We believe that a truly great craft beer is more than just a combination of water, malt, hops, and yeast. It’s a story. It’s the story of a dream, a community, a late-night experiment, or a family tradition. It’s the passion and grit of the brewmaster, poured into every glass.
While other sites give you lists and ratings, we go deeper. Midwest Microbrew isn’t just a directory; it’s a chronicle of the heartland’s craft beer scene. Our mission is to uncover and share the stories behind the breweries and the beers that make the Midwest a world-class brewing destination. 🍻
What’s on Tap Here?
We travel the backroads and main streets of the Midwest to bring you the authentic stories you won’t find anywhere else. Pull up a stool and explore:
Brewmaster Interviews: We sit down with the creators themselves. Learn about their first homebrew, their biggest challenges, and the philosophy that drives their craft.
Brewery Spotlights: Go beyond the taproom. We explore the history, the equipment, and the unique vibe that makes each brewery a vital part of its community.
Beer Chronicles: Discover the inspiration behind your favorite IPA or the happy accident that led to a legendary stout. We feature the tales behind specific, noteworthy beers.
Our Story
About Our Company and Our People
My name is Henry Nosek, founder of Midwest Microbrew. For years, my passion wasn’t just drinking craft beer, but learning about it. On road trips across Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond, I found that the best conversations happened in the taproom. I was fascinated by the brewers who traded secure jobs for the uncertainty of a mash tun and the communities that rallied around their local brewery.
I realized there wasn’t one place dedicated to celebrating these incredible people and their journeys. So, I created one. Midwest Microbrew is a passion project dedicated to giving the hardworking, innovative, and down-to-earth brewers of the heartland the spotlight they deserve.
Behind every exceptional craft beer is a brewmaster with a story worth telling. At Midwest Microbrew, we track those people down and ask the questions that real beer fans actually want answered. How did they get started? What’s the beer they’re most proud of? What keeps them brewing when things get hard?
Get exclusive brewmaster interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and the latest craft beer content delivered straight to your inbox.
Join the Midwest Microbrew community — no spam, just good beer.
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About Midwest Microbrew
About Midwest Microbrew
Midwest Microbrew
We go beyond the tasting notes to share the untold stories behind the Midwest's best craft breweries.
Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site sharing stories, interviews, and guides to breweries across the Midwest.
Founded:
2025-06-01
Location:
Johnston, Iowa, United States
Address: 6701 Corporate Drive #4153, Johnston, Iowa, 50131, United States
Joseph Byrum is an accomplished executive leader, innovator, and cross-domain strategist with a proven track record of success across multiple industries.
Complete directory of Midwest microbreweries and craft beer destinations organized by state. Browse brewery listings across six Midwest states including Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Discover over 60 Iowa breweries featured at the Iowa Craft Beer Festival, explore 100+ Minnesota breweries pouring 500+ beers at Minneapolis events, find 80+ Illinois craft breweries celebrating Beer Under Glass in Chicago, and experience Wisconsin's 200+ microbrews at Milwaukee Brewfest. Each state directory features detailed brewery information, local craft beer festivals, award-winning taprooms, and regional brewing gems. From Columbus and Cincinnati's nationally-recognized Ohio breweries to Michigan's U.P. Fall Beer Festival showcasing 250 beers from 35 breweries, find your next craft beer destination. Perfect for beer enthusiasts planning brewery tours, locals seeking nearby taprooms, or travelers exploring the Midwest's vibrant craft beer culture. Updated brewery directories with festival schedules, brewmaster interviews, and exclusive stories behind your favorite regional brews.
Complete collection of exclusive brewmaster interviews and brewery founder stories from across the Midwest. Explore in-depth conversations with legendary craft beer makers including Dan Carey of New Glarus Brewing discussing Spotted Cow and Wisconsin's brewing legacy, Toppling Goliath's journey from Iowa cornfield to world-famous brewery, and Russ Klisch's transformation of Lakefront Brewery into a Milwaukee beer icon. Discover the stories behind award-winning breweries across Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Featured interviews include Moody Tongue Brewing's culinary revolution in Chicago, Trevor Rose-Hamblin from Old Irving Brewing, Indeed Brewing's 13-year Minneapolis success story, Bent Paddle's community-focused approach in Duluth, One Well Brewing's innovative Kalamazoo taproom with 56+ pinball machines, 22 Northmen's experience-based philosophy in Alexandria, and Titletown Brewing's 30 years as Green Bay's community hub. Each interview reveals the passion, challenges, and craft behind signature beers, brewery philosophies, and the human stories that make Midwest craft brewing special. Perfect for beer enthusiasts seeking authentic behind-the-scenes insights, aspiring brewers learning from industry leaders, or anyone interested in the people and stories shaping regional craft beer culture.
Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. We go beyond tasting notes and ratings to share the untold stories behind the region's best craft breweries through brewmaster interviews, brewery spotlights, and beer chronicles.
Q2: What states does Midwest Microbrew cover?
We currently feature breweries across six Midwest states: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. These states represent the core of the Midwest craft beer landscape, which we call the 'Heartland of Beer.'
Q3: Who is Midwest Microbrew for?
Midwest Microbrew serves craft beer enthusiasts living in or traveling through the Midwest who want to explore the regional brewing scene with depth and intentionality. Whether you're a local looking to support nearby breweries or a visitor seeking authentic recommendations, we serve as your curated guide to discovering exceptional local brews.
Q4: How can I contact Midwest Microbrew?
You can reach us by email at [email protected]. You can also use the contact form on our website at midwestmicrobrew.com/contact to submit inquiries or feedback. You can also call at 6304577158.
Q5: How can my brewery get featured on Midwest Microbrew?
If you're a Midwest brewery interested in being featured, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We're always looking for great stories to tell and hidden gems to spotlight. Share your brewery's story with us and we'll be in touch about potential interview and feature opportunities.
Q6: Is Midwest Microbrew a brewery directory or rating site?
While we help you discover breweries, we're not a traditional directory or rating site. Our tagline, 'The Story in Every Pint,' reflects our focus on the people, histories, and narratives behind breweries rather than just lists and scores. We believe a truly great craft beer is more than ingredients—it's a story of dreams, communities, and passion.
Q7: Who founded Midwest Microbrew?
Midwest Microbrew was founded by Gus Thompson as a passion project to give hardworking, innovative, and down-to-earth brewers of the heartland the spotlight they deserve. The site is operated by Big House Enterprise LLC and was founded in 2025 in Iowa.
Q8: Does Midwest Microbrew have a newsletter or social media?
Yes! You can follow us on Facebook to stay updated on our latest brewery features, brewmaster interviews, and craft beer content. Visit our contact page to connect with us and join our community of craft beer enthusiasts.
Q9: Can I suggest a brewery for Midwest Microbrew to cover?
Absolutely! We love hearing from our readers about hidden gems and favorite local spots. Send your brewery suggestions to [email protected] and tell us why you think they have a great story to share.
