Lion Bridge is the belle of this ball. Their chanterelle mushroom porter was absurdly good. I love how they make some really unique European influenced beers. Their straight up takes on European styles tend to be excellent as well (Disaster At Mieux). Clark Lewey has told me he thinks they're the best "to style" brewery in Iowa. Who am I to argue?
I like Big Grove a lot too. I've only been once, but I've had Arms Race a few times at shorts. Everything I've had from them is high quality. I agree that they'll blow the hell up in Iowa City, which just can't seem to maintain a quality brewery in the city proper.
I'm ok with Backpocket. I enjoy their maltier beers for what they are. It's nothing exciting, but they hit the spot in certain occasions.
I was at Iowa Brewing Company once and wasn't blown away, but there weren't any off flavors and they were just starting out too.
I haven't had any of the others, besides a Turner Alley pilsner at the Iowa Tap Room. I thought that was a good pils, FWIW. I've never heard anything good about Another Road.
I like Big Grove a lot too. I've only been once, but I've had Arms Race a few times at shorts. Everything I've had from them is high quality. I agree that they'll blow the hell up in Iowa City, which just can't seem to maintain a quality brewery in the city proper.
I'm ok with Backpocket. I enjoy their maltier beers for what they are. It's nothing exciting, but they hit the spot in certain occasions.
I was at Iowa Brewing Company once and wasn't blown away, but there weren't any off flavors and they were just starting out too.
I haven't had any of the others, besides a Turner Alley pilsner at the Iowa Tap Room. I thought that was a good pils, FWIW. I've never heard anything good about Another Road.