Learn about how beer and breweries got its start in the state of Iowa.
Iowa's territorial legislature tried everything they could to restrict consumption through prohibitions and bans even before Iowa became a state in 1846. Mathais Frahm founded Davenport, the first brewery in the state, in 1850. Eight years after becoming a state, Iowans then voted in favor of a prohibition statute, which was later changed to permit beer and wine, mostly to please the state's rapidly expanding German community.
Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, state prohibition laws were modified, overturned, re-voted on, and mostly disregarded, particularly once a legislation was passed taxing the sale of non-pharmaceutical alcohol. Then, in 1919, Iowa became the 31st state to ratify prohibition.
A rich history of brew masters, lager makers, and hard cider brewers have left their marks on the Iowa landscape and culture for decades; however, a resurgence of the local craft beer movement has led to the rapid growth of microbreweries and brewpubs throughout Iowa, currently totaling more than 100 locations statewide.
According to the National Brewers Association, the craft beer sector will continue to expand in 2022, averaging double-digit growth each year, including a 25 percent gain in 2013 and a 17.6 percent increase in 2014.
The Iowa Wine and Beer Promotion Board funded a 2015 study that found the state's craft brewing sector employs 1,500 locals, contributes $100 million to the economy, and generated close to 41,000 barrels of beer in 2014. In 2018, more than 120,000 brews were made in Iowa.
Craft brewing in Iowa includes more than just producing beers that win awards. Additionally, brewers support job growth, economic reinvestment, and the tourism sector in Iowa. The sector is making a lot of effort to foster community, and at Iowa Brewing Company, we're honored to be a leading Cedar Rapids brewery and growing our presence throughout the region.