Swag Brewery | Craft Beer Soaps and Hop Candy

As a craft beer zealot, I often find myself caught up in beer cravings. Sometimes it goes even further than just wanting a pint. The hophead in me might pine for the floral bitterness of hops... at a time and place (like the office) where there's just no way I can get my hoppy little hands around a glass full of an IPA. And don't judge, but sometimes a beer smells sooo good that I might just fancy bathing in it. I don't, but wouldn't that be nice? 

Then along came Swag Brewery with the answers to all my brew prayers. Swag Brewery is your one-stop shop for craft beer gifts and craft beer swag. They make and sell craft beer soap, craft beer t-shirts, beer art prints, and even bottle cap earrings. It's the ultimate destination for beer lovers who want to show their craft brew love inside and outside of the bar or brewery. 

They were kind enough to send some samples to sate my beer bath and hop cravings: two craft beer soaps to suds up with and a package of hop candy to enjoy.

DIY Oktoberfest Garb | Dirndl & Lederhosen

Greg, myself, and a friend are all attending Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies this weekend. And we couldn't be more excited! We've been looking forward to the bier fest for months... and thinking about our costumes just as long. A few searches over the internet showed just how expensive real lederhosen and dirndls can be. So while if we ever make it to the real Oktoberfest in Munich, we'll definitely invest in the good stuff in all its traditional Bavarian glory... we decided to stay cheap and take on the challenge of do-it-yourself Oktoberfest garb.  (Image above via: Wired)

Oktoberfest Events in Iowa

It's that time of year. Time to slip into your lederhosen (gents) and dirndl dresses (ladies). Time to fill up your stein with delicious Märzens. Time to scope out which Oktoberfest events are in your neck of the woods.

Tap Into the Business of Craft Beer | Infographic from Kendall College

It seems that both across the United States and across the world craft beer is on the rise.  More and more people are enjoying craft beer; you see more craft beer blogs across the web and groups devoted to enjoying and trading craft beer.  It’s a welcome move away from the big 3 light beer companies in my opinion.  Some people are curious as to just how big the craft beer industry has gotten over the past few decades.  This thought crossed the minds of Kendall College School Of Hospitality assistant professors John Laloganes and Phil Mott.  One beverage trend that has both students and faculty at Kendall were excited to learn more is craft beer.  Both students and professors provided valuable insight and research regarding this infographic into the industry of craft beer. This infographic was designed to not only showcase the growth of the craft beer industry as a whole, but also to highlight the knowledge of the Kendall College students and faculty. 

The Frat-Tastic 15 | Greg's Roundup of Dirty, Cheap Beers

Hey there everyone! It’s been a little while since I’ve written any new content on here.  I have not been slacking off, too much at least.  I have compiled a nice little list of beers for you all. What kind of beers? Well, the dirtiest, cheapest, skankiest beers that are out there. The Dirty 30’s, the Frat Water, that $5 12-pack your uncle Jimmy always bought. Yes, those.  The beers you drink at a kegger or play Edward 40-hands with. After saying all of that, there were some that really surprised me and—dare I say it—some that I love and drink regularly.  The beers on this list range from “That is pretty decent” to “This tastes like donkey piss." (Which may be why Jess sat this one out.)

Clashing Pumpkins | Jess' Roundup of 6 Pumpkin Beers

I hate to wish away these final humid days of summer, but I also can't deny being excited about the coming of fall. Fiery leaves. Crisp air. Pumpkin spice lattes. All those autumn goodies: pumpkin bars, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread. And, of course, pumpkin beer!

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.