Latest news with #PseudoSue
Axios
17-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Small-town brewery is Iowa's largest craft beer producer
Decorah's Toppling Goliath (TG) sits in a community of around 7,500 people, but its craft beer sales are the largest in the state, according to 2024 Brewers Association data. Why it matters: Craft beer is experiencing a decline, and while TG hasn't been immune to it, the brewery is banking on its international fandom and award-winning products to help buoy it during the downturn. By the numbers: TG sold nearly 36,000 barrels last year, with Big Grove coming in a close second, at around 34,000, per the Brewers Association. However, while TG's beer sales declined by 7% in comparison to 2023, Big Grove's climbed, thanks to its larger footprint. State of play: There are a few reasons behind TG's success, says Sam Lewey, spokesperson for Toppling Goliath. Owners Clark and Barbara Lewey couldn't get the craft beer they wanted locally — they had to drive to Rochester, Minnesota, or La Crosse, Wisconsin. So, they decided to start their own brewery and focused on producing crowd-pleasers like barrel-aged stouts and hoppy pale ales and IPAs. They opened in 2009, when craft beer was experiencing a surge. Zoom in: TG got its first big hit with the release of Pseudo Sue in 2012 — a hoppy, hazy pale ale that's become the company's most iconic brew. That was followed by popular barrel-aged stouts like Assassin and Kentucky Brunch. The intrigue: The first time they released Kentucky Brunch in 2012, six people showed up, Lewey says. Now, it's earned worldwide acclaim, including winning the highest-rated beer of 2024, per Untappd Community awards. Bottles of its 2014 release average $1,249, according to Beerblackbook. People from all over the world have traveled to the taproom in Decorah, Lewey says. Zoom out: Now TG distributes to 36 states and nine different countries, and that requires planning a year ahead of distribution. For example: Pseudo Sue was only in 12-pack cans, but Costco wanted to offer bulk for its customers. They created new packaging for a 24-pack of beer. The intrigue: The brewery is also selling other drinks, including THC drink Merry Rain and spirits like whiskey and gin.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dino-mite experience coming to Blank Park Zoo
DES MOINES, Iowa – A prehistoric adventure is in store for visitors to the Blank Park Zoo this summer. The zoo will, temporarily, become Dino Park Zoo. Beginning in July, the zoo will be home to an exhibit of 15 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs. The realistic animatronics will breathe, roar, and some fart and pee according to zoo officials. The animatronics aren't the only way the zoo will take guests back in time. The dinosaur theme will be extended throughout the zoo experience with educational programs and special events. 'Dino Park Zoo will be an immersive experience where guests can encounter new dinosaur-themed attractions, hands-on learning opportunities, and exciting events for the whole family,' said Anne Shimerdla, President & CEO of Dino Park Zoo. Zoo Brew is getting in on the fun as well, with Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath in Decorah being served. The ale is named after the famous T. rex 'Sue' whose fossilized skeleton is displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago. The Dino Park Zoo experience will run from July through the end of October, and even stick around for the 35th annual Night Eyes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
