Take Me Out to the Ballgame! (Craft Beer and Local Food Offerings at Vets Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids)

April 26, 2017April 26, 20172 Comments

Nothing beats a nice summer day sitting in the seats at a baseball game, sipping on a cold brew and scarfing on a hot dog.

Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball has begun another year and I thought it would be nice to look at what they offer besides the fizzy yellow beer and a hot dog (although both tastes pretty damn good at a ballgame!).

I corresponded with Kernels’ Food and Beverage Manager Brett Heikkila and he listed quite a few options for craft beer lovers and also some local restaurants setting up stations at Vets.

CRAFT BEER
**Quite a few excellent craft options at Vets Memorial as they have the “Craft Cabin” which is located behind section 113 and rotates beers in throughout the season. The “Craft Cabin” is currently serving Cedar Rapid’s own Lion Bridge beer.

**Behind section 103 you will find the Millstream Brewery Shack. They feature 4 beers from Millstream Brewery in Amana;

Kernels Bases Loaded Pale Ale

Schild Brau

John’s White Ale

German Pilsner

**Behind section 114 you will find Johnson Brothers Beer Stand which offers beers from 3 different breweries; Bell’s, Deschutes, and Surly. Currently you will find these offerings:

Surly Hell

Surly Furious

Oberon

Fresh Squeezed

FOOD
It’s hard for me to pass up stopping at Klement’s Hot Dog stand on the 3rd base line and order my usual dog with grilled onions, sauerkraut, mushrooms and mustard but Vets does offer some fantastic alternatives and local alternatives as well!

In the middle of the concourse, between sections 109 and 112, you will find the local food vendors which, this year, includes Q-Dogs BBQ! Q-Dogs is offering their BBQ Sundae and their pulled pork sandwiches.

There is also Hacienda and La Cantina (owned by brothers). They share a food stand throughout the season offering nachos, burritos, etc.

Plenty of great eats and drinks at the ballpark in CR this summer. Get out and check out a Kernels game! Non-craft drinkers, don’t worry, still plenty of macro beer too! See you at the ballpark this summer!

Best “New” Beers of 2016

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017Leave a comment

Oh yes, another Top 10 list. Everyone loves to read a top 10 list; either to trash it, agree with it, discuss it, or do all of the above. My top 10 list of favorite “new” beers of the year has certain criteria to meet. The beer must:

1: Be a beer I had not tasted previously

2: Must be available for purchase at Eastern Iowa breweries, restaurants, or liquor stores.

That’s it.

This list could easily be 25-50 beers deep, but I finally got it down to 10. Last year my list was a tad excessive so I refocused, recollected, and thought long and hard. This is purely subjective and I know I probably left one off that made your list so feel free to respond with your top 10, top 5, or just your favorite of the year. So, without further ado, in no particular order, the Baron’s Top 10:

**Prairie Pirate Noir – I just had this beer this past weekend and was absolutely blown away. Part of 4 variants released recently in Eastern Iowa and this one was my favorite of the 4. All very good, but this one stood out. Rum barrels shine a bit more in this beer than in Pirate Bomb! A very viscous stout and perfect for a chilly Iowa day. I would love more of this!

**Reunion Tank Puncher – I hope folks were able to try this beer from Reunion and I hope they decide to make more of it as well. This was my entry into my family beer festival and eventual gold medal winner (back to back for me :). This is the perfect beer for the tropical hop crazed beer lover. Reunion was out the last time I checked, let’s hope they get this one up and rolling again!

**Lion Bridge Gobble Wobble – take a traditional style brown masterfully done by Lion Bridge and age it on Wild Turkey barrels…what do you get? An excellent cold weather brew! The taste from the barrel pairs well perfect with the nuttiness of the brown to give you the a great companion to warm you up this winter.

**Kickshaw Pipo– watermelon shines in this sour/blonde beer from Kickshaw. Stocking up on this one as I’m looking forward to a few glasses of this during the summer months but damn it sure is tasty along side a salad and even better with some fish tacos! Looking forward to more from Bill and Kickshaw!

**Summit Unchained: Dark Infusion – this beer made my Drink This! write up. You can view that here: https://iabeerbaron.com/2016/11/05/drink-this-summit-dark-infusion-coffee-milk-stout/. Summit gave us one of the best stouts of the year IMO and luckily I’m still able to grab four packs of this from the shelves. Almost chocolate covered caramel with some coffee splashed in. Stout lovers will rejoice for this brew. No need for barrels, this is perfect as is.

Odell Jolly Russian– I must have a thing for rum that was apparent until drinking this and Pirate Noir. So many great barrel aged beers available to us this year and I was happy to get a chance to try this one. The dark roast and coffee flavors blend nicely with the rum barrel. I would love a few more bottles of this!

**Big Grove Brewery Richard and Pralines – keep the barrel-aged year going with a brew from a local brewery. Big Grove has made their mark with some great pales/IPAs and their popular Richard the Whale and variants. This variant adds a bit of sweetness to Richard. If you can still get a pour of this, order yourself an Arms Race as this warms and then you’ll be in for a real treat. With the opening of the new brewery on the horizon it will be interesting to see what Big Grove has in store for us!

**Pulpit Rock Loopy Lynn – a relative newcomer to the Iowa beer scene and right across the street from TG, Pulpit Rock has become a big time player making some awesome brews! I had this double IPA at a Pulpit tap takeover at Blackstone Restaurant in Iowa City and was blown away. City shines though on this juicy double. I really want more of this!

**Pulpit Rock For the Joy of Almonds – liquid Almond Joy. Amazing beer on its own or for dessert. Pulpit takes their milk stout and ages it on toasted coconut, cocoa nibs, and almonds to give you silky, smooth, delicious stout. Pulpit brews are starting to pop up more in the Eastern Iowa area. Need Pizzeria in Cedar Rapids has had them on frequently and Reds Alehouse is starting to get some kegs as well. Great things coming out of Decorah.

**Toppling Goliath Double Dry Hopped Sue – How do you make an already impressive and sought after beer more impressive and sought after? Double Dry hop that bad boy and that’s what Toppling Goliath did with PseudoSue. More hops equals more hazy goodness from this beer. Hopefully this makes a return this summer as this would make a fine companion to some grilling in the Iowa heat.

Honorable Mentions:
Odell Elephunk, 3rd Base Friends Forever, Pulpit Rock Mighty Fine, New Holland Dragon’s Milk Coconut Rum Reserve, Lagunitas High Westified, Prairie Apple Brandy Noir, Big Grove Raspberry Que Sera.

There’s the list. There were some beers I wish I could’ve tried but missed out on, there were some that would make many lists and some that made mine but not even scratch the surface of yours. My New Year’s Resolution is keep trying to get to the Iowa breweries. I would love some more Alluvial and 515 in my life. I would love to see what beers made your list. Maybe it’s time for another Best of Iowa poll? Happy New Year!

Barrel-Aged January Returning to Lion Bridge Brewery

December 2, 2016December 2, 2016Leave a comment

It used to suck to have a birthday in the month of January, but thankfully Lion Bridge Brewery just turned what is usually a shitty, cold, dark, month into a glorious, beer-filled month! Lion Bridge Brewery in Cedar Rapids just released the details on their Barrel-Aged January releases and lineup looks outstanding. These are going to be some can’t miss beers folks so I hope you get to try as many as possible. Here’s the release deets courtesy of Lion Bridge’s Facebook page which you can view here:

You have all patiently waited for the past year. We have been carefully filling barrels and planning how best to counteract the frigid month of January with soul-warming beers.

Here’s the lineup for 2017’s Barrel Aged January:

Tues 01/03 – CSA member private event. This event is for members only. If you aren’t a member of the our Community Supported Ales Program, be sure to get one for you or as a gift for your loved ones for the holiday. It’s the gift that keeps on giving: http://www.lionbridgebrewing.com/store/
*Lion Bridge Barrel-Aged January 2017 Rastal glassware for pre-sale!

Wed 01/04- Winter Warmer (English Old Ale aged in Templeton Rye Barrels, 10.5%) – A big, complex beer that is sure to warm the cockles of your heart. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want their cockles warmed?
*Featuring live acoustic music 6-9pm from Kevin Burt, Brett Messenger & Ben Soltau

Wed 01/11-Barrel-Aged Click Bait – (Double IPA kissed by Whiskey Barrels, 9%) – 3 short weeks in Cedar Ridge barrels contributes slight vanilla and whiskey characteristics, but a big dry-hop post aging produces a unique addition to our barrel-aged line-up.
*Featuring live music 6-9pm by Devin Scott The Duke of Uke

Sat 01/14- Sour Cherry Ale (6%)- A low-hopped version of our Kundera Kölsch went into 2 wine barrels dosed with Brettanomyces and Lactobacillus and almost 100lbs of sour cherries. Here it is!

Wed 01/18- The Royal Wee (Strong Scotch Ale aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels, 9%)- A Strong Scottish Ale that is malty, rich, and slightly smokey.
*Featuring Lion Bridge Barrel-Aged January 2017 Rastal glassware giveaway!

Wed 01/25- GAZPROM! (Russian Imperial Stout aged in Buffalo Trace Barrels, 12%) – Viscous and black. After primary fermentation this oily, Russian giant is re-fermented with dark maple syrup in bourbon barrels then blended back together to add consistency and complexity. 2016 GABF Bronze Medal Winner for Specialty Beer!
*Featuring live music 6-9pm by Cedar County Cobras

Sat 01/28- 2015, 2016, 2017 GAZPROM! Vertical @ 3pm along with a keg of an unoaked GAZPROM!

Cheers and hope you can join us for a great January!

Mt. Vernon Rd. Hy-Vee in CR Releasing Lion Bridge Brewing Maple Disaster Bottles: 11/22/16

November 14, 2016November 14, 2016Leave a comment

Mt. Vernon Road Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids will be releasing Lion Bridge Brewing Maple Disaster bottles starting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 22nd. This brew has been aged on Cedar Ridge bourbon barrels. There is a 1 bottle limit on from 5-6 and any bottles left will be up for sale. The bottles will be 750 ml flip tops.

Lion Bridge will be on hand to sample some brews. Cedar Ridge will be here to sample the bourbon that was in the barrels used to make this Maple Disaster. That bourbon will also be for sale so you can get bourbon and beer that were created in the same barrels.

lion bridge

Restaurant Review: The Pig and Porter; Cedar Rapids NewBo District

July 14, 2016July 14, 2016Leave a comment

The wait is over…The Pig and Porter has finally opened and I was able to make a trip over with wife and my 2 year old daughter (she did better than I thought she would, and yes! they have high chairs!). I’ve had my eye on this place as soon as the sign went up in front, anytime you include the fine swine, you know it’s gotta be good!

The bar is the first thing you see when walking in and a big chalkboard with all the beer that they have on tap. Lion Bridge Kundera Kolsch? 90 degrees, yes, I think so. Tank 7, you bet! Anyway, 12 beers on tap plus High Life in a bottle, my guess is the lines will be rotating quite a bit.

FullSizeRender (4).jpg A busy night as the outdoor seating was starting to pick up, we were initially sitting where the sun was hitting but their server was kind enough to ask if we’d like to move which was a great gesture. So we moved close to the open kitchen, which I love, as you get to see the chefs in their element.

The menu. New American cuisine, with small plates and large plates to share with someone else. There was no doubt we were going to start with the garlic fries and that’s what we went with. I’ve had many a french fry as has my wife, and she declares these as the GREATEST FRIES she’s ever had! They were served with house made smoked ketchup AND french onion dip which were both on point. The fries were crispy on the outside with the perfect amount of salt and the great garlic flavor and nice and soft in the middle. I know it’s fries, but I get excited about great fries. I’ve had too many that were a mushy damn nightmare. Not these, order these, and order more ketchup + onion dip! We licked that bowl clean! FullSizeRender (3)

FullSizeRender (2).jpg After the fries we were lucky enough to get a taste of the Red Hot Sausage with house smoked beans. The sausage was made in house as were the beans and topped with an over easy egg, homemade corn bread croutons, and some thin sliced onion! AWESOME! Loved it. The sausage was spicy so make sure you have a cold beer nearby but it was packed with flavor. The house-made beans were some of the best beans I’ve ever had. A little sweet, a little smoky and a perfect pairing with that sausage. Crack that egg yolk over the top of all of it and it could make for a heavenly breakfast.

The green beans. The dishes that chefs come up with amaze me at times, and this is one. On paper it doesn’t sound too appealing to me but I’m so glad my wife wanted to order it because it was fantastic! The green beans were served in an eel sauce, with, I believe,smoked eel and crispy shallots. SO…F’ing….GOOD. Order this. (Pacifier not included) FullSizeRender (2).jpg

And then the Caesar salad. Perfectly dressed with pickled green grapes and parsnip croutons. Wonderfully refreshing for the hot day and something I’ll probably order every time I go. I’ll take a bowl full of those grapes on the side as well.

Another great addition to the Cedar Rapids Food scene. We had many dishes and enjoyed each one, but the menu still has a lot to offer as that roasted chicken did not go unnoticed! My wife and I highly recommend it! Andi, the server, and Will Monk, co-founder, were so helpful and kind. Terrific atmosphere with terrific people running the show. Congrats to Will and a tip of the hat to the chef and kitchen staff. We will be back for sure and hopefully soon! For more info on The Pig and Porter visit their Facebook page here: The Pig and Porter

Lion Bridge Tapping Mushroom Beers During Houby Days; May 20-22

May 4, 2016May 4, 2016Leave a comment

Lion Bridge Brewery in Cedar Rapids will once again be tapping some mushroom beers during Houby Days. Houby Days is a yearly 3 day festival celebrating the wonderful fungus! Two “mushroom” beers will be tapped that day along with more events during this fun weekend. Here’s more from Lion Bridge’s newsletter:

Mushroom Beers for HOUBY DAYS!

Houby Days is a yearly 3-day Mushroom Festival right here in Czech Village.This year is from Friday May 20 to Sunday May 22.

Happening all day: carnival rides, street food vendors, craft market, live music, beer garden in the LB parking lot, and two mushroom beers:

Chanterelle Disaster (Mushroom Porter, 5.8%)
Celebrate the glorious mystery that is fungus. Chanterelle mushrooms contribute a unique fruit character to our world-class porter. It’s not Houby Days without a pint of mushroom beer!

Oyster Disaster (Mushrooms Porter, 5.8%)
You may have heard of oyster stout? Well, how about oyster mushroom porter. The unique briny character of the oyster mushroom pairs perfectly with our world-class porter. Embrace the Houby!

LIVE MUSIC on Friday evening from “The Polka Kings of Walford.”

Mt. Vernon Rd. Hy-Vee Hosting 99 Bottle Beer Club Event May 10th from 5-7

May 4, 2016May 4, 2016Leave a comment

99 bottles.jpg If you’re a member of the 99 Bottle Beer Club, Mt. Vernon Rd. Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids is hosting a beer and food tasting event. Bryan and Nate are doing great things at this Hy-Vee and Lion Bridge will have some of their beers on tap. Here’s more on this event courtesy of Hy-Vee email:

We are less than a week away from our 99 Bottle Beer Club Members Only Event, so we just wanted to send out a little reminder. The event is Tuesday May 10^th from 5pm-7pm in our Tasting Room. This is a free event for all members and we will have some members only specials on beer purchases after the event. We are featuring a couple of gems from Lion Bridge Brewing Company and our chefs will have some awesome things to nibble on throughout the night. This is a great chance to come, socialize, eat, drink and be merry!! Be sure to wear your 99 Bottle T-Shirt!! Also all next week is Cedar Rapids Beer Week. Make sure to check out all of the events we are having at our store, as well as all of the events going on around town atcrbeerweek.com!!

Lion Bridge Brewery Releasing Purple Rain Hibiscus Kolsch 4/27

April 26, 2016April 26, 2016Leave a comment

What better way to pay respects to someone than to make a beer in their honor? Lion Bridge Brewery will be doing just that as they release Purple Rain Hibiscus Kolsch this Wednesday (4/27). Here are the specs on this fantastic looking brew:

Purple Rain! Our Super limited Hibiscus Kölsch coming out this Wednesday. We had to do something to commemorate such an amazing human. We make beer.

It’s our regular kolsch, aged in wine barrels and hit with a lot of hibiscus. Tart and delicious and purpley.

And the Best Barrel-Aged/Imperial Stout in Iowa is……

March 19, 2016March 19, 2016Leave a comment

gold 1st Place – Lion Bridge Brewery Gazprom!

silver

2nd Place – 3rd Base Brewery Communist Daughter

bronze

3rd Place – Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight

Congrats to the winners! Thanks to all of those who voted and also reminded me I missed a few to add to the list. Great discussion with many of you on many of these great beers. On Sunday, I’m hoping to open up polling on “Best of Iowa Pale Ale” category. Once again, if anyone knows someone who does medals, I wouldn’t mind getting them to the winners. Thanks!

Blackstone Hosting Iowa Brewery Tap Room: Lion Bridge on Tap Friday, March 4th

February 23, 2016Leave a comment

Blackstone Restaurant in Iowa City will be hosting it’s first installment of Iowa Tap Room featuring Lion Bridge Brewery out of Cedar Rapids. Lion Bridge brewers and crew will be at

When: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Beer Lineup:
Workman’s Compensation (English Mild)
Disaster at Meux (Brown Porter)
Herr of the Dog (Kolsch)
Yard Sale (Citra Hopped IPA)
Tomahawk Saison (Saison)
Olde No. 17 (Dry Irish Stout)
Oktobot 3000 (BA Imperial Oktoberfest)
GAZPROM (BA Russian Imperial Stout w/ Maple Syrup)
Maple Disaster (BA Brown Porter w/ Maple Syrup)
Cabernet Saison (BA Saison in Cabernet Barrel)