Jubeck’s New World Brewery opening in Dubuque July 17th!

jubeckJay Jubeck has announced that his brewery in Dubuque will be opening their doors on July 17th. They currently feature 5 beers on their website:

Golden Hybrid Beer

A light hybrid session beer of blondish gold hue with a slight honey-like sweetness and a mild herbal hop character.

Lavender Honey-Wheat

A delightfully refreshing light wheat ale with a subtle spicy herbal flavor.

Warrior Stout

A bold imperial stout with a full-bodied, roasty, malty flavor.

Dark IPA

Wonderfully dark and slightly roasty, but not too much roasted malt bitterness.

Apricot Pale Ale

American pale ale style beer finished with a healthy dose of citra hops and dried apricots, added late in the boil, for a subtle fruity flavor.
Jubeck recently interviewed with KCRG to discuss the upcoming opening. Here’s the link to that interview:
http://www.kcrg.com/dubuques-jubeck-new-world-brewery-to-open-july-17th-20140708

Central Waters is coming!!

indexReds Alehouse will be having a Central Waters brewing tap takeover Wednesday night and after visiting I saw a list of 5 brews that will be offered that night. One of them was their bourbon barrel-aged stout and their Peruvian Morning was another. Really looking forward to this event and hope to see a few beer lovers there. Also received this from Oakland Road Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids:

Welcome to Iowa, Central Waters Brewing Co. !

 Here are their year round 6 pack offerings

·      Glacial IPA

·      Mudpuppy Porter

·      Solitude Stout

·      Hop Rise

·      Slainte Scotch (Rotating Seasonal)

 And here are a few of their Barrel aged limited release beers

·      Bourbon aged Barleywine

·      Bourbon aged Stout

·      Peruvian Morning

 

We will be having a kickoff event Tuesday, February 25th from 4-5:30!  A brewery representative will be here tasting out these great beers!  Stop in and try these amazing beers!

The Hot 25 of 2013 PART 1!

25Deviating a bit from my last posts as the best “new” beers of the year, I’m going back to a topic that usually gets a lot of great beer talk going throughout the Eastern Iowa beer lovers: The Best Beers of 2013!

Now, all of these beers have to have been available for purchase at any Eastern Iowa beers stores, brewpubs, or breweries. There are a few that stayed on from last year and some brand new ones this year. Overall, it was a really great year for beer in Eastern Iowa and the future continues to look promising. These are all beers I’ve TRIED this year, I have some that are still in the cellar that haven’t been cracked, so I might have left some off. Feel free to email me your list of the best in Eastern Iowa or your state this year! I’ll do this in 5 installments, so without further ado…….

big grove**Big Grove Brewery Good Day to DIPA**
My favorite release so far from the folks in Solon, IA. A wonderfully balanced double IPA that gives you the citrus, reisonous pine, and the balance of the malts that we seek in our double IPAs. If you haven’t visited this place, the beer is excellent and food is just as good. A must visit location if you are in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. A dynamite combo is this double IPA with their Korean Chicken wings. My mouth is watering!

RATEBEER: N/A
BEERADVOCATE: N/A

mornin' delight**Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight**
I’m not sure if I’ve wrote about a beer as much as I have about Mornin’ Delight. The original release garnered a bit of publicity, but it has blown up into much more since that wonderful Saturday morning in Decorah. This and the Kentucky Brunch release might highlight my favorite beer moments of 2013! The trade demand out there is incredibly high for this brew so if you still have a bottle of the greatness, count yourself lucky!

From the brewery:

Brewer’s Choice, debuted at Great Taste of the Midwest 2011. A Russian Imperial Stout. Breakfast of champions, just add pancakes. Made with real maple syrup and a super secret brewers’ ingredient.

RATEBEER: 100/100
BEERADVOCATE: 100/100

backwoods**Founders Backwoods Bastard**
When I think of the fall/winter season this is the first beer that pops into my head. One of the first real “big beers” to hit the chilly months and it is the perfect accompaniment to a chilly autumn or brutally cold winter day. Didn’t finish your case of this? No worries, it ages pretty damn nice as well. From the brewery:

Big and delicious for your ’perty mouth. Expect lovely, warm smells of single malt scotch, oaky bourbon barrels, smoke, sweet caramel and roasted malts. A bit of earthy spice and a scintilla of dark cherries. It’s a kick-back sipper made to excite the palate.
RATEBEER: 100/100
BEERADVOCATE: 96/100

Goose Island**Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout**
As much as I try not to support Anheiuser Busch, I just can’t ignore this brew. It really is that damn good and the variants I’ve had are also excellent. I was fortunate enough to be in East Dubuque, IL area during the release and walked right in to get my allotment. If you haven’t visited Family Beer and Liquor the management there are some of the nicest, most helpful people around. Black Friday will never be the same! From the brewery:

“I really wanted to do something special for our 1000th batch at the original brewpub. Goose Island could have thrown a party. But we did something better. We brewed a beer. A really big batch of stout-so big the malt was coming out of the top of the mash tun. After fermentation we brought in some bourbon barrels to age the stout. One hundred and fifty days later, Bourbon County Stout was born-A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with a thick foam the color of bourbon barrels. The nose is a mix of charred oak, vanilla,carmel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer. It overpowers anything in the room. People have even said that it’s a great cigar beer, but I haven’t yet tried a cigar that would stand up to it.” Brewmaster Greg Hall; 
RATEBEER: 100/100
BEERADVOCATE: 100/100

enjoy by**Stone Enjoy By….**
For my last beer on this installment I go with one of my all-time favorites. Say what you will about Stone, they turn out some fantastic beers and this one is my favorite. A brewery that isn’t scared to push the envelope and give us beer drinkers a unique experience which we enjoy 9/10, hits a major home run every time with this brew! And the good news? We should be seeing more of this on our shelves next week! From the brewery:

You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers- especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs- we’ve taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you’re getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn’t randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the bottle, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and beer fans. Instead, we’ve sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.

RATEBEER: 100/100
BEERADVOCATE: 96/100

There’s part 1 of “THE LIST”, stay tuned to more in the next few weeks! Don’t agree or do agree? I would love to hear your thoughts, unless you’re an uppity prick, then nevermind!

Here’s Who’s Coming to Coralville Brrr Fest!!!!

Brrfest

 

 

 

The following list was just released for this who want to know who will be at Brrr Fest this year; looking at the list, should be a another great year!

Participating Breweries:
  • 515 Brewing Company
  • August Schell Brewing Co
  • Backpocket Brewing
  • Baraboo
  • Bell’s Brewery
  • Bent River Brewing Co
  • Big Grove Brewery
  • Blue Cat Brew Pub
  • Boulevard Brewing
  • Broad Street Brewing Co
  • Chefs In Black (CIB)
  • Confluence Brewing
  • Court Avenue Brewing Co
  • Empyrean Brewing Co
  • Exile Brewing Co
  • Founders Brewing Co
  • Goose Island
  • Granite City
  • Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
  • Kalona Brewing
  • Keg Creek Brewing Co
  • Lost Duck Brewery
  • Madhouse Brewing Co
  • Mason City Brewery
  • Millstream Brewing Co
  • Nebraska Brewing Co
  • New Belgium Brewing
  • O’Fallon Brewery
  • Peace Tree Brewing Co
  • Potosi Brewing Co
  • Raccoon River Brewing Co
  • Schlafly
  • Sprecher Brewery
  • Steven’s Point Brewery
  • Summit Brewing Co
  • Sutliff Cider
  • Tallgrass Brewing Co
  • Twisted Vine Brewery
  • Van Houzen Brewing Co
  • West O Beer
  • Worth Brewing Co
  • Cedar Ridge Winery

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

Exile Brewing Tap Takeover @ Cellar Peanut Pub, Oskaloosa, IA 11/15/13!

cellarReceived the following correspondence from Betsy at the Cellar Peanut Pub in Oskaloosa, IA! Sounds like a fantastic time!

Hello! This is Betsy with The Cellar Peanut Pub in Oskaloosa. I exilewanted to let you know that Exile Brewing Company will be at The Cellar Peanut Pub for a tap takeover this Friday, November 15. On tap:

Ruthie
Gigi
Hannah
Oktoberfest (seasonal)
Rauchbier (seasonal)
Isabelle (seasonal)

Support Iowa beer and local establishments!

A Trip(s) to Big Grove Brewery; Solon, IA

big groveA 10 minute drive from the Baron’s house in Mount Vernon lies the  newest endeavor biggorvesignfrom the Swift family (Red’s Alehouse, Blackstone, etc) in Solon, IA, Big Grove Brewery. I’ve been there numerous times now as it has become my destination of choice. Take a right off of Highway 1 on main street in Solon and you will see Big Grove. Usually packed and the bartenders constantly draining the tap lines with wonderful beer, this place has become a hotbed really quick.

On my visits I’ve tried and enjoyed most of the beer that Big Grove makes on site. They also have a terrific lineup of guest taps featuring some the best craft breweries in the country. I’ve enjoyed their wheat, ipa, porter, and their Dirty Little Secret which is an American strong ale with a bit of raspberry; all very good. They are constantly brewing new beers so check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Grove-Brewery/623843234297773

I also usually end up drinking a few Toppling Goliath pseduoSue’s which they’ve had on tap on multiple occasions.

As far as food goes, this might be one of the best restaurants around. I’ve enjoyed and would order again the following:
*Deviled Eggs – yes deviled eggs.
*Korean style wings and regular buffalo – the Korean wings pack some subtle heat but are so flavorful and go well with an IPA.
*Potted Pig – liked a whipped pork pate – so good with mustard and pickles (and of course beer)
*Burger – juicy and delicious
*Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich – my go to. I alway order extra housemade pickles. This is the best chicken sandwich you will ever eat.
*Pulled pork sandwich – sweet with some heat. Awesome sandwich. big gorve
*Tator Tot Casserole – Amazing!
Mac and cheese – some of the best I’ve had. My kids love it as well.

The menu constantly changes with the seasons as they try do stay local and fresh which is greatly appreciated.

Bottom line: This place is a must try. The best thing going around the area.

A Trip to 515 Brewery; Clive, IA

515(2)I finally made it! After months and months of trying to find a time to get to Des Moines, my wife and I finally made it! Upon returning from a trip to Kansas City to visit some friends we made a little detour so we could hit up 515 Brewery (http://515brewing.com/). Here’s more about how the brewery came to be from their website:

Ryan’s and Brandon’s wives would tell you that it was a fabulous plan that went horribly wrong. Our wives wanted to spend more time together and plotted to have us, Ryan and Brandon, become friends — the common denominator, brewing beer. Little did they realize that bringing us together and then adding Bailey and Dave to the mix would snowball our little home-brewing hobby into an actual brewing business. Now, hundreds of gallons of beer later, we’re starting our beer adventure and can’t wait to take you along with us.

515(3)Upon entering the brewery there are a ton of seats and I noticed a lady (the beer 515(4)broad @beer_broad) dishing up some suds to a couple who had 3 kids in there and watching the Bears/Lions game. So for my wife and I, that was definitely a positive, being able to have some good brews, watch football, and have the kids with (as long as they’re not too rowdy or loud) is nice, though we try to leave the kids at home. The Beer Broad was super friendly while I ordered a flight of four of their beers. I was happy to see they had a pumpkin brew on tap as well (not on untappd.com as of this writing though 😦

515(1)I went for whatever has been talking about when referring to this brewery and that is the OJ IPA, their Dart Dodger, Lil’ Tart, and the pumpkin. The Lil’ Tart was refreshing, the pumpkin was perfect for the fall weather, and the Dart Dodger was an excellent IPA. I don’t want to sound like everyone else, but that OJ IPA is just a really special brew. So damn refreshing, so easy to drink, I would love to be able to grab a sixer of this at my local liquor store and go to town on it. Perfect for any weather, hot or cold, this is just a really tremendous beer; one of the best in Iowa in my opinion. After the sampler I went back for another OJ and grab a sweet glass to take home as 515(5)a souvenir. They do not have food or growlers (yet) but you can bring in your own grub to eat while you enjoy an OJ or any of their other brews.

(5156)My wife got some good pictures, (do I see an Imperial Stout in the works? YES!) and we both talked about how enjoyable it would be to have a great little brewery to be able to go to for a leisurely brew or two; so take note Des Moines area, 515 is legit, so get out and support them. Awesome brew, awesome people!

**I need another OJ ASAP**

Toppling Goliath Kentucky Brunch Release Review

tgToppling Goliath is making me want to pack up and move to Decorah, IA! After another great event and fun-filled weekend in Decorah, it’s pretty safe to say that Toppling Goliath (www.tgbrews.com) is becoming a midwest power in craft beer. Along with being able to hit up the brewery a couple of times, my wife and I got to spend an evening in Decorah checking out local businesses and eating some really good food.

We rolled into Decorah around 5 p.m. and I was just itching for a TG brew, so we headed right to the brewery with the intention of only having 1 beer and then grabbing a bite to eat. Well, after a pseudoSue for me and a rover truck for my wife, I went back to the bar and was going to buy some bombers of Sue, when all of a sudden I saw!…… a beautiful tap handle that can make your mouth water and your legs quiver….that’s right, Mornin’ Delight was just getting tapped! Now, the intent was to have one a go, but when you see something this rare and delicious being tapped in front of you, you must stay and enjoy….. so we did. The deliciousness of this beer has not been overstated at all; breakfast in a bottle folks, all the elements.

la ranaWhen we finally left the taproom we checked into our hotel, Hotel Winneshiek. (www.hotelwinn.com) My wife had read something about the best cook in Decorah being at a restaurant called La Rana. We had a really great meal there and they also had Toppling Goliath on tap. Highly recommend checking this place out on your next visit to Decorah as the burger was phenomenal!

In the morning, we had breakfast at T-Bocks which really impressed me because of them using local eggs, cheese, and meat. Really enjoyable breakfast, and we actually went back for lunch. My one complaint, if I have any, is that they don’t make their own ranch dressing, it’s hidden valley, but oh well.

We were also able to check out the co-op downtown which was really impressive! Great food options and also not a bad beer selection either.

Anyway, we got to the brewery for the Kentucky Brunch release at 7:45 and the people! OH THE PEOPLE! I couldn’t believe the amount for an 8:00 a.m opening! It just goes to show when you have a class act for a business the people are going to flock to you. I got sticker #12o something, and was hoping to get a taste of the Kentucky Brunch, but they were calling out by numbers and only got to the 90s before the keg went dry. Damn! Lesson learned though, get their earlier! As we waited we enjoyed some great brews, talked with some great people, and just enjoyed the day. As we got in line to get our beer it was great to see Clark from Toppling Goliath personally greeting everyone as they left. People from St. Louis, Minneapolis, Indiana, etc. had made the trek for this beer and I am very grateful I was able to get my hands on one!

If you are a craft beer lover, you have to take some time this summer and get to Decorah, the craft beer capital of Iowa!