BAs, My wife and I are moving across the country from Los Angeles to Indiana during the first or second week of July. We've decided to turn the move into a road trip to enjoy some of the fine breweries scattered across the country, so I'd love your thoughts on places we should visit along the way. A few guidelines: most likely, we'll take 15 through Las Vegas, and then take 70 through Colorado since it offers so many great options. From there, we could continue on 70, through Kansas, to St. Louis and then up through Illinois; alternatively, we could take 80 through Nebraska and Iowa. But we don't want to detour much farther out of the way than that, so going all the way up to Minneapolis is probably out of the question for this trip, for example. All told, we're thinking to take roughly a week on the road. As to favorite styles, we're most into stouts, barleywines, old ales, quads, and other big, thick beers that are... not so conducive to driving. Neither of us likes IPAs that much, so for more summery beers, we prefer things like lighter German ales and lagers, saisons, sours, etc. So along this route, where are the hidden gems that we should stop? Bonus points if your suggestions 1) take into account our stylistic preferences 2) have good food at their tasting room 3) don't have major distribution in southern California or Indiana 4) might have awesome limited releases on tap in early July So far, potential stops are at Joseph James in the Vegas area, then to go hiking for a day in Zion Nat'l Park. After that, we'll probably visit with friends in Breckenridge for a day, then stay with friends in Denver. In the Denver area, I'm thinking maybe TRVE, Mountain Sun, and Epic? Options post-Colorado might be Boulevard for a stop in Kansas, then Side Project and Perennial in St. Louis? I don't know; tell us what we're missing out on! Thanks! We're looking forward to a fun trip.
Joseph James Brewing in Las Vegas would be a nice one to start off the trip with. The only draw back is that you have to sign up for a tour, but you do get to taste a bunch of beers and get a pint glass, at least I did when I took the tour. Not a bad way to start off this amazing trip.
I'm moving from NY to CO probably in early August and I've already begun to look at the possibilities. There are many My advice is to go to this website - https://www.beeradvocate.com/ratebeer/?path=/Places/RegionMap.asp?rid=0 and check out everything yourself. You'll save the trouble of checking out each and every little suggestion which may or may not be to your liking and even if you get a great suggestion, you'll still have to check the place out online to see if they sell what you're looking for. The website has stores, bars & breweries so if you can take it mobile, you can change your mind as often as you like.
Boulevard. That is a must stop IMO. I've never been there but if I had the chance I'd surely like to stroll down Boulevard boulevard.
If you end up taking I 80 through Iowa make a stop at back pocket brewery in coralville. They don't get a lot of love because they make lighter German styles. With your taste preferences it is worth the stop.
Thanks for the suggestions so far! A lot of these look like good places to stop. I guess Casey isn't always open, but it would definitely be special if we could be there for their 1-year anniversary on July 4!
Thanks; I've also been referring to this picture, since it's easier to see the names of all the places:
If you decide to come across Kansas hit Tallgrass in Manhattan, Freestate in Lawrence and of course Boulevard in KC. There are actually a number of small breweries in KC worth a visit. I will second Schlafly in St. Louis. Great beer and really good food. Sounds like a great way to see the country.
