A Taste of Local Iowa Beer in the Heartland
While traveling through Nebraska, it is impossible to ignore the allure of neighboring Iowa, known for its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant craft beer scene. With a plethora of local Iowa breweries waiting to be discovered, visitors can explore a diverse array of beer styles, from session-friendly lagers to hop-forward IPAs. Located approximately 200 miles southeast of Nebraska's largest city Omaha, Des Moines is an ideal destination to embark on this gastronomic adventure.
Iowa's capital city is home to Confluence Brewing Company, a staple in the local beer scene since 2014. Offering an assortment of beer styles, including their famous Des Moines IPA, a balanced blend of citrus and tropical fruit notes, Confluence Brewing is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Just a short drive from downtown Des Moines lies another prominent brewery, Big Grove Brewery, which boasts an extensive tap list featuring everything from crisp pilsners to robust stouts. Big Grove Brewery also serves as a functioning farm-to-table restaurant, allowing patrons to savor locally sourced ingredients alongside their craft beers.
In the nearby town of Pella, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, the Pella Brewing Company has been gaining recognition for its Dutch-inspired ales and lagers. Specializing in recreations of traditional European beers, Pella Brewing Company offers an authentic taste of the Netherlands in the heart of America's Midwest. The brewery also features an attached restaurant, offering Dutch delicacies such as bierkroketten and stamppot to complement their beers.
As a testament to the state's rich brewing heritage, Iowa is also home to the Amana Colonies, a historic German-inspired village located near Cedar Rapids. Established in the mid-19th century, the Amana Colonies feature seven original villages, each boasting its unique charm and architecture. Here, visitors can sample beers from the Amana Colonies' in-house brewery, which produces an assortment of German-inspired beers, including their famous lagers and wheat beers.
Similar to Confluence Brewing Company and Big Grove Brewery, the Millstream Brewing Company in Amana offers an authentic Iowa beer experience, brewing a range of beer styles from American pale ales to German-style bocks. Visitors can take a guided brewery tour, sample their beers in the tasting room, or simply enjoy a fresh pint of locally brewed beer amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Amana Colonies.
Iowa's local beer scene also has a strong emphasis on community, with numerous breweries across the state participating in statewide festivals and charity events. One prominent example is the annual Iowa Craft Beer Festival, held in downtown Des Moines, which brings together local breweries from all corners of the state to showcase their creations and help support local charities.
A visit to local Iowa breweries can provide travelers with a unique perspective on the state's rich agricultural heritage, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. Whether sampling a session-friendly lager from Pella Brewing Company or exploring the historic Amana Colonies, Iowa's vibrant craft beer scene is an experience that is sure to satisfy the palates of even the most discerning beer enthusiasts.
In conclusion, any visit to Nebraska would be incomplete without a trip to Iowa to sample its diverse local beer selection. Whether visiting Des Moines or venturing to the outskirts of the state, Iowa's numerous breweries offer beer enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to indulge in an authentic Midwestern craft beer experience.
Iowa's capital city is home to Confluence Brewing Company, a staple in the local beer scene since 2014. Offering an assortment of beer styles, including their famous Des Moines IPA, a balanced blend of citrus and tropical fruit notes, Confluence Brewing is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Just a short drive from downtown Des Moines lies another prominent brewery, Big Grove Brewery, which boasts an extensive tap list featuring everything from crisp pilsners to robust stouts. Big Grove Brewery also serves as a functioning farm-to-table restaurant, allowing patrons to savor locally sourced ingredients alongside their craft beers.
In the nearby town of Pella, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, the Pella Brewing Company has been gaining recognition for its Dutch-inspired ales and lagers. Specializing in recreations of traditional European beers, Pella Brewing Company offers an authentic taste of the Netherlands in the heart of America's Midwest. The brewery also features an attached restaurant, offering Dutch delicacies such as bierkroketten and stamppot to complement their beers.
As a testament to the state's rich brewing heritage, Iowa is also home to the Amana Colonies, a historic German-inspired village located near Cedar Rapids. Established in the mid-19th century, the Amana Colonies feature seven original villages, each boasting its unique charm and architecture. Here, visitors can sample beers from the Amana Colonies' in-house brewery, which produces an assortment of German-inspired beers, including their famous lagers and wheat beers.
Similar to Confluence Brewing Company and Big Grove Brewery, the Millstream Brewing Company in Amana offers an authentic Iowa beer experience, brewing a range of beer styles from American pale ales to German-style bocks. Visitors can take a guided brewery tour, sample their beers in the tasting room, or simply enjoy a fresh pint of locally brewed beer amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Amana Colonies.
Iowa's local beer scene also has a strong emphasis on community, with numerous breweries across the state participating in statewide festivals and charity events. One prominent example is the annual Iowa Craft Beer Festival, held in downtown Des Moines, which brings together local breweries from all corners of the state to showcase their creations and help support local charities.
A visit to local Iowa breweries can provide travelers with a unique perspective on the state's rich agricultural heritage, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. Whether sampling a session-friendly lager from Pella Brewing Company or exploring the historic Amana Colonies, Iowa's vibrant craft beer scene is an experience that is sure to satisfy the palates of even the most discerning beer enthusiasts.
In conclusion, any visit to Nebraska would be incomplete without a trip to Iowa to sample its diverse local beer selection. Whether visiting Des Moines or venturing to the outskirts of the state, Iowa's numerous breweries offer beer enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to indulge in an authentic Midwestern craft beer experience.
