Next on our brewery tour is Wise I Brewing Co. in Le Mars, Iowa. If you remember back in March we went on a tour of the city in Le Mars, but I knew I
Next on our brewery tour is Wise I Brewing Co. in Le Mars, Iowa. If you remember back in March we went on a tour of the city in Le Mars, but I knew I wanted to save this spot for our beer tour this month. And the wait was worth it. In fact, you could say perfect timing, since during the month of June Le Mars jump starts the Summer fun with their Ice Cream Days. Therefore, knowing Wise I didn’t open until 3pm, we decided to drive up a little early, do some sightseeing, and get some famous Blue Bunny Ice Cream. But alas, the time had come and we set off for our beer adventure.
Arriving, we immediately noticed the brewery to the right, behind a glass door, and the bar rail to the left. Admiring the rustic qualities of the interior design, we walked around appreciating the handmade artwork and banners on the walls. Making our way back to the bar top, we sat next to a couple who own and operate a local church, and after listening to their advice we opted for a traditional flight at first, then a Summer-inspired flight full of light beers.
Our first flight
The first flight consisted of a sour, a stout, an IPA and a lager. Honestly, I don’t know why I keep ordering IPA’s when I really don’t like them, but I wanted to try their versions of this classic brew. In the first flight I sampled I got the Cure fruited kettle sour, Victory at Midnight oatmeal stout, Ring Kid IPA, and the Laborer lager. Of course, out of the four, my favorite was the stout and then the sour, but unfortunately, I still don’t like IPA’s.
Before ordering my second flight, I talked with bar co-owner Dave, who was pouring our beer, about his business. I specifically remember them opening in late 2019, then closing soon after due to Covid-19, and then after that I left town for three months for business. The whole time I was away I remember being wrought with anxiety awaiting updates on their reopening. Then the news came that they survived the lockdown, reopened and garnered massive support for their surrounding community. Le Mars wanted to see the success of this hometown favorite, and dutifully came to their rescue, ordering growlers and sending in donations to keep the lights on.
Tour of the facility
Curious about the stainless-steel tanks behind the glass door, I asked if we could get a tour of the brewery, and Dave gladly introduced us to Ben who proceeded to educate us on the process of separation and cooling, fermenting, maturation and filtration. We learned it takes sometimes two months or longer to complete the process from malting to kegging.
We also learned the meaning behind the name Wise I. Playing a crucial part to end prohibition in Iowa, Ida B. Wise was a vocal advocate for not only ending the ban on alcohol sales and manufacturing, but also women’s rights. And for her efforts in women’s suffrage and child welfare, she was even recognized by Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt. And as for the I, well it happens to be the first letter of our great state of Iowa; thus, the name was born, Wise I. In addition, Dave and Ben, with the help of friends and family, used their “wise eyes” to get their business funded and off the ground.
Our second flight
After learning some prohibition history of Iowa and getting a brewery tour, my husband and I headed back to the bar rail to resume our beer tasting adventure. On the second flight I listened to the advice of my husband and the couple sitting next to us and ordered the Effing Buzz honey cream ale, Bees Knees lavender lemonade shandy, Strawberry Basil cider, and Key Lime Pie graff. Out of these four my favorite was the Effing Buzz and Strawberry Basil. I couldn’t really taste the sweet and sour of the key lime pie, and for some reason I didn’t read the fine print on the Bees Knees since I really REALLY don’t like lavender. But that’s just my personal preference.
Overall, and I know I’m jumping ahead, but after visiting multiple breweries in the area, Wise I is by far mine and my husband’s favorite. We are planning a trip back up to Le Mars with a few friends, and this will be an intentional stop on our visit to the Ice Cream Capitol of the World.
Plan your visit
To find out more information on Wise I Brewery, visit their website (https://www.wiseibrew.com/) and check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wiseibrew/). In addition, if you’d like to read more about their 5-barrell system, enjoy a read through the Des Moines Register’s article (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/09/11/wise-brewing-company-le-mars-craft-brewery-100th-iowa-beer-brewers-guild-prohibition-microbrewery-ia/1861711001/), and keep up to date on their current draft selection via Untapped (https://untappd.com/v/wise-i-brewing-company/9379349).
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tue – Thur: 3pm to 9pm
Friday: 3pm to 10pm
Saturday: 1pm to 10pm
Sunday: Closed
712-541-6789
15 2nd St NE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
