ESCONDIDO, Calif. – Rumors have been buzzing the internet with news that Stone Brewing Co. beers would soon be available in Iowa, and that is indeed happening come October 1.  Stone, which is known for its bold, flavorful and hop-centric beers, will be distributed throughout the Hawkeye state thanks to Doll Distributing in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, and Spencer; Fahr Beverage in Waterloo; and Fleck Sales Company in Cedar Rapids and West Burlington. Stone CEO and co-founder Greg Koch is a sucker for a grandiose entrance, and the lineup of Iowa events will be no exception.  October 2 through 6 will be filled with tap takeovers, special release beers, festivals, and meet & greets with Greg and Stone representatives.

“We’ve had requests for our beers in Iowa for quite some time,” Greg exclaimed.  “It’s a big accomplishment to add the state to our distribution list and contribute to the growing craft beer scene in Iowa.”

Iowa will be the 36th state where Stone Brewing Co. beers are distributed.  All nine year-round Stone beers and some special releases will be distributed in select cities in 62 Iowa counties.

Stone Brewing Co. events in Iowa:
Tuesday, Oct. 2:

  • Kick-off night at the Simon Estes Amphitheater (downtown south of City Hall at East First between Locus and Walnut, Des Moines) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Greg Koch, live music, and Stone beer.
    • Admission is a $5 donation with the proceeds benefiting the Iowa Parks Foundation and The Ben Harris Fund.

Wednesday, Oct. 3:

  • Zombie Burger (300 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines) 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: meet & greet with Greg Koch, Stone special release beers on tap and available in bottles, special burger created with Arrogant Bastard Ale.
  • El Bait Shop (200 SW 2nd Street, Des Moines) 7 p.m.
    • Stone special release beers on tap, and live music.

Thursday, Oct. 4:

  • The Keg Stand (3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines) 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, all nine year-round beers on tap and two special releases – Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Double Dry Hopped Stone Ruination IPA.
  • DG’s Tap House (125 Main Street, Ames) 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, Stone beers on tap and available in bottles.
  • Welch Ave. Station (207 Welch Avenue, Ames) 9 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, Stone beers on tap and available in bottles.

Friday, Oct. 5:

  • Mulligans Brick Oven and Pub (205 East 18th Street, Cedar Falls) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, seven year-round beers on tap.
    • Featuring two new “Stone Oven” pizzas made to pair with Arrogant Bastard Ale and Stone IPA.

Saturday, Oct. 6:

  • Reds Ale House (405 N. Dubuque, North Liberty) 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
    • Beer-akfast: meet & greet with Stone representatives, breakfast, all nine year-round beers on tap and two special releases – Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Double Dry Hopped Stone Ruination IPA.
  • Northside Oktoberfest Beer Festival (Between Bloomington and Jefferson Streets and Lin and Gilbert Streets) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, all nine year-round beers in bottles.
  • Parlor City Pub and Eatery (1125 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids) 6 p.m.
    • Meet & greet with Stone representatives, all nine year-round beers on tap and two special releases – Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Double Dry Hopped Stone Ruination IPA.

For more information and a list of Stone Week: Iowa events, please visitstonebrewing.com/iowa/, “Like” on Facebook at facebook/stonebrewinginiowa.com or “Follow” on Twitter @stonebrewnate.

ABOUT STONE BREWING CO.

Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego. It is the 11th largest craft brewery in the United States and has been named “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine – TWICE! The brewery recently announced more than $50 million in expansion plans that includes Stone Packaging Hall, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, and the future Stone Hotel among other lofty ventures. For more information, please visit stonebrewing.com, “Follow” on Twitter or “Like” on Facebook.