Beer Lovers Enjoy: Top Three Microbrews in Des Moines, IA

1. Rock Bottom Brewery
4508 University Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-267-8900

If you love beer, so do the brewers at Rock Bottom. As equal parts scientist, artist and beer geeks, they eat, drink and sleep beer. They put their own signature into every beer and the beer menu at this Rock Bottom is different than any other.

They always have light lager, not necessarily "lite," wheat - light colored often have fruity hints of pineapple and orange. They also have red or amber ale that has a bit more body and a caramel, toffee sweetness to the malt. Brown ale, is darker in color but not much heavier in flavor, that can give you a chocolate or roasted flavor. Pale ale is caramel and hoppier beers with assertive fruit and pine hop flavors. Stout and Porter are the dark, full-flavored beers.

Kevin Reed, Director of Brewing Operations at Rock Bottom says brewing requires constant attention to detail, hard work and the willingness to go the extra mile for a great product. They've won numerous awards for their work, and, they love the tasting. They want you to taste it too - fresh from their on-site brewery. It's eco-groovy as there is no packaging, bottles or cans to recycle. Because the brewery is on site, they can reduce the water and chemicals required for packaging and cleaning.

Rock Bottom Brewery has different specials at different times. They are conveniently located within one mile of 15 different hotels and offer early and late night happy hours. Enjoy your favorite sporting events and tip a brew at Rock Bottom Brewery in West Des Moines, IA. Brews are medium price range for similar service throughout Des Moines. Pints go for $2.95 and the bar serves appetizer specials.

2. Raccoon River Brewing Company
200 10th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-362-5245

Raccoon River Brewing Company has a number of award-winning house brews available for every taste bud. For something different, try one of their seasonal brews.

At RRBC malted barley is shipped in from the Northwest. They also find fermentables in wheat malt, rye, honey, brown sugar, fruits and even apple cider.

When people talk about beer flavoring, most think of the hopping that is added to the brew. However, flavors come from everything added during the brew process. Different locations produce different varieties of hops used to vary tastes and aromas.

Their yeast is an English Ale strain that produces fruity and smooth characteristics that you will come to know and love.

The water, they brag about, is famous Des Moines city water.

Whether you are planning a private party or just hanging out with friends, Raccoon River Brewing Company is a great place to gather for events. You will feel comfortable and have a great time. Enjoy special beers and snacks at their happy hours or their pub-fare - great food along with your beer. Whether your taste is for dark or light beers or if you want to try several of their special brews, stop in. You'll be glad you did - day or night, week day or weekend. Food and beer prices are in the medium range for similar choices in the Des Moines area.

3. Court Avenue Brewing Company
2010 Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Court Avenue, located in the heart of downtown Des Moines is amidst the action and fun happening in the city. Many weekends are filled with sports events, shows or other local activity - usually all within walking distance.

Court Avenue Brewing Company serves award-winning cuisine, high quaffable beer and, always, an inviting atmosphere for everyone.

Current seasonal beer being served at Court Avenue Brewing Company is Iowa Oaks Ale, the current cask is Coffee Stout and the current reserve is Wicked Big Stout.

The award winning 21st Amendment Ale is now available year round. Aged in Templeton Rye Whiskey barrels and sure to please as it balances flavors of Amarillo and Cascade hops, warm, rye whiskey flavors and subtle oak barrel notes.

Another new prize-winning beer being served is the Fire Engine Red.

Why not stop in at the Court Avenue Brewing Company and give their brews a try? Maybe you're already in town for a special event or business venture - or maybe you live here! Needless to say, you and your guests will enjoy the Court Avenue Climate and will be pleased with the award winning food and drink you'll be served at this fine brewery. Prices at the brewing company are mid-range for Des Moines.

All of these suggestions will provide good brews, good foods and great times. Des Moines is becoming more well-known and people are finding out we do, indeed, have fun places to go and fun things to do.