Iowa Beer Review #108: Confluence Brewing Des Moines IPA

July 8, 20132 Comments

As the state of Iowa starts getting more breweries opening up and more breweries bringing their beer from outside states in, the competition for shelf space becomes harder and harder. Luckily, there are a bunch of Iowa breweries holding their own in the craft beer world, and one of those is Confluence Brewing Company (www.confluencebrewing.com). Located in Des Moines, Confluence is right in the middle of the ever-expanding craft beer movement with the likes of Exile, Raccoon River, Court Avenue, and 515. From the brewery:

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines constantly surprises first-time visitors with its mix of expected agrarian heritage and influences and unanticipated cosmopolitan flare. So too, with Des Moines IPA, an American take on a world beer: India Pale Ale (IPA). Iowa’s steady, well balanced nature is reflected in this IPA with its mix of medium body, lighter color and plenty of malt flavor to balance the massive hop impact. Citrusy and piney hops from the Pacific Northwest offset the robust malt flavor of the two-row barley and medium crystal malts. Des Moines IPA proudly represents the Hawkeye State in the category of American IPA, a favorite of beer connoisseurs all across the country.

As I finished my shopping at the downtown Cedar Rapids farmer’s market, I decided to hit up Benz Beverage Depot to grab a few brews. As much as I would love to see Confluence come in six packs, I think the quart bottles kick ass. A unique, refreshing look that stands out on the shelves, and that is what sucked me in.

I’ve heard mention of their Des Moines IPA from people of twitter and facebook, so that’s what I decided my first Confluence beer would be. Upon returning back home, I sat on my deck, opened up the quart jug and shared with my brother-in-law. Not knowing what to expect, the first impression that I got was the tropical fruit aroma that made way into the wonderful bitter, pineapple taste. The quart didn’t last long, and we both were really impressed at the balance and drinkability this beer presented.

I haven’t had any other offerings from Confluence yet, but if their IPA is a sign of their other offerings, I think it’s safe to say that this brewery can be a major playing the craft beer game, I’m just trying to figure out a time to visit the brewery to see what else they have in store. Awesome beer as the Hawkeye state slowly continues to find its niche in the craft beer world! Find this beer and enjoy!

REVIEW

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6.8%

PURCHASED AT: Benz Beverage Depot; Cedar Rapids

POUR: Hazy yellow, thick white head

AROMA: Tropical fruit aroma is clear, as well as the hop presence.

TASTE: Pineapple shines and is rounded out nicely by the hops and malts.

Ratebeer.com rating: 81

Beeradvocate raing: N/A

Overall: B+

My recommendation: Very impressive offering and happy that this is an Iowa brewed beer. Get out and buy a quart, support the state, and get yourself a fantastic beer!

Deschutes Iowa Launch Parties Dates and Times

July 3, 20133 Comments

According to the Deschutes’ website (www.deschutesbrewery.com), the list below is where and when you will find the launch party as the brewery prepares to enter the Iowa markets. If you make any of these dates I would love to hear your experience!

DES MOINES
El Bait Shop
Friday July 19th, 5-7 p.m.

Downtown Des Moines Pub Crawl
Friday July 19th, 8-11 p.m.

Cityview Brewfest
Saturday July 20th, 3-7 p.m.

Official Brewfest Afterparty
The Keg Stand
Saturday July 20th, 8-11 p.m.

Meet, Greet, Sample
Zombie Burger
Monday July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Meet the Brewer
Court Avenue Brewery
Monday July 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

MEET, GREET, SAMPLE
Tue, Jul 23, 11 am – 6 pm
Wellman’s Pub, Gateway Market , Whole Foods, Saints Pub and Patio, Dublin Bay, The Point Des Moines & Surrounding Areas, IA

BEER-LESQUE: TASTINGS AND TASSELS!
Wed, Jul 24, 9 pm – 11 pm
The Gramercy Tap
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-9606
www.gramercytap.com

HATS OFF TO HOMEBREWERS

Thu, Jul 25, 7 pm – 10 pm

Red’s Alehouse

405 N. Dubuque St

North Liberty , IA 52317

(319) 626-2100

www.redsalehouse.com

DESCHUTES BREWERY FLIGHT NIGHT

Fri, Jul 26, 6 pm – 9 pm

Blackstone

503 Westbury Drive #1

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 338-1770

www.blackstone-ic.com

Update on Deschutes

July 2, 2013July 2, 2013Leave a comment

With Deschutes brewing coming to Iowa in late July, many people have been asking what beers can we expect. I’ve been talking to quite a few people about this and it sounds like their regular lineup is what they will start with and then slowly incorporate seasonals and special releases. In fact, http://www.beerpulse.com just posted an update on future Deschutes releases, when to look for them and where:

Deschutes Green Monster

When: August/September (one time release, VERY limited)

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce bottles)
Here at Deschutes Brewery, we’re always on the lookout for a chance to create something new for our fans. In short, we don’t leave well-enough alone. That’s why, more than two years ago, our brewers decided to pack up some extra beer in French oak barrels, infect it with Brettanomyces, and then wait for the transformation. Dubbed affectionately around the brewhouse as “Green Monster”, the name stuck. At the end of this experimentation story, you will find a monstrously fantastic, brand-new sour beer, with slight cherry and barnyard scents and dried fruit aroma. In fact, the only scary thing about this beer is that it is so darned limited and will never be brewed again.

Where: You’ll be lucky to find this at all.

Beer Geek Information:
~7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Deschutes Jubelale – A Festive Winter Ale

When: September-December

What: Winter Seasonal (6-packs, 12-packs and draft)
We often hear that nothing starts off the brisk fall season quite like seeing Jubelale show up on the shelves and on tap for the first time. Dark and malty, layered flavors unwrap to reveal chicory and earth notes and a hoppy kick to finish. Hints of the holidays are in every sip of Jubelale – to beer lovers, it’s like a cozy fireplace gathering. Almost as exciting as taking your first sip of this festive brew is seeing what creation a local artist has come up with to grace the label and packaging. This year’s label features a mysterious owl in an illustration by Avlis Leumas, a Bend Oregon artist who was excited to be selected to create this year’s artwork.

Where: Available in all 21 states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
6.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
60 IBUs

Deschutes Chasin’ Freshies Fresh Hop IPA

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (22-ounce bottles and draft)
Born in a ski town, Deschutes Brewery knows what it’s like to be endlessly in pursuit of untouched perfection – chasing pristine powder slopes on mountain flanks. In similar fashion, Deschutes Brewery will chase down Gamache Farms’ famed fresh Amarillo hops for this year’s vintage. Chasin’ Freshies, which first appeared in the Bend pub and came out in its bottle debut last fall featuring heirloom Cascade hops, is a nod to the snow and hop enthusiasts we’ve entertained for the last 25 years at our downtown gathering spot. You’ll most definitely want to seize the moment and enjoy the bold, juicy aroma and flavor that comes but once a year.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
7.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
65 IBUs

Deschutes Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (6-packs and draft)
We know we’re lucky to be located right in the heart of hop-growing country. And the beer that ensues from this proximity is big and bold. When the Crystal hops at Sodbuster Farms are ready for harvest, our crew gets in the truck to go pick them, bag them, load them and dump the freshly harvested jewels into the brew kettle – all in just a few hours. The results of this hurried journey? A pale ale with a uniquely bright citrus punch to the nose. Worth the trip, every time.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
5.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
38 IBUs

Deschutes The Abyss

When: November

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce wax-dipped bottles and draft)
It’s hard to believe our brewers have been lovingly creating this magical liquid for eight years now. That’s right, 2013 marks the eighth time that beer fanatics have been able to crack open the wax-dipped tops of these bottles and fall right into the complexity that is The Abyss. This imperial stout is the heart and soul of Deschutes Brewery’s Reserve Series beers, with an endless crevasse of flavor that reveals itself each November (or, if you are the patient sort, whenever this brew is uncellared and dusted off for consumption).

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
11% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
70 IBUs

New to Shelves: Rubeus, Stone Ruin 10, Point Beyond the Pale

June 28, 2013June 28, 2013Leave a comment

Some old news and some newer news for Eastern Iowa beer lovers this week. Talking with some sources it seems some of you have been able to get your hands on Founders Rubaeus whereas others are still waiting for it to hit their market. If you haven’t been able to get it yet it should be available Eastern Iowa wide by next week.

Also, Stone Ruin 10 is available and is always a must try brew.

Now, I know that Point Brewery beers haven’t really been thought of as must try beers, and rightfully so, but they appear to see the writing on the wall and have now released Point Beyond the Pale IPA. All galaxy hopped IPA. I haven’t had it yet, but am willing to give it a go. Here’s the break down of all three brews:

Founders Rubaeus:
ABV: 6.9%
Ratebeer: 91
Beeradvocate: 88

Stone RuinTen IPA
ABV: 10.8%
Ratebeer: 100
Beeradvocate: 97
Point Beyond the Pale IPA
ABV: 6.5%
Ratebeer: N/A
Beeradvocate: 85

**Also is going to come in at an affordable $6-$7 six pack.

If you spot any new beers on your shelves please drop me a line and spread the knowledge! Cheers!

Madhouse Brewing Belgian Golden Ale releases next week!

June 19, 20133 Comments

The next part of the successful Madhouse Brewing (www.madhousebeer.com) Venture Series is due to hit Eastern Iowa shelves next week. Their summer seasonal Belgian Golden Ale will be making its way to Eastern Iowa. From the Madhouse Brewing Facebook page:

This Belgian Golden Ale features the Nelson Sauvin hop from New Zealand. This hop variety is named for its aromatic similarity to Sauvignon Blanc wines. This creates a complex aroma which mixes the spice and clove from the Belgian yeast with tropical fruit and citrus from the hops. This beer finishes clean and crisp to make it the perfect summer release.

I’m really excited for this release as I’ve been exploring more Belgian style brews lately. Also, if you haven’t had their Maple nut-brown, I’ve seen some bombers still on the shelves. I really enjoyed that beer, give it a shot! Support Iowa craft beer!

Distribution News: Horny Goat Brewing Heading to Iowa

June 18, 2013Leave a comment

I’m not sure who’s going to get excited for this, but according to http://www.beerpulse.com, Horny Goat brewery out of Milwaukee, WI will started distributing their beers to Eastern Iowa shelves in the 2nd Quarter of 2013. I’ve had a few of their offerings, and the only thing I can say is that I hope they get a hell of a lot better and a name change might do them good as well. But anyway, the following news comes from beerpulse.com:

(Milwaukee, WI) – Horny Goat Brewing Company is starting their 4th year in the craft industry with new brews and new distribution. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Horny Goat prides itself on creating delicious beers that are both traditional and different. This summer marks the second year Watermelon Wheat, their best selling seasonal, will be available in markets. With real watermelon added during the fermentation stage this wheat ale is a great beer to enjoy during the summer. They are also perfecting new brews in preparation for mass distribution at their Milwaukee Brew Pub. Horny Goat Brewing Company is expanding its reach to many additional markets in the United States in the near future.

RECENT ADDITIONAL MARKETS
3rd and 4th Quarter 2012:
Texas, Nebraska, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee

1st Quarter 2013
Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri

2nd Quarter 2013
Iowa

Horny Goat Brewing Company currently serves 19 states. Horny Goat was founded in 2009 on the idea that craft beer should be fun and not so pompous. Horny Goat Brewing Company’s line includes a wide variety of flavors both traditional and unique: Exposed Cream Ale, Hopped UP ‘N Horny IPA, Horny Blonde Lager, Baby Got Bock, Watermelon Wheat, HornyCopia Pumpkin Ale, Oktoberfest, Stacked Milk Stout, Brownie Porter, and Chocolate Cherry Stout.

Beer Release News: Green Flash, Widmer, Goose Island

June 17, 2013Leave a comment

Some news on some harder to come by beers has made its way to the Baron. Green Flash, Widmer Brothers, and Goose Island all have beers that should be making their way into our market in the next few months and a couple of these might be harder to come by than others. Here we go!

Green Flash Citra Session IPA – My sources tell me that is beer is only going to be available on draft at these locations (so far): Parlor Ciy, The Mill, Reds Alehouse, and Lot 1 (Dubuque). Should be seeing this brew this week! More on this beer:

ABV: 4.3%
BA Score: 81
RB Score: 87

From the brewery: A pale gold citrusy brew with notes of lemon and floral undertones, this is the perfect summer IPA.

Widmer Brothers Kill Devil – Kill Devil is a brown ale made with brown sugar and molasses and then aged in rum barrels. The date for this is not quite definite yet but hopefully in the next few weeks. More on this beer:

ABV: 9.5%
BA Score: 83
RB Score: 90

From the brewery: Aged in Puerto Rican rum barrels, and brewed with Sweet Barbados and Blackstrap molasses, palm sugar, and Calypso hops, Kill Devil’s flavor and name were inspired by the ingredients used by Caribbean distillers.”

Continue reading →

Iowa Beer Review #105: Peace Tree Sidekick Kolsch

June 12, 20131 Comment

Looking for that beer that you grab out of your fridge in the garage after doing some yard work? Or a brew to grab and then sit in your lawn chair and listen to a ball game on the radio? Or just a nice, crisp, refreshing Iowa brewed beer that hits the spot in any situation? Well, look no further than Peace Tree Brewing’s Sidekick Kolsch (www.peacetreebrewing.com). When drinking a Kolsch style brew you should be light fruit flavor, minimal hop presence, slight bitter and dry finish to the beer, and Sidekick does is a very strong representation of this style.

Toppling Goliath Kentucky Brunch Release Review

June 5, 2013Leave a comment

Toppling 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.

When 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!

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum has Arrived…..Finally!!

June 4, 20131 Comment

It seem I’ve been waiting on this beer to hit our shelves for a while now, and according to John’s Grocery’s facebook page, Sierra Nevada Hoptimum is currently in stock on their shelves. Along with Founder’s Devil Dancer, these two have made it a nice week of hops for Eastern Iowa hopheads. Enjoy the brew!

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum:
Ratebeer.com: 100/100
Beeradvocate: 93/100

From the brewery:

A group of hop-heads and publicans challenged our Beer Camp (#19) brewers to push the extremes of whole-cone hop brewing. The result is this: a 100 IBU, whole-cone hurricane of flavor. Simply put- Hoptimum: the biggest whole-cone IPA we have ever produced. Aggressively hopped, dry-hopped and torpedoed with our exclusive new hop varieties for ultra-intense flavors and aromas.

Hops, hops and more hops are the stars of this big, whole-cone Imperial IPA. Resinous ‘new-school’ and exclusive hop varieties carry the bold and aromatic nose. The flavor follows the aroma with layers of aggressive hoppiness, featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar and tropical fruit – all culminating in a dry and lasting finish.

Beer specs:
ABV: 10.4%
Original Gravity: 22.8 Plato
Final Gravity: 4.5 Plato
Bitterness Units: 100 IBU
Color: Orange Amber
Bittering Hops: German Magnum
Aroma Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Dry Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Torpedo Hops: Citra & Chinook
Malts: Two-row Pale, Golden Promise, Munich & Wheat
Yeast: Ale