Peace Tree Brewing Company - Knoxville

On a recent Saturday we had the chance to head to Knoxville to check out the taproom at Peace Tree Brewing Company. Peace Tree has been brewing some excellent beer that Grant really enjoys, so we were looking forward to tasting what was on tap. Located at 107 West Main Street in Knoxville, the brewery is easy to find.

We were glad to see this sign - we'd been here a couple of time previously when the taproom was closed.

It's a nice, warm, inviting space. Lots of seating and a big bar. They have several events at the taproom including live music, trivia nights, and special beer dinners. 

The taproom always has Red Rambler, Blonde Fatale, Hop Wrangler, and Rye Porter, as well as their root beer. In addition, you'll find some seasonal and small batch beer on tap, depending on what's available.

This is what was available on the day we stopped in. The Red Rum was a rum barrel-aged beer that sounded pretty interesting. Quite the selection!

This nice fellow got to pouring us some beer. I love their tappers.

They had some different grains and barleys in these glasses on the bar. Fun to smell them and learn how they affect the taste of the finished beer.

Grant had a pint of the Red Rambler, his favorite of their brews. It was neat to find out that the brewery location was once a Nash Rambler car dealership, hence the name.

Here's a close-up of the info on the various beers on tap. Great information to help you choose what to try.

I decided to try a sampler. I'd already had the Blonde Fatale, so I knew I liked that one for sure. But I really enjoyed the Black River Gumbo stout and the Red Rum. You could really taste the rum in that beer and it was bursting with flavor. The Rye Porter was a little too strong tasting for me, so Grant drank most of that one.

They don't serve food at the taproom, but there are some snacks available. Plus, they have take-out menus from local restaurants, many of them will deliver right to the brewery.

I love the artwork from Peace Tree. Their logo (here on this slightly beery coaster) and bottle labels are colorful and unique.

We were talking with the bartender and explained that we were taking all of the photos to put up a post on Iowa Foodie - so he invited me to the back to see the production side of the building. There are a whole lot of beautiful stainless steel tanks back there.

Peace Tree is widely distributed throughout the state of Iowa. Being such a popular beer, I'm sure these kegs get filled quickly.

And I'm sure they have something up their sleeve for all of these Templeton Rye barrels. We'll definitely be trying whatever comes out of them, that's for sure.

One thing that really surprised me was how 'petite' the bottling line was... OK, it's small! They must have some very efficient bottlers to crank out enough product to keep up with the pace of distribution. 

Plus, they have a cool sticker wall back there.

We're hoping to plan a weekend around one of the beer dinners in the future. But really, take the drive to Knoxville and check out Peace Tree Brewing Company for yourself. Great handcrafted beer, fun people, and it always feels awesome to support local businesses. So get a growler at the brewery or pick up a 6 pack for the fridge from one of these fine places that carry Peace Tree. You'll also find their products on tap at your favorite local establishments. Remember, travel global - drink local.

Peace Tree Brewing Company

107 W. Main Street
Knoxville, IA 50138

515.842.BREW (2739)

More information at www.peacetreebrewing.com and like their Facebook page here.

Comments

[Coryets]

Sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks for a great review!

[Doug]

Those Templeton Rye barrels are getting me all excited for Templeton Red and Templeton White, assuming they make the same beers they had last year. I tried them at Brewfest at Principal Park last summer and at the brewery. Red Rambler or Blonde Fatale aged in Templeton barrels is freaking AWESOME!

[Manon]

LOVE Peace Tree. I definitely hope to be able to make it to one of their dinners soon, too!

[Amy]

So that's whats up with those barrels. I will definitely want to taste those versions of my favorites!