Jessica's 5 Favorite Iowa Breweries

So last week you got a peek at Greg's top five favorite Iowa breweries. Now it's my turn. It was reeeeally hard to narrow it down. For one, some of our favorites overlap (namely, Big Grove, Kalona, and Broad Street). Second, there are a lot of breweries with beer I really love but that we haven't gotten around to physically visiting yet – like Peace Tree.

But anywho, without further ado... here are five of my favorite breweries. (Though these be numbered, they are in no particular order.) :)

1. Olde Main Brewing Co. | Ames, Iowa

This Ames brewery/restaurant is where I first really discovered my love for craft beer. One sip of their OffKilter Scottish Ale and I was wondering what I'd been missing out on all those times I claimed to "not like beer that much." It's must-visit whenever I'm in the Ames area and brings back so many memories of good times with friends while sitting at the bar. It was also sorta a first date spot for Greg and I. ;)

Tip: If you're lucky enough to live near this brewery, hit them up on Wednesday nights. Pints of their tasty brews go for just $1.

Try: During the holiday season, try the Reindeer Fuel. Rich chocolate and roasty malts make this a wonderful winter beer.

Q&A Quickie | What's the best chocolate beer available?

Jonathan's Question:

What is the best chocolate beer available? I'm looking for one to replace Sam Adams Chocolate Bock. (from Jonathan) 

Jess' Answer:

Mmm, chocolate! Here are my top three chocolaty choices...

1. Millstream Schokolade Bock

My first choice would be an Iowa craft beer, of course. Brewed at Millstream in the Amana Colonies, this is my favorite of their delicious brews. It's a smooth, Bock style beer that perfectly balances malt with subtle chocolate.

2. Boulder Beer's Shake Chocolate Porter

When I get a chocolate beer craving, I reach for this newfound favorite. The brew hails from Colorado – it's great from bottle, but fantastic if you can get it on tap. Malts paired up with notes of cocoa and fudge make this irresistible.

3. Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout

Imported but possibly easier to find than the Colorado and Iowa craft beers (depending on where you live), I can't finish up this post without recommending a beer from our other Sam. Lots of chocolate meets toasty vanilla and roasty malts to create a devilishly-sweet brew.

What's your favorite chocolate beer?

Got a quick (or not so quick) question? Email us at doppelbloggers@gmail.com.

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Oktoberfest in Amana: Brats, Bier, and Hammerschlagen!

Ever wanted to go to the real Oktoberfest? Me, too. Too bad Germany is all the way on the other side of the world. But next to the town I live in, there's  a pretty darn good Oktoberfest celebration. Last year I completely missed it and have been kicking myself ever since. So, Jess and I made it a point not to miss out on the festivities this year. Our buddy Dan even ditched Des Moines for the weekend to join us.

So what's so great about Oktoberfest? Pretty much everything! Beer, games, food, and costumes. What's not to love?

Festival of Iowa Beers | Amana, IA

Beer. Beer. And more beer. Oh, and little homemade apple pie. That pretty much sums up our Labor Day Weekend and you won't catch either of us complaining. On Saturday, Greg and I ventured to the Amanas for the 9th Annual Festival of Iowa Beers hosted by Millstream Brewing Co. It was a splendidly gorgeous summer day to enjoy the 24 breweries and nearly 100 different Iowa-crafted beers. For just $20, we each got admission, a souvenir sampling glass, and unlimited samples. 

Beer and Brats Festival at Millstream Brewing

This is a little bit late, but on Saturday, June 29 Greg and I ventured over to Amana for Millstream Brewing Co.'s Beer & Brat Festival. The stormy day cleared up just in time for the fest, where Amana Smokehouse and Meat Market served up delicious mini brats to pair with Millstream beer. The brats were soooo good. (As was the beer, too, of course.)