After my journey with Iowa craft beers for this blog, I have come to truly love some of them. I’ve decided to make a list of my five favorites with the reasons why they are great.

5. Backpocket Brewing Jackknife

The Jackknife from Backpocket Brewing company is an American pale ale. I’m not huge on India pale ales or other really hoppy beers, but I’m a big fan of Jackknife. It is slightly hoppy, but not overbearing. It is refreshing and perfect for sitting down after a day in the hot summer sun.

4. West O Pilsner

West O brewing based in Okoboji has produced an awesome pilsner. While it doesn’t have an extremely distinct flavor, the West O Pils is really easy drinking. Perfect for anybody looking to launch into the artisan beer scene.

3. Toppling Goliath Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget is the only India pale ale that will be on this list. It is a little hoppier than I like, but it has a great mixture of maltiness to balance it and also great hints of citrus, which I really enjoy in a hoppy beer.

2. Backpocket Brewing Gold Coin

The Gold Coin is another easy drinking beer. It is a Helles lager of German style. It’s an every-man’s beer. I enjoy the smoothness and drinkability of this particular beer. It’s a perfect beer for watching the game or hanging with some friends at a barbeque.

1. Exile Brewing Hannah

Hannah has not only become my favorite Iowa craft beer, but my favorite wheat beer as well. It is a Heferwiezen, which is a German wheat beer. It is smooth, light-colored and has flavors of clove and fruits. It surpassed Boulevard Wheat as my favorite wheat beer because it is not quite as bitter. I’m a big fan of Exile and it’s beers, but Hannah has definitely won my heart.

Iowa may not be one of the most well known areas for craft beer compared to California, Colorado or Texas, but it has an amazing selection of breweries that produce great local beer. Iowa will continue to create great beer in the future and I’m excited to see what they produce.

I encourage everyone (who is over the age of 21 of course) to get out and try an Iowa beer. The state has microbrews available all over the place and they all have a great selection for beer lovers. Everyone can find something they’ll love. Brewers also hold great events like the Little Giant Iowa Beer Summit. So I challenge you to find your five favorite Iowa craft beers over the next year!