Backpocket announces 9th Anniversary party for June 26th!

May 10, 2021Leave a comment

Backpocket will be celebrating their 9th anniversary this June! Stay tuned for more details on this event that is going to take place on the 26th! Variants to be released along with their popular Anniversary stout and allotments will be posted and updated up until the day of the party so keep following Backpocket on social media! Cheers!

Off Color and Clown Shoes beers hitting shelves this week courtesy of Abu Nawas!

May 7, 2021Leave a comment

OFF COLOR BREWING:
Off Color Beer for Cafes 6/4/16oz CANS – Chai Style Ale with Black Tea and Chai Masala Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves) added. 4.0% ABV
Off Color Beer for Golf 6/4/16oz CANS – Witbier brewed with Lemon & Black Tea. 4.5% ABV.
Off Color Very, Very Far 6/4/16oz CAN – Great American Beer Festival® 2019 Gold Medal for Other Belgian-Style Ale. Golden Belgian Style Ale has subtle fruity notes of Apricot, Lychee, Currant, and Honey layered with Noble Hop spice. 6% ABV.
Off Color Cherry Beer for Pizza 6/4/16oz CANS – Cherry Cola-Style Ale. Secret Ingredient, Maraschino Cherries. 4.5% ABV.
Off Color Beer for Pizza 6/4/16oz CAN – Cola-Style Ale, Inspired by pizza and pop parties. 4.5% ABV.
Off Color Beer for Tacos 6/4/16oz CAN – Gose Style Beer with Lime Juice, Pink Himalayan Salt, Coriander. Margaritas anyone? Just make sure you grab some Tacos. 6.5% ABV.
Off Color Apex Predator 6/4/16oz CAN – Sometimes John gets tired of telling the yeast what to do. For Apex Predator Farmhouse Ale, he pitches the yeast cold, turns off the temperature control, and let the yeast do its thing. 6.5% ABV.
Off Color Bare Bear 6/4/16oz CANS – Finnish style Sahti brewed with rye malts and juniper berries, and Nugget Hops. 7% ABV.
Off Color Dino’Smores 24/16oz CAN – Imperial stout brewed w/ graham flour, marshmallow, molasses, cocoa nibs & vanilla bean. 10.5% ABV.
Off Color Coffee Dino’Smores 24/16oz CANS – Imperial stout brewed w/ coffee, graham flour, marshmallow, molasses, cocoa nibs & vanilla bean. 10.5% ABV.

CLOWN SHOES CANS:

Clown Shoes Ancient Hills 1/12/19.2oz “Stovepipe” CAN – Chocolate Malt Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels. 10% ABV.
Clown Shoes Origin Story 1/12/19.2oz “Stovepipe” CAN – IPA Aged in Bourbon Barrels. Rich and complex notes of bourbon and oak mingle uniquely with subtle hoppiness and a sturdy, slightly sweet malt backbone. 9.75% ABV.
Clown Shoes Mango Farm 6/4/16oz CAN – Crisp and juicy IPA with Mango hopped with Mosaic, Cascade, Azacca, and Simco. Hits the spot on a hot summer day! 5.75% ABV. 🥭🥭🥭
Clown Shoes Rainbows are Real 6/4/16oz CAN – Hazy IPA Infused with Terpenes. 6.75% ABV.
Clown Shoes Tuscan Picnic 6/4/16oz CAN – Rosé India Pale Ale brewed with Lambrusco Grape Juice for sweet fruit flavor and a refreshing dryness reminiscent of a picnic under the Tuscan Sun! 6.5% ABV.
Clown Shoes Space Cake 6/4/16oz CAN – Double IPA with Mosaic and Citra Hops. 9% ABV.
Clown Shoes Space Cupcake 6/4/16oz CANS – Every Space Cupcake has been evil…until now. Space Cake’s signature sweet malt backbone and juicy hop profile meet a sessionable ABV in this American IPA. Mosaic hops are front and center in the citrusy aroma and flavor this delectable IPA presents. 5.75% ABV.
Clown Shoes Bubble Farm IPA 6/4/16oz CAN – American IPA maintains an approachable medium-body without sacrificing any of the full aroma and flavor of copious dry-hopping additions of Simcoe, Azacca, and Idaho 7 hops. 6.5% ABV.
Clown Shoes DDH Zen Garden 6/4/16oz CAN – Double Dry Hopped New England India Pale Ale, flush with full-bodied, hazy flavor from wheat and oat in the malt bill and a steady stream of hop additions. Hopped with Azacca, Citra, and Mosaic. 6.75% ABV.
Clown Shoes DDH YEEEHAAW! 6/4/16oz CANS – This year’s edition of this New England IPA doubles down on its tropical citrus focus with a double dry hopping in the fermentation tank. With Citra, Azacca, and Mosaic hops leading the way. 7% ABV.
Clown Shoes Undead Party Crasher 6/4/16oz CAN – American Imperial Stout, with a kiss of smoke. Rich notes of coffee and chocolate mingle throughout an intense and full-bodied Stout. Holy Water is on the ingredients list, We are not kidding! 9% ABV.
Clown Shoes Galactica IPA 6/4/16oz CAN – Clown Shoes Famed Double IPA Dry hopped with Galaxy Hops, this one balances a hop profile of light bitterness and notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine with a clean malt backbone.. 8% ABV.
Clown Shoes Tropical Blender 6/4/16oz CANS – Smoothie IPA with Guava, Pineapple, Mango, and Lactose. 7% ABV.
Clown Shoes Galacticake 6/4/16oz CAN – Double IPA Featuring a base brew of Space Cake dry-hopped per Galactica specs, Galacticake combines Clown Shoes signature Double IPAs to make for a bevy of tropical citrus aromas and flavor. A balanced body showcases notes of both pine and citrus. 9% ABV.
Clown Shoes Haze Cake 6/4/16oz CANS – Hazy Double IPA with Mosaic, Citra, and Centennial hops, Honey, and 2-row malts, wheat. 9% ABV.
Clown Shoes Clementine 6/4/16oz CAN – White Ale with Spices, All Natural Clementine Flavor, Sweet Orange Peel, Coriander, Mandarina Hops. 6% ABV.
Clown Shoes Mango Kolsch 6/4/16oz CAN – American Kōlsch with All Natural Mango Flavor, Columbus, and Huell Melon Hops. 5.5% ABV.
Clown Shoes Zebra Warren 2021 24/16oz CAN – Double IPA Mango and Pink Guava. 8% ABV.
Clown Shoes Hammer of the Lion 24/16oz CAN – Imperial Stout blended with Wee Heavy Ale aged in Rum, Bourbon, and Brandy Barrels. Rich malt sweetness paired with complex notes of Rum, Bourbon, and dark chocolate. 11% ABV.

Northside Oktoberfest set for October 2nd plus Oktoberfest in a Box returns!

May 4, 2021Leave a comment

Downtown Iowa City has announced the return of Northside Oktoberfest! This years version will be broken up in to 3 elements:

Northside Oktoberfest in a Box (Friday, September 3rd, 10th, and 17th)
- Thanks to the success of the 2020 Northside Oktoberfest in a Box, we have been asked to bring this feature back as part of the 2021 festival. The 2021 Northside Oktoberfest in a Box will once again be a take-home box including a variety of beers and your favorite treats from Northside businesses. Each box is built for 2 people to enjoy and can be customized when ordering.
Iowa City BrewFest (Saturday, October 2nd, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
- After taking a break from the in-person festivities in 2020, the sampling event is back to celebrate in-person with a new twist. For 2021, Iowa City Brewfest sponsored by FLY CID will be more exclusive than ever, with ONLY 600 BrewMaster tickets available. That means fewer lines and more beer for you to enjoy!
Northside Oktoberfest Outdoor Bier Hall (Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
- *New for 2021, Northside Oktoberfest will host an outdoor Bier Hall on Linn Street for general admission. Attendees can purchase a $15 Bier Hall mug to refill with at Northside restaurants and bars. Grab a drink, sit outside, and enjoy the traditional Oktoberfest entertainment that will be happening from the afternoon through the evening.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 5th @ 7:00 a.m. and you can order them by clicking here!

Here is what is included with each event listed above:

Northside Oktoberfest in a Box includes:

12 “Old World Classic” beers hand-selected by John’s Grocery & Iowa City’s “Bier Guy”, Doug Alberhasky
Take and bake Pagiliai’s Pizza of your choice
A featured kitchen item from Prairie Kitchen Store
(1) Bottle of wine from Brix Wine & Cheese Shop (choice of white or red)
$30 of gift cards to Northside businesses: $15 Gift Card for Dinner from a neighborhood restaurant & $15 Gift Card to a neighborhood shop
Northside Oktoberfest in a Box will be available for PICK-UP ONLY (Friday, September 3rd, 10th, and 17th)

Iowa City BrewFest ticket includes:

Exclusive access (only 600 available) to unlimited samplings from over 40 vendors from 10:00am – 2:00pm
Northside Oktoberfest 2021 chalice glass
$5 for lunch at Northside vendors
25th Anniversary Iowa City BrewFest shirt (choice of Brewer Work Shirt button-up or classic t-shirt, designed and supplied by Jonnie 5 Apparel)
First beer free at the new* Northside Oktoberfest outdoor Bier Hall

Northside Oktoberfest Outdoor Bier Hall

$15 Bier Hall Mug (available to purchase only the day-of)
1 free drink with purchase (while supplies last)
Can purchase wine and beer at Northside businesses to take to the street and enjoy
Access to Oktoberfest entertainment

Clock House releasing “Tidal Waves” tropical sour this Friday! (5/7)

May 3, 2021Leave a comment

Another week and another refreshing sounding release coming from Clock House Brewing. This Friday, Clock House will be releasing “Tidal Waves” tropical sour in 4 packs and on draft! Get there to get yours! Here’s more on this release courtesy of Clock House’s Facebook page:

You spoke, we listened! After hearing several requests to bring back this delicious sour, we decided it was time to brew more! Join us in our taproom this Friday, May 7th as we bring back Tidal Waves! A tropical punch inspired sour splashed with waves of cherry, pineapple, passion fruit, and lemon.Available in cans and on draft. No growler fills due to limited supply.
4-packs will be sold in-store only. No presales or online ordering

Clock House releasing “Whole Lotta Colada” sour this Friday (4/30)!

April 28, 2021Leave a comment

Earlier this week it was the announcing of a citrus wheat from Clock House and today we are getting a pineapple coconut sour! Clock House continues to roll us into the warmer months as they will be releasing “Whole Lotta Colada” sour this Friday (4/30) at 3:00 p.m. Draft and cans available, here’s more from the brewery:

Stop on down this Friday as we release Whole Lotta Colada! A fruited Kettle Sour infused with loads of Pineapple and Coconut! If you’re crazy for coconut you’re not alone! Brewmaster Todd woke up at 3 AM to toast the tasty coconut used in this summer crusher.Taproom sales only. Draft and cans available.

Clock House releasing “ClockEyed” citrus American wheat on Sunday (5/2)!

April 26, 2021Leave a comment

Another week and another tasty sounding release coming from Clock House Brewing in Cedar Rapids. This coming Sunday, they will be releasing “ClockEyed” citrus American Wheat! Here’s more on this release:

Our twist on this elegant, Summer Crusher, fruity sessionable wheat-based ale. Straw in color and cloudy from starch haze and yeast. Has a fruity aroma with a malty-sweet grain flavor with a melody of fruit from start to finish. Whirlpool additions of Orange peel, Lemon peel and coriander gives this beer a zesty, lemon, orange-citrusy fruitiness.Available on draft, cans and in growlers. Online ordering available day of release

Clock House releasing “Southern Bound” NEIPA this Friday (4/23) at 3!

April 20, 2021Leave a comment

A new hazy IPA will be coming to our beer loving selves this Friday, as Clock House will be releasing “Southern Bound” NEIPA. Be ready for some peachy deliciousness from this brew! Here’s more from Clock House on this release!

We’re packing our bags and heading down south! This juicy NEIPA was dry-hopped with Azacca and Callista to achieve a peach forward base. This was further accentuated by adding Columbian peaches in the secondary.This crushable hazy will be available on draft, in growlers and 4-packs to go (16 oz)

“Keeping it Craft” Episode 5 Part 1 from Big Grove Solon!

April 17, 2021Leave a comment

Keeping It Craft is all about showcasing the experiences, stories, and people that make our favorite restaurants, breweries, and bars special. Part one of our trip to Big Grove Brewery shines the light on a process many of us never get to see. Join us as Chef Ben Smart and Chef Sean Towley show us how they butcher and break down a suckling pig for the upcoming Big Grove Beer Dinner on April 19th. If you care about where your food comes from, and the care that goes into making it great this one is for you.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Chef T.J., Chef Brandon, Big Grove G.M. Andrew, Pasta Carbonara, and White Sausage Pizza paired with some of the best beer in the state! Cheers!

Nightmare, Omnipollo, Decadent, and Hoof Hearted coming from Abu Nawas this week!

April 16, 2021Leave a comment

Nightmare Brewing Company:

Nightmare Brewing Drawn and Quartered 6/4/16oz CANS – Quadruple dry-hopped Imperial IPA With Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy, Enigma & Citra. This recipe is close to the original with one alteration. More hops! Not only does this receive a massive Quadruple Dry-Hopped, this also has hops thrown in throughout its process (Mash, Kettle, Fermenter, Brite) allowing for each hop flavor and aromatic to shine while being backed by a well-rounded bitterness. 10% ABV.
Nightmare Brewing Colombian Necktie 6/4/16oz CAN – Gose Soured on Colombian Mangoes, with Lulo, Soursop, and Colombian Lime zest. 7.2% ABV.
Nightmare Brewing Slow Slicing 6/4/16oz CAN – Asiatic-style Sour Ale. Soured on Mandarin Oranges, Cucumbers & Lemongrass with Yuzu and Rice Sugar. 8.3% ABV.

Decadent Ales:

Decadent Ales Fruit Machine – Kiwi Strawberry Lemon 6/4/16oz CANS – A Gose Style Ale, with Kiwi, Strawberries and lemons. 6.1% ABV
Decadent Ales Lil Gushy 6/4/16oz CANS – India Pale Ale w/ Orange Puree. 6.2% ABV.
Decadent Ales Coconut Swirl 6/4/16oz CANS – Triple IPA brewed with Coconut & Vanilla. 10.2% ABV.
Decadent Ales Orange Gusher 6/4/16oz CANS – Double India Pale Ale with Orange Purée. 8.5% ABV.
Decadent Ales Orange Cream Pop 6/4/16oz CAN – All Citra dry-hopped IPA with a proprietary blend of sugars, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and a touch of Orange Zest. 6% ABV.
Decadent Ales Strawberry Frosted Pastry 6/4/16oz CAN – Double IPA with Strawberry, cinnamon, and allspice – reminiscent of a strawberry pop tart. 8.6% ABV.
Decadent Ales Vermont Maple IPA 6/4/16oz CAN – Crisp Double India Pale Ale with Vermont Maple. 9.1% ABV.
Decadent Ales Pecan Pie 6/4/16oz CAN – Double India Pale Ale with Pecans and Maple Syrup. 8.6% ABV.
Decadent Ales Raspberry French Toast 6/4/16oz CAN – Double India Pale with Raspberry, Maple Syrup, and Cinnamon added. 8.6% ABV.
Decadent Ales Passiflora 6/4/16oz CAN – Double IPA Brewed utilizing a blend of New Zealand hops, this brew produces notes of Guava, Citrus, and Passionfruit. 8.6% ABV.
Decadent Ales Coconut Almond Macaroon 24/16oz CAN – Double Dry-Hopped All-Mosaic IPA brewed with Coconut & Almond, and a variety of sugars to create a biscuit character. 8.2% ABV.

Hoof Hearted Brewing:

Hoof Hearted $60 Nachos 6/4/16oz CANS – Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA w/ the gooiest Citra, Simcoe, & El Dorado. 8% ABV.
Hoof Hearted Skin Froot 6/4/16oz CANS – Kettle Soured IPA infused with heavy amounts of Peach and Mango Purèe. 4.5% ABv.
Hoof Hearted TURBOWATER – Methode Champenoise 6/4/16oz CANS – Chardonnay Grape, Vanilla, and Almonds Hard Seltzer. Collaboration w/ Evil Water. 5.5% ABV.
Hoof Hearted Tailpipin’ 6/4/16oz CANS – IPA brewed with Pilsner Malts and Hopped with Citra and Sirachi Ace. 6.5% ABV.
Hoof Hearted Maxxx Profitz 6/4/16oz CANS – Sour Frappe Style IPA brewed with Strawberry, Vanilla, Pink Guava, Vanilla, & Lactose. 6% ABV.
Hoof Hearted One More Again 4/6/12oz CAN – Czech-Style Pilsner. 4.5% ABV.
Hoof Hearted Rose Gose 4/6/16oz CAN – Gose Brewed with Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Coriander, Hibiscus, then soured with Lactobacillus and fermented with Saison yeast. 4.2% ABV.

**Against The Grain:**
Against the Grain Retitled Pils 6/4/16oz CAN – Lager Beer. 5% ABV. ATG

Against the Grain Loo-a-vuhl Pale Ale 6/4/16oz CANS – Hazy Pale Ale. Generous dry hopping lends notes of peach, strawberry, mango flavors. 5.5% ABV.

Against the Grain Pool Boi Light 6/4/16oz CANS – Light Beer with Blackberry. Some of y’all only drink seltzer, and it shows. Why not mix it up and grab a Pool Boi Light? This crisp, refreshing beer with Kentucky blackberries is everything you wanted in a light beer. 3.2% ABV.

Against the Grain Fish Boi 6/4/16oz CAN – Refreshing Ale with Strawberry & Rhubarb. 3.2% ABV.

Against the Grain Citra Ass Down 6/4/16oz CANS – American style IPA with 11Lbs of CITRA in the Boil and 6Lbs of CITRA post-fermentation. Notice a theme? 8.2% ABV.

Against the Grain Pile of Face 6/4/16oz CANS – American IPA. 6.5% ABV.
Against the Grain Keller 6/4/16oz CAN – Malty, balanced German-style Kellerbier aged with oak alternatives that result in a spicy, floral aroma and flavors that complement this lager and replicates the old-style wooden cask character. 5.8% ABV.

Lark releasing “Jordan’s Brunch Maple Stout” this Saturday (4/17)!

April 14, 2021Leave a comment

Lark Brewing will be releasing “Jordan’s Brunch Maple Stout” this Saturday starting @ 10 a.m. for brunch at the Lark taproom! This is a small batch release and will be limited to in house pours only so make the trek over and get a taste! Here’s more on this beer courtesy of Lark’s Facebook page:

Jordan’s Brunch is a small batch Imperial Stout, aged with vanilla and chocolate, and blended with BLiS barrel aged maple syrup. Jordan Davis has been requesting a Lark Maple Stout since we first met. Without further delay, we will be releasing Jordan’s Brunch this Saturday @ 10AM…for brunch…Cheers!
(Small Batch – in house pours only)