetts 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MA
Maryland 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MD
Maine 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #ME
Michigan 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MI
Minnesota 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MN
North Carolina 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NC
Nebraska 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NE
New Hampshire 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NH
New Jersey 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NJ
New York 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NY
Pennsylvania 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #PA
Rhode Island 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #RI
South Carolina 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #SC
Southern California 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #SoCal
Tennessee 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #TN
Texas 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #TX
Virginia 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #VA
Vermont 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #VT
Washington 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #WA

Update on new Dubuque Brewery: Jubeck New World Brewing

jubeckI just received the following email from Dave at Jubeck New World Brewing:

  Jay and I have been busy working to bring Jubeck New World Brewing into existence since the completion of our successful (Thank You!!) Kickstarter compaign wrapped up at the end of May. We thought the year’s end would be a good time to give you all an update on the progress so far and what is done and what needs to be done.  As I finished my draft, I realized it’s probably too long and TMI for a lot of our busy friends, so let me summarize here:

  • We have a space: 115 W. 11th St., formerly the location of the Asian Grocery, the 1000 ft2 between the Aragon Tap and the old Asian Gourmet Restaurant.
  • The place had been gutted, so we’re starting from scratch on the build-out.   
  • Build-out is proceeding – we have the place framed out and are in the process of rough plumbing/electric/ventilation work.
  • We’re doing most of the work ourselves and have a lot of work to do; if you’re inclined to lend a hand, please let us know!
  • We’re shooting to have the place ready in March.  Hopefully our licensing will have come through by then too so we can start making beer!
  • Thanks again – this would not be happening without you!

A few more details:  

    Jay and I settled on our location after considering many other properties along the Main/Central corridor and in the Warehouse District.  We settled on 115 W. 11th.  It’s on the north side of 11th between Main St. and Iowa Street.  Our space is 1000 square feet on the street level, with a full, open basement underneath.  We selected this site for numerous reasons:  we liked the location, relatively close to lower Main,  the Warehouse District, Bluff St. etc., and right around the corner from all of the great businesses that have sprung up on Upper Main and the Summer Farmer’s Market.  We’re in a neat historic building with a great landlord Ken Lin that has a lot of enthusiasm for his property, the area and our business.  We’re really happy to be working with him and he’s been helpful at every turn.  The size of the space is on the small size, but having a nice usable basement with a new cement floor and drain will allow us to have our fermentation, cold storage and keg storage down there, making more room for all of you upstairs!

    Ken’s plan for his building is to invest in renovation to make it a nicer space in the long haul, so when the last tenants moved out, he gutted the place to make structural repairs.  He left the old tin ceiling, took the old lath and plaster off the walls exposing the brick beneath, and removed layers of flooring to get back down to the original hardwood.  This will in the end yield a really nice place with a historic feel, but has required quite a bit more work from us for the planning and build-out phases of our venture.

    We took possession of the space at the end of August.  At that time, we only had a shell – there was no water, electric, gas, heat, ac, nothing.  We got a few outlets and electricity turned on , got our plans drawn out, got everybody at the City (Zoning, Building Services, Health, ADA, etc.) to say “yes” in principal, got our building permit and went to work.

    Since then, we’ve made good progress, hit some temporary road blocks, and learned a thing or two about what it takes to put together a commercial space.  So while it’s going a little slower than we had originally hoped, we’re still super excited about how the space will be and looking forward to the day that first batch is happily boiling in the brew kettle.

    A quick summary of the work done since we took possession:

  • Tear out of old ductwork, lines, fixtures no longer in use, and overall clean up of the place
  • The entire facade was replaced, complete with nice new big windows and entry door.
  • The old tin ceiling was blasted and painted and the expsosed brick walls sealed.
  • Subfloor and framing of bathrooms, brewing area, bar area and stairway completed.
  • New furnace and ductwork in.
  • Gas lines run, gas reconnected and HEAT ON! (just in the nick of time).
  • Basement floor epoxied.
  • Old windows closed up and insulated.
  • Rough plumbing drains and vents.

 

Next on the build-out agenda:

  • Finish rough plumbing, wiring and ventilation (contractors).
  • Drywall.
  • Install cold room in basement.
  • Build shelves in bar area and other storage.
  • Install bar top and tables.
  • Tile brewing area and bar area.
  • Mud, paint drywall.
  • Hang vent hood, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures.
  • Install bathroom floors.
  • Hang ceiling in bathrooms and over fermentation area in the basement.
  • Install BREWING SYSTEM!

 

    So, yes, there’s a lot to do yet, but it’s all headed in the right direction.  At the present, a lot depends on getting our contractors in to finish the rough mechanicals so we can start putting it all back together.

    I was intentionally a bit more descriptive in the “to do” list than I might have been for this reason: if anyone has time or talents they’d like to volunteer to help out on one of these jobs, we’d be very happy to have you.  I should mention that we’ve already had several brave and helpful individuals down to help for an hour or a day or more – thank you very, very much.

    Even though we are still a few months before we get down to actually start brewing beer, it’s already been quite a trip.  Jay and I are excited about how things are unfolding and it is more clear to me everyday that this is going to work and that you, the community, and the City are on our side.  This is, at once, pleasurable, gratifying and humbling.  It is my sincere hope that when you find yourself on 11th St. surrounded by friends and tasting that first pint, you won’t be disappointed.

    Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year,

    Dan

Smoked Porter Joins Founders Backstage Series in February

FoundersJust saw the following post on beerpulse.com.

(Grand Rapids, MI) – Founders Brewing Co. will introduce Smoked Porter, brewed with a combination of beech wood–smoked barley and oak-smoked wheat malt along with a generous helping of chocolate malt, on shelves and draft lines beginning in February 2014. Like all Founders’ Backstage Series beers, Smoked Porter will be sold in 750mL bottles, with a suggested retail price to be determined.

“This is a style of beer that we’ve discussed brewing for a decade,” said Co-Founder and Vice President of Brand & Education Dave Engbers. “We weren’t able to fit it into our production schedule for years. Now, with our pilot system, our brewers have room for greater experimentation and aggressive recipe formulation. Brewing beers like this was the idea behind launching our Backstage Series and was a driving force in our investment in a pilot system this past summer.”

The brewery’s taproom in Grand Rapids, Michigan, also recently announced the addition of a draft line dedicated to their pilot system, only pouring those small batch experimental beers. A recent offering showcased the brewery’s first lager in twelve years.

Founders’ Backstage Series is made up of boundary-pushing, experimental beers. The intent of the series is to take the diehard Founders fan experience to a wider audience—though all of the beers are still released in limited batches. Since its introduction in the summer of 2011, Founders’ Backstage Series beers have quickly become some of the most sought-after releases in the industry.

Limited bottles of Founders Smoked Porter will only be available in Michigan; draft will be available in most markets across the brewery’s distribution footprint. The beer will be released in February, with exact timing dependent on distributor shipments. Bottles will be released in the brewery’s taproom at a to-be-determined date. It will not be a pre-ticketed release. Look for at least two more Backstage Series releases from Founders in 2014.

 

Best “New” Brew of the Year: Porter

2013Moving along with the list of best “new” brews we come to porters. With all the imperials, doubles, barrel-aged greatness that is going on basic styles such porters and stouts are getting lost in the shuffle and beer lovers need to know that there are some really terrific beers in these styles. For Eastern Iowans, we have Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Founders Porter, Stone Suede and now Millstream releasing a very good baltic porter, our shelves in the area have a really nice selection.

Millstream’s Blizen Baltic Porter would have been my winner, until I went up to Madison, WI last weekend. I walked into the Steve’s Liquor (one of my favorite beer shops!) and saw a display of 3 Floyds Alpha Klaus. I’ve never had Alpha Klaus before but have heard many rave reviews from fellow brew enthusiasts, in particular, my friend the Beer Counselor. So, I grab a few bottles, waiting for a nice snowy night to crack one open.

Once again, 3 Floyds has terrific bottle artwork and even if I hadn’t known what is was initially, the labeling would have drawn me to it anyway.

Alpha Klaus is Alpha King’s cousin. A big American X-mas Porter brewed with English chocolate malt and Mexican sugar and of course tons of strange American hops! Cheers.

3 FloydsAnother 3 Floyds winner, and I’m not trying to mark out for them too much, (although it’s hard not too) it just goes to show that they are one of the best breweries in America. A trip to 3F’s on December 27 is coming up. Thinking of renting a U-haul to get all the beer back!

2013 New Imperial IPA of the Year: Three Floyds Alpha Klaus
ABV: 7.5%
Ratebeer:         100
Beeradvocate: 93

New To Shelves: Evil Twin Beers

evil twinHy-Vee on Oakland Road just sent out this message. I’m guessing these beers are going to go very fast so make sure you try to get your hands on these. Here ya go!:

We have another limited beer release for you and if you didn’t  get your hands on some bourbon county stout. This would be a great opportunity to grab a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout. This is Eviltwins Imperial Biscotti Break aged in bourbon barrels for 9 months. This would be great to drink now or sit on for several years. We also have a couple cases of Justin Blabaer, a blueberry berliner weisse. This beer is outstanding and is now retired so get some while it’s available. And as always when you buy 4 or more out of our bomber bottle doors you save 10 %.

 Eviltwin Imperial Biscotti Break Bourbon Barrel Aged 22 oz

21.99 per bottle

 Evil Twin Justin Blåbær (Brunello Wine Barrel Aged) 22 oz

11.99 per bottle

Madhouse Iowa Hops IPA Release Party Info

madhouseJust received the following email from Madhouse Brewing. Sounds like a fantastic time and I really enjoyed the Iowa Hops IPA last year. Check it out!

It’s time to celebrate! Each December we officially release our Iowa Hops IPA beer at Jasper Winery along with their new vintage wines. Join us Thursday, December 12, 2013, from 6-9pm to celebrate with a free, open to the public, beer, wine, and food tasting experience. We’ll be releasing our 2013 Iowa Hops IPA, made with Iowa grown hops. Jasper Winery will be releasing their 2012 Iowa varietal dry reds wines, including Marquette, Noiret, and Norton. You’ll make your way through the winery visiting tasting stations where we’ll pair wine and beers with food samples from local producers and restaurants. Live music will be provided by Tony Williams. The first 100 people (beginning at 6pm) will receive a complimentary cork screw or pint glass. 

 

New this year: Everyone (21+) who attends will receive a ticket for the chance to win free wine/beer for a year! Prizes will be given including a free case of wine or beer every month for a year. Local grape and hop growers will be on hand to talk about growing these products in Iowa. Special Release Party discounts of 25% off case purchase and 10% off ½ case, night of the event only. 

Bells Brewery Week at Reds Alehouse Dec. 5-13th

I received the following email from Reds Alehouse with a huge list of events, tap lists, special releases, and much more concerning their 2013 Bells Brewery Week. Here’s a rundown of events:

270

272

273271

This should be a terrific week at Reds and I hope to see a few of you there. The Black Note release is sure to make for a busy evening so get there early, order some terrific food, and have a good time!