Cedar Rapids, Iowa boasts a thriving craft beer scene that delights both locals and visitors. The city’s breweries offer a diverse array of flavors and styles, reflecting the creativity and passion of local brewmasters. Cedar Rapids is home to several notable craft breweries, each with its own unique character and specialty brews.
Beer enthusiasts exploring Cedar Rapids will find a mix of established breweries and up-and-coming taprooms. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and experimental small-batch creations, the local craft beer offerings cater to a wide range of tastes. Many breweries also feature inviting taprooms where visitors can sample flights or enjoy pints in a welcoming atmosphere.
A tour of Cedar Rapids’ craft beer destinations provides insight into the city’s brewing heritage and contemporary innovations. Some breweries incorporate local ingredients or draw inspiration from the region’s history, creating distinctly Iowan beer experiences. Whether seeking a casual spot to unwind or a deeper dive into brewing techniques, Cedar Rapids’ craft beer scene has something to offer every beer lover.
Exploring the Craft Beer Scene in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids boasts a thriving craft beer scene with a rich history and diverse offerings. The city’s breweries showcase unique flavors and styles, delighting both locals and visitors.
History of Craft Brewing in Cedar Rapids
Craft brewing in Cedar Rapids has roots stretching back decades. The city’s brewing tradition was shaped by its Czech heritage and agricultural abundance. Early microbreweries emerged in the 1990s, paving the way for today’s craft beer renaissance.
In the early 2000s, homebrewers began experimenting with local ingredients. This grassroots movement sparked interest in craft beer among Cedar Rapids residents. By 2010, several small-batch breweries had opened their doors, offering distinctive ales and lagers.
The Great Flood of 2008 posed challenges for the brewing community. However, it also inspired resilience and creativity. Many brewers incorporated flood-related themes into their beers, turning adversity into opportunity.
Current Landscape of Cedar Rapids Breweries
Today, Cedar Rapids is home to a vibrant array of craft breweries. Iowa Brewing Company and Lion Bridge Brewing Company stand out as local favorites. These establishments have garnered regional acclaim for their innovative brews.
Clock House Brewing adds to the city’s diverse beer scene with its unique offerings. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom brings a taste of Iowa City to Cedar Rapids, expanding the local craft beer options.
Several taprooms and brewpubs complement the standalone breweries. The Map Room and Third Base Brewery offer rotating taps featuring both local and out-of-state craft beers.
Cedar Rapids’ craft beer industry continues to grow. New breweries regularly join the scene, each bringing fresh perspectives and flavors to the local beer landscape.
Distinct Flavors of Cedar Rapids Craft Beer
Cedar Rapids brewers take pride in crafting beers that reflect the city’s character. Many incorporate local ingredients, such as Iowa-grown hops and grains, into their recipes.
Czech-style pilsners pay homage to the city’s heritage. These crisp, refreshing beers are popular year-round. Seasonal brews often feature flavors inspired by Iowa’s agricultural bounty, like sweet corn ales in summer and pumpkin beers in fall.
IPA enthusiasts will find a range of options, from hazy New England styles to bold West Coast variants. Barrel-aged stouts and sours showcase the brewers’ experimental side.
Cedar Rapids craft beers have earned recognition at national competitions. This success has put the city on the map as a destination for beer lovers seeking unique, high-quality brews.
Notable Cedar Rapids Breweries
Cedar Rapids boasts several standout craft breweries that have made a name for themselves in Iowa’s beer scene. These establishments offer unique flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts.
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove Brewery’s Cedar Rapids location brings its popular brews to the heart of the city. Known for their wide range of styles, Big Grove offers something for every palate.
Their taproom features a rotating selection of craft beers on draft. Popular options include the Arms Race IPA and Easy Eddy Hazy IPA. Big Grove also produces seasonal and limited-release beers throughout the year.
The brewery’s spacious interior provides a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. Visitors can enjoy their drinks alongside a menu of elevated pub fare.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Located in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village, Lion Bridge Brewing Company has become a local favorite since opening in 2014. This 12-barrel microbrewery specializes in artisan beers with complex flavor profiles.
Lion Bridge’s flagship brew, Compensation, is a session beer featuring notes of biscuit, toffee, and chocolate. The brewery regularly experiments with new recipes and styles to keep their offerings fresh and exciting.
The taproom’s cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for gathering with friends. Lion Bridge often hosts events and live music, adding to its appeal as a community hub.
House Divided Brewery
House Divided Brewery offers a unique concept in Cedar Rapids’ craft beer landscape. This brewery caters to sports fans, particularly those with divided loyalties between Iowa and Iowa State.
Their beer lineup includes options named after sports terminology, such as the Fieldgoal Wheat and Overtime IPA. House Divided’s taproom features multiple screens for watching games, making it a popular spot during football season.
The brewery’s casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes patrons of all ages. House Divided also serves a selection of pub-style food to complement their beers.
Guide to Local Craft Beer Tastings
Cedar Rapids offers numerous opportunities for craft beer enthusiasts to sample local brews. From festivals to brewery tours and tasting rooms, the city’s beer scene provides diverse experiences for both locals and visitors.
Cedar Rapids Craft Beer Festivals
Cedar Rapids hosts several craft beer festivals throughout the year. The Cedar Rapids Beer Summit, held annually in March, showcases over 100 beers from local and regional breweries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of styles and meet brewers.
The Benz Beerfest, taking place in September, features unlimited beer samples from Iowa breweries. This event also includes food vendors and live music.
For a unique experience, the Cedar Rapids Beer Mile combines running with beer tasting. Participants run a mile while stopping to drink beer at designated stations.
Brewery Tours in Cedar Rapids
Several Cedar Rapids breweries offer guided tours of their facilities. Iowa Brewing Company provides weekend tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample their flagship beers.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company offers private tours by appointment. These tours include a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing equipment and an explanation of their brewing philosophy.
Clock House Brewing, known for its historic location, gives tours that blend beer education with local history. Visitors can see their unique brewing setup in a restored clock tower.
Craft Beer Tasting Rooms and Tapas Bars
Cedar Rapids boasts multiple tasting rooms and tapas bars perfect for sampling local craft beers. The Map Room offers 20 rotating taps, with half dedicated to house brews. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through beer flights.
Third Base Brewery’s taproom features a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of their own beers. They often host Friday craft beer tastings with special releases.
Black Sheep Social Club combines craft beer with upscale tapas. Their beer menu includes local options and pairs well with their small plates, creating a sophisticated tasting experience.
Pairing Iowa’s Local Flavors with Cedar Rapids Craft Beers
Cedar Rapids craft beers pair wonderfully with Iowa’s local culinary delights. The city’s breweries offer diverse styles that complement regional dishes and artisanal products.
Barbecue and Beer Pairings
Cedar Rapids breweries craft beers that enhance Iowa’s barbecue flavors. Lion Bridge Brewing Company’s Workman’s Compensation, a brown ale, pairs well with smoky pulled pork. Its caramel notes complement the meat’s sweetness.
For beef brisket, Iowa Brewing Company’s Iowa Eagle Lager provides a crisp contrast. The beer’s clean finish cuts through the rich, fatty flavors of the meat.
Spicy barbecue sauces, like those from Lola’s Fine Sauces, find a perfect match in Clock House Brewing’s wheat beers. The light, refreshing qualities balance the heat.
Cheese and Beer Pairings
Milton Creamery’s Prairie Breeze cheddar pairs excellently with hoppy IPAs from Third Base Brewery. The cheese’s sharpness stands up to the beer’s bitterness.
For softer cheeses, Big Grove Brewery’s fruit-forward ales offer a delightful contrast. Their Easy Eddy Hazy IPA complements creamy brie with its tropical notes.
Aged gouda finds its match in malty amber ales from Iowa Brewing Company. The nutty flavors of both the cheese and beer create a harmonious tasting experience.
Locally Sourced Appetizers for Craft Beer
Edgewood Locker Meat’s beef sticks pair well with robust porters from Lion Bridge Brewing Company. The beer’s roasted flavors enhance the meat’s savory qualities.
Oasis Hummus finds a perfect companion in light lagers from Clock House Brewing. The beer’s crispness balances the rich, creamy texture of the hummus.
Almost Famous Popcorn’s unique flavors shine alongside experimental brews from Field Day Brewing Co. Try their kettle corn with a fruited sour for a sweet and tangy combination.
Galena Canning Company’s pickled vegetables match nicely with wheat beers from Big Grove Brewery. The beer’s subtle sweetness contrasts with the pickles’ acidity.
Local Craft Cellars and Bottle Shops
Cedar Rapids offers excellent options for craft beer enthusiasts to purchase and enjoy local brews. Specialty stores provide a wide selection of bottled beers and filling services for take-home containers.
Bottled Craft Beers of Cedar Rapids
Local Craft Cellar stands out as a premier destination for bottled craft beers in Cedar Rapids. Located at 7085 C Avenue Northeast, this store boasts an impressive array of local and national craft beers.
The shop’s extensive inventory includes offerings from Cedar Rapids breweries alongside selections from across Iowa and beyond. Knowledgeable staff members assist customers in finding the perfect brew to suit their tastes.
Local Craft Cellar also stocks a variety of wines, spirits, and Iowa-made products. This makes it an ideal spot for gift shopping or stocking up for special occasions.
Cedar Rapids Growler and Crowler Fills
Many Cedar Rapids breweries and bottle shops offer growler and crowler fill services. These options allow beer lovers to take home fresh draft beer in reusable containers.
Local Craft Cellar provides growler fills of select craft beers. This service enables customers to enjoy brewery-fresh flavors at home.
Some Cedar Rapids breweries also offer crowler fills. Crowlers are large, single-use cans filled and sealed on-site, preserving the beer’s freshness for longer periods compared to traditional growlers.
These filling services give craft beer enthusiasts the flexibility to enjoy a wider range of local brews beyond what’s available in bottles or cans.
Crafting the Perfect Cedar Rapids Beer Tour
Cedar Rapids boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries offering unique flavors and experiences. Exploring these local establishments allows beer enthusiasts to sample a diverse range of brews while immersing themselves in the city’s beer culture.
Custom Brewery Tour Itineraries
Start your Cedar Rapids beer tour at Lion Bridge Brewing Company, known for its award-winning beers. Try their popular Compensation English Mild Ale or the Disaster at Meux Porter. Next, head to Clock House Brewing, located in the revamped Clock House Building.
Sample their Witch Slap Ale and enjoy a flight of 4 craft beers presented on a unique clock face serving tray. Continue to Third Base Brewery and taste their Bees Knees Honey Ale, brewed with 25 lbs of locally produced Wild Flower honey per batch.
Finish your tour at Big Grove Brewery, Cedar Rapids’ newest addition, opened in December 2023. Don’t miss their Easy Eddy, Iowa’s top-selling IPA with tropical flavors of pineapple.
Navigating Cedar Rapids Breweries
Cedar Rapids breweries offer more than just beer tasting. Many host events that provide opportunities to engage with brewers and learn about the beer-making process. Participate in brewery tours, board game nights, and live music performances to enhance your experience.
Consider using services like Iowa Brew Tours or iBUS Road Tours to simplify transportation between breweries. These services offer guided tours, ensuring a safe and informative experience.
When planning your visits, check brewery websites or social media pages for special events, seasonal brews, and operating hours. Some breweries may have limited hours or require reservations for tours.
Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated throughout your beer tour. Many breweries offer food options or are located near restaurants, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine alongside your beer tasting adventure.
Responsible Enjoyment of Craft Beer
Cedar Rapids’ craft beer scene offers exceptional brews, but enjoyment should be balanced with responsibility. Prioritizing safety and supporting local businesses responsibly enhances the craft beer experience for everyone.
Promoting Safe Sipping Practices
Cedar Rapids breweries encourage patrons to savor their craft beers in moderation. Many taprooms offer smaller serving sizes, allowing guests to sample various brews without overindulging. Designated driver programs are common, with some establishments providing free non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.
Local breweries often partner with ride-sharing services to ensure patrons have safe transportation options. Some venues host educational events about responsible drinking and beer appreciation.
Craft beer enthusiasts are advised to pace themselves, alternating between beer and water. Eating before and during beer tasting helps slow alcohol absorption.
Supporting Local Businesses Responsibly
Cedar Rapids’ craft beer industry thrives on community support. Purchasing directly from taprooms or brewery shops maximizes the benefit to local businesses. Many breweries offer growler fills and to-go options, enabling customers to enjoy their favorite brews at home responsibly.
Joining brewery membership programs or mug clubs demonstrates ongoing support while often providing perks like discounts or exclusive tastings. Attending brewery events, from trivia nights to beer release parties, bolsters the local craft beer community.
Sharing positive experiences on social media and review platforms helps spread the word about Cedar Rapids’ craft beer scene. Tipping staff generously acknowledges their role in creating a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons.
