Video by Madison Cowmeadow
Raise a glass to the cities, cornfields and everything in between. Urban Plains staff members got together to have a myth-debunking and provoking discussion about their Midwest pride — all while sipping on hometown brews. Here’s what they drank:
Kansas
Tallgrass Brewing Company, Pub Ale–Brewed in Manhattan, Kansas, surrounded by the Flint Hills and cattle, Tallgrass is the epitome of Kansas beer. When founder Jeff Gill didn’t have the necessary ingredients for the intended flagship brew recipe, he made a new concoction on the spot and Pub Ale was born. That’s the Kansas way.
Illinois
Goose Island, 312—This urban wheat ale got its name from the area code it’s brewed in: Chicago. Second to none, 312 is fruity, smooth and best enjoyed at Wrigley Field. Goose Island was founded in Chicago in 1988 and produces five signature ales along with annual beverages throughout the changing seasons.
Off Color Brewing, Apex Predator–This Chicago-based craft brewery boasts award-winning signature brews. Apex Predator is a fruity farmhouse ale named partially after its “frothy, white mane” that comes alive after poured. Off Color Brewing’s slogan goes, “We brew beer. Sometimes we do other stuff, but not as well.” They must be right, because this stuff is good.
Wisconsin
Miller Lite–Made and sold by MillerCoors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Miller Lite played a big part in making this northern Midwest city the “beer capital of the world.” Retro Miller Lite cans are found on college campuses and game day parties alike in Wisconsin. Enjoy the first ‘lite’ beer while cheering on the Brewers at Miller Park.
Iowa
Peace Tree, Blonde Fatale–Based out of Knoxville, Iowa, Peace Tree is an up-and-comer founded in 2010 and will soon be opening a taproom in Des Moines. The Blonde Fatale is a fruity and crisp example of the small batch brews Peace Tree offers, but it boasts a higher alcohol content at 8.5 percent ABV.
Exile, Ruthie — Ruthie was the premiere bar server in the 1950s in Des Moines and there is no better way to honor her than with her own personal beer. A gold lager with hints of caramels and perfectly balanced with the right amount of hops, this beer can only be enjoyed within the borders of the great state of Iowa.
Missouri
Boulevard Brewing Company, Bully! Porter–Brewed a stone’s throw away from downtown Kansas City, Boulevard’s version of the stately English porter is perfect for an afternoon of gushing about the best baseball team in the universe and marginalizing Kansas City, Kansas.
Ohio
Samuel Adams, Summer Ale–For most, Sam Adams is a brand commonly associated with Boston, but the beer is also proudly brewed in Ohio’s southern city of Cincinnati. The crisp and tangy wheat beer is a refreshing thirst-quencher perfect for a summer day in this Midwest state.
Nebraska
Zipline Brewing Company, Winter Ale–Zipline was created in 2012 by three men who wanted to promote beer and the community that surrounds a quality brew. The name “Zipline” represents the founders’ sense of adventure and desire to connect with those interested in seeking out new craft beers.
Minnesota
Surly Brewing Company, Furious—Surly was created in 2004 and has taken over Minnesota. Their philosophy is “Make great beer. Have fun. Give a Damn about your community. Be independent. Don’t be a dick.” All good points. Their destination brewery opened up in 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is mastering both beer and food.
North Dakota
Fargo Brewing Company, Stone’s Throw–In 2009, two Fargo Shanley High School graduates founded this brewery in a garage. The Stone’s Throw can is blue with an image of a curling stone, representing the FM Curling Club in North Fargo. It’s a Scottish Ale, with hints of caramel, cocoa and honey. It’s a straight up good beer, representing the straight up, honest goodness of North Dakota.
