Putting in a plug for Confluence Brewing. I'm sure many of you are already familiar with them, but I felt my first experience warranted a post. Visited DSM from DC last week, and swung by Confluence at about 4:00pm on Friday. My first impression of the space - a little sparse, but really comfortable. Had Confluence been there when I was last living in Des Moines 3 years ago...it easily would've been my 'go to' space. The beer was solid, particularly the Black IPA and Multigrain Ale. Also, extra points for a beer w/ a Star-Wars pun, ChewBOCKa. Anyway, not to belabor the point - I'm glad to see the Des Moines beer community growing, and that spaces like this now exist there. Wish we had something like this - community oriented, not overly crowded, etc, in DC.
Have had their Black IPA (solid) and their Des Moines IPA (loved it!). Pretty good up and coming brewery IMO.
Des Moines IPA will definitely be a beer I'll buy regularly once it's canned and on shelves. As is, I'll have a pint when I see it on tap around Des Moines. Haven't been to the actual taproom yet, but it's on my list!
I have been to Confluence a number of times thus far. My parents live less than 5 minutes away. Taproom is nice, clean. Over spring break a few of us went their and played scrabble and bags inside for like 3-4 hours while we enjoyed their offerings, all which I really enjoy. Typically I stick to drinking their Thomas Beck Black IPA, great brew. I also like their #12 Raku, Irish Stout, DSM Ipa, shall I keep going?
I've been in several times, sometimes for a couple pints and other times to get a growler fill. I think their beers are pretty good overall. I like that there's always something different on tap, although I'd like to see some IPAs or DIPAs brewed with newer, more exciting hop varieties. To me, the space they have available just begs for some live music or a more intimate feel. Right now its just very sparse and open- like some dude's garage or something. Its cool when you walk in the front door you're exposed to the brewery floor as you walk back to the bar. They do a nice job, but there is potential for so much more here in Des Moines.
I've asked on Twitter and Facebook recently and gotten no response. Maybe I'll just shoot them an e-mail and ask. If I get a reply, I'll post it here.
Forgot to mention that I got a reply from Ken Broadhead at Confluence. He said they are a bit behind on canning, but hope to have cans available sometime this summer.
I'm now wondering/hoping that John & Ken will be busting out one of their Barrel Aged beers for the Iowa Craft Beer Fest this weekend. I would love to try their Scotch Ale they've been aging in Cedar Ridge barrels. I know they have other beers currently aging in barrels right now as well. Hope to see one on Saturday!
I've been out to their taproom once. Really enjoyed myself and drank some great beer. Looking forward to what they bring to the Des Moines beer scene. And I too hope they bring something special to the ICBF this weekend.
Never been to their taproom, but have had several of their beers at bars around Iowa City. Very good up and coming brewery. Look for them to be the next big thing in Iowa.
