Ballast Point will continue with another off-shoot of their popular Sculpin IPA by adding Pineapple Sculpin to the lineup joining the likes of Habanero Sculpin and Grapefruit Sculpin. I cannot confirm if Iowa will receive shipments of this beer or when it will be available yet but stay tuned for more on distro news. Here’s more information on this beer courtesy of the folks at Beer Street Journal:
Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin combines the aggressive but balanced IPA with the tropical twist of pineapple. If it is anywhere near as addictive as the Grapefruit edition, warn your liver now.
Our Sculpin IPA is a great example of what got us into brewing in the first place. After years of experimenting, we knew hopping an ale at five separate stages would produce something special. The result ended up being this gold-medal winning IPA, whose inspired use of hops creates hints of apricot, peach, mango and lemon flavors, but still packs a bit of a sting, just like a Sculpin fish.
Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin IPA is a draft, and 12 ounce bottle potential.
Style: IPA (w/ Pineapple)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: TBA7% ABV
Found news courtesy of BottleCaps80 on beeradvocate that Fulton Brewing out Minneapolis will be launching in Iowa at the Keg Stand in Des Moines on Thursday Dec. 3rd featuring six tap lines with bottles to follow soon after. I’m not sure if this is Des Moines area only release of if Eastern Iowa will eventually see it as well. Here’s the tweet from The Keg Stand on the Fulton launch:
Saw this at mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com and also on Stone’s website. An unfiltered IPA will be the latest from the Enjoy By Series. Iowa is on the list of markets to receive it. Here is more from Stone’s website:
The following comes from Red’s Alehouse Facebook page. Central Waters tap takeover with some heavy hitters on the menu; sounds like a great time in North Liberty tomorrow (Tuesday Dec. 1st):
So many great restaurants in the Eastern Iowa area that it is difficult to choose at times. During a latest trip down to Benz Beverage Depot for some fine ales my wife and I decided to give a newer pizza place in the downtown area a try. So off to 
There was a lunch special of a bratwurst pizza with sriracha glazed bacon and mashed potatoes that struck my interest right away. Upon walking in I noticed the uniquely designed coolers for the Iowa beer taps. Old refrigerators that were housing beers from Lion Bridge, Big Grove, Backpocket, Exile, etc. Very cool idea.
pizza so my wife and I wanted to test just a basic pie so we went with a pepperoni pizza. While waiting we of course ordered a couple of brews. I went with the Lion Bridge Sorachi Liberace and my wife a coffee stout.
the spot! Onto the brat pizza! Sweetness from the caramelized onions, a bit of heat from the sriracha glazed bacon and the perfect amount of fattiness and spice from the brat made this a pizza worthy of ordering again and hopefully them making again!
Received word (and a bottle of Darkness, woohoo!) from Surly Brewing that Darkness will indeed be hitting Iowa shelves starting on Nov. 30th! This russian imperial stout checks in at 11.5% and comes in 750 mL bombers. Here’s more on this year’s version of Darkness:
The following comes from Lion Bridge Brewing’s Facebook page. Very excited for this to take place again!
Here’s the email I received from Oakland Road Hy-Vee concerning their Bourbon County Stout release. I hope everyone gets a bottle or two if you are looking for it!
Another beer added to Tallgrass’ new Explorer Series will be Sweet Tooth Salted Caramel. This beer will be a Belgian-dark brewed with salt and brown sugar and will check in at 9.2%. It will join their barrel-aged buffalo sweats, Uncle Ricc (which I love) and Wooden Rooster. Stay tuned for further release details.