The Best Breweries in Iowa

If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you need to check out the best breweries in Iowa. The Hawkeye State is home to some top-notch craft breweries, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a hoppy IPA or a rich stout, these breweries have you covered.

If you’re looking for something more local, you can check out our other Iowa brewery articles below.

You can also look at our best breweries in America article if you are looking for something in a different city or state.

If you are hell-bound on experiencing the best breweries in Iowa, below is a list of our top picks.

• Big Grove Brewery
• Confluence Brewing Company
• Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
• Mason City Brewing
• Alluvial Brewing
• Peace Tree Brewing Co.
• SingleSpeed Brewing Company
• Exile Brewing Company

Big Grove Brewery

Big Grove Brewery is a small, family-owned brewery in Solon, Iowa. Founded in 2013, the brewery has won numerous awards for its handcrafted beers, including two gold medals at the World Beer Cup. In addition to its flagship IPA and pale ale, Big Grove Brewery offers a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-edition beers. The brewery also features a taproom and outdoor beer garden, popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike.

When you visit the Big Grove Brewery, check out their red ale for a flavorful yet subtle punch.

Confluence Brewing Company

Confluence Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Iowa. The brewery was founded in 2012 by two friends who shared a passion for beer. Since then, Confluence has become known for its high-quality beers, brewed using traditional methods and local ingredients. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers and occasional limited-release brews. In addition to its delicious beer, Confluence is also committed to sustainability. The brewery sources its ingredients from local farmers, and all waste products are reused or recycled.

While the brewery’s flagship beer is the Golden IPA, Confluence also offers seasonal and limited-edition brews that are only available for a short time.

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

Based in Decorah, Iowa, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. is one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the United States. Founded in 2009, the brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including multiple gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery offers several seasonal and limited-release beers, such as its King Sue double IPA and Mornin’ Latte stout. In addition to its growing lineup of beers, Toppling Goliath also operates a cidery and distillery. The cidery offers a variety of ciders, including dry and sweet varieties, while the distillery produces vodka, rum, and whiskey. Toppling Goliath’s products are available in more than 30 states across the United States.

The next time you are in Iowa, try Toppling Goliath’s flagship beer, Kidd sensation. Kidd bleeds a 6.5 percent Alcohol by Volume (ABV) India Pale Ale (IPA) that is available year-round in 16-ounce cans.

Mason City Brewing

Mason City Brewing is a craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Mason City, Iowa. The brewery was founded in 2013 by three friends who share a passion for good beer. Mason City Brewing specializes in small-batch, handcrafted ales and lagers. The brewery has a taproom where visitors can sample the various beers on tap, and growlers and bottles are also available for purchase. In addition to the taproom, Mason City Brewing has a restaurant attached to the brewery, serving wood-fired pizzas and other pub fares.

They’re best known for their flagship beer, the Mason City Common, a light, refreshing lager perfect for summer days.

Alluvial Brewing

Alluvial Brewing in Ames, Iowa, is a craft brewery brewing small-batch, alluvial beers. Alluvial refers to soil found near rivers and streams known for its high mineral content. This makes it ideal for growing hops, one of the key ingredients in beer. Alluvial Brewing uses water from the nearby Skunk River, naturally filtered through the alluvial soil. This gives the beer a distinct flavor that distinguishes it from other craft breweries. In addition to their alluvial beer, Alluvial Brewing also offers a variety of seasonal and specialty beers. Their taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday, and they offer tours of the brewery by appointment.

The brewery’s flagship beer is the Alluvial Amber Ale, a well-balanced amber ale with a slightly sweet maltiness and a hint of floral hops. Other popular beers from Alluvial Brewing include the Citrus Wheat Ale, a refreshing wheat ale brewed with fresh oranges, and the Oatmeal Stout, a rich and creamy stout with a chocolate flavor.

Peace Tree Brewing Co.

Peace Tree Brewing Co. is a local Iowa brewery founded in 2009. The brewery is known for its unique beers, brewed with sustainable ingredients. In addition to its traditional brewing methods, Peace Tree also uses solar power to brew beer. This makes the brewery one of the most environmentally-friendly breweries in the state. The brewery’s taproom is open year-round and offers tours of the facility. In addition to its flagship Knoxville brewery, Peace Tree has a second location in Des Moines. The Des Moines taproom features a rotating selection of Peace Tree beers and guest taps from other Iowa breweries.

When you visit the Peace Tree brewery, check out their Rye Porter, a slightly bitter ale with an earthly and smokey essence.

Best Breweries in Iowa With Food

Finally, we wanted to include a couple of the top breweries that also have excellent food.

SingleSpeed Brewing Company

If you’re ever in Ames, Iowa, be sure to drop by SingleSpeed Brewing Company. This local brewery has a wide selection of beers on tap, including IPAs and stouts. The brewery also offers a rotating selection of seasonal beers, so there’s always something new to try. In addition to beer, SingleSpeed Brewing Company also serves wine and cider. And if you get hungry, the brewery has a menu of pub-style food, including burgers and wings. Whether you’re looking for a place to watch the game or just want to sample some local brews, SingleSpeed Brewing Company is worth checking out.

While they have many excellent beers to pick from, the Oatmeal Stout tops our list. This rich, flavorful beer is perfect for chilly weather. It’s made with malted oats, which give it a smooth texture and help to round out the flavor. We also love the chocolate notes in this beer – they make it perfect for dessert!

Exile Brewing Company

Exile Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Des Moines, Iowa. This brewery is known for its unique brewing approach, combining traditional techniques with modern ingredients and technology. Exile specializes in barrel-aged and sour beers and has won multiple awards for its brews, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. In addition to its flagship taproom, the brewery also operates a production facility and tasting room in Ankeny, Iowa. Exile’s beers are available throughout the state of Iowa, as well as in select markets in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Not just that, but it has plenty of flavorful treats to satisfy your taste buds. Their fried finger food baskets make the perfect pair with the beers. Combine it with the Jesus on a forklift for a bittersweet experience.