Des Moines BeerAdvocates...

Also...a question that maybe DollCraft can answer. How is it that Zombie Burger (at least in the past when I've been in) has had beers from Bear Republic, but that brewery doesn't distribute in Iowa? At least that I've ever seen.

 

I e-mailed Ska about that. Told them if they just have the driver text me as they pass through Des Moines on I-80, I'll meet him and pick up a couple cases. That was part of a come to Iowa plea. It went unanswered. Ska has no sense of humor.

 

Nothing to add, other than to agree how great it would be to have Odell and Lagunitas available here. Although I do feel they would probably somewhat take away from the growing local breweries that are starting to become more prevelant.

 

"schlafly" is in CR/Marion area sucka's. SCHLAFLY PUMPKIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Schlafly is in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. It's weird to me that they don't distribute to DSM. And from what I've heard about Surly, they tried to do some out of state distribution but they had SO MUCH demand in the Twin Cities that they couldn't keep everything stocked.

 

A few notes from what I "know" from outside of the state:

New Glarus will NEVER distribute outside of WI. They once tried to, into Northern Illinois, but were so dissatisfied with the distributor they decided to keep it in state where they had better control. When you're one product (Spotted Cow) is supposedly the number 1 draft beer and you can be the 30 something th largest brewer in the country with only one state, you don't need to expand.

Surly tried and will still occasionally have stuff on tap in WI/IL. No distribution. When I worked at a liquor store less than 70 miles from the brewery, we still often couldn't get stuff. The fact that it is now available in Albert Lea, Austin and Rochester says a lot. I think though with their new facility they will be attempting a larger distribution.

Lagunitas is building a new brewhouse in Chicago, Iowa should be on the list of expansion.

Some other brands that could be on the list, as I've mentioned before include Deschutes, and perhaps 21st Amendment out of San Fran since it is actually brewed in Cold Spring, MN (cans at least). Another brand out of Cold Spring we could see is 3rd Street Brewhouse...

 

Schlafly is or was available in Cedar Falls last spring if memory serves me correct. Only tried their IPA, but the Hy-vee Wine & Spirits was carrying a few different brews from them.

 

Yeah, the strongest rumors right now are Oskar Blues, Odell and Lagunitas. And of course, waiting for TG to hurry up and bottle.

 

Would take any order....all have great products!

 

Agreed. If I had to choose an order, I'd probably go:

- Lagunitas
- Oskar Blues
- Odell

 

Beer Crazy posted that they got 120 bottles of Hopslam in today on their Facebook at 11:15. Then posted again at 12:00 that it was all gone already. Goddamit.

 

I dont know if there's an order, Travis. Any/all of them would be welcome.

Yeah, I saw that Beer Crazy post. According to a couple of the Hy-Vee managers I talked to, they aren't scheduled to get any for a couple of weeks yet. Strange.

 

I went over to the Hy-Vee on Jordan Creek Pkwy/74th St in WDSM on my lunch break and asked if they had gotten in Hopslam in. All he would say is, "nope, not yet, but you are the 3rd person to ask today."

 

Hmm. You and I must work near each other. That's one of the ones I called today. Almost walked over there, but it's a bit chilly.

 

I work down the street from that Hy-Vee....on Westown Pkwy.

 

Heads up to DSM BAs....

....on April 25th, El Bait Shop will be tapping a Firkin of Hopslam and that night will also be the party for Confluence Brewing winning the Beer Braketology, which means lots of free Confluence beers!

Oh...and Zombie Burger just tweeted that they just tapped a keg of Omnipollo Moebius IPA. That is the first time I've ever seen a Omnipollo keg on tap in DSM. Need to make it down and try that!!

 

Damn, hopslam firkin...Oh, I might be coming to DSM this Saturday. BottleCaps80, do you know if El Bait Shop or anywhere would be cool with me opening a bottle (corking fee?). Maybe if I give them a pour :-). Want to drink that King Henry with you if I come down.

 

Not sure about opening a bottle at El Bait or Keg Stand, but I will try and find out and let you know! That would rule and I would also bring something to share (Abrasive or something?).

 

Yeah, let me know what you find out. Thanks!