Traveling through Nebraska, one might overlook the nearby state of Iowa, a place often misconceived as a mere corn and soybean producer. However, for beer enthusiasts, Iowa holds a hidden gem - the Iowa Farmhouse Ale tradition. Born out of the necessity to brew beer on Iowa's rural farms, this style has evolved into an integral part of the American craft beer scene.

Origins of Iowa Farmhouse Ales date back to the late 19th century, when immigrants, mainly from Norway and Germany, brought along their brewing traditions to Iowa. The strict regulations against commercial brewing during Prohibition forced local farmers to brew in secret. One notable example is the Kinsman family of Iowa's rural Marion County, who have been brewing in their farmhouse cellar for generations, still adhering to their traditional recipes.

Located near Iowa City, Toppling Goliath Brewery is renowned for its tribute to Iowa Farmhouse Ales. Their commercially brewed interpretation of this style embodies the true spirit of the Iowa tradition - brewing simple beers that are not meant to be aggressive, yet possessing a character uniquely native to Iowa. Pseudo Sue Pale Ale, their popular award-winner, is named after a mythical large-footed creature supposedly roaming western Iowa. Another example is Tin Roof Brewery in Des Moines, Iowa, which preserves Iowa brewing heritage through their limited releases and beers made with native Iowa grains.

Jeff Galarneau, founder of the Iowa-based Tin Roof Brewery also helped create Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa, with two additional locations and brewpubs, in Des Moines and Davenport. Big Grove adheres to old Iowa brewing traditions like dry-hopping and barrel fermentation, using local ingredients that showcase the specific aspects of Iowa's countryside. Not only contributing to the rise of Iowa's modern craft beer scene, such efforts extend a hand back to Iowa's historical brewing roots as well.

One additional example of Iowa's brewery recognition and an Iowa beer advocate can be found in Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines. A brew combining the Iowa brewing legacy spirit with innovation is showcased through their recent farmhouse release beers such as the Ghost White stout. Each brewery contributes to preserving Iowa's cultural storytelling with the elements through fermentation and style.

Although historical research suggests Iowa Farmhouse Ales played a vital part in local celebrations, not all details can be verified due to brewing typically taking place by families with underground operation - hidden away and from records; possibly so rural they could never become publicly successful without support systems. However, families and friends once came together during harvest celebrations and sharing table camaraderie truly re-made true spirits.

Today Iowa Brewery Farm groups in support to each other take over the brewery system of mutual assistance, combining know-how techniques and passing down knowledge to future brew generations or members who desire home brewing on these homegrown local family grounds, then their ability to organize in communal brew areas in small groups set during county festivals a clear picture.

As trends often reveal local home-brewed resurgence is brewing as numerous state wineries compete, small step beer operations that opened largely with the growth trend set brewing processes that would define American spirits. Farm-brewed farm-owned through its roots eventually become commercial organizations with increased varieties brewing to be sold world-wide.