The 50 Best Beers in Iowa

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Maple, espresso, bourbon, oak, dark chocolate, and roasted malt unfold through a remarkably concentrated body. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Share a small pour near cellar temperature and let it open for several minutes. Pair it with pecan pie or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra supplies grapefruit, mango, orange, and pine above a clean pale-malt frame and firm bitterness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink the freshest can available and use it to calibrate the hop flight. Pair it with tacos or sharp cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Mango, peach, orange, and resin crowd a plush body while a controlled finish keeps the enormous hop load moving. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Pour a fresh can after Pseudo Sue and compare the added saturation and weight. Pair it with spicy pizza or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Fresh coffee, maple, cocoa, roast, and dark caramel produce a dense but articulate imperial stout. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm in a snifter and split the bottle rather than rushing a full serving. Pair it with French toast or chocolate cake; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Bourbon, charred oak, fudge, vanilla, and dark fruit form a deep stout whose heat rewards patient sipping. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Open it with friends and give each pour time to approach cellar temperature. Pair it with brownies or aged Gouda; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pineapple, mango, and citrus ride a rounded body with soft bitterness and a clean, juicy finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Choose a fresh can and compare its plush structure with Pseudo Sue’s sharper pale-ale shape. Pair it with carnitas or grilled chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Cracker malt, soft grain, restrained hops, and brisk carbonation make a polished golden lager with broad appeal. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold between stronger beers and judge it by balance and repeatability. Pair it with pork tenderloin or fries; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Mango, pineapple, citrus, and resinous hops rise from a lean base with an assertive but tidy finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it very fresh and place it before the brewery’s stronger double IPAs. Pair it with burgers or pepper jack; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Espresso, cocoa, caramel, and lactose sweetness build a creamy stout with enough roast to preserve definition. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let the can warm several minutes so coffee and chocolate separate. Pair it with chocolate cookies or vanilla ice cream; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Extra Citra magnifies grapefruit, mango, and orange aroma without burying the pale ale’s clean, drinkable core. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Taste it beside regular Pseudo Sue while both cans are equally fresh. Pair it with fish tacos or curry; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Light bread, honeyed grain, delicate hops, and a crisp finish deliver an unfussy lager with genuine malt character. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold and use it as a reset between hop-forward pours. Pair it with fried chicken or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Peach, tangerine, pineapple, and citrus fill a hazy body whose gentle bitterness emphasizes aroma over bite. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it young and compare its rounded texture with Pompeii’s firmer outline. Pair it with spicy noodles or grilled pork; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasted bread, nuts, caramel, and mellow hops create rich malt flavor without stout-like heaviness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Allow it to warm slightly and focus on its clean fermentation and dry close. Pair it with bratwurst or mushrooms; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Bourbon, oak, chocolate, caramel, and dark fruit settle into a warming stout built for slow, shared pours. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Treat each vintage as its own release and let the glass warm gradually. Pair it with pecan pie or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra, Strata, and Cryo hops drive ripe citrus, passionfruit, and dank resin through a plush body. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Check the package date and drink it before darker or barrel-aged beers. Pair it with hot wings or pizza; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra, Mosaic, and Michigan Copper bring citrus and tropical fruit over a soft malt base with slight bitterness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it fresh and compare its 30-IBU balance with Big Grove’s Easy Eddy. Pair it with tacos or grilled chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Clean pale malt, floral hops, light sweetness, and a biting dry finish make this lager precise and aromatic. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Use a tall clean glass and let the foam deliver its delicate hop aroma. Pair it with pizza bianca or fried fish; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasted grain, light caramel, noble hops, and a clean finish offer relief from Decorah’s louder hop and stout releases. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cool rather than ice-cold so its subtle malt remains visible. Pair it with roast chicken or cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra-led orange, mango, and grapefruit fill a soft body with restrained bitterness and a clean aromatic finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Choose a fresh can and place it before stronger double IPAs. Pair it with fish tacos or curry; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Light malt sweetness, faint fruit, low bitterness, and a clean finish make this limited Cyclone edition direct and refreshing. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold on game day and compare its identity with Cyclone Gold. Pair it with pizza or popcorn; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Ripe mango amplifies the base beer’s pineapple and citrus while a round body keeps the fruit integrated. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it fresh beside Easy Eddy to isolate the mango addition. Pair it with carnitas or coconut curry; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Blueberry, mango, citrus, and pine emerge from Mosaic hops over a sturdy yet polished double-IPA base. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Share a fresh bottle or can late in the hop flight. Pair it with barbecue ribs or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale grain, gentle hops, lively carbonation, and a dry finish make a deliberately accessible Iowa stadium lager. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold during a game and judge it by precision and repeatability. Pair it with nachos or grilled sausage; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus, stone fruit, pineapple, and resin pack a bright body while enough bitterness keeps the finish from drifting sweet. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it very fresh and split the can if the hop flight is already crowded. Pair it with spicy pizza or curry; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Clean grain, soft bread, restrained hops, and sparkling carbonation deliver a light lager with more purpose than pretension. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cold when refreshment matters more than intensity. Pair it with hot dogs or potato chips; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Coffee, cocoa, roasted grain, and oats create a smooth dark beer with less weight than the brewery’s imperial legends. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm slightly and use it as a bridge to the barrel-aged stouts. Pair it with smoked pork or brownies; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus, pine, tropical hops, and a steady malt backbone make a classic aromatic IPA with a firm finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Choose a fresh package and taste it beside the softer Citra Sky. Pair it with burgers or sharp cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Corn, pale malt, subtle herbal hops, and brisk carbonation produce a clean lager ready for lime but complete without it. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Taste it plain before adding citrus and keep it properly cold. Pair it with tacos or ceviche; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra and Talus drive huge tropical aroma through a silky body whose strength remains deceptively concealed. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Share the can fresh after Easy Eddy and keep the serving modest. Pair it with blue cheese or spicy wings; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasted bread, caramel, clean fermentation, and gentle hops make a smooth amber lager shaped for tailgating season. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Pour it cool into a dimpled mug and let malt lead the experience. Pair it with bratwurst or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Dragon fruit, mango, passionfruit, and bright acidity create a saturated tart beer that stays lively rather than syrupy. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold before dark beer and use the acidity to reset the palate. Pair it with chèvre or spicy tacos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Real citrus brightens soft wheat and pale malt while low bitterness and a clean finish preserve easy drinkability. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cold outdoors and place it before more aromatic IPAs. Pair it with grilled fish or salads; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Flaked corn, rice, key lime, sea salt, and Motueka hops make a bright, direct lager with a savory edge. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it very cold and compare it with the darker Tipsy After Dark. Pair it with tacos or grilled corn; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Talus, Citra Cryo, and Nectaron deliver citrus, stone fruit, and tropical aroma in a notably light frame. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it fresh when hop flavor matters but a long session is the plan. Pair it with grilled chicken or nachos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale malt, mild sweetness, restrained hops, and a clean close deliver an accessible blonde ale tied closely to Iowa State. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cold and keep expectations centered on balance and local character. Pair it with burgers or nachos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasted marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker, bourbon, and roast make a lavish but clearly themed barrel-aged stout. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Share a small pour after dinner and let it warm slowly. Pair it with brownies or vanilla ice cream; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Vienna malt, corn, sea salt, and lime combine toast and citrus in an unusually refreshing dark lager. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Taste it beside regular Tipsy to compare color, toast, and body. Pair it with barbacoa or mole; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale malt, corn-like sweetness, gentle hops, and crisp carbonation create an uncomplicated warm-weather pour. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold and taste it before reaching for a lime. Pair it with ceviche or carnitas; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Strawberry, biscuit, honey, balsamic tang, pepper, and cinnamon turn shortcake flavors into a layered tart ale. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold before stout and let the savory accents keep the fruit interesting. Pair it with cheesecake or chèvre; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pineapple, mango, papaya, and key lime deliver a bright island-fruit profile over lively but approachable acidity. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold as a palate reset before returning to malt-forward beer. Pair it with fish tacos or chèvre; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Rice lightens the body while delicate grain, herbal hops, and a dry finish reward close attention. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Use a narrow glass and serve it cold but not numb. Pair it with sushi or tempura; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pumpkin-pie spice and vanilla settle into a light, crisp ale whose balance earned a 2023 gold medal. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Pour it cool during fall and avoid pairing it with another heavily spiced beer. Pair it with roast squash or pie; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Chocolate and caramel malts meet roast, peanut butter, and pretzel salinity in a creamy seasonal dark beer. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm several minutes and split the can after dinner. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or brownies; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Caramel, toast, biscuit, and mild hops create a balanced copper ale that puts malt ahead of novelty. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm slightly and use it as a midpoint between lagers and stout. Pair it with burgers or roast pork; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Lemon zest and lemonade brighten a smooth wheat-ale base, finishing dry enough to avoid sticky sweetness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cold at the lake or after yard work before stronger beers. Pair it with grilled fish or fruit salad; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toffee, nuts, cocoa, and toast fill a medium body with restrained bitterness and a clean malt-led finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Let it warm a few degrees so the toasted malt can open. Pair it with mushrooms or aged cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Cranberry, orange tea, winter spice, and clean pale malt make a festive lager without stout-like weight. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cool and treat the spice as an accent rather than the whole point. Pair it with roast turkey or Brie; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Oats soften coffee, cocoa, and roasted grain while moderate strength keeps the beer suited to a full pint. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Allow it to warm and compare it with Rover Truck’s oatmeal-stout balance. Pair it with smoked beef or brownies; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale malt, faint fruit, low bitterness, and a clean finish make a direct stadium-ready blonde ale. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Drink it cold on game day and appreciate its uncomplicated local identity. Pair it with pizza or popcorn; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Key lime, bright acidity, wheat softness, and a light saline edge finish the list with playful refreshment. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of Iowa brewing identity to a balanced statewide tasting.

Serve it cold as a palate reset and keep the pour ahead of rich desserts. Pair it with chèvre or key lime pie; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.