I will weigh in with my two cents on the local brew scene.
Of the breweries you listed that you have not visited.
1. Confluence - John and Ken have a great brewery set up and when the head brewer is also the owner, quality comes first.
2. 515 - Great beer, low capacity so you don't always know what is on tap but something will be great.
3. Exile - Historically German style beers targeted at Bluemoon drinkers but the food is great and they have started to make some interesting beers. The Tursi's have a lot invested in the place and it is a cool atmosphere.
4. Madhouse - Beers OK but the taproom isn't worth your time.
Ranking local breweries
1. Rockbottom - Eric is the best brewer in central Iowa.
2. Confluence -
3. 515 -
4. Tied Exile - the food helps
4. Tied Flix - Mike G. is making some good beer
6. Firetrucker - Up and comer could take 4th by itself soon. Cool taproom.
7. Cabco - still decent and food is ok.
8. Madhouse - drink it on tap if that is the only craftbeer in the restaurant. Skip the taproom.
4.
Of the breweries you listed that you have not visited.
1. Confluence - John and Ken have a great brewery set up and when the head brewer is also the owner, quality comes first.
2. 515 - Great beer, low capacity so you don't always know what is on tap but something will be great.
3. Exile - Historically German style beers targeted at Bluemoon drinkers but the food is great and they have started to make some interesting beers. The Tursi's have a lot invested in the place and it is a cool atmosphere.
4. Madhouse - Beers OK but the taproom isn't worth your time.
Ranking local breweries
1. Rockbottom - Eric is the best brewer in central Iowa.
2. Confluence -
3. 515 -
4. Tied Exile - the food helps
4. Tied Flix - Mike G. is making some good beer
6. Firetrucker - Up and comer could take 4th by itself soon. Cool taproom.
7. Cabco - still decent and food is ok.
8. Madhouse - drink it on tap if that is the only craftbeer in the restaurant. Skip the taproom.
4.
