Madhouse Brewing Updates Beer Portfolio

November 5, 2017November 5, 2017Leave a comment

Madhouse Brewing has updated their beer portfolio with a list of new releases and the discontinuing of some as well. Below is their Facebook post of their updated beer lineup:

Free and open to the public.

Madhouse Brewing Company is releasing several new beers and making an official change to our flagship brews. Take a look at our new lineup:

-Honey Pilsner- No changes!! This is our best-selling flagship beer, and we will continue to brew and distribute our Pilsner.

-Pastime Pale Ale- Discontinued. This was the first beer we ever released. We know there are some people who really enjoy the Pastime. This has not been an easy decision.

-Hopbust IPA- Change of recipe. We will continue to brew and sell our flagship Hopburst IPA. We have changed the malt used in the beer, however, and are now using 100% Falconer’s Flight hops. The ABV has been dropped to 6.2% (previously 7.2%) to increase drinkability. We have spent a lot of time developing this new recipe, and are really excited about the new version.

-Oak-Aged Imperial Red- Discontinued. Another beer we have enjoyed making, but have decided to stop production for now.

-Sumatra Coffee Stout- Discontinued. A great coffee stout, but has become over-shadowed by our barrel-aged stouts such as the Carpe Diem.
NEW RELEASES!!!

-Monk Town- Belgian-style Dubbel Ale. This beer will join the Pilsner and IPA in our lineup of flagship beers. Legend has it that the city of Des Moines was born of the French colonial name, Riviere des Moines, literally meaning “River of the Monks.” Dark malt flavors and Belgian yeast aromas of banana and spice. Check out the design work by Flying Hippo! 6.8% ABV. Available 4-pack, 12oz bottles.

-Citra Storm IPA- Double New England-style IPA. 100% Citra hops. Hazy, juicy, and aromatic. You’re gonna want to try how Madhouse does the beer style that is taking the nation by storm! 7.8% ABV. Draft only. Look for this beer at your local growler station.

-Fountain of Youth- Oak barrel-aged, wild yeast sour ale made with “super fruits” including acai, pomegranate, and locally grown aronia berries from Berry Meadows. Design by Flying Hippo. 7.2% ABV. Available 750ml bottles.

-2017 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wee-Heavy- Imperial Scotch-style ale aged in bourbon barrels. The first of our winter release barrel-aged beers. Caramel and toffee aromas with sweet malt flavors. 13.5% ABV. Available 750ml bottles.

-Alexander-Heavy- Wee-Heavy variant with chocolate and nutmeg. Flavor profile inspired by the classic cocktail, the Brandy Alexander. 13.5% ABV. Draft only, tap-room only.
Barrel-Aged release schedule-
Looking ahead, here is our 2017-2018 Bourbon barrel-aged beer release schedule:
-VIP- December release. This will be released on Friday, Dec.15th at the annual holiday party at Jasper Winery.
-Freedom Toast- January release. We will be bottling this for the first time.
-Carpe Diem- February release.
-El Jefe- March release.
Sour Barrel-Room-
Our sour barrel-room/events space is now complete. Keep us in mind for groups up to 50 people. Contact events@madhousebeer.com or 515-988-5535 for more info.

Madhouse Brewery Releasing Carpe Diem Tomorrow (February 17th)!

February 16, 2017February 16, 2017Leave a comment

The highly anticipated release of Madhouse Brewing’s bourbon barrel aged imperial breakfast stout, Carpe Diem, will be taking place Friday February 17th and Madhouse Brewing in Des Moines, IA. One of my favorite beers of the past year will be released along with some other breakfast themed beers from Madhouse. Here’s more courtesy of Madhouse’s Facebook page:

A breakfast-themed beer release party! Miss Molly’s Jamaican Patty food truck will be on-site serving Jamaican and breakfast foods.

Beers to be released:

CARPE DIEM: Bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Breakfast Stout made with oats, cocao nibs, Kona coffee, and bourbon barrel-aged Iowa maple syrup. Available in 750ml bottles.

FREEDOM TOAST: Bourbon maple barrel-aged Wee-Heavy with cinnamon and vanilla. Draft only.

BLACK & BLUE: Barrel-aged sour Imperial Stout with blackberries and blueberries. Available in 750ml bottles.

CATAWBA-WABA: Barrel-aged sour Saison with fresh Iowa Catawba grape juice added. Draft only.

The event starts at 4:00: For more information visit Madhouse’s Facebook page here and feel free to pick the Baron up a bottle!!

New Breweries Added to Brr Fest Lineup!

January 19, 2017Leave a comment

brrfest Coralville Brrr Fest is 10 short days away and the lineup of breweries just got a little bit bigger. According to an email from Brrr Fest organizers there are 6 more breweries added to the list. They are:

Parkside Brewing, Burlington

Lark Brewing, Waterloo

Barn Town Brewing, West Des Moines

Torrent Brewing Company, Ames

Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, Cedar Rapids

Lionstone Brewing, Geneseo, Illinois

These breweries will join the huge list below. It should be a great weekend and I hope to see some of you there!

Participating Brewers

515 Brewing Co. (Des Moines, IA)

Alluvial Brewing Company (Ames, IA)

Another Road Brewing (Marion, IA)

Backpocket Brewing (Coralville, IA)

Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)

Barn Town Brewing (West Des Moines, IA)

Bent River Brewing Co. (Moline, IL)

Big Grove Brewery (Solon, IA)

Boone Valley Brewing (Boone, IA)

Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery, & Distillery (Swisher, IA)

CIB (Chefs In Black) Brewery (Carson, IA)

Confluence Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)

Contrary Brewing Co. (Muscatine, IA)

Court Avenue Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)

Deschutes Brewery (Bend, OR)

Exile Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)

Firetrucker Brewery (Ankeny, IA)

Fox Brewing (West Des Moines, IA)

Franklin Street Brewing Company (Manchester, IA)

Front Street Brewery (Davenport, IA)

Granite City Food & Brewery (Davenport, IA)

Great River Brewery (Davenport, IA)

Green Tree Brewery (Le Claire, IA)

Iowa City Brewlab (Iowa City, IA)

Jackson Street Brewing (Sioux City, IA)

Kalona Brewing Company (Kalona, IA)

Keg Creek Brewing Company (Glenwood, IA)

Lake Time Brewery (Clear Lake, IA)

Lark Brewing (Waterloo, IA)

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Lionstone Brewing Company (Geneseo, IL)

Lost Duck Brewing Co. (Fort Madison, IA)

Madhouse Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)

Millstream Brewing (Amana, IA)

Mississippi River Distilling Company (Le Claire, IA)

New American Brewing Co. (Ankeny, IA)

Odell Brewing Company (Fort Collins, CO)

Olde Main Brewing Co. (Ames, IA)

Parkside Brewing Company (Burlington, IA)

Peace Tree Brewing Co. (Knoxville, IA)

Potosi Brewery (Potosi, WI)

Pulpit Rock Brewing Company (Decorah, IA)

Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company (Bondurant, IA)

ReUnion Brewery (Coralville, IA)

SingleSpeed Brewing (Cedar Falls, IA)

Surly Brewing Company (Minneapolis, MN)

The Galena Brewing Company (Galena, IL)

Third Base Brewery (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. (Decorah, IA)

Torrent Brewing Company (Ames, IA)

Twisted Vine Brewery (West Des Moines, IA)

West O Beer (West Okoboji, IA)

Wilson’s Orchard (Iowa City, IA)

Worth Brewing Company (Northwood, IA)

Small Town Brewery (Wauconda, IL)

Big Grove Brewery Richard the Whale Release Schedule and Tasting Notes

August 18, 2015Leave a comment

Here’s what we’ve been waiting for! The Big Grove Brewery Richard the Whale Release information and tasting notes. The regular Richard the Whale was absolutely delicious and these variants are sounding amazing as well! I hope everyone gets a taste of what a great local Iowa brewery can do with dedicated brewers and staff. Cheers to Big Grove and I hope to see you at the 2nd Anniversary party!

Big Grove Brewery Thirsty happens.™ Richard the Whale Tasting Notes and Release Schedule

Click the link below to open up the PDF file to check the schedule!

Richard the Whale Release Info (1)

sLim Reviews Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop: West Des Moines, IA

February 13, 20153 Comments

This post is as much of a restaurant/bar review as it is a celebratory article on the success of craft brew in Iowa. Just a couple years back, I would “hate on” a place like this because the beer selection was terrible and it was popular. And most places that would have fit the criteria of that kind of establishment wouldn’t have cared that people like me thought the place sucked because they don’t need my money; they do just fine on their own.

I would have thought Wellman’s to fit directly into that category and for awhile I’d say they did. But the last few times I’ve been there I’ve noticed some changes; namely, a fine tap selection for a place that I would normally consider somewhat of a swanky nightclub. So it turns out I’m wrong, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I happened upon this place around midnight on a Friday, scratch that, early Saturday morning and saw that Tallgrass Zombie Monkey was on tap.

Wellman’s is clearly trying to improve their restaurant by catering to all types of individuals. In this case, they’ve reached out to the craft beer fan. They feature fine beers from the likes of New Belgium, Boulevard, Deschutes, Peace Tree, and they even have bottles of Rogue (Dead Guy). Only the most snobbish of beer snobs would turn their nose up at such a selection offered by a place that mostly caters to the bud light/cran-vodka type of crowd…or this guy.

Guy+Fieri+NBC+Universal+2011+Winter+TCA+Press+cEz7SheA-7Ll

The rest of the restaurant speaks for itself. The interior is expansive and modern. There’s an enjoyable lower level patio that is complete with its own bar. The rooftop is what it’s most known for. It is the biggest rooftop bar in all of Des Moines and you can make a solid argument that it’s the best outdoor hangout in the metro on a stunning summer evening. They keep it heated in the winter but regardless of the conditions, you’ll have to venture downstairs if you want a good beer as the craft selection is only offered at the main bar. A small price to pay in order to enjoy a good beer amongst the rest of the crowd who more interested in “getting their drink on”

I don’t have a lot to say about the food. I’ve only eaten there a couple of times but I remember their nachos being good. The foods not going to blow you away but wing night (Thursday) is worth checking out. It’s definitely passable for a place that’s not known for its food.

In closing, Wellman’s is a hot-spot that I don’t mind going to. Even though I’m not all about the ambiance that the music/decor creates there, being able to enjoy a great tasting beer makes it very tolerable. The staff here works hard and is managed very well. If you find yourself in the Jordan Creek area, resist the urge to stop at one of the legions of chain restaurants and visit Wellman’s. You’ll be glad you chose a restaurant that has more character and caters to a much larger crowd than a typical chain.

Great Divide coming to Iowa via Johnson Brothers

September 6, 2014September 6, 20143 Comments

A couple of great sources have told me that Great Divide is coming to Iowa and being distributed by Johnson Brothers. The official announcement should come around September 18th. More good beer to hit our shelves soon! Yeti was one of the first Imperial Stouts I’ve ever had and I had it from the source. Baseball trips to Denver would find us rushing across the street to Great Divide to enjoy a pint or 10 on their patio. Looking forward to more! Here’s more about Great Divide:

ABOUT

During the late 80s, Brian Dunn spent 5 years overseas building farms in developing countries. Having grown up in a family that appreciated good food and drink, Dunn expanded his knowledge and passion for beer during his travels. Dunn eventually returned to Colorado, started homebrewing and went to graduate school. Upon graduation in 1993, when Denver’s craft beer scene barely existed, he set out to found what would eventually become one of America’s most decorated and celebrated craft breweries.

Beginning with a marketing study and a business plan, Dunn saw an opportunity in Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood to brew uniquely balanced, flavorful beers. With financial help from family, friends and a loan from the City of Denver, his dream of brewing commercially became reality in 1994.

The brewery started small and in the beginning Dunn was the only full-time employee…brewing, bottling and selling to accounts all in the same day. As the brewery grew, the beer spoke for itself. Dunn’s beers were balanced, flavorful and representative of a lifestyle that is uniquely Colorado. While Great Divide’s ethos may be globally-inspired, our beers are distinctly Denver.

Since 1994 we’ve brewed all sorts of exciting beer styles, added lots of brewing capacity and we’ve assembled a great staff. In 2001, we bought our building – which used to be an old dairy processing plant – and set out for over a decade of exponential growth.

Thanks to our 45 hardworking, creative and passionate employees, Great Divide has grown into what it is today: winner of 18 Great American Beer Festival medals, recipient of 5 World Beer Cup awards, 12th in Ratebeer.com’s 2013 “Best Brewers in the World,” Ratebeer.com’s 2013 Top Brewer in Colorado, and 7th in Beer Advocate’s 2010 “All-Time Top Brewers.”

Join us for a beer at 22^nd and Arapahoe in downtown Denver. We do it because we love it – come see how.

And the beers:

http://greatdivide.com/beers/#all

Distribution News: Fireman's Brew Heading to Iowa

July 24, 2013Leave a comment

I’m a little late to the party with this bit of news since I’ve been out of the country for a bit but I found this piece of news on http://www.beerpulse.com. More breweries headed to Iowa, keep it coming!

(Los Angeles, CA) – Fireman’s Brew, a Los Angeles-based craft beer company founded by two firefighters, today announced that it is continuing to rapidly expand its distribution footprint across the nation into three new states: Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma. Through newly signed distribution agreements with Virginia Imports (VA), L&L Distributing (IA) and Quality Beverage (OK), Fireman’s Brew award-winning beers will soon be available at on-premise and off-premise locations throughout each state.

This news follows on the heels of the company’s successful rollout into six new states including: Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska and Rhode Island over the past nine months. In addition, Fireman’s Brew recently took home top honors at the 2013 San Diego International Beer Competition, earning a Gold Medal Ribbon for its signature Brunette (Doublebock) in the German-Style Bock category and a Silver Medal Ribbon for its Blonde (Pilsner-Style Lager) in the American-Style Lager category.

“2013 continues to be an amazing year of growth and achievement for Fireman’s Brew,” said Rob Nowaczyk, founder of Fireman’s Brew. “In just over six months, we’ve successfully launched Fireman’s Brew into Nebraska, Nevada and Rhode Island. And now with the addition of Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma, we’re continuing towards our goal of developing Fireman’s Brew into a national brand. We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with our new distribution partners and connect with craft beer enthusiasts in each of these new markets.”

Already one of the fastest growing craft beer brands in its home state of California, Fireman’s Brew newly expanded distribution network provides an opportunity for the company to reach thousands of on-premise and retail outlets throughout each state. Through the agreement, Fireman’s Brew distribution partners will distribute Fireman’s Brew signature beers in 12-ounce bottle six-packs, twelve-pack samplers and kegs including:

– Fireman’s Brew: Blonde (Pilsner-style Lager; 5% ABV)
– Fireman’s Brew: Brunette (German-style Doublebock; 8% ABV)
– Fireman’s Brew: Redhead (Amber Ale; 5.5% ABV)

“We’re excited to partner up with Fireman’s Brew and launch their brand into the great state of Iowa,” said Tim Lanphier, president of L&L Distributing. “Our craft beer market continues to flourish, and with the company’s three great tasting beers, compelling brand story and firefighter community tie-in, they’re going to be an excellent addition to our growing craft beer portfolio.”

Conceived by two Los Angeles-based firefighters after extinguishing a brushfire in the local mountains, Fireman’s Brew grew out of their vision to create a premium line of handcrafted ales and lagers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Fireman’s Brew collection of micro-brewed beers are created using only the finest of all-natural ingredients to deliver bold, full-flavored, traditional tastes and easy drinking refreshment. In addition, the company is committed to giving back to the firefighter community upon which it was founded by donating a portion of company proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to honoring fallen firefighters and providing assistance to their surviving families.

Distribution News: Fireman’s Brew Heading to Iowa

July 24, 2013Leave a comment

(Los Angeles, CA) – Fireman’s Brew, a Los Angeles-based craft beer company founded by two firefighters, today announced that it is continuing to rapidly expand its distribution footprint across the nation into three new states: Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma. Through newly signed distribution agreements with Virginia Imports (VA), L&L Distributing (IA) and Quality Beverage (OK), Fireman’s Brew award-winning beers will soon be available at on-premise and off-premise locations throughout each state.

This news follows on the heels of the company’s successful rollout into six new states including: Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska and Rhode Island over the past nine months. In addition, Fireman’s Brew recently took home top honors at the 2013 San Diego International Beer Competition, earning a Gold Medal Ribbon for its signature Brunette (Doublebock) in the German-Style Bock category and a Silver Medal Ribbon for its Blonde (Pilsner-Style Lager) in the American-Style Lager category.

“2013 continues to be an amazing year of growth and achievement for Fireman’s Brew,” said Rob Nowaczyk, founder of Fireman’s Brew. “In just over six months, we’ve successfully launched Fireman’s Brew into Nebraska, Nevada and Rhode Island. And now with the addition of Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma, we’re continuing towards our goal of developing Fireman’s Brew into a national brand. We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with our new distribution partners and connect with craft beer enthusiasts in each of these new markets.”

Already one of the fastest growing craft beer brands in its home state of California, Fireman’s Brew newly expanded distribution network provides an opportunity for the company to reach thousands of on-premise and retail outlets throughout each state. Through the agreement, Fireman’s Brew distribution partners will distribute Fireman’s Brew signature beers in 12-ounce bottle six-packs, twelve-pack samplers and kegs including:

– Fireman’s Brew: Blonde (Pilsner-style Lager; 5% ABV)
– Fireman’s Brew: Brunette (German-style Doublebock; 8% ABV)
– Fireman’s Brew: Redhead (Amber Ale; 5.5% ABV)

“We’re excited to partner up with Fireman’s Brew and launch their brand into the great state of Iowa,” said Tim Lanphier, president of L&L Distributing. “Our craft beer market continues to flourish, and with the company’s three great tasting beers, compelling brand story and firefighter community tie-in, they’re going to be an excellent addition to our growing craft beer portfolio.”

Conceived by two Los Angeles-based firefighters after extinguishing a brushfire in the local mountains, Fireman’s Brew grew out of their vision to create a premium line of handcrafted ales and lagers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Fireman’s Brew collection of micro-brewed beers are created using only the finest of all-natural ingredients to deliver bold, full-flavored, traditional tastes and easy drinking refreshment. In addition, the company is committed to giving back to the firefighter community upon which it was founded by donating a portion of company proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to honoring fallen firefighters and providing assistance to their surviving families.

Beer Review #107: Goose Island Sofie Paradisi

July 2, 2013Leave a comment

When AB-InBev bought Goose Island a few years back, I vowed to stay away from their beers solely on the basis of any trying to support craft breweries. It hasn’t been all that difficult to do, except for the occasional Bourbon County Stout, Matilda, or Sofie. But now, after trying Sofie Paradisi, the task may prove to be more daunting than originally thought.

I know many of you will scoff at the idea of not drinking Goose Island just because InBev owns it now, and that’s fine, to each his own. But when a beer gets this much pub and chatter about it, you just have to get your hands on it. Well, I wasn’t able to find this beer anywhere in Iowa, but on a recent trip up north to Madison my wife and I stopped and ate at the Craftsman Table and Tap (http://www.craftsmantableandtap.com/) in Middleton, WI. A really great beer menu to go along with some fantastic food (I recommend the pulled brisket sandwich and a side order of cheese curds) my eyes darted right to where the listing for Sofie Paradisi was. YES! Finally!

The difference between Goose Island Sofie and Goose Island Sofie Paradisi uses grapefruit instead of orange peel. The grapefruit is definitely in the nose along with the earthiness that accompanies a saison style brew. Along with grapefruit rind you get yeast, grassiness, and a little hop bitterness. Overall, a highly drinkable beer. More from the brewery:

60% Ale Aged in barrels with grapefruit rind and juice, 40% Ale (Base Sofie)

Now the question is…which one is better? If you’ve had both feel free to cast your vote below. I’m still up in the air, I would love to have Paradisi a few more times before giving my final verdict.

REVIEW

Style: Fruit Beer/Saison

ABV: 6.7%

Purchased at: Craftsman Table and Tap; Middleton, WI

Pour: Golden pour with a thick pillowy head.

Aroma: Yeast, grapefruit, earthiness

Flavor: A bit of oak, grapefruit, yeast, a bit peppery

Ratebeer.com rating: 97

Beeradvocate rating: 95

Overall: A-

My recommendation: A perfect summer beer. Really would love to get my hands on a few bottles of this. Terrific brew!

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!