Wandering through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa daily now, I’m always on the lookout for a new place to eat, drink, or both and a place I’ve had my eye on for a few months now is Ten Wasp Brewing in Sumner. A little background info on Jacob and Diana, brewer and owners:

BACKGROUND

Jacob’s history in brewing is widespread. He brewed at Mankato Brewery, Rhombus Guys, Voyageur and Urban Growler. They moved back to Saint Paul and he brewed at Urban Growler, and really started to talk about wanting to open his own brewery. There were some lifelong friends that had moved to the Sumner area two years ago, and they also wanted to start a brewery. After about a year brainstorming, saving, roadtripping to look at businesses and buildings, in the spring of 2023, they drove through Sumner and they were sold. There were a number of locals who had been working hard to add vibrancy to the community, and knew they wanted a place that was committed to its own future. They moved to Sumner on July 1st, 2023 and purchased the building on the same day. The official opening day was on Feb 17th, 2024, and they just celebrated six months last weekend.

BEER

What can I say, the place is stunning. Well lit, colorful, inviting, and positive vibes surround the place. Diana, Jacob, and staff are incredibly friendly and make you feel welcome. Beer styles varied and there are options for every beer drinker. Light beer drinker? Cassville cream ale? Dark beer fan? Hamilton Porter…and so on. I started with a flight and enjoyed every beer I had. Porter, West Coast IPA, cream ale, shandy, and an amber. The porter hit home for me as it reminded me so much of one my favorite beers, Founders Porter. So, after my flight, I enjoyed a few more of those. With only being open for 6 months, and seeing their popularity soar there’s no question there will be more beer and more styles added.

Having good beer to enjoy is definitely a reason to visit, but once you talk to the people behind the beer and the space and realize that sense of community is vital to them and to revitalize a town, it makes it even easier to support. When you visit, make sure you take a look at the history that is hanging on the walls, the amazing art work by the stairs, and get yourself a sweet looking t-shirt and grab a beer glass as well. Wonderful people with wonderful values. I’ll be back, hopefully sooner than later. Oh….I hear their pizza on Friday nights is a must, so add that to your calendar as well!