Some years ago, three men decided to revive an art that hadn’t been practiced in Amana for years — the art of brewing beer. They dreamed of building a brewery to produce small batches of hand brewed beer reminiscent of Europe’s finest brews. To brew the best, they needed the best, so they called on one of America’s premier brewers, Joseph Pickett, Sr., who helped to design and develop the robust Schild Brau Amber.
In 1985 Millstream opened its doors as the first brewery to operate in Amana since 1884, and the first microbrewery in the state of Iowa. Your favorite Beer of the Month Club is proud to tell you that Millstream brews 16 different beers each year. This brewery has come to be recognized as the home of quality brews of rewarding tastes.
Now, thirty years later, they are still making beer the way it should be — and they have the awards to back it up. One of the selections this month, Back Road Stout, has received 5 awards, which is not unusual for beer from Millstream. (Their Schild Brau Amber is an 18-time national award winner!) They hold a total of 37 national awards.
2015 is their 30 year anniversary, and they are proud to be one of the oldest operational microbreweries in the nation, now under the ownership of Chris Priebe, Tom and Teresa Albert, each playing an integral role, and each committed to making quality beers, one batch at a time.
A true deep black oatmeal stout, Back Road Oatmeal Stout has the common smooth texture and rich, roasted coffee flavors that give it that great taste oatmeal stouts are famous for. The “oatmeal” in the name is due to 5% oatmeal in the grist of this brew. This winner of 5 awards boasts a great thick mouthfeel you must experience.
Iowa Pale Ale IPA is a well-balanced, more mild brew than some hoppy monsters. It has enough bitterness to match the maltiness from the pale malt base and gets its citrus zing from loads of Cascade hops. (It’s a local favorite, as IPA stands for Iowa Pale Ale!)
OATMEAL STOUT — Millstream’s Back Road Oatmeal Stout: Surprising creaminess and smoothness say this top-fermented bottled ale beauty would be a heavenly accompaniment to pizza, salads, Italian foods, dark flavorful breads and all fish dishes.
INDIA PALE ALE — Millstream’s Iowa Pale Ale IPA: Made bitter and strong to survive the long boat trip, it was originally brewed for British soldiers in India. Millstream’s version is not a hoppy monster like some IPA’s. Enjoy this refreshing, top-fermented brew with seafood and all things spicy or grilled.
