Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, boasts a thriving craft beer scene that’s captivating locals and visitors alike. The city’s breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, showcasing the creativity and skill of Iowa’s talented brewers. From downtown hotspots to hidden gems in the suburbs, Des Moines has over 20 breweries crafting unique and delicious beers.
Beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of taprooms and brewpubs, each with its own distinct atmosphere and specialty brews. Popular spots like Confluence Brewing Company and Exile Brewing Co. serve up award-winning beers alongside tasty food options. The Des Moines beer scene also extends beyond the city limits, with nearby towns like Carlisle and West Des Moines contributing to the region’s craft beer offerings.
Whether one’s preference leans towards crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, or rich stouts, the Des Moines craft beer scene has something to satisfy every palate. Many local breweries incorporate Iowa’s agricultural heritage into their beers, using locally sourced ingredients to create truly unique flavors that reflect the state’s terroir.
History of Craft Beer in Des Moines
Des Moines has a rich brewing heritage dating back to the 19th century. The city’s beer scene flourished until Prohibition halted production in the 1920s.
After decades of dormancy, craft brewing began to re-emerge in Des Moines in the 1990s. Court Avenue Brewing Company, founded in 1996, helped spark the local craft beer revival.
The 2000s saw steady growth in Des Moines’ craft beer industry. New breweries like Exile Brewing Company and Confluence Brewing Company opened their doors, expanding the city’s beer offerings.
A craft beer boom hit Des Moines in the 2010s. Numerous microbreweries and taprooms popped up across the metro area. This rapid expansion brought a diverse range of beer styles to local taps.
Today, Des Moines boasts over a dozen craft breweries. These establishments produce everything from traditional lagers to experimental ales. Many incorporate local ingredients and pay homage to Iowa’s brewing history.
The city now hosts several annual beer festivals and events. These celebrations showcase Des Moines’ thriving craft beer culture and connect brewers with enthusiastic beer lovers.
Popular Breweries in Des Moines
Des Moines boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer unique flavors, inviting atmospheres, and innovative brewing techniques that have garnered local and national attention.
Confluence Brewing Company
Confluence Brewing Company has become a cornerstone of the Des Moines beer landscape. Located near the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, this brewery embraces its geographical namesake.
Confluence is known for its flagship Des Moines IPA, a hoppy and balanced beer that captures the essence of the Midwest. The brewery’s taproom offers a relaxed environment where visitors can sample a variety of styles.
Their outdoor patio is a popular spot during warmer months. Beer enthusiasts often gather here to enjoy live music events while sipping on Confluence’s latest seasonal offerings.
Exile Brewing Co
Exile Brewing Co combines Old World brewing traditions with American innovation. Housed in a renovated soap factory in downtown Des Moines, Exile offers a unique brewery experience.
Their most popular beer, Ruthie, pays homage to a Des Moines legend. This golden lager has become a local favorite. Exile also produces more experimental brews, like their highly rated Jesus On A Forklift.
The brewery features a full-service restaurant, making it a destination for both beer and food lovers. Exile’s commitment to quality and creativity has helped establish it as a must-visit spot in Des Moines.
Lua Brewing
Lua Brewing has quickly made a name for itself in the Des Moines beer scene. This newer brewery focuses on creating bold, flavorful beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles.
Their taproom, located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, offers a modern and inviting atmosphere. Lua is known for its rotating selection of IPAs, stouts, and sours.
The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it high ratings on beer review platforms. Lua’s dedication to crafting unique flavor profiles has made it a favorite among local beer aficionados.
515 Brewing Company
515 Brewing Company, named after the Des Moines area code, embodies the spirit of local craft beer. This small-batch brewery focuses on creating high-quality, experimental beers.
Their taproom in Clive offers a rotating selection of brews, ensuring there’s always something new to try. 515 is known for its innovative approach to brewing, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations.
The brewery’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular spot for both casual drinkers and serious beer enthusiasts. 515’s commitment to pushing brewing boundaries has helped cement its place in the Des Moines craft beer community.
Brewery Districts and Neighborhoods
Des Moines offers distinct brewery districts and neighborhoods, each with its own character and selection of craft beer establishments. These areas provide unique experiences for beer enthusiasts exploring the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
Court Avenue District
Court Avenue District stands as the birthplace of Des Moines’ craft beer movement. Court Avenue Brewing Co., established in 1996, remains the oldest brewery in the metro area. This historic district features cobblestone streets and restored 19th-century buildings, creating a charming backdrop for beer tasting.
Court Avenue Brewing Co. offers a range of house-brewed beers and pub fare in a lively atmosphere. The district’s central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Several other bars and restaurants in the area also serve local craft beers, adding to the district’s appeal as a beer destination.
East Village and Ankeny
The East Village and nearby Ankeny area have emerged as craft beer hotspots in recent years. This trendy neighborhood blends historic architecture with modern establishments, creating a unique setting for brewery exploration.
Ankeny, a suburb northeast of Des Moines, has seen growth in its craft beer scene. The area boasts several taprooms and breweries, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling downtown districts. Beer enthusiasts can find a mix of traditional and experimental brews in this up-and-coming beer destination.
Clive and West Des Moines
Clive and West Des Moines, located west of the city center, have become notable brewery destinations. These suburban areas offer a different vibe from the urban core, with spacious taprooms and family-friendly environments.
West Hill Brewing Co. in West Des Moines provides a cozy setting for enjoying craft beers. Kinship Brewing Company in Waukee, just west of Clive, features a large taproom and outdoor space. Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines has gained popularity for its wide selection of beers and extended hours.
These western suburbs offer ample parking and outdoor seating options, making them ideal for leisurely beer tasting experiences. The area’s breweries often collaborate with local food trucks, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Specialty Brews and Unique Offerings
Des Moines breweries offer an exciting array of specialty and limited-edition beers. Craft beer enthusiasts can find innovative flavors, seasonal releases, and collaborative brews that showcase the creativity of local brewmasters.
Seasonal and Limited Releases
Confluence Brewing Co. delights beer lovers with their rotating seasonal offerings. Their summer wheat ale features hints of citrus, while their winter stout incorporates rich chocolate notes. Exile Brewing Company embraces Iowa’s agricultural heritage with their fall pumpkin ale, using locally grown gourds for an authentic flavor.
Twisted Vine Brewery releases small-batch beers throughout the year, often inspired by local events or holidays. Their St. Patrick’s Day Irish red ale and Fourth of July blueberry wheat are highly anticipated by regulars.
Many Des Moines breweries offer brewery-exclusive releases, available only on tap or in limited cans. These special brews often sell out quickly, encouraging beer enthusiasts to visit taprooms regularly.
Collaboration Beers
Des Moines breweries frequently collaborate, creating unique beers that blend their distinct styles. Exile Brewing Company and Singlespeed Brewing joined forces to produce a coffee-infused porter, combining Exile’s robust malt profile with Singlespeed’s expertise in coffee roasting.
Confluence Brewing Co. partnered with a local bakery to develop a pastry stout, incorporating flavors of cinnamon rolls into their beer. These collaborations often extend beyond breweries, involving local businesses, artists, and even charitable organizations.
Collaborative brews are typically released in limited quantities, generating excitement among craft beer fans. They showcase the strong sense of community within Des Moines’ brewing scene.
Experimental Flavors
Des Moines brewers push boundaries with experimental flavors and brewing techniques. Twisted Vine Brewery gained attention for their jalapeno-lime ale, balancing heat and citrus notes. Singlespeed Brewing experiments with barrel-aging, producing complex beers with hints of whiskey or wine.
Confluence Brewing Co. explores unconventional ingredients, creating beers with local honey, lavender, or even bacon. These experimental brews allow brewers to showcase their creativity and offer unique tasting experiences.
While not all experimental beers become permanent offerings, they generate buzz and attract adventurous drinkers. Many Des Moines breweries host special tasting events to gather feedback on their latest creations.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
Des Moines offers a variety of ways to explore its thriving craft beer scene. Visitors can join guided tours, participate in tasting sessions, or create their own brewery trails.
Guided Tasting Sessions
Many Des Moines breweries host guided tasting sessions for beer enthusiasts. These events provide an opportunity to sample a range of craft beers while learning about brewing techniques and flavor profiles.
Peace Tree Brewing Company offers tasting sessions that showcase their unique brews. Visitors can sample flights of their signature beers, including seasonal specialties.
The Iowa Taproom, known for its extensive selection of Iowa-brewed beers, hosts regular tasting events. These sessions often feature guest brewers and limited-edition releases.
Brewery Tour Companies
Professional brewery tour companies provide comprehensive experiences for craft beer lovers in Des Moines. These tours typically include transportation, tastings, and behind-the-scenes access to multiple breweries.
City Brew Tours Des Moines offers all-inclusive guided tours. Their “Original Brew Tour” takes visitors to four local breweries, providing up to 16 beer samples and a beer-paired meal.
Iowa Brew Tours specializes in central Iowa craft beer experiences. They use a 14-passenger Mercedes Benz Sprinter for comfortable transportation between breweries.
Self-Guided Brewery Trails
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided brewery trails are an excellent option. Des Moines’ compact downtown area makes it easy to visit multiple breweries on foot or by bike.
Popular stops on self-guided tours include Big Rack Brew Haus, known for its rustic atmosphere and diverse beer selection. Many breweries offer tasting flights, allowing visitors to sample multiple beers in one visit.
Local tourism websites and beer apps provide maps and suggested routes for self-guided tours. These resources often include information on each brewery’s specialties and operating hours.
Taprooms and Pubs
Des Moines offers a diverse array of taprooms and pubs for craft beer enthusiasts. These venues provide unique atmospheres, local brews, and family-friendly options for all to enjoy.
Taproom Atmosphere
Taprooms in Des Moines range from industrial-chic to cozy and intimate. Many feature exposed brick walls, communal seating, and expansive bar areas. Fox Brewing’s taproom boasts a rustic charm with wooden accents and ample natural light. Patios are common, allowing patrons to enjoy their brews outdoors in warmer months.
Some taprooms offer brewery tours, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Live music and trivia nights are popular events, creating a lively atmosphere on weekends.
Pubs with Local Brews
Des Moines pubs pride themselves on showcasing local craft beers. Many establishments feature rotating taps, ensuring a fresh selection of seasonal and limited-release brews. Some pubs collaborate with local breweries to create exclusive offerings.
Gastropubs in the area pair craft beers with elevated pub fare, often incorporating local ingredients. Beer flights are a popular option, allowing patrons to sample multiple brews in one sitting.
Family-Friendly Options
Several taprooms and pubs in Des Moines cater to families. These venues often provide:
- Non-alcoholic beverage options
- Kid-friendly menus
- Board games and activities
Flix Brewhouse combines a movie theater experience with an in-house brewery, offering a unique family outing. Some taprooms host family-friendly events during daytime hours, such as craft workshops or outdoor games.
Spacious layouts and outdoor seating areas make it easier for families to enjoy these venues comfortably. Many also welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Dining and Food Pairing
Des Moines offers a vibrant craft beer scene complemented by diverse dining options. Local breweries and restaurants have embraced the art of pairing beer with food, creating unique culinary experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Brewpub Menus
Court Avenue Brewing Company leads the way with its extensive brewpub menu. The establishment offers a range of dishes designed to pair perfectly with their house-brewed beers. Popular choices include beer-battered fish and chips made with their own IPA, and pulled pork sandwiches that complement their amber ale.
Peace Tree Brewing Co. also features a thoughtfully crafted menu. Their cheese boards highlight local Iowa cheeses that pair well with their blonde ale and red ale offerings.
Many brewpubs in Des Moines update their menus seasonally, incorporating fresh, local ingredients to match their rotating beer selections.
Food Truck Partnerships
Des Moines breweries have embraced food truck partnerships to offer varied dining options. Mistress Brewing frequently hosts food trucks on weekends, providing patrons with a rotating selection of cuisines to enjoy with their craft beers.
Local favorites include tacos trucks pairing spicy dishes with crisp lagers, and BBQ trucks offering smoked meats that complement robust stouts and porters.
Some breweries maintain schedules on their websites, allowing visitors to plan their visits around specific food truck appearances.
Local Cuisine Pairings
Des Moines breweries celebrate Iowa’s culinary heritage by pairing local dishes with their craft beers. Many taprooms offer flights of beer alongside samplers of Iowa-produced cheeses, meats, and honey.
Some breweries collaborate with local farms to create beer-infused products. These include beer-braised brats and hop-infused cheeses, which are then featured on tasting menus.
Seasonal events showcase Iowa’s agricultural bounty, pairing harvest ales with farm-fresh produce and winter stouts with hearty, locally-sourced stews.
Craft Beer Events and Festivals
Des Moines boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with several exciting events throughout the year. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival stands out as a premier celebration of local brews.
This annual festival takes place at Water Works Park in Des Moines. The 14th edition is scheduled for June 1, 2024, promising a day filled with unlimited beer samples and entertainment.
Over 70 Iowa breweries participate, showcasing their latest creations. Visitors can expect a wide variety of craft beers, ciders, and alternative beverages.
The event features:
- Live music performances
- Local food vendors
- VIP ticket options
- Group booking for company outings
Des Moines breweries, including 1717 Brewing, often take part in this festival. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the diversity of Iowa’s craft beer scene in one location.
Beyond the festival, many local breweries host their own events throughout the year. These often include live music nights, beer release parties, and seasonal celebrations.
For craft beer enthusiasts, these events offer chances to taste new brews, meet brewers, and connect with fellow beer lovers. They showcase the creativity and community spirit of Des Moines’ thriving craft beer culture.
Community and Sustainability Efforts
Des Moines breweries prioritize environmental responsibility and community engagement. Local craft beer producers implement eco-friendly practices, source ingredients locally, and support neighborhood initiatives.
Environmental Initiatives
Exile Brewing Co leads the way in sustainable brewing practices. The company uses energy-efficient equipment and implements water conservation measures in its production process. Reclaimed Rails Brewing Co repurposes materials in its taproom decor, reducing waste and promoting recycling.
Confluence Brewing Company has installed solar panels to power its operations, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The brewery also uses biodegradable packaging materials for its canned beers.
Brightside Aleworks focuses on minimizing water usage through advanced cleaning and sanitizing techniques. They have implemented a closed-loop cooling system that recycles water used in the brewing process.
Local Sourcing
Des Moines breweries prioritize using locally sourced ingredients. Exile Brewing Co partners with Iowa farmers to source hops and grains for their beers. This commitment supports local agriculture and reduces transportation-related emissions.
Confluence Brewing Company features seasonal beers made with fruits and herbs grown in nearby orchards and farms. Their “Farm to Glass” series showcases the flavors of Iowa’s harvest.
Reclaimed Rails Brewing Co sources specialty malts from a local maltster, supporting the growth of Iowa’s craft malt industry. This partnership ensures fresher ingredients and strengthens local supply chains.
Community Outreach Programs
Exile Brewing Co hosts regular charity events, donating a portion of sales to local non-profit organizations. They also offer their space for community meetings and fundraisers.
Confluence Brewing Company organizes an annual river cleanup event, engaging volunteers to help preserve Des Moines’ waterways. The brewery also sponsors local sports teams and cultural festivals.
Brightside Aleworks partners with area schools to offer educational tours and workshops on sustainable brewing practices. They provide internship opportunities for students interested in the craft beer industry.
Reclaimed Rails Brewing Co supports local artists by displaying their work in the taproom and hosting monthly art shows. They also collaborate with nearby businesses for joint promotions and events.
Navigating the Craft Beer Scene
Des Moines offers a vibrant craft beer landscape with numerous breweries and beer-focused venues. Exploring the local beer scene requires some insider knowledge and strategic planning.
Resourceful Blogs and Apps
Beer enthusiasts can turn to several online resources for up-to-date information on Des Moines breweries. The Iowa Brewers Guild website provides a comprehensive list of local breweries and upcoming events.
Mobile apps like Untappd allow users to discover new beers, rate them, and find nearby breweries. Many Des Moines beer lovers use this app to track their tastings and share recommendations.
Local beer blogs such as “Iowa Beer Blog” and “Des Moines Beer” offer reviews, brewery profiles, and event calendars. These sites often feature interviews with brewers and behind-the-scenes looks at new beer releases.
Local Beer Advocates and Groups
The Des Moines Beer Enthusiasts Facebook group connects over 5,000 local craft beer fans. Members share tasting notes, organize meetups, and discuss the latest brewery news.
Iowa Brewers Guild hosts regular events, including beer festivals and tap takeovers. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet brewers and sample a wide range of local beers.
Several Des Moines breweries have their own loyalty programs or mug clubs. These offer perks like discounts, exclusive tastings, and early access to limited releases.
Best Practices for Sampling
When visiting Des Moines breweries, flight options allow tasting multiple beers in smaller portions. Most breweries offer 4-6 beer flights, ideal for exploring their range.
It’s wise to start with lighter beers and progress to stronger or more complex flavors. This approach helps preserve palate sensitivity throughout the tasting experience.
Taking notes on aroma, appearance, taste, and mouthfeel can enhance the sampling process. Many beer enthusiasts use tasting journals or apps to record their impressions.
Designated drivers or rideshare services are essential for safe brewery hopping. Several local tour companies offer guided brewery tours, combining transportation with expert insights.
