Tag Archives: IPA

May Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoLakefront-honey-bock-canLakefront Brewery
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey Bock
German-style Strong Lager
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Honey Bock, a German-inspired strong lager, gets brewed with copious amounts of honey, Vienna, Munich and caramel malt. After resting in bourbon barrels, this malty rich, nutty and toasty brew picks up notes of vanilla, oak, almonds and pipe tobacco.

ABV: 11.2% alcohol / volume
IBU: 20
Gravity: 19
Body: Medium-Heavy
Style: Lager – Strong
BeerStyles: Malty and Sweet
Awards: 2023 Silver for Lagers at Festival of Barrel-Aged Beer

Lakefront-black-bird-canLakefront Brewery
Black Bird
Black IPA
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The hoppy aromas ready the palate for an immediate bitterness. Instead, the sweet, caramelly crystal malts blitz through, followed by citrus and tropical fruit flavor from Citra, El Dorado, Idaho 7 and Cashmere hops.

ABV: 6.8% alcohol / volume
IBU: 40
Gravity: 16
Body: Medium
Style: IPA – Black / Cascadian Dark Ale
BeerStyles: Hoppy and Bitter

Lakefront-new-grist-gosa-rita-canLakefront Brewery
New Grist Gosa Rita
Margarita-style Ale
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

All the makings of a margarita, minus the tequila. Bright lime tartness, agave, and an orange twist, plus the right amount of sea saltiness, brought together in this super refreshing ale.

ABV: 4.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 10
Gravity: 12º Plato
Body: Light
Style: Fruit Beer – Margarita-Style Ale
BeerStyles: Sour, Tart, and Funky
Awards: 2024 Bronze Medal for Gluten-free Beer, World Beer Cup; 2024 Good Food Award for Beer, Good Food Awards; 2022 Gold Medal for gluten-free, World Beer Cup

Lakefront-brau-buddies-canLakefront Brewery
Bräu Buddies
Collaboration Lager
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Over 400 years of German brewing tradition meets Milwaukee’s pioneering craft beer expertise in a transatlantic partnership. A collaboration lager with Hofbräu München. Vienna and Melanoidin malts give this rustic, German-style lager a freshly toasted biscuit aroma, moderate sweetness, and a medium-light body.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 16
Gravity: 12
Body: Medium-light
Style: Kellerbier / Zwickelbier
BeerStyles: Crisp and Clean

Lakefront-fruit-wagon-canLakefront Brewery
Fruit Wagon
Mango & Passion Fruit Ale
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy-drinking Fruit Wagon rolls up loaded to the gate with the unique citrusy-floral flavor of passion fruit, followed by the sweet piney-melon flavor of mango. Brewed with passion fruit and mango juice.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 8
Gravity: 12
Body: Light
Style: Fruit Beer
BeerStyles: Sour, Tart, and Funky

Lakefront-maibock-canLakefront Brewery
Maibock
German-style Lager
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pours a brilliant blonde-gold with a white fluffy head. Biscuit and honey aromas from Vienna and Munich malts blend with herbal and spicy hop notes from Mount Hood and Czech Saaz hops. Brewed to celebrate the return of Spring, this medium-bodied, blonde-gold lager boasts a robust malty-sweetness, while a mild, balanced hoppiness leads into the crisp finish. 

Pairs well with spicy food, especially Cajun. A rounded hop flavor and crisp carbonation lift the spiciness of gumbo and jambalaya, while the substantial body stands up to the richness of dishes like étouffée.

ABV: 6.8% alcohol / volume
IBU: 23
Gravity: 16º Pluto
Body: Medium
Style: Bock – Lager
BeerStyles: Malty
Awards: 2018 Gold for Bock, LA International Beer Competition; 2018 Bronze for German Style Bock, San Diego International Beer Competition; 2019 Midwest Regional Champion in Bock / Doppelbock, Summer USBTC

About Lakefront Brewing:
Lakefront Brewery has been a Milwaukee staple since 1987, when brothers Russ and Jim Klisch brewed their first batch of Riverwest Stein Amber Lager and sold it to a neighborhood tavern. From those humble beginnings, the brewery has grown significantly—producing nearly 47,000 barrels by 2017—and earning accolades from top beer competitions around the world. Today, Lakefront beers can be found in over 30 states, as well as in Canada, Ukraine, and South Korea. A pioneer in the craft beer scene, Lakefront was the first U.S. brewery to be certified organic, the first to release a government-approved gluten-free beer, and the first to craft a truly local brew made entirely with Wisconsin-grown ingredients. Learn more about the brewery here or follow them on Untappd.

Information & Photos © Lakefront Brewery – All Rights Reserved.

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April Beer Club: Iowa

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Beer Club Logo
Mikerphone-WhenYouSayWisconsin-canMikerphone Brewing When You Say Wisconsin…
Berliner Weisse
Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Wisconsin Kringle-Inspired Berliner Weisse with cherries, cranberries, Bavarian cream, and cream cheese flavoring.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Sour – Fruited Berliner Weisse
BeerStyles: Sour, Tart and Funky

Mikerphone brewing Gigi Playhouse TRI 21 project-canMikerphone Brewing
Gigi’s Playhouse Tri 21 Project
Pilsner
Elk Grove Village, Illinois

West Coast-Style Pilsner.

ABV: 5.3% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Pilsner
BeerStyles: Crisp and Clean

Mikerphone-brewing-Thirsty-canMikerphone Brewing
Thirsty
DDIPA
Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA with nelson sauvin, mosaic, and citra hops.

ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double New England / Hazy
BeerStyles: Hoppy and Bitter

Mikerphone-Wring-It-Out-canMikerphone Brewing
Wring It Out
DDIPA West Coast Style
Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Double dry-hopped west coast-style Double IPA with mosaic, mosaic cryo, mosaic incognito, Idaho 7 & nectaron hops.

ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: IPA – American
BeerStyles: Hoppy and Bitter

About Mikerphone Brewing:
Mikerphone Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Founded by Mike and Lisa Pallen, the brewery began as a passion project inspired by music. In 2015, Mikerphone Brewing released its first commercial beer and was awarded Best New Brewery in Illinois by RateBeer, as well as One of the Best New Breweries in the World by Beer Advocate Magazine.

Learn more about the brewery here or follow them on Untappd.

Photos and Information © Mikerphone Brewing – All Rights Reserved.


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July Beer Club: Iowa

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Mikerphone-Check-1-2-beer-canMikerphone Brewing
Check 1, 2
Double IPA
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 

Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA with Citra hops.

ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
Beer Style at WineStyles: Hoppy

ABOUT MIKERPHONE BREWING:
Mikerphone Brewing is a family-owned small craft brewery located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Founded by a passion for home-brewing, Mike and Lisa Pallen started the concept of the brewery inspired by music out of their basement. In 2015, Mikerphone Brewing brewed the release of it’s first commercial beer. In that same year, they were awarded Best New Brewery in Illinois by Ratebeer, as well as One of the Best New Breweries in the World by Beer Advocate Magazine. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Mikerphone Brewering – All Rights Reserved.

Phase-Three-Mexican-LagerPhase Three Brewing
P3 Mexican Lager
Lager
Lake Zurich, Illinois

Light and refreshing, brewed with premium malts and topped up with a dash of Noble hop spice.

ABV: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Lager – Mexican
Beer Style at WineStyles: Crisp & Clean

ABOUT PHASE THREE BREWING:
Phase Three Brewing is a brewery focusing on marrying hop flavors together – big imperial stouts and heavily fruited ales. Starting as a passion project between three friends – Brittany, Shaun and Evan – who all met when working with each other at a restaurant and brewery in Schaumburg, Illinois; (Brittany and Shaun ended up getting married and having two kids). The trio strive to constantly provide beer that is hand-crafted with quality ingredients by honest people. Learn more about the three phases of the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Phase Three Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

meet-the-motuekas-canHop Butcher For the World
Meet the Motuekas
IPA
Chicago, Illinois

Motueka-hopped India Pale Ale.

ABV: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Hops: Motueka
Style: IPA – New England / Hazy
Beer Style at WineStyles: Hoppy
Label Artwork: Dan Grzeca

ABOUT HOP BUTCHER BREWERY:
Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago”, Carl refers to the great city as “Hog Butcher for the World”, and while the literal meaning has faded since the closing of the Union Stock Yards in 1971, it embodies and inspires who the Hop Butcher team is and the beers they brew in three meaningful ways. Learn more about the brewery and their inspiration here; and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Hop Butcher For the World – All Rights Reserved.

Pontoon-Otter_Palmer_RadlerPontoon Brewing
Otter Palm
Shandy
Sandy Springs, Georgia

Refreshing blend of beer, black tea, and lemonade, this cocktail inspired beer is a refreshing addition to the golf course, lawn mowing, or just sitting in a comfy chair in the A/C. 

ABV: 4.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Shandy / Radler
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy 

ABOUT PONTOON BREWING:
Pontoon Brewing was founded by a group of longtime pals and home brewers who were passionate about developing scrumptious beer for the pontoon lifestyle – an idea of escaping the daily stresses and relaxing on a pontoon boat – “a slow moving party platform; it can’t go far and can’t go fast so might as well drink”. Opening their doors in December 2017, they became the first microbrewery in Sandy Springs. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Pontoon Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

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October Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogosuperhero-sidekicksKings County Brewers Collective
Superhero Sidekicks
Brooklyn, New York

Superhero Sidekicks is an IPA that uses Mosaic, Idaho 7, Cascade & Centennial hops to deliver a powerful lupulin punch with a balanced malt flavor to follow. On the palate, there are notes of ripe oranges, fresh pineapple and smooth pine.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: IPA
ABV: 6.9% alcohol / volume

Furriest-Five-picKings County Brewers Collective
Furriest Five
Brooklyn, New York

This West Coast IPA is fully loaded with Mosaic, Cashmere, Chinook, and Centennial hops. It is boosted with Idaho 7 Cryo for an extra hoppy character. The Furriest Five highlights flavors of grapefruit, pineapple, orange pith and resin.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: 6.9% alcohol / volume

5th-Orbit-canKings County Brewers Collective
5th Orbit
Brooklyn, New York

This 5th Anniversary Beer is a Double IPA enhanced with Citra, Galaxy, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin and Strata hops. The 5th Orbit has an ultra-soft mouthfeel with notes of fresh mango, bright citrus and creamy peaches. A touch of bitterness is added to round out this tropical hop joose.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: DDH Double IPA
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume

Ninja-kitties-KCBC-beer-canKings County Brewers Collective
Ninja Kitties
Brooklyn, New York

Brewed in collaboration with Interboro, the Ninja Kitties pours hazy yellow and highlights aromas of grapefruit, oranges & tropical fruit juices. It is hopped with Citra, Amarillo and Vic Secret.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Located in a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Kings County Brewers Collective is the first brick-and-mortar brewery to operate in the neighborhood for more than 40 years following the New York State hop blight and Prohibition. Today, they are a proud production brewery and taproom dedicated to bring unique and collaborative craft beers to New York City and beyond. Learn more about their story here.

© Photo by Kings County Brewers Collective
© Photo by Kings County Brewers Collective
© Photo by Kings County Brewers Collective
© Photo by Kings County Brewers Collective
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August Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogodhop5Equilibrium Brewing
dHop5
Double IPA
Middletown, New York

dHop5 is a Double IPA made by enhancing one of Equilibrium Brewing’s favorite IPAs – the Fractal Citra/Galaxy. Milky, straw-yellow in color, the dHop5 releases aromas of passionfruit, peach, lime and pineapple. On the palate, it is bright, creamy and tropical. Equilibrium Brewery scaled down on the Fractal’s grain bill, water treatment and fermentation; and intensified the hop bill of citra and galaxy making an extremely drinkable and balanced DIPA.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: DIPA
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume

Super Fractal Kangaroo SetEquilibrium Brewery
Super Fractal Kangaroo Set
Triple IPA
Middletown, New York

Super Fractal Kangaroo Set was inspired by brewmaster and owner, Pete, and a trip he took to Australia. This Triple IPA starts off with a fractal grain bill, then Galaxy hops lead their way on the dry hop with support from Sabro and Citra. It is hazy intense yellow in color with tropical fruit, coconut and citrus aromas. On the palate, there are flavors of orange, melon, pineapple and coconut. 

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: IPA – Triple
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume

Equilibrium Brewery_South St. PilsEquilibrium Brewery
South St. Pils
Pilsner
Middletown, New York

Named after the Brewery’s new address, the South St. Pils is pale golden-yellow in color. It is light bodied and crisp, with a very soft hop aroma. On the palate, there are notes of flower medleys, fresh cut lawn, and yeasty crackers. This beer has a refreshing, clean finish.

BeerStyles: Crisp & Clean
Style: Pilsner
ABV: 5.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Equilibrium Brewery considers themselves to be an experimental brewery, emphasizing research and exploration. They are curious scientists and beers drinkers looking to share delicious beverages created in an organic process. Equilibrium Brewery works with local producers to use the freshest ingredients possible. They believe it is an essential part of their business to maintain an equilibrium between local supply and demand. Learn more about their story here.

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July Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoThe Good MonsterCollective Arts Brewing
Good Monster DIPA
Toronto, Canada

This New England style Double IPA is a beast, but in a GOOD monster type of way. It is double dry hopped with 24 g/L of Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe and Amerillo; highlighting flavors of tropical mango, passionfruit, peach, bright orange, lemon and grapefruit.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: New England DIPA
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
Artist: Kire Torres

Guava GoseCollective Arts Brewing
Guava Gose
Toronto, Canada

This Guava Gose is soft cloudy pink in color with tropical aromas. This Gose is similar to a sour mashed wheat beer, dosed with as much guava as possible. It is balanced with lemony tartness, Himalayan pink sea salt and coriander, with a flowery, brightness from the guava. This is a perfect harmony of tart, sweet, and sour.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Gose
ABV: 4.9% alcohol / volume
Can Artist: Sergio Vazquez

SmoCollective Arts Brewing
Berry, Banana, Acai, & Granola Smoothie
Toronto, Canada

This sour beer is everything reminiscent of a breakfast smoothie bowl. Collective Arts Brewing uses strawberries, blackberries, açaí berries, banana, granola and milk sugar to make this bright, sour beer.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Sour
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
Artist: Joel Mackenzie

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Collective Arts Brewery combines the creativity of their craft beverages with the inspiration of local artists all around the world. They feature limited-edition pieces of artwork on all of their cans, and aspire to produce equally creative and delicious drinks inside. Learn more about their company here.

Astro-world-canBlackStack Brewing
Astroworld
St. Paul, Minnesota

This triple New England IPA is made with Comet, Australian Galaxy and hand-selected Strata from Indie Hops. It highlights citrus and grapefruit flavors with a sweet melon finish. 

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Triple IPA (TDH TIPA)
ABV: 10.1% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
A family owned and operated brewery, the Johnston family have had a long love affair with great beer. In the 1990’s, Scott Johnson, the patriarch of the family, owned of All Saints Brands, Inc., a distribution company bringing European classic beers into Minnesota. Finally, in 2017, the entire family was able to launch BlackStack Brewing. Learn more about their journey here.

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March Beer Club: Iowa

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Evil Twin Brewing

© Evil Twin Brewing

Evil Twin Brewing
Most Men Pursue IPA With Such Breathless Haste That They Hurry Drinking It
Hinnerup, Denmark | Brooklyn, NY

Double dry hopped IPA with Ariana, Citra and Callista hops. Strong citrus and sweet hop on the nose. Refreshing and soft medium-body. Crisp up front and dry finish. Cloudy, orange color, small head of foam.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: IPA
ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project

Evil Twin Brewing
IPA Is Not A Problem To Be Solved, But A Reality To Be Experienced
Hinnerup, Denmark | Brooklyn, NY

Triple IPA, double dry hopped with Waimea, Citra and Wakatu hops. Cloudy, golden orange in color.  Aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, orange, guava and caramel. Tropical fruit taste with toasted caramel and piney bitterness.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Triple IPA
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Evil Twin Brewing was started up “nomadically” in 2010 by Jeppe Jarnit- Bjergso. In 2012, Jeppe and his family decided to make New York City their home and join the burgeoning local beer scene. In 2016, Jeppe was approached with the opportunity to finally root his ideas & dreams and Evil Twin Brewing NYC was born. Evil Twin Brewing now exports to more than 35 different countries, is in around 35 states in the US, and brews at 5 different breweries around the world. Learn more here.

Fat Orange Cat

© Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Welcome to Harga
East Hampton, CT

“A Double IPA copiously hopped with Nelson and Motueka. We love this hop combination and hope we do May Queen proud. Don’t worry, she’ll be smiling soon.” – Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at Twelve Percent Beer Project

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. is a small, seasonal homestead brewery, that opened for tastings and growler sales/fills out of their barn in August of 2016. They now have the ability to produce Small Batch Beers and Large Batch Beers under their name, with the help of Twelve Percent Beer Project. Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. specialize in extremely high quality small batch recipes, and are making every effort to support and promote local agriculture. Learn more about their brewery here.

 

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February Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubHook’s Cheese Company, Inc. 10 Year Cheddar Wisconsin, USA

Hook's 10 Year CheddarThis 10 year cheddar won 1st place at the 2006 American Cheese Society Show, the only 10 year cheddar to get a 1st place in this, or any competition. It has more calcium crystals than Hook’s 7 year cheddar. It has a full, rich cheddar flavor with a smooth finish. The 10 year cheddar has calcium lactate crystals. These have the texture of salt but have no flavor. More crystals develop as the cheddars get older. The 10 year has a rich, kind of creamy, slightly acidic but more of a fruity note to it. FOOD PAIRING: Make a yummy cheese and charcuterie board with dried fruits, quince paste, olives, pate, cornichon pickles, grained mustard, peppadew peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, assorted salami and prosciutto. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot; for beer, look for something a Cider or something malty and sweet, such as a Scotch Ale or an Oatmeal Stout. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc. Triple Play Extra Innings Wisconsin, USA

Hook's Extra InningsA fantastic blend of three types of milk – cow, sheep, and goat.  Flavor notes that come through – Baby Swiss, Havarti and Gouda. Aged over a year.  At this point the Gouda flavor has become more prevalent and crystals have started to form. FOOD PAIRING: Dried apricots, dried cherries, sliced apples and pears; as well as flatbread, sesame breadsticks, olive tapenade, and shelled pistachios. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Zinfandel; for beer, look for something Hoppy and Bitter such as an IPA. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter
Hook's Cheese Company

© Photo by Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.

ABOUT HOOK’S CHEESE COMPANY: In 1970 Tony Hook began apprenticing at a small cheese factory in Barneveld and got his cheesemakers license in 1972. In 1976, college sweethearts, Tony and Julie, formed Hook’s Cheese Company. At that time they only produced Cheddar and some Swiss. Since then, they have not only grown into a much larger factory, they have also expanded their lines of cheese. This duo continues to produce award winning cheeses including Colby, Monterey Jack, Maple Jack, Muenster, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Swiss, Havarti, Gouda, Blue Cheese and many others. To learn more about the Hook’s family and the cheeses they produce, click here.
WineStyles of West Des Moines is excited to announce they have got their hands on a small amount of Hook’s Cheese Company’s special 15 Year Cheddar! While this is not featured in this month’s Cheese Club, we promise you don’t want to miss this. Ask how you can pick up this very special, limited cheese at your local wine store!

Monthly Cheese Club

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

October Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubApple Smoked CheddarCarr Valley Apple Smoked Cheddar La Valle, WI

This white cheddar is apple smoked and then hand rubbed with paprika. It has a light smoky flavor that balances very well with the flavors from the paprika. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Merlot and Shiraz grape wines will bring out the mature flavor of the cheese. For beer, reach for a Hard Cider or a Porter when pairing with this cheese. WINESTYLES: Bold, Fruity, or Nectar BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; or Fruity and Spicy
Carr Valley Cheese

Photo by Carr Valley Cheese: Apple Smoked Cheddar

ABOUT CARR VALLEY: Owned and operated by the Cook family, Carr Valley Cheese Company is over one-hundred years old. Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush pastures of central Wisconsin, they remain one of Wisconsin’s traditional cheese plants, famous for making cheese the old-fashioned way! Carr Valley Cheese has won numerous awards over the years and continues to offer delicious and unique Wisconsin Cheeses. Certified Master Cheesemaker, Sid Cook, has won more top national and international awards than any other cheesemaker in North America. As a fourth-generation cheesemaker, he received his cheesemaking license when he was 16, and now owns and operates four cheese plants and eight retail cheese stores in Wisconsin. As a company, Carr Valley Cheese began in 1902, and today is best known for producing high-quality, artisanal aged Cheddars. Using cow, goat, and sheep milks, Sid enjoys creating new cheeses, and Carr Valley now produces more than 50 original varieties. APPLEWOOD SMOKED CHEDDAR AWARDS:
  • 1st Place 2016 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition
  • 1st Place 2005 American Cheese Society
  • 2nd Place 2007 World Cheese Competition
  • 2nd Place 2012 American Cheese Society Competition

Maytag White CheddarMaytag Dairy Farms 7 Year Aged Cheddar Newton, Iowa

This 7 Year Aged Cheddar has a robust cheddar flavor and an assertive tang that can be slightly acidic or even lactic. It showcases dense, fruit notes and a slightly earthy flavor. The aging process takes the cheddar from a smooth creamy texture to a drier, more crumbly style. This is the 2nd most popular cheese in America and is very versatile. Traditional food pairings include apple pie, or a salted caramel for a nice contrast.

HOW IT IS MADE: Made from cow’s milk, Maytag 7 Year Cheddar has gone through the traditional process of “cheddaring” which involves stacking the blocks of cheese on top of one another to press out moisture. The aging process makes the recognizable cheddar flavor of this cheese even more pronounced and concentrated.  Typical “grocery store” cheddars only age 2-3 months, while this cheddar is aged for 7 years. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For Aged Cheddars with earthy undertones, look for the yin and yang. This cheese pairs well with hoppy bitters and dryness, like an IPA Beer and a Cabernet Wine; or full bodied red, stout, or scotch. WINESTYLES: Fruity; Nectar; or Bold BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; Fruity and Spicy; or Hoppy and Bitter
Maytag Family

Photo by Maytag Diary Farms: Maytag Family

ABOUT MAYTAG DIARY FARMS: In 1919 E.H. Maytag, the son of Maytag Appliance company founder F.L. Maytag, purchased a single Holstein cow to provide fresh clean milk to his children. E.H. quickly developed a passion and determination to breed champion Holstein-Friesian cows that could supply milk to the community while also winning blue ribbon upon blue ribbon at livestock shows across the United States.
Cave Wheels

Photo by Maytag Diary Farm: Cave Wheels

Upon E.H.’s death in 1940, his sons Fred and Robert Maytag assumed leadership of the farms and Fred pursued his idea of creating a uniquely American blue cheese made from cow’s milk. Maytag Dairy Farms collaborated with Iowa State University to pioneer the first great American blue cheese that would compete with classic European cheeses such as Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk. The cheese plant and caves were completed a year later, and the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were formed in October of 1941. Fred’s son Fritz Maytag assumed leadership in 1962 and helped guide the small family company for the next 50 years. In 2003, Fritz was awarded the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional, and in 2008 won the Beard Foundation Award for Lifetime Achievement. Fritz now serves as Chairman Emeritus and a director with his brother, Ken Maytag, and their sister, Martha Maytag Peterson. Today, Seventy nine-years after the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were made, the family tradition continues. Each wheel is handcrafted on the family farm in the rolling hills of central Iowa. Maytag Dairy Farm is still owned and operated by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of E.H. Maytag. His legacy is the pleasure and joy taken from good food shared with people you cherish.

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

August Beer Club: Iowa

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Memba Berries
Marto Brewing Co.
Member Berries
Sioux City, Iowa

Oh I memba! Kettle sour brewed with raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. Featuring a medium mouthfeel with moderate acidity, while remaining balanced with a massive amount of the three fruits. Contains lactose.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Fruited Sour
ABV: 6.8%

Smell of Money
Marto Brewing Co.
Smell of Money – DDH Sabro
Sioux City, Iowa

Smell that? That’s the smell of money, and hops are expensive! This Hazy double dry hopped DIPA (Double India Pale Ale) showcases double dried Sabro hops with notes of coconut, apricot and citrus.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Hazy Double IPA
ABV: 7.9%

 

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Marto Brewing Co. is an Iowa craft brewery and taproom featuring world class beer and wood fire food. They have a passion for brewing a wide range of beer styles, and will experiment with just about any flavor in search of the next best beer. At Marto Brewing Co., you will find the classics alongside new modern styles, but their favorites reside in their hazy IPAs, wild fermented sours, and massive barrel-aged stouts.  Marto’s lineup changes often, with some tried and true staples that are always on tap. You don’t want to miss their selections!

Smell of Money and Member Berries