I noticed a big sign where the former Bennigan’s used to be at Coral Ridge Mall advertising that the Mellow Mushroom will be opening in that location in the future. Mellow Mushroom offers “southern style” pizza and also a beer club which sounds very similar to Old Chicago’s beer club. They advertise 100 beers 64 on tap? I believe. That number might be a bit off. Here’s a link to their menu:
Tag: iabeerbaron
Coming to Shelves: Dissident, Breckenridge BA Stout, Dragon’s Milk w/Raspberries, more!
Quite a few new brews will be hitting the shelves in the coming weeks and months. Along with the tremendous selection we already have a few more will be added to make your decision as to what to buy even more difficult. Here they come:
**Deschutes Brewing The Dissident: Starting to be available on Dec. 12 but I’m not sure if that is just brewery release. The actual date Eastern Iowa will see it I’m unsure of. It’s a flanders style sour brown that will be in 22 oz bottles with a 10.4% ABV. More from the brewery:
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Fermented for more than 18 months in isolation from the rest of the beers, The Dissident is a distinctive Oud Bruin, Flanders-style brown ale, with a fruity aroma and flavor, the first wild yeast beer made by the award-winning Deschutes Brewery.To give The Dissident its characteristic sour taste the brewery used a wild yeast strain called Brettanomyces (also known as Brett) during fermentation. Known throughout the wine world for creating earthy undertones found in many European wines, Brett is used in the beer fermentation process to create strong flavors typically associated with Belgian beers. Unlike English varieties that use traditional inoculated yeasts in the fermentation process, beers made with Brett take much longer to ferment and require additional barrel finishing time to balance the sour flavoring. In the Dissident’s case, this meant aging a portion of it in pinot and cabernet barrels for over 3 months. Another key flavor component comes from the Central Washington cherries that were added twelve months ago.
Due to the wild yeast , The Dissident required special treatment and was held in isolation under lock and key apart from the rest of the brewery’s beers to avoid any cross-contamination. A secondary bottling line was also brought in from an outside contractor to facilitate The Dissident’s bottling and insure the beer and wild yeast never touched the brewery’s machinery. With a beer this wild and truly unique, Deschutes needed a special label to alert consumers to what lay inside. The resulting image immediately sets The Dissident apart from the other Deschutes Brewery beers, even the Reserve Series beers.
The fruit and acidity in The Dissident make it ideal for pairing with a wide variety of dishes – the high acidity is perfect for cutting creamy dishes or cooling spicy ones. Because of the fruity characteristics derived from the cherries, the beer also pairs well with chocolate. Deschutes Brewery President and Founder Gary Fish recommends pairing the Dissident with “anything chocolate, the darker the better, soft cheeses like Brie and creamy dishes like spaghetti carbonara, or macaroni and cheese.”
**Breckenridge Brewery 72 Imperial Chocolate Cream Stout**– Breckenridge getting into the barrel aged program by going nationwide release with barrel aged stout. From the thefullpint.com:
This unique release is a whiskey barrel-aged take on the brewery’s Small Batch 72 Imperial, an imperial chocolate cream stout. For every 100 bbl. batch, 400 lbs. of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory lustrous chocolate, made especially for 72 Imperial, are added to the brew. After spending a considerable amount of time in whiskey-soaked oak barrels, the finished product is molasses in color and smells of chocolate, wood, and whiskey harmoniously blended together. The beer has a dense and decadent mouthfeel and an abundance of rich flavors, including hints of sherry and dark fruit that compliment the toasted chocolate and oak notes remarkably.
**New Holland Dragon’s Milk Reserve w/ Raspberries** – This is one beer that I am personally excited to see. Very thankful that New Holland has hit our shelves as I think Dragon’s Milk and BA Dragon’s Milk are at times overlooked. Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries will be hitting our shelves in late December, probably limited supply.
New Holland Brewing has bottled the newest variation of their barreled beer – Dragon’s Milk. The imperial stout is aged in house bourbon barrels has undergone some raspberry treatment to create Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries.
Style: Imperial Stout (w/ Raspberries. Barrel Aged. Bourbon.)
Availability: 22oz Bombers. Limited release.
Arrival: Late December, 201410% ABV
Kona Brewing Coming to Iowa
Kona Brewing will be one of few craft breweries to be available in all 50 states as they fill in their final 9 states with their products. They should be available in Iowa starting in early 2015. For a full list of their lineup check out their website at:
From an earlier press release and courtesy of the Sioux City Journal:
“In early 2015 we are approaching our 21st anniversary of brewing high-quality craft beer, and this national push is a perfect tribute to that milestone,” said Kona Brewing Company brand manager Aaron Marion.
”It’s been two years since Kona first touched down in the heart of the country, and the reception of our Hawaiian brews has provided a nice groundswell. We look forward to bringing some warmth and a taste of Hawaii to the growing market of craft beer drinkers in the central U.S., especially during these cold winter months,” Marion said.
Their award winning Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale will both be represented, available on draught and in six-pack bottles.
Dubuque on Ice Brewfest Set for February 21st, 2015
The 4th annual Dubuque on Ice Brewfest is slated to take place on Saturday, February 21st starting at 1:00 and ending at 5:00 p.m. It takes place at the Mystique Ice Arena in Dubuque with a VIP entrance time slated for noon. $35 general admission and $50 for VIP tickets. Tickets will be on sale starting December 10th. Last year saw many breweries in attendance including Exile, Toppling Goliath, Big Grove Brewery and many more. A great event and I hope to see you there! For more info visit www.dubuquebrewfest.com!
Coming to Shelves: Deschutes Pine Drop? Bells Planet Series Continues..
Something that hasn’t been 100% confirmed but looks to be inevitable is a new Deschutes beer being added to their Bond Street Series lineup. Go along with Hop in the Dark, Chasin’ Freshies, and Foray, Pine Drop IPA will soon be bottled. What was once a draught only offering, as the name suggests, will be a Piney IPA that will use chinook, millennial, centennial, and northern brewer. More from the brewery courtesy of beerstreetjournal.com.
This lively IPA delivers a crisp and light malt body with ample citrus and pine notes from Chinook and experimental hops. Inspired by the aromas and silence we experience when exploring the scenic pine forests just up the road from our brewhouse.
Deschutes Pinedrops IPA will be available in 12oz bottles as a part of the Bond Street Series. Other offerings in the series include Chasin Freshies, Foray, and Hop in the Dark.
Style: IPA
Hops: Millennial, Northern Brewer, Chinook, Centennial, Experimental
Malt: Pilsner, Pale, Munich, Crystal, Cara PilsAvailability: 12oz bottles, Draft.
Arrival: TBA
Also coming to shelves is the third Bells Planet Series offering. Mercury will be hitting shelves in December and is a Belgian Single. Here’s more from Bell’s Brewery:
MERCURY
The Winged Messenger
STYLE: Belgian Single
RELEASE DATE: December 2014
ABV: 4.8%
COLOR: Pale, straw
GLASSWARE: Snifter
TASTING NOTES: Light and sessionable like its namesake, the third release in the Bell’s Planet Series, Mercury: The Winged Messenger, was inspired by the Belgian Single, a style traditionally brewed by monks in Belgium for their own consumption.
This interpretation has bready and grainy notes from Belgian malt, herbal and balanced characteristics from the hops and a subtle, but spicy character from the Belgian yeast. Fruity notes of pear are also present in this light, bright and complex session beer.
Bells Brewery Kick Off to Christmas Dec. 19th @ Reds Alehouse
I just received the following email from Reds Alehouse. Sounds like Bells is bringing some heavy hitters on the 19th! Some things we haven’t seen in Eastern Iowa before and Oracle on tap will be really nice! Hope to see you there! Here’s the list of brews:
Iowa Breweries Gift Giving Guide 2014
Did everyone survive Bourbon County day?! We can now get back to a little normalcy in the beer world. Hope Thanksgiving went well and everyone drank some tasty brews but now it’s on to Christmas! And what better way to show someone you love them than with some great Iowa beer and apparel! (I was going to use the word swag but I think I’m too old). Below is a list I’ve compiled with the help of some great Iowa breweries of items that they have for sale. I’m a sucker for glassware and shirts from breweries so this stuff is right up my alley. The links that follow should take you to each breweries store, please let me know if a link is not working.
Millstream Brewing Company – Amana, IA:
*Clothing – shirts and hats ranging anywhere from $10-$50
*Glassware – pint glasses to growlers from $4.25 – $35.
*Miscellaneous – signs, koozies, coasters and more!
Baron’s pick: The new Millstream tshirts are pretty sweet and a good price at $17.50, but I think their old school metal sign is the way to go especially if you have a nice little Beer Cave to hang it in. Sign clocks in at $15.70.
http://shop.millstreambrewing.com/
Firetrucker Brewery – Ankeny, IA:
*Clothing – this upstart brewery has 2 t-shirts, a sweatshirt and kick-ass looking biking t-shirt to choose from ranging from $25-$135.
*Glassware – a 16 oz pint glass with their sweet looking logo at $12.
*Miscellaneous – stickers and coasters from $2-$5.
Baron’s pick: Going with the sweatshirt for $55 and the pint glass for $12. Love the logo on both, especially with a nice stout poured behind it.
http://www.firetrucker.com/swag.php
Singlespeed Brewery – Cedar Falls, IA:Shamefully I haven’t been to Singlespeed yet, but I’ve heard great things are happening in Cedar Falls. My New Year’s Resolution is to drink more at all Iowa Breweries! 🙂
*Clothing – t-shirts, hoodies, and brewers shirts ranging from $20-$50.
*Glassware – pub glasses, flasks, growlers ranging from $6-$60.
*Miscellaneous – gifts cards and bottle openers.
Baron’s pick: The beer glasses. Gift cards are available in any amount as well.
http://www.singlespeedbrewing.com/gear/default.aspx
Lion Bridge Brewery – Cedar Rapids, IA: A spot you can probably find me at on any given weekend. So thankful that they have opened up so close to home. Along with great beer the food is damn good as well (pork nachos anyone?).
*Clothing – t-shirts ranging in color. Nothing on the website yet but they do have a little shop setup in the brewery. I believe I got the last powder blue and red!
*Glassware – If you are a beer glass junkie like myself Lion Bridge can set you up. Taster glasses, pint glasses, snifters, etc. All there, all for sale…I believe. Along with growlers and meowlers.
*Miscellaneous – CSA. Their community sponsored ales program. A one time fee gets you discounts, a t-shirt, growler, 1st growler fill, and growler fills on speciality beers all for $80 I believe.
Baron’s Pick: Well, I’ve already picked up a shirt, glasses, and the CSA will be joined soon. So I guess I’ll recommend all three!
515 Brewing – Clive, IA – Anytime I’m in the Des Moines area I make a stop at 515. Love the people here, love the atmosphere and love the beer! No online shop as of now but stop in and have a pint and grab something to take home with you.
*Clothing – last time I was there they had 3 different t-shirts to choose from. I got a sweet looking gray with the logo on it.
*Glassware – I vaguely remember a few different glasses to choose from. I bought a nice snifter, perfect for a nice stout or porter!
Baron’s Pick: – Love the t-shirt I own and my snifter, I highly recommend!
Toppling Goliath – Decorah, IA – Arguably the most recognized Iowa brewery has some really cool gear to pick up. I recently picked up a King Sue Teku glass (now kicking myself in the ass for not getting an Assassin Teku as well).
*Clothing – t-shirts, sweatshirts, a nice little pseudosue pack consisting of a hat, shirt, and two coasters.
*Glassware – well, the King Sue and Assassin Tekus rock the shit. Got one, want more. They also have pint glasses, chalices, snifters, with not just the TG logo, but their specific beer logos.
*Miscellaneous – openers, stickers, and coasters.
Baron’s Choice – The Teku is the obvious choice for me. These are awesome!
Confluence Brewing – Des Moines, IA – Confluence keeps rolling out some excellent brews. Really enjoyed Ayana’s Rhino Rye and hope to see it again in the future!
*Clothing -They have sweatshirts, bike jerseys, T’s and other apparel.
*Glassware – 64 oz and 32 oz growlers.
*Baron’s Choice – pick up a t-shirt. I’m not sure what color scheme they have as they don’t currently have an online store, but give them a call or drop them an email. http://www.confluencebrewing.com/
Peace Tree Brewing – Knoxville, IA – Another brewery making big splashes is Peace Tree. Located in Knoxville, this brewery has some really sweet looking apparel and other offerings.
*Clothing – t-shirts and bicycle shirts ranging from $15-$75.
*Glassware – awesome looking glassware and even a cool pint glass and opener set.
*Miscellaneous – bottle caps, openers, patches, labels and more.
*Baron’s Choice – I love the Peace Tree Beanie found here:http://store.peacetreebrewing.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0001013. Added to my wishlist!
Big Grove Brewery – Solon, IA – nothing has been hotter than Big Grove in Solon. With the amount of attention and recognition they get you’d think they would have been open for years, but it’s only been one! So much good things being created here both beer and food wise, makes this another frequent destination of the Baron.
*Clothing – upon walking in on my last visit I saw the wall to my left had new Big Grove t-shirts made by Tailgate Clothing company! Wonderfully comfortable shirts that always look great. I will be adding all three to my collection.
*Glassware – growlers and the last I was there they still had a few 1 year anniversary tulip glasses for sale. Awesome glasses, highly recommended!
Baron’s Choice – I must own the shirts! They are awesome! You will not be disappointed! Check them out on your next visit. I have 1 year anniversary glass that I great like it’s one of my own children and a growler that I fill frequently! All great stuff!
**This holiday, support your local brewery. The above are a few of the wonderful places we are lucky enough to have in our state. I assume most places have gift cards available as well. Below is a link to the complete list of Iowa breweries, find one near you, go there, drink beer, and buy some shit!**
Baron’s Guide to Thanksgiving and Beer
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I thought it would be fun to breakdown Thanksgiving Day and pair some craft beers with what would be my typical meal. Now, 15 years ago, Busch Light reigned supreme and would flow freely along with some boxed wine and a few bottles of booze. Times change and thankfully so do the drinks. I saw the guys at fullpint.com do this and thought it would be good to see an Eastern Iowa version of what beers to get.
**Early and often Beers**– while watching the football game with fellow family members and waiting for the bird to finish up cooking, it’s good have other options available other than the typical light beer, and Eastern Iowa now has a plethora of excellent, low abv brews.
Baron’s recommendation:
*Founders Brewing All Day IPA – 4.7%
*Lion Bridge Workmen’s Compensation – 4.7% (growler only – coffee variation dynamit
e as well)
*Lion Bridge Whirligig – 4.5% (growler only, a Baron Favorite)
*Big Grove Que Sera Berliner Weisse – 4.4% (growler only)
*Destihl Brewing Here Gose Nothin’ – 5% (A little higher ABV and sour but I can down a few)
*Stone Levitation – 4.4% very tasty amber.
**Dinner Beers** – the food has made it’s way to the table and you are looking for a bottle of something to share with some loved ones. I’m in agreement with many beer lovers that the perfect style of beer for Thanksgiving are Saisons. And being a saison lover, there are quite a few to choose from around Eastern Iowa. I also think maltier IPAs go well with the majority of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Baron’s recommendation:
*Saison Dupont – 6.5%
*Boulevard Tank 7 – 8.5%
*Lion Bridge Untitled Saison – 6.5% (growler only)
*Deschutes Zarabanda – 6.3%
*Sierra Nevada Celebration – 6.8%
*Bells Two Hearted – 7%
**Time for Dessert** – as with most holidays there is usually a table reserved just for desserts. Now, you should have a cooler reserved for dessert beers. I would have loved to include New Glarus on this list and they would be at the top but they aren’t distributed anywhere outside of Wisky. So for dessert I would go with:
Baron’s Recommendations:
*Schlafly Pumkin Ale – 8% – a no-brainer here. One of the better pumpkin beers on the market.
*Big Grove Russian Imperial Stout- this beer pairs excellent with dark fruits. Had it at the brewery in Solon with some of their pickled bing cherries and was blown away. (growler only)
*Millstream Raspberry Latte Stout – ? ABV – Millstream’s newest offering has me craving more. A great combo of raspberry and stout that’s perfect for dessert.
*Stone Xocoveza – 8.1% – if you’re lucky enough to still have a bottle this would be a perfect way to end the evening. Chocolate, cinnamon, and coffee makes this the perfect beer after a big meal and the heat does a nice job of warming you up for a chilly Iowa November evening.
**As always, I’m sure I missed a bunch of beers. Feel free to send me your list and if you hear of any news, would like a guest review post, or questions drop me a line!**
Coralville Brrr Fest Set for January 24th!
Save the Date!
When: Saturday, January 24, 2015
Where: Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The time has come to start making your plans for BrrrFest 2015! Once again, BrrrFest will feature amazing breweries from across Iowa and the Midwest.
Continuing this year, BrrrFest beer lovers will have the opportunity to buy bottles of the beers they love most. That’s right. BrrrFest will be selling beer from select breweries including some limited release* offerings that are very hard to come by. You’ll be able to take BrrrFest home with you for the second year – awesome! *A working list of beer available for purchase will be available on the BrrrFest website soon.
Ticket Information:
Regular Entry*: $30
*Includes tasting glass
Brew Master (limited number available)**: $45
**Includes special tasting glass and early admission (12pm)
Tickets go on sale online on BLACK FRIDAY (November 28, 2014) and will soon be available in person (we will send out another note soon to let you know).
We have sold out every year so don’t delay. The Black Friday release is a less than subtle message… BrrrFest tickets make great gifts! Make sure you get yours early. Remember, proceeds from the event benefit Coralville 4th Fest and the Iowa Brewers Guild… so you are enjoying brew’s for a few great causes! Thank you in advance for your support.
Deschutes Tap Takeover @ Reds Alehouse Nov. 26th!
From a Red’s Alehouse email:
