Iowa City BrewFest is Saturday!

The 15th annual (and 4th annual for myself) Iowa City BrewFest is this Saturday, September 18th.  This year will be exciting due to the change in the high-proof beer law made in March.

From John’s Grocery’s event calendar:

With the change in the high proof beer law that happend March 15th, Beer lovers will rejoice at all of the new brews to try at the 15th Annual Iowa City Brewfest. We’re going back to our original location, right next to The Hideaway (former Fitzpatrick’s) on Prentiss Street. Hours and ticket info are as follows: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Brewmaster Pre-Event (20 tickets, crystal tasting glass, all the new, rare, & vintage beers will get released)$40.00 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Brewfest (8 drink tickets, new .2L German made tasting mug)$20.00 in advance, $25.00 at the door. All proceeds benifit the American Heart Association.

If you are going, I will be at the Brewmaster session, so I hope to see you there!


IPTV Iowa Journal – State of Beer in Iowa

I was finally able to watch the Iowa Public Television show, Iowa Journal, that was aired last Thursday night on the state of beer and the brewing industry in Iowa. It was a panel discussion that included three beer experts: Iowa Brewers Guild president and head brewer at Raccoon River, Dave Coy, Sioux City Journal beer writer Tim Hynds and John’s Grocery manager and bier guy Doug Alberhasky.

The panel discussed how beer in Iowa will expand and gives the consumer better choices after the March 10th passage of SF 2088.  The episode is available online.

The New Era Starts at Midnight!

Since the passage of Iowa SF 2088, we have been anxiously waiting for several higher alcohol beers to begin appearing on store shelves.  We just found out the wait is over!

Starting tonight at midnight, John’s Grocery will begin selling several higher alcohol Bell’s Brewery, Inc. offerings, including Third Coast Old Ale Barley Wine, Expedition Stout, Two Hearted Ale, Hop Slam and Consecrator Doppelbock.  Although Bell’s Brewery’s sub-6% options have been available in Iowa, this is the first time Bell’s Brewery’s high alcohol beers have been available since the highly publicized disagreement between Larry Bell, president of Bell’s Brewery, and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.  John’s Grocery will also be selling beer from Iowa’s own Peace Tree Brewing: Hop Wrangler and Rye Porter.

John’s Grocery will have a tasting of these beers from midnight to 2 am, with limited quantities available for purchase.  Hope to see you there!