reserve series #1

Fathead Barley Wine

A rich, full bodied Barley Wine with a wonderfully warming character from the malts & dark brown sugars. Held to the light, its burgundy color is fitting for a bigger beer that has aromatics that hint of the oak, the whiskey, the somewhat sweet nature, and molasses that makes this beer truly unique. The non-barrel-aged version of this beer took Silver in the 2009 US Open Beer Championships. Using Stranahan’s Whiskey barrels, we aged this beer for 6 months to impart a small amount of oak tannins and the whiskey character that combine to elevate this beer beyond its original entry into this world. Excellent to enjoy now and cellerable for years.
 
Awards: Best of Show, 34th Annual Schleswig Iowa Bier Festival 2009

Available: October 20th

11.3% A.B.V.

34 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

reserve series #2

Black Betty Russian
Imperial Stout

Black as night and every bit Imperial, this RIS was originally launched to tremendous accolades. Going further, this Stranahan’s Whiskey barrel aged version meshes the rich chocolates, the coffee-like aromatics with the sweet whiskey nose and drying character of the oak. Slightly behind on the palette are the hops – held in restraint by the wonderfully full mouthfeel and broad flavors brought on by the perfect blend of so many malted barley varieties. Ready to enjoy upon release and perfect for extended cellaring.
 
Awards: Silver, 2009 U.S. Open Beer Competition, Imperial Stout; Gold, 2010 US Open Beer Championship, Wood/Barrel-Aged Strong Beer

Available: November 10th, 6:00pm

9.3% A.B.V.

83 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

reserve series #3

Chardonnay French Oak
Hop God

Contained within this bottle is an artful creation which began with our Hop God Belgian-Style IPA, then enhanced by a 6 month maturation in French Oak Chardonnay Barrels. This version of Hop God is a fascinating, big, bold Belgian-style Tripel hopped in very high amounts to concentrate citrus, grapefruit and floral aromatics in the nose. The addition of Chardonnay barrel aging adds further dimension and oak tannins to an already wonderfully complex Ale - bringing to mind tropical fruits and peach. We know of nothing that compares - enjoy!

Available: March 2nd

10.1% A.B.V.

108 IBU

Suggested Pairing: Spicy foods, pizza, big pastas, rich seafood

reserve series #4

Chardonnay French Oak
Melange A Trois

Our first beer in the Reserve Series, Melange A Trois begins with a wonderfully big Strong Belgian-Style Blonde Ale and moves into the extraordinary category through an additional 6 month French Oak Chardonnay Wine Barrel maturation. The essense of Chardonnay permeates while a subtle sweetness remains from the Ale itself. Oak tannins combine to create a fascinating mesh of dry, sweet, and wine-like character. One of our favorites!
 
Awards: Silver, 2009 U.S. Open Beer Competition, Wood/Barrel Aged Strong Ale

Available: June 15th, 2010

10.0% A.B.V.

Suggested Pairing:

brewers choice #1

Summertime Rye

Summertime Rye is our first to use a very citrusy hop called Citra, and our use of Rye combined with this interesting hop is a very, very cool combination. Want to try some? You'll need to get to the brewpub for this one - it will go fast!

Available: Now

N/A A.B.V.

N/A IBU

Suggested Pairing:

on tap 8

Sallyweiss

This is a bigger, badder hefeweizen. Don't be a Sally - give it a try! Quite fruity up-front withe noticeably more alcohol than usual. It is rich and a bit tart all at the same time with a touch of clove and hop bitterness in the finish to balance it out. If you're an Ale Nation member, come in and get a 10oz serving, and while you're at it ... don't forget to fill out the Tap 8 Comment card - let us know what you think! If you're not an Ale Nation member, what are you waiting for?

Available: Now

8.0% A.B.V.

20 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

NE Blonde

This pale Summer beer is sure to delight with its delicate balance of pilsner malt and noble hops. The cool Ale fermentation gives our Blonde a slight fruitiness that heightens its already refreshing character.
 
Awards: Silver, 2010 World Beer Championship, American Golden Ale

5.1% A.B.V.

19 IBU

Suggested Pairing: Salads, appetizers and other light foods.

Infinite Wit

A light-bodied Belgian wheat beer brewed with Organic Orange Peel and Organic Coriander. Light and refreshingly crisp with a mild fruity/citrus character.
 
Awards: Silver, 2010 World Beer Championship, Belgian Wit Ale

4.5% A.B.V.

9 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

EOS Hefeweizen

This medium to full-bodied beer, pale to amber in color, is most accurately described as a Bavarian wheat beer. The aroma and flavor of this unfiltered beer is decidedly fruity and phenolic — a big word for a brew that tastes like cloves, nutmeg or sometimes vanilla with banana-like esters.
 
Awards: Bronze, 2010 US Open Beer Championship, German Hefeweizen; Silver, 2010 World Beer Championships, German Hefeweizen; Silver, 2010 North American Beer Awards, Bavarian Style Hefeweizen

4.8% A.B.V.

10 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

Brunette Nut Brown Ale

Our version of the classic English-style Brown Ale has a blend of six different malts and a hop schedule that results in a low hop character. The unique malt character brings to mind the taste of a blend of various nuts.
 
Awards: Bronze, 2010 World Beer Championship, English Style Brown Ale; Gold, 2010 US Open Beer Championship, English Style Brown Ale; Top-Ten English Brown Ales (1st) from America's Best and the results of the 2010 US Open Beer Championship (beerinfo.com)

4.8% A.B.V.

15 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

Cardinal Pale Ale

Our Pale Ale is deep golden in color and characterized by a floral/citrus-like aroma, with medium maltiness and low bitterness.
 
Awards: Bronze, 2010 World Beer Championship, American Pale Ale

5.75% A.B.V.

29 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

India Pale Ale

Our India Pale Ale has a pronounced hop bitterness and wonderful hop aroma. The taste immediately gives away the high hop characteristics with malt aspects playing second fiddle to this fantastic example of the style.
 
Awards: Silver, 2010 World Beer Championship, India Pale Ale

6.5% A.B.V.

65 IBU

Suggested Pairing:

Hop God

A beautiful golden crossbreed of a Belgian Tripel and a West Coast IPA. A remarkable explosion on the palate with spiciness, tropical fruit, and a firm citrus bitterness that will leave you begging for more!
 
Awards: Bronze, 2010 World Beer Cup, American-Belgo-Style Ale; Top-Ten Imperial IPA (4th) from America's Best and the results of the 2010 US Open Beer Championship (beerinfo.com)

9.0% A.B.V.

101 IBU

Suggested Pairing: Works incredibly well with hot spices!