“Toppling” Borders With Beer in Iowa and Wisconsin

I love me some IPA's. Which means I also love me some craft brewers. And trust me, I really do try to try them all. The India Pale Ale is a beer style renowned for its hoppy and bitter taste; initially crafted with extra hops and higher alcohol content to endure lengthy journeys to India. This infusion of hops acted as a natural preservative. Modern-day IPAs come in various styles, showcasing a spectrum of bitterness and alcohol content along a diverse range: American IPA, Double IPA, New England IPA, and Session IPA being just a few examples. Brining those bold flavors, IPAs remain a popular choice for beer enthusiasts.

That being said I always find myself going back to my favorite IPA, brewed right here in Iowa. Surely, you've heard of "Pseudo Sue?" Well, the folks at Toppling Goliath in Decorah have done it again, this time reaching across the border into Wisconsin for a collab of 'hoppy' proportions. Of course, Toppling Goliath is no stranger to special collaboration brews and anytime I see a new one debut, I try to get my hands on it.

So, in another harmonious celebration of Midwestern craftsmanship, Badger State Brewing of Wisconsin and Toppling Goliath Brewing from Iowa have joined forces to craft a limited-release beer named "Tundra Conundrum." This exclusive Hazy IPA, featuring the experimental HBC 1019 hops, seamlessly blends a light malt base with the vibrant fruit-forward hop elements characteristic of the unique hops, and sits at around 6.8% ABV.

Released in 4-packs of 16oz cans, "Tundra Conundrum" pays homage to the shared border between Wisconsin and Iowa, embodying the hardworking ethos that defines the Midwest. Unfortunately for me, the beer's availability is concentrated in major Wisconsin markets, including Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Madison, wherever both Badger State and Toppling Goliath beers are sold. However, you'll need to act quickly as the quantity is limited, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this collaborative creation of IPA nectar.

Toppling Goliath Brewing, founded by Clark and Barbara Lewey in 2009, has rapidly earned global acclaim for its IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, distributing its diverse selection of over 40 beers across 30 states. On the other hand, Badger State Brewing, established as the first brewery in Green Bay's Lambeau Field "Stadium District" in 2013, embodies Wisconsin's values of hard work, community, and fun. By the way, they recently celebrated 10 years as brewery on December 5th, so congrats to them and keep up the good brewing.

"Tundra Conundrum" stands as a testament to the evolving nature of Hazy IPAs, blending delicacy, potency, and heavy hitting flavors. This collaboration showcases the unique strengths and styles of both Badger State Brewing and Toppling Goliath. As beer lovers gather over this exclusive release, the Midwest's rich brewing tradition continues to evolve, fostering connections and creating memorable experiences.

So, it looks like I'm going to have to make a border crossing at some point to try out this new, and surely delightful, IPA.

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Looking for more good brews in the Tri-States? Check this out!