Freedom Rolling is back with another Brew Review, as we take you to three different spots across the country to sample some craft beers. As with this and all other brew reviews, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
We start with a trip east to the city of Hickory, North Carolina, home of Olde Hickory Brewery and their Hefeweizen. A popular unfiltered German style, the pale color and noticeable scent of banana brings an interesting twist to a classic. With the first sip, that smooth yet what and yeast-rich taste will bring a comforting feeling from a very simple yet time-honored brew. If you're not used to the taste or scent of yeast, you may find it to be strong in an unexpected way, so it might throw you a bit. However if you are experiencing a hot summer day in the Carolinas and need a quick cool-down, this just may be the one for you.
Taking a trip out to Kansas City on the Missouri side of the river, we make a stop at Boulevard Brewing Company to try their Space Camper Cosmic India Pale Ale. Mission Control describes a hazy golden color with the typical hop scent one would find with a typical IPA. As the brew comes in for a landing on the palette, the hop taste is strong at the outset but doesn't permeate much further than that, leaving little bitterness in the mouth. Hop lovers may want to ground this particular choice in favor of something a bit stronger, but the average drinker may find this choice takes them to infinity and beyond.
Time to take a trip north to the grand-daddy of craft brewers in Nebraska, Empyrean Brewing Company in Lincoln for what seems to be one of their more interesting offerings, the Long Route Peanut Butter Porter. Coming into the glass in a dark brown color, the scent is reminded of a peanut butter cup one would find on the candy rack at the grocery store checkout. Upon first sip, even behind the typical beer ingredients, you'd think that Reese's came to town to have a hand in this, as lingering for a moment is that calming taste of peanut butter. It's a good reminder of the old days when having a peanut butter cup, and on a colder evening when darker brews are more commonly enjoyed, anyone who has this will feel completely at home.
So the next time you Follow Your Internal Compass to another location, try out some of the brews available. You never know what you're going to find.
When most people hear about South Dakota, they think about Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. However, there's another wonderful part of the state to experience.
Extending north from Iowa, the Missouri River valley extends along the border between South Dakota and Nebraska, before turning north into South Dakota alone, and on from there. Along the way, consider stopping in Yankton, SD. Yankton is known for being one of the childhood homes of longtime NBC news correspondent Tom Brokaw, with a boulevard named in his honor. While in Yankton, go to Riverside Park and take a walk across Meridian Bridge, originally built in the 1920's to connect South Dakota and Nebraska. If walking isn't your fancy, head a few miles west to Gavins Point Dam. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950's, the dam provides hydroelectric power to the area, as well as a drivable bridge and several recreational opportunities for visitors.
Head further north towards Interstate 90, and you'll find Chamberlain, South Dakota. Stop by the rest area at the high point of the eastern side, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River valley. After taking the nature trail, stop inside for a small museum about Lewis and Clark. Back in the 1800's, President Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, including much of South Dakota. After the purchase, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were commissioned by the American government to explore what was bought. Their route took them along the Missouri River through South Dakota, and is marked as the "Lewis and Clark Trail" along modern day highways. After taking in the views and history, head across the river to the town of Oacoma. Tourists may wish to stop by "Al's Oasis", an old western themed commercial strip.
As the river winds northwest, stop by to visit Pierre. A small city in the center of the state, Pierre serves as the capital of South Dakota. While in Pierre, view the State Capitol building, along with the Governor's Mansion from a distance. Pierre is twinned by Fort Pierre, South Dakota, originally the site for talks with the Lakota tribe during the Lewis and Clark expedition, and today a small city. Two watches may want to be used when in the area, as the two cities are not only separated by river, but by time zone. Fort Pierre is a small inset in the Mountain Time Zone, also used in the western part of the state, while Pierre, along with most of the route from Interstate 90 despite going through Fort Pierre, lies within the Central Time Zone, along with the majority of the eastern part of the state.
The next time you visit South Dakota, remember that the eastern side of the state isn't just drive-by farms and prairies. The Missouri River valley may just be the place where your internal compass leads.
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