Tag Archives: Nebraska

June Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoPenrose-lemon-seltz-up-canPenrose Brewing Company
Lemon Seltz-Up
Hard Seltzer
Geneva, Illinois

The Penrose team created this award winning unique twist on a lemon shake-up with a house-made hard seltzer and pureed lemons for a throwback to warm weather and county fairs.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Hard Seltzer
BeerStyles: Hard Seltzer
Awards: 2023 BTI Gold Medal | 2023 & 2024 US Open Hard Seltzer Championship Gold Medal

Penrose-Goofy-Boots-canPenrose Brewing Company
Goofy Boots
Hazy IPA
Geneva, Illinois

A circus full of intense hop flavors fill this two time GABF® medal winning Juicy Hazy IPA. Notes of candied lime, ripe peach, and dried mango swing from your palate, landing on a pillowy wheat finish.

ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
IBU: 10
Style: IPA – New England/Hazy
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Awards: 2020 GABF Gold Medal Winner – Juicy/Hazy Strong Pale Ale Category | 2019 GABF Bronze Medal Winner – Juicy/Hazy Strong Pale Ale Category

About Penrose Brewing Company:
Penrose Brewing Company is a small, locally owned Brewery and Taproom that specializes in small batch brewing, fresh hoppy flavors and wild / sour fermentations. They love to experiment with new styles and feature a rotating selection of great beers. Learn more about the brewery here or follow them on Untappd.

Information & Photos © Penrose Brewing Company – All Rights Reserved.

Empyrean-Solar-Flare-Summer-Lager-canEmpyrean Brewing Company
Solar Flare Summer Lager
Lincoln, Nebraska

A stellar refreshment, if you will. Perfect for grilling season, long summer nights and chasing the last rays of daylight. This golden lager features something old and something new; German heirloom barley paired with modern German hops for a smooth, slightly sweet and crisp flavor.

ABV: 4.8% alcohol / volume
IBU: 18
Style: Lager – American
BeerStyles: Crisp & Clean

Empyrean0Golden-Cypher-Hazy-IPA-canEmpyrean Brewing Company
Golden Cypher Hazy IPA
Lincoln, Nebraska

Hidden in the golden haze, a cypher unfolds. Juicy apricot and citrus notes emerge from Mosaic, Citra, and Nebraska-grown Vista hops. Smooth and sweet, with a subtle trace of bitterness. Pairs well with fried chicken, chips, crisp potato salad, tacos, burgers with BBQ sauce, fresh fruit, grilled meat, Mexican dishes and Indian curries.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 15
Style: IPA – New England/Hazy
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter

Empyrean-zookeeper-canEmpyrean Brewing Company
Zookeeper Lemon Kolsch
Lincoln, Nebraska

Pucker up and embrace your wild side with this refreshing Kolsch-style ale fermented with lemon puree. Crafted with lemondrop hops.  Portions of the proceeds benefit the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Squeeze the day.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 22
Style: Kölsch
BeerStyles: Crisp & Clean

Emyrean-pitched-blue-canEmpyrean Brewing Company
Pitched Blue Black and Blueberry Ale
Lincoln, Nebraska

Navigate the cosmos and awaken your senses to fresh blueberry and biscuit malts with subtle, stimulating dark notes. Made with Galena hops.

ABV: 5.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 24
Style: Dark Ale
BeerStyles: Malty & Sweet

Empyrean-Fallen-Angel-CanEmpyrean Brewing Company
Fallen Angel Sweet Stout
Lincoln, Nebraska

Smooth and creamy, an English version of stout brewed with milk sugar. Best enjoyed with savory pork dishes, slow-grilled meats, bold cheeses and smoked game.

ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 22
Style: Stout – Milk / Sweet
BeerStyles: Malty & Sweet

ABOUT EMPYREAN BREWING CO.:
Empyrean Brewing Co., established in 1990, is a Nebraska-based craft brewery with a rich history of crafting high-quality, innovative beers. With a commitment to community and creativity, they offer a diverse range of flavors, constantly pushing the boundaries of brewing. Their passion for exceptional beer and dedication to their local roots define their identity as a pioneering and dynamic brewery. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Empyrean Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

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September Beer Club: Iowa

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split-stave-craft-beerEmpyrean Brewing Co.
Split Stave
Barrel Aged Weizenbock
Lincoln, Nebraska

Split Stave is a bourbon-barrel-aged Weizenbock flavored with cacao, then blended with a strong Vanilla Cream Ale and brewed with pineapple and cherries. This ice cream-themed treat is meant to be enjoyed year-round. No spoon required.

ABV: 8.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 18
Style: Bock – Weizenbock
Beer Style at WineStyles: Malty

ABOUT EMPYREAN BREWING CO.:
Empyrean Brewing Co., established in 1990, is a Nebraska-based craft brewery with a rich history of crafting high-quality, innovative beers. With a commitment to community and creativity, they offer a diverse range of flavors, constantly pushing the boundaries of brewing. Their passion for exceptional beer and dedication to their local roots define their identity as a pioneering and dynamic brewery. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Empyrean Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

guldendraak_9000Brouwerij Van Steenberge
Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple
Belgian Quad
Ertvelde, Belgium

An exceptional quadruple amber. The particular rich and complex taste palette and the full head are also found in the Gulden Graak 9000 Quadruple. The sweet notes of caramel are, however, reserved for the Gulden Draak Classic.

The brewery’s new recipe, based on 4 different mat varieties, gives the Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple a deep golden-amber color and a slightly fruity aroma. Together with the soft and slightly sweet taste, this provides a beautifully rounded bouquet with notes of dried fruit.

This beer is a high fermentation beer with secondary fermentation. For the secondary fermentation use is made of a wine yeast that not only contributes to the unparalleled taste, but also ensures a long-term shelf life with taste evolution.

The legend of the Gulden Draak (gilded dragon) is centuries old.  The odyssey of this mystic beast begins in northern Scandinavia on the prow of a Viking ship, and after a long and winding journey, ends at the top of the Ghent Belfry. It has watched over the city for almost 700 years now and is an inextricable part of the Ghent identity: headstrong, unconventional, resolute, powerful and independent. Learn more >

ABV: 10.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 25
Style: Belgian Quad
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BROUWERIJ VAN STEENBERGE:
Brouwerij Van Steenberge, founded in 1784, is a Belgian brewery deeply rooted in tradition and quality. Known for their diverse range of ales, including the renowned “Augustijn” and “Gulden Draak,” they combine centuries-old expertise with modern techniques. Committed to sustainability, the brewery continues to produce exceptional beers while respecting its heritage and the environment. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Brouwerij Van Steenberge – All Rights Reserved.

tweak_stoutAvery Brewing
Tweak
Barrel Aged Coffee Stout
Boulder, Colorado

Sweet and boozy with caramel notes in the barrel aged goodness.

ABV: 13.1% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Stout – Imperial / Double Coffee
Beer Style at WineStyles: Dark

ABOUT AVERY BREWING:
Avery Brewing Co., established in 1993, is a Colorado-based craft brewery celebrated for its bold and innovative beers. With a fusion of artistry and science, they craft a diverse lineup, including the iconic “White Rascal” and barrel-aged creations. Embracing creativity, sustainability, and community, Avery Brewing continues to push boundaries while staying true to their passion for exceptional beer. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Avery Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

Hoppin’ Frog
B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher
Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout
Akron, Ohio

This Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout will crush you like no other! This is the grand-daddy of all stout styles, with an intensely deep roasted and full bodied flavor. A robust hop character adds a refreshing balance.

ABV: 9.4% alcohol / volume
IBU: 60
Style: Stout – Russian Imperial
Beer Style at WineStyles: Dark

ABOUT HOPPIN’ FROG:
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, founded in 2006, is an Ohio-based brewery known for its commitment to crafting extraordinary beers with uncompromising quality. They offer a wide range of styles, including the popular “B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher” stout, using inventive techniques. Dedicated to flavor and innovation, the brewery has garnered numerous awards and a loyal following for its distinctive and flavorful brews.. Learn more about the team behind the beers here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Hoppin’ Frog – All Rights Reserved.

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May Beer Club: Cedar Rapids and Coralville Iowa

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BeerClubLogolake-time-brewery-imperial-porterLake Time Brewery
Imperial Peanut Butter Porter
Clear Lake, Iowa

Lake Time Brewery went nuts creating a beer that resembles the delicious, confectionery peanut butter cups we have enjoyed for years. This Imperial Peanut Butter Porter is an amped up version of their regular Peanut Butter Porter. It combines a malty robust porter with creamy chocolate peanut butter flavor (using real peanuts)!

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Porter – Imperial / Double
ABV: 9.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 50
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Northern Brewer
  • Malts: 2 Row, Maris Otter, Caramel, Dextrine, Chocolate, Midnight Wheat, White Wheat, Flaked Oats, and Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Lactose, Brown Sugar, Powered Peanut Butter

**Food Allergy Warning: This Beer Contains Peanuts**

Anchors-Aweigh-orange-peel-canLake Time Brewery
Anchors Aweigh
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial
Clear Lake, Iowa

This Imperial Stout pours nearly black in color. Roasted malts and dark chocolate accent this brewery’s flagship stout with its plum and date fruit complexity.  Brewers then age it for over a year in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels before adding just the right amount of Valencia orange flavor – for that hint of sweetness you want with your bourbon.

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
IBU: 43
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Chinook, Centennial
  • Malts: 2-Row, Carmel 110, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Patten, Flaked Rye, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Valencia oranges, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged

ABOUT LAKE TIME BREWERY:
Established in 2012, Lake Time Brewery was born from a vision to cherish the simple things in life – time with friends and family around a campfire, fishing, sun-tanning on the beach, and floating around the lake on a pontoon. This state of mind has translated into great craft beer that can be enjoyed anywhere… not just on “Lake Time”. Today, Lake Time Brewery has expanded its production facility and is now distributed throughout Iowa. They have been featured in a number of industry publications including Brewery Magazine, Brew Your Own and Perfect Pour. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Zipline-Triples-is-best-IPA-beer-canZipline Brewing Co.
Triples is Best IPA
Lincoln, Nebraska

This Imperial IPA is brewed with Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, and Simcoe Hops. Created under the “Black Label Series” unleashed by the full creative power of their brewing team. This line of beers push the boundaries like never before with the most “over-the-top, flavor packed, premium beers” Zipline Brewing Co. has ever made.

Beer Style: Hoppy 
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 88

ABOUT ZIPLINE BREWING CO.:
Zipline Brewing Co. was created from the founders’ inherent sense of adventure and their desire to connect with the thrill-seeking spirit in all craft beer fans. They create artisan ales and lagers with a clean, simple and direct approach to allow the drinker to focus their energy on enjoying ‘Brave New Brews’. Learn more about the team behind the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

KCBC-The CodFather-Beer-ImageKings County Brewers Collective
The Codfather Double IPA
Brooklyn, New York

This Double Dry Hopped, Double India Pale Ale is made with Citra, Strata, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka Hops. It contains barley, oats & wheat, creating a murky, burnished haze in the glass. There are notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit, crushed blueberries, Sicilian lemon and pineapple gelato. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft, with just a touch of sweet revenge. 

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT KINGS COUNTY BREWERS CO.:
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 the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Allerton-Brewing-Marshall-Ds-beer-canAllerton Brewing Company
Marshall D’s
Independence, Iowa

Although it is a little darker than your typical Hefeweizen, Marshal D’s is a German style beer that is light, refreshing and perfect for warm weather. It has balanced notes of banana and clove with a grainy-sweet malt character.

Beer Style: Fruity & Spicy
Style: Wheat Beer – Hefeweizen
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 12
SRM: 7
Fermentables: Pilsner Malt, Wheat Malt, Crystal 40L
Hops: Saaz

ABOUT ALLERTON BREWING CO.:
It all started has a hobby for Lucas in his college apartment at Iowa State University – little did Brenna (his now wife) know at the time, this hoppy would grow into a full blown obsession. After graduating Iowa State, Lucas and Brenna moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where Lucas attended Barley to Barrel – a program specifically catered to aspiring brewery owners. Lucas says his biggest takeaway was that he needed a partner. Shortly there after, the couple moved to Independence, Iowa where Lucas teamed up with Brandon Miken and Pete Gaumer to create Allerton Brewing Company. Today, the brewery is fully owned and operated by Pete and Lucas. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

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May Beer Club: WDM, Ankeny, and Johnston Iowa

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BeerClubLogolake-time-brewery-imperial-porterLake Time Brewery
Imperial Peanut Butter Porter
Clear Lake, Iowa

Lake Time Brewery went nuts creating a beer that resembles the delicious, confectionery peanut butter cups we have enjoyed for years. This Imperial Peanut Butter Porter is an amped up version of their regular Peanut Butter Porter. It combines a malty robust porter with creamy chocolate peanut butter flavor (using real peanuts)!

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Porter – Imperial / Double
ABV: 9.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 50
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Northern Brewer
  • Malts: 2 Row, Maris Otter, Caramel, Dextrine, Chocolate, Midnight Wheat, White Wheat, Flaked Oats, and Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Lactose, Brown Sugar, Powered Peanut Butter

**Food Allergy Warning: This Beer Contains Peanuts**

Anchors-Aweigh-orange-peel-canLake Time Brewery
Anchors Aweigh
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial
Clear Lake, Iowa

This Imperial Stout pours nearly black in color. Roasted malts and dark chocolate accent this brewery’s flagship stout with its plum and date fruit complexity.  Brewers then age it for over a year in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels before adding just the right amount of Valencia orange flavor – for that hint of sweetness you want with your bourbon.

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
IBU: 43
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Chinook, Centennial
  • Malts: 2-Row, Carmel 110, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Patten, Flaked Rye, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Valencia oranges, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged

ABOUT LAKE TIME BREWERY:
Established in 2012, Lake Time Brewery was born from a vision to cherish the simple things in life – time with friends and family around a campfire, fishing, sun-tanning on the beach, and floating around the lake on a pontoon. This state of mind has translated into great craft beer that can be enjoyed anywhere… not just on “Lake Time”. Today, Lake Time Brewery has expanded its production facility and is now distributed throughout Iowa. They have been featured in a number of industry publications including Brewery Magazine, Brew Your Own and Perfect Pour. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Zipline-Triples-is-best-IPA-beer-canZipline Brewing Co.
Triples is Best IPA
Lincoln, Nebraska

This Imperial IPA is brewed with Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, and Simcoe Hops. Created under the “Black Label Series” unleashed by the full creative power of their brewing team. This line of beers push the boundaries like never before with the most “over-the-top, flavor packed, premium beers” Zipline Brewing Co. has ever made.

Beer Style: Hoppy 
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 88

ABOUT ZIPLINE BREWING CO.:
Zipline Brewing Co. was created from the founders’ inherent sense of adventure and their desire to connect with the thrill-seeking spirit in all craft beer fans. They create artisan ales and lagers with a clean, simple and direct approach to allow the drinker to focus their energy on enjoying ‘Brave New Brews’. Learn more about the team behind the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

KCBC-The CodFather-Beer-ImageKings County Brewers Collective
The Codfather Double IPA
Brooklyn, New York

This Double Dry Hopped, Double India Pale Ale is made with Citra, Strata, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka Hops. It contains barley, oats & wheat, creating a murky, burnished haze in the glass. There are notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit, crushed blueberries, Sicilian lemon and pineapple gelato. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft, with just a touch of sweet revenge. 

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT KINGS COUNTY BREWERS CO.:
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 the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Contrary-brewing-blueberry-lemonadeContrary Brewing Co.
Blueberry Lemonade Avalanche
Muscatine, Iowa

The Blueberry Lemonade Avalanche is gorgeous blueberry in color. It drinks light and easy with notes of blueberries and lemons dancing on your palate.

Beer Style: Sour
Style: Fruit Beer/Shandy
ABV: 5.3% alcohol / volume
IBU: 7

ABOUT CONTRARY BREWING CO.:
This is a small town brewery with big time flavor. As Muscatine’s only Craft Brewery, you can find adventure right along the Mississippi. Learn more about the their brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

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A Day in the Life with Bob

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Bob Bolden Omaha WineStyles

Robert (Bob) Bolden at WineStyles in Omaha

Looking into Robert (Bob) Bolden’s typical week at his WineStyles Tasting Station store in Omaha, Nebraska, you may think this man is an embodiment of the Energizer® bunny! But as you dig in you’ll see that’s because being a WineStyles business owner is, well, ENERGIZING!

Of course, Bob does go above and beyond with his typical 5:30am rise time. This businessman fits in a good workout every morning as part of a balanced lifestyle. Bob knows the balancing act of business ownership and one’s health and personal life is important to maintain.

What happens next? He’s off to networking events over coffee and breakfast. Building a business is just one part of the “job”. Building a community is another important aspect of being a business owner. Not only do you want your fellow community members to know who you are and what your business offers, but you also want to know them and how your ongoing relationship can be mutually beneficial.

“The great part about networking on behalf of WineStyles is that nearly everyone drinks wine!” says Bob, enthusiastic about getting out and networking in his community.

Bob behind the counter at WineStyles

Bob behind his “Chocolate Station”  at WineStyles Tasting Station, Omaha

 

Chocolate

Handmade Chocolate Truffles at WineStyles Tasting Station, Omaha

 

WineStyles in Omaha

Bob Bolden’s WineStyles store front in Omaha

When working at his WineStyles Tasting Station store, Bob enjoys the many aspects of putting together a well-rounded wine shop – including tasting new wines and craft beers with local distributors, choosing accessories from catalogs to sell in the store, prepping his gift basket station with goodies, and furthering his own personal wine and craft beer knowledge.

It doesn’t stop there though – Bob manages a staff of about 13 part-time workers, all thirsty for continuing their own education in wine and craft beer. When something new comes in, or Bob gains a bit of new info, he gladly shares his findings with his staff. Education is a huge part of what makes WineStyles customers enjoy their experience with his shop so much. They know that Bob and his staff will point them in the right direction depending on their own personal tastes.

Engaging with his customers is Bob’s favorite part of his business, “just outside of being my own boss, which comes in a strong first place” he affirms. Bob enjoys adding value to his customers’ lives by means of helping them find the perfect wine, craft beer, or gift, yes, but also by way of being a positive community member whom they can rely on.

Through his WineStyles store, Bob finds countless ways to give back to his community. He sponsors wine tastings at various events, holds free-will offerings for national causes, hosts events for charity, and more.

“When you put your mind to it, and you have fellow community members working on the same project, there are so many different ways we can all help our community prosper. This is just another side-benefit of being your own boss – you can decide which causes are important to you and really make a difference in your own community. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.”

Venturing outside his community to wine attractions around the country is yet another side-benefit of being a WineStyles franchisee.

“I love working with like-minded wine-o’s!” Bob jests.

The WineStyles Corporate Team puts on an Annual Franchisee Convention, which is held in a different wine, craft beer, or “foodie”-centric location each year. Bob’s favorite Convention locations so far have been Woodinville, Washington and Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Bob signing the annual Convention poster

Bob signing the annual Convention poster

“Convention gives us the opportunity to meet up with fellow WineStyles business owners, learn from the Corporate Team, and bounce ideas off one another. I always walk away jazzed for my business and excited to implement new ideas in my store.”

Learn more about Bob’s journey at his next Open House, the event is free to attend.

Franchising Open House Event:

Thursday, March 29, 2018
6:00pm

WineStyles – Pacific
1006 S. 74th Plaza
Omaha, NE 68114

Please call Bob at (402) 884-6696 to RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Bob Bolden,
Area Developer for Nebraska market and Proprietor of WineStyles in Omaha.