A Toast to Trails

Posted on May 24, 2017 in Blog

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), Peace Tree Brewing Company, Polk County Conservation and REI West Des Moines have partnered together to celebrate and support Iowa trails in conjunction with National Trails Day.

Mary Runkel and Shae Rossetti  pour one of the first glasses of Iowa Trail Ale at the release party.

Last Friday, Peace Tree hosted an early release party for Iowa Trail Ale, a limited-edition small batch beer celebrating Iowa trails, at its Des Moines Branch. A portion of the sales of each beer, which will be available at over a dozen local establishments beginning this weekend, will be donated to INHF and Polk County Conservation to benefit Iowa trails. Peace Tree’s Iowa Trail Ale donations will be matched – and in some cases doubled – by participating bars that will be offering the beer on tap.

The Iowa Trail Ale release corresponds with a free National Trails Day event on Saturday, June 3 at Jester Park. The day will include an afternoon of trails maintenance followed by an evening of local food from Tacopocalypse, beer, and live music from Adam Bruce. INHF Trails and Greenways Director Andrea Boulton will speak about the “History of Iowa Trails.” Free camping is available that evening for all registered volunteers. RSVP.

“We’re excited to work with our partners to help people connect with, support and celebrate Iowa’s amazing trails,” said INHF Volunteer Coordinator Mary Runkel. “Unlike surrounding states, Iowa’s multi-county trails are managed by local rather than statewide agencies with support from INHF and other conservation groups. It’s a community effort. The release and June 3 event reflect that spirit.”

Joe Kesteloot, head brewer at Peace Tree, describes Iowa Trail Ale as, “A New England Style IPA brewed with pale malted barley and some oats for mouth feel and haze. Citra, Cascade, Zues, and Simcoe hops were added for a bouquet of aromas. Hop emphasis is on flavor and aroma rather than bitterness.”

Iowa Trail Ale will be available on Tap at the following central Iowa establishments:
Peace Tree Des Moines, Peace Tree Knoxville Taproom, AJ’s on East Court, Cellar Peanut Pub Pella, El Bait Shop, Flat Tire Lounge, Founder’s Irish Pub, Iowa Taproom, Mickey’s Waukee (donations will be doubled), Mullet’s (donations will be doubled), The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club, Pal Joey’s, Triangle Tap and Whiskey River Ankeny.