What beers should I buy?

[JohnnyAppleseed]

I grew up in Iowa, but normally when I'm travelling back it's by air. This time I'm driving back, so I'd like to pick up some local beers. I haven't lived in Iowa for a little over 4 years now and a lot has changed in the craft beer scene. I was hoping to get some advice on what beers to pick up that I can't get here in Chicago? Also, what stores will I have the best luck at?

I'm familiar with Toppling Goliath, so I'm definitely trying to find some of theirs, but any other recommendations would be great!

 

[Judoka]

All of them.

You should buy all of the beers.

 

[1100011CS]

If you're going to be in the Iowa City area, John's Grocery. Most Hy-Vees also have a pretty good selection anymore.

 

[cyclonespiker33]

Exile Hannah is delicious.

 

[Bret44]

Bring a Reefer trailer. Buy beers. A lot of beers. Pay someone to drive you home. Sit in reefer trailer and drink beers. A lot of beers.

 

[Gonzo]

Workman's Compensation, by Lion Bridge Brewing (C.R.), is solid.

 

[djcubby]

Exile Hannah is delicious.

I'm a fan of the Ruthie, also.

 

[1100011CS]

Workman's Compensation, by Lion Bridge Brewing (C.R.), is solid.

What kind of brew is that? I think I have it listed on my 'to buy' but can't remember.

 

[SoundTheSirens]

Can't go wrong with a dirty 30 of Busch light

 

[ianoconnor]

My favorite Exile is the Beatnik sour.

Confluence has some great beers (I most like the IPA & Black IPA), but they are only available in growlers at this point.

 

[2020cy]

I'm a fan of the Ruthie, also.

Gigi is the best.

 

[Gonzo]

What kind of brew is that? I think I have it listed on my 'to buy' but can't remember.

Workman's Compensation (Dark Mild, 4.2%)

Notes of biscuit, toffee, and chocolate meld with a silky mouthfeel to produce this world-class beer. Gold Medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival.

 

[2020cy]

Citra at Confluence is tasty as is Blonde Fatale from Peace Tree. Too many to name, really depends on what type of beer you like. Need to narrow it down IPA's, lagers, stouts?

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

I enjoy most styles, but my preference would be stouts or pale ales. I like IPA's, but they aren't my go to style. I can't get into sours, so that's not something I'm looking for.

Thanks for this tips already. I'm aware of the breweries in Iowa, just not the individual beers that are their best.

 

[ianoconnor]

Redband Stout from Great River is a good beer. Sold in cans.

 

[cyclonespiker33]

I enjoy most styles, but my preference would be stouts or pale ales. I like IPA's, but they aren't my go to style. I can't get into sours, so that's not something I'm looking for.

Thanks for this tips already. I'm aware of the breweries in Iowa, just not the individual beers that are their best.

Coco Stout by WestO is a very good dessert beer

 

[cyclonespiker33]

I would direct you to the beer brackets that was done earlier this year

http://desmoinesregister.upickem.ne...tes.asp?contestid=215966&quadrantid=2#bracket

 

[djcubby]

I enjoy most styles, but my preference would be stouts or pale ales. I like IPA's, but they aren't my go to style. I can't get into sours, so that's not something I'm looking for.

Thanks for this tips already. I'm aware of the breweries in Iowa, just not the individual beers that are their best.

I figured you would enjoy a nice hard cider.

 

[Judoka]

Backpocket is a solid brewery. Their beers aren't going to wow you but they are solid, straightforward brews in my experience. Any of their stuff is worth a six pack.

 

[CascadeClone]

Millstream in Amana does a White Ale that is excellent (John's White Ale), and that's not a style I usually like.