What beers should I buy?

[dmclone]

My god, the guy is asking for the best in Iowa and people are recommending Exile?

#1 What styles do you like?

#2 What cities/towns will you be in?

 

[Bret44]

Peace Tree's No Coast IPA is great. I love that thing.

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

I'll be in SW Iowa, but driving I-80 most of the way. Was planning on stopping in Des Moines on the way through.

In regards to styles, I enjoy most (not sours or lambics though). While I might pick up some 6 packs, I'll probably grab single bottles if possible.

 

[Judoka]

I do really like Peace Tree Blond Fatale but it will knock you on your *** if you aren't paying attention.

 

[1100011CS]

Well then Exile may be your best bet because there are not too many other Iowa brewers hitting that segment. Not sure if they are still producing but the Cherry and Raspberry Bohemian were both good.

If you have time, check out the Red Monk in Des Moines. Great selection of non-Iowa sours on tap.

I think mis-read his post... 'not sours or lambics though'

 

[2020cy]

Milkman stout at Confluence is descent.

 

[isu81]

For IPA's not available in Chicago, I would get anything you can find from Toppling Goliath in a 22 oz. bottle among the following:

Pseudo Sue (just in bottles and supposedly coming out soon-cans are from Florida and not consistent)
Pompeii (my favorite)
Zeelander
SOSUS
Golden Nugget (check the date-a lot of old stuff around- again, 22 oz bottle only)

Another of my favorites is the lineup from Surly in the Twin Cities. Not sure if you can get that in Chicago, but if not, try to find Todd the Axeman or Abrasive. Both are periodic distribution, but may get lucky. Surly Furious is also very good and you can get that any time. Most likely, anything you find from Surly will be really fresh also.

IMO, many of the other beers mentioned here are OK, but certainly not something I'd go out of my way to get if I lived in Chicago.

 

[dtISU]

Alluvial has been adding some solid brews to the market. You might stop in if you're headed through Ames. Avoid Olde Main at all costs.

 

[dmclone]

I think mis-read his post... 'not sours or lambics though'

Oh yeah sorry. Tons of good stuff then.

 

[Herkster]

For IPA's not available in Chicago, I would get anything you can find from Toppling Goliath in a 22 oz. bottle among the following:

Pseudo Sue (just in bottles and supposedly coming out soon-cans are from Florida and not consistent)
Pompeii (my favorite)
Zeelander
SOSUS
Golden Nugget (check the date-a lot of old stuff around- again, 22 oz bottle only)

Another of my favorites is the lineup from Surly in the Twin Cities. Not sure if you can get that in Chicago, but if not, try to find Todd the Axeman or Abrasive. Both are periodic distribution, but may get lucky. Surly Furious is also very good and you can get that any time. Most likely, anything you find from Surly will be really fresh also.

IMO, many of the other beers mentioned here are OK, but certainly not something I'd go out of my way to get if I lived in Chicago.

PsuedoSue is out in cans already. 4 packs so far, at least of what I have found.

 

[no2cyclones]

A second recommendation for Beatnik Sour here!

 

[baller21]

PsuedoSue is out in cans already. 4 packs so far, at least of what I have found.

The Sue in the cans is not as good as the 22 oz bottles.

 

[00clone]

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

If he goes to Dirty John's, as also recommended, he can buy the beer from the store!

 

[isu81]

PsuedoSue is out in cans already. 4 packs so far, at least of what I have found.

What I was saying is to just buy Pseudo Sue or Golden Nugget if he finds them in 22oz bottles. Do not buy the cans.

 

[jcyclonee]

Coco Stout by WestO is a very good dessert beer

I recommend the WestO Red also.

 

[jcyclonee]

I figured you would enjoy a nice hard cider.

Perhaps a hard Dickens Cider?

 

[Bret44]

Perhaps a hard Dickens Cider?

Only when I am in Effingham.

 

[jcyclonee]

Only when I am in Effingham.

It's best when you can bring them to Climax.... Minnesota.

 

[cdekovic]

Exile Hannah is delicious.

Exile Ruthie too