While my writing hasn’t kept pace with my drinking, I am closing in on the end of my 365 Iowa Beers challenge. I started this all at the end of April last year, and if I really push myself, I should be able to finish this all up by then. The things I do for my writing.

Beer 260: Jimmy Carter Happy Hour Funky as F*ck Stout

ABV: ?

Notes: A funky stout had me a bit suspicious, but this worked. At least at a sample size. It was a smooth drink, with a bit of tang in the finish.

Beer 261: JCHH Belgian Dark Mild

ABV: ?

Notes: When I think of Belgian beers, dark isn’t what usually comes to mind. This was very smooth, with some nice flavor.

Beer 262: JCHH Chocolate Mint Stout

ABV: ?

Notes: This was very good. Sort of like a Shamrock Shake, but the mint and chocolate didn’t overpower everything.

Beer 263: JCHH Black IPA

ABV: ?

Notes: It was a dark beer kind of night at el Bait Shop that night. Very drinkable, but probably the least remarkable of the beers I tried that night.

Beer 264: Madhouse Wee-Heavy

ABV: 13.5%

Notes: Madhouse aged this Scotch-style ale in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. This was strong and heavy. I probably shouldn’t have had the whole thing in one night. This is a beast.

Beer 265: Keg Creek Moongold Apricot 

ABV: 5%

Notes: This wasn’t as sweet as I was expecting it to be. Very drinkable, with a smooth finish. Hey, I think this counts as a milestone beer!

Beer 266: Kickshaw Barrel Works Choir

ABV: 6.5%

Notes: This was sweet, but not too sweet. I seemed to load up on desserty beers on this trip to the Iowa Tap Room.  Tart is the word that lingers in my mind.

Beer 267: SingleSpeed Saison de Waterloo

ABV: 5.5%

Notes: A farmhouse ale, made with Belgian yeast. Very filling, but not overly strong. This would be good with a steak.

Beer 268: SingleSpeed Zach’s Mexican Donut

ABV: 5.5%

Notes: This may be one of my favorite beers from this entire challenge, and it was a second choice for this flight since they had run out of my first option. This oatmeal stout drinks like a liquid churro. This was from a pilot batch, but SingleSpeed needs to add this into its rotation.

Beer 269: Toppling Goliath Light Speed

ABV: 5.8%

Notes: TG used to call this “Millennium Falcon,” due to the millennium and falconer’s hops made to use it. I’d guess Disney wasn’t happy with that, so Light Speed it is. It’s another pale ale from the Decorah brewery, but the hop combo really works here. This is one of my favorites from the TG lineup.

Beer 270: Madhouse Oak-Aged Imperial Red Ale

ABV: 8.5%

Notes: Another barrel-aged beer from Madhouse, with good caramel and chocolate flavors. It smells amazing, and tastes just as good.