Two Breweries in Iowa Took Home Awards at the ‘World Beer Cup’

The craft beer scene here in Iowa has been getting bigger and better these past few years, and we're happy to report that two breweries in the state were just recognized in an international competition!

According to a new article from the Des Moines Register, Big Grove Brewery and Confluence Brewing Co. both took home medals at the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis this past week. The big event is put on every other year by the Brewers Association, a "not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers." A press release from the organization reported that this year's competition was the biggest yet, with "10,542 entries from 2,493 breweries representing 57 countries!"

Over the course of the nine day event, 300 awards were given out by 226 judges from 28 different countries. One of those awards went to Confluence Brewing Co. out of Des Moines! The Register says that the brewery won first place in the Bohemian-Style Pilsner category for their beer Over the Ivy. It's a Czech-style pilsner that's available at the brewery seasonally.

Big Grove Brewery, a popular brewery with two locations here in Eastern Iowa, ended up taking home a silver medal during this year's competition. The came in second place in the Contemporary Gose category with their beer My Squad Stays on Point.

Congratulations to two amazing Iowa breweries for their big awards! You can check out all the winners at this year's World Beer Cup HERE. Next year's conference will take place in Nashville from May 7th through 10th.