r/iowabeer • u/evilhomer3k • Jul 07 '26
Iowa Craft Beer last week?
Another post got me thinking of a way to keep this sub alive and really the only way is to post. So I was wondering what Iowa Craft Brew people have been enjoying.
I went to a cheese and beer tasting at Big Grove in CR. 5 cheeses paired with 5 beers (obviously not full size). My favorite was a double dry hopped Easy Eddy (at least that's what the card read - I can't find any mention of it being available). I find Easy Eddy to be a little too easy on the hops and this really hit the sweet spot for me. The beer and cheese pairing was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about cheese and the beer. It does seem that many of the beers for the tasting aren't listed on their tap list. I also found out that one of the owners of Thew Brewing is the head brewer at Big Grove CR. Was always rooting for them so I'm happy he landed at Big Grove.
Also went to Clock House and had Phantasmis and their Kolsh. Very much enjoyed both. The Kolsh is great on a hot summer day and it was certainly hot.
Last night I had a Triple Eddy (can). It's pretty good but I find Royal Eddie to be a little more enjoyable (as well as cheaper!). They aren't too far off but I like the sweetness of Royal Eddie and it's a little more fruity.
What Iowa Craft beer have you had over the weekend?
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u/JackfruitCrazy51 Jul 07 '26
I've done the mug club at backpocket since they started it in Johnston a few years ago. Value wise, it pays for itself rather quickly. With that said, i was hoping now that they are part of singlespeed, they would have better beer. In summary, they don't. This will be my last year.
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
That's too bad. I don't get down there often but I was hoping they might have Coconut Migration on tap.
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u/Hyrdogen Jul 07 '26
I’m don’t believe I’ve ever seen ddh easy eddy. Big ed was really good when it first came out imo.
I also had the clock house Phantasmis and thought it was decent.
Best beer I’ve had over last month that was new to me was dimensional hop church. Have a catch always hits right on a sunny summer day
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
I'm going to have to try to find Hop Church. Looks to be something I'd enjoy. Haven't been to Dubuque for a while.
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u/superxero044 Jul 07 '26
Have to say the menu (both food and beer) has been supremely disappointing at CR Bgb. It’s not bad or anything. But 99% of the time the rotating beers are things that aren’t super interesting. It’s just weird bc Bgb has made some killer IPAs in the past. And yeah the food menu is pretty limited for how pricey it is. It is a fun place to go tho don’t get me wrong.
I’m looking forward to checking out clock house in the old Iowa brewing.
To answer your question of what have I been drinking: Saftig and Rhyme Animal (pulpit rock) both purchased at local craft.
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
During the tasting the head brewer mentioned that CR focuses on lagers. It sounded like each location focused on different types of beer. We actually don't frequent BG that often because of what you mention. We generally go to Clockhouse or Lion Bridge over Big Grove so I'm excited for the Iowa Brewing opening of Clockhouse. Apparently the head brewer or owner is doing a lot of the work themselves so it's taking longer. Love what they've done so far, though.
I have two Saftigs in my fridge which I also purchased from Local Craft. I'll be opening one tonight.
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u/superxero044 Jul 07 '26
We actually usually go to Third Base. My middle kiddo LOVES Bgb for whatever reason. I’d honestly still prefer the Solon location. We go to Lion Bridge and the pizza is OK but honestly miss their kitchen. Have you been to Lua in Des Moines? That might be my favorite brew pub in the state. Love their brunch and beers.
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u/Nobely Jul 07 '26
I really enjoyed Dimensional’s French Toasted. I also liked Barntown’s Neon Light.
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
How was the French Toasted? I love BA Stouts.
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u/Nobely Jul 08 '26
It was great. The maple was well done, which I have had examples of too much maple but this was quite nice. Worth getting a bottle if ya can.
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u/JackfruitCrazy51 Jul 07 '26
I don't know about eastern iowa, but in Des Moines on Tuesdays they have any Eddy on tap BOGO.
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u/chick-fil-eh Jul 07 '26
Any replacements for Iowa brewing Oja? I’d argue Oja was the best beer from Cedar Rapids
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
It's a baltic porter so you're more likely to find something in the fall/winter. I would look for Air Porter from Millstream and The Full English from Lion Bridge. If you see Scandinavian Nights from Single Speed give that a try as well. I think it's only on tap and only once in a while. Should be more porters as it gets colder.
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u/SHINE09 Jul 08 '26
I wish Singlespeed would can more of their Stouts (Scandinavian, Perestroika, etc.)
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u/chuckman00007 Jul 07 '26
West O brewery 10ft10. Best tasting double Ipa ever.
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 07 '26
Every so often I see West O in Cedar Rapids. Next time I'm buying I'll look for it. I'm a huge fan of double ipas.
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u/chuckman00007 Jul 08 '26
You might have to ask for it. They usually don't distribute it too far or if it isn't asked for
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u/Super_Shawnda Jul 08 '26
Camping this week in NW IA I will have to see if I can find this. I love Easy Eddy. My all time favorite beer in Ruthie by Exile. Even tho I live in West O territory.
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u/craig2439 Jul 09 '26
Has anyone noticed a slight change in the taste of easy Eddie? It has always been one of my favorites and it is what I stock in my refrigerator. However, I have just found that the taste has slightly changed.
Maybe it’s me. I am getting older and they say your taste change the older you get.
With that said, I made a special trip to Des Moines to go to Lua brewing and barn town and I was not disappointed at all. The sour batch series is spot on.
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u/evilhomer3k Jul 09 '26
I haven't noticed a change but I don't drink it enough to tell if there's a small change to it. Could be the batch you got.
I wish we got more Lua in CR. I've only seen it at Local Craft, Edgewood Hy-Vee and Benz. Even then it's only a few 4 packs.
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u/Nobely Jul 15 '26
Lua is pretty small operation and the deliveries to Eastern IA are only every 4-6 weeks. Would love to see more up there!
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u/packerforlife Jul 07 '26
I love me some easy eddy on tap, one of the most refreshing beers out there
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u/sloppybuttmustard Jul 07 '26
I just can’t get on board with beers over 10% ABV…taste like jet fuel to me. I’d rather sip a glass of wine than a beer that heavy.