Confluence Brewing

50’s Dad

1950's Dad: A dad who wakes up, throws on his robe, and strolls down to the kitchen to pour a shot of bourbon in his steaming cup of coffee. While ...

1950's Dad: A dad who wakes up, throws on his robe, and strolls down to the kitchen to pour a shot of bourbon in his steaming cup of coffee. While receiving a delivery from the milk man, he gazes up from his newspaper, and takes a moment to appreciate the simple things in life. Rich coffee, strong bourbon, and fluffy chocolate chip pancakes made a dynamite breakfast for 50's Dad, but we thought it would make an even better beer. The times have changed, and with the addition of coffee, vanilla beans, and chocolate, our bourbon barrel aged Milk Man Stout will be sure to put a warming smile on your face.

Served at: VIP

Batch 2000 Triple Hazy IPA

Our company was built on the ingenuity of a homebrewer with a passion for experimentation and a deep appreciation for tradition. Over the past 1,99...

Our company was built on the ingenuity of a homebrewer with a passion for experimentation and a deep appreciation for tradition. Over the past 1,999 batches of beer, he's accumulated an all-star crew of passionate and hardworking individuals with their own insights, creativity, and views on the way we make and distribute beer. A big round number like 2000 affords us the perfect opportunity to look back on eleven years of brewing, learning, experimenting, testing, and sharing. We hope you'll enjoy this Triple IPA packed full of lush, juicy, tropical-forward hops showcased against a pillowy soft, sticky, sweet, and malt-forward body. Join us in looking back on all we've accomplished, and stick with us as we look ahead at the

Bulldog Honey-Style Kolsch Beer

We at Confluence are proud to call Des Moines our home, and absolutely thrilled to collaborate with the Drake Bulldogs. Home is where you find mean...

We at Confluence are proud to call Des Moines our home, and absolutely thrilled to collaborate with the Drake Bulldogs. Home is where you find meaning, value, and community. It’s where you belong, and there’s no doubt that Drake belongs in Des Moines. Every great city needs a great University, and like the hometown it represents, Drake is resilient, bold, and forever committed to the 515. This beer pays homage to Drake as Des Moines’ Hometown TeamTM. Crisp, clean, and brilliant, it’s a golden reward for those who run on blue and white. Locally harvested honey adds just a touch of sweetness that finishes dry with the faintest notes of clementines and melon. Incredibly refreshing and satisfying, it’s the perfect beer for when the

Capital Gold

This slightly sweet, bready, malty flavor is balanced perfectly by traditional German noble hops with medium-low hop bitterness. We create it with ...

This slightly sweet, bready, malty flavor is balanced perfectly by traditional German noble hops with medium-low hop bitterness. We create it with the finest domestic and imported German two-row barley malt and noble German hops as well as traditional lager yeast.

Day One Red IPA

Long before we opened our doors to the public, John and Greg broke ground on Confluence by performing a favor for the landlord. On May 17, 2012, th...

Long before we opened our doors to the public, John and Greg broke ground on Confluence by performing a favor for the landlord. On May 17, 2012, they began tearing out an old derelict cooler in a neighboring tenant's space. In exchange, they were given the panels of a functional cooler that would become the brewery’s first cold storage. Twelve years later, we have expanded our footprint into that previous tenant's unit, and today we’re starting a new cooler expansion in the same space where the original cooler was removed back on Day One. Everything comes around again. Take this Red IPA, a style that’s fallen out of favor, whose classic combination of sweet caramel malts, citrus, and resin-forward hops creates a timeless, palate-plea

Des Moines IPA

Iowa’s steady, well balanced nature is reflected in this IPA with its mix of medium body, lighter color and plenty of malt flavor to balance the ma...

Iowa’s steady, well balanced nature is reflected in this IPA with its mix of medium body, lighter color and plenty of malt flavor to balance the massive hop impact. Citrusy and piney hops from the Pacific Northwest offset the robust malt flavor of the two-row barley and medium crystal malts.

Extinction Event - Idaho Gem, HBC630, Lotus, & Strata

This series is our ever-evolving answer to the shifting landscape of IPAs. Each batch is created with a similar malt backbone, but with enough vari...

This series is our ever-evolving answer to the shifting landscape of IPAs. Each batch is created with a similar malt backbone, but with enough variance from its own sequence of lush, tropical-forward hops to be a unique species. Our passion for maximum flavor drives our unstoppable quest for incredible hop combinations. It's designed with a softer body, sweeter profile, and low bitterness, to showcase many of today's designer hops. Every batch in this hazy series will have its own unique hops line-up. You might be tempted to shelter this creation from extinction by squirreling it away, but to truly enjoy this beer, drink it fresh... then look for the next!

Farmer John’s

A refreshing blonde ale featuring a base of two row American barley malt along with a large portion of wheat malt, a small dose of rye malt and un-...

A refreshing blonde ale featuring a base of two row American barley malt along with a large portion of wheat malt, a small dose of rye malt and un-malted oats, corn and wheat. It's then lightly hopped with English East Kent Goldings hops chosen for their subtle, earthy qualities and finished with Czech Saaz hops for their sweet, floral essence to create a beer that’s light in body and color, with a velvety texture and an aroma as sweet as a freshly cut field of hay.

Ferryman's Blueberry Vanilla, Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout

Legend has it that on occasion the confluence of the Des Moines and the Raccoon rivers are met by an ethereal third, known to some as the river Sty...

Legend has it that on occasion the confluence of the Des Moines and the Raccoon rivers are met by an ethereal third, known to some as the river Styx. Trafficked by a cloaked and mysterious black figure who, since time immemorial, has conveyed souls from one bank to the other, pausing only occasionally to refresh his own weary spirit. A rich blend of roasted and chocolate malts layered over tart and jammy blueberries and sweetened with a blend of Ugandan, Tahitian and Madagascar Vanilla, this stout is precisely the treat needed to sustain his eternal mission and bring a smile to his face. We hope this legendary beer­ does the same for you, our legendary fans. Cheers!

Served at: VIP

Ferryman's Chocolate Orange, Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout W/ Cacao, Orange Peel, & Cinnamon

Legend has it that on occasion the confluence of the Des Moines and the Raccoon rivers are met by an ethereal third river–known to some as the rive...

Legend has it that on occasion the confluence of the Des Moines and the Raccoon rivers are met by an ethereal third river–known to some as the river Styx. Trafficked by a cloaked and mysterious black figure who, since time immemorial, has conveyed souls from one bank to the other, pausing only occasionally to refresh his own weary spirit. We’ve managed to save away a small measure of that otherworldly tonic, and preserved it in carefully selected bourbon barrels until the time was right. A rich blend of roasted and chocolate malts meld seamlessly with the heat, caramel and dark macerated fruits from the whiskey casks. Layered over silky cacao nibs and spiked with warm cinnamon and bright orange citrus, it’s precisely the treat needed to sus

Served at: VIP

It's A Wonderful BarleyLife, Bourbon Barrel Aged American-Style Barleywine Ale

Life is a winding path, sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet, but always full of possibilities and new experiences. Our barrel aged American-style Bar...

Life is a winding path, sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet, but always full of possibilities and new experiences. Our barrel aged American-style Barleywine is a bit like that–if you’ll forgive the metaphor. Big notes of dark, dried fruits dance among flavors and aromas of caramel, molasses, and brown sugar, while oak tannins and Pacific Northwest hops provide a clean and balancing bitterness. Complex, exciting, and ultimately satisfying, this ale will make you a believer in the old saying: “Barleywine is Life.” So pick up a 4-pack of It’s A Wonderful BarleyLife–we promise it’ll make you feel like the richest person in town!

Served at: VIP

Light & Squeezy, Lemon-Raspberry Radler

Radler may mean cyclist in German, but you definitely don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy one. And while it may be true that this incredibly refres...

Radler may mean cyclist in German, but you definitely don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy one. And while it may be true that this incredibly refreshing beer and fruit soda hybrid tastes its best after you finish some sort of activity that leaves you drenched in sweat, we promise it still tastes pretty darn awesome when you’ve been sitting in the air conditioning all day. We crafted this all-rounder by brewing up a Kolsch for an ultra light, ultra clean, and ultra crisp base to mix with a big ol' pile of juicy raspberries and some house-made lemon soda. A little tart, a little jammy, and a little sweet, we promise no law dictates that you can only drink one after a pulse-pounding workout. In fact, we recommend keeping a four-pack on hand so

Long Ride

This beer honors the spirit, camaraderie and education of bike enthusiasts. Long Ride is paved with American two-row barley; Vienna and English Cry...

This beer honors the spirit, camaraderie and education of bike enthusiasts. Long Ride is paved with American two-row barley; Vienna and English Crystal malts. Mosaic and El Dorado hops add fruity aromas and flavors. American Ale yeast delivers a clean finish that allows the malt and hops to shine through.

Milk Man Milk Stout

Like the profession it honors, this stout reliably delivers an extremely rich and smooth black brew with notes of chocolate and a hint of coffee. W...

Like the profession it honors, this stout reliably delivers an extremely rich and smooth black brew with notes of chocolate and a hint of coffee. We used Irish stout malt, Special B, chocolate malt, roasted barley, and flaked oats.

Old Chungus Bourbon Barrel Aged Scottish-Style Wee Heavy Ale W/ Heather

Meet Old Chungus–of Clan Chungus, of course–equal parts kind, wise, irascible, round, and downright adorable. Perhaps you’ve caught sight of her pu...

Meet Old Chungus–of Clan Chungus, of course–equal parts kind, wise, irascible, round, and downright adorable. Perhaps you’ve caught sight of her puttering around your neighbor’s Highlands, or found her basking along the lochs and firths of your own backyard. We’re proud to pay tribute to this chonky old-timer with a beer as well aged as its namesake. Sweet and rich malt character marries perfectly with notes of baking chocolate, oak and vanilla from the barrels, and a pleasant bourbon heat running throughout. A perfect tribute to the rotund matriarch, this beer is a great example of why you should always respect your elders. Slàinte Mhath!

Served at: VIP

Over the Ivy

This beer takes a little longer to make than most, but its crisp and refreshing taste makes it a perfect pairing for long-awaited victories.

Overnight Oats, Barrel Aged Double Oatmeal Stout

When we whipped up our Oatmeal Cookie Stout, our minds raced with ideas for the ultimate spin-off. And really, what’s a better treatment for oats t...

When we whipped up our Oatmeal Cookie Stout, our minds raced with ideas for the ultimate spin-off. And really, what’s a better treatment for oats than rolling ‘em in a barrel! After a nice long slumber it was time to mix in the add-ins. This bourbon barrel beauty is topped with fresh vanilla, toasted almonds, and bright, juicy cherries. It's like waking up to the fanciest bowl of oats, but in a glass. Good morning, and cheers!

Served at: VIP

Pineapple Mango Wizard, Gose Style Sour Ale W/ Pineapple & Mango

When humans first began brewing beer, the science behind fermentation was not well understood and probably seemed a bit like magic. We now know tha...

When humans first began brewing beer, the science behind fermentation was not well understood and probably seemed a bit like magic. We now know that around 1000 AD in Goslar, in present-day Germany, lactic producing bacteria from the grain and air combined with the salinity of their local water source to help the brewers produce a tart, refreshing brew that we call Gose (GO-zuh). In conjuring up a plan for this beer, we honored that natural sort of magic by culturing lactobacillus organically from our grain to quickly sour a whole batch of beer. The resulting brew retains the magic of the original, with a citrus-like tartness and minerality that awakens and refreshes your palate with each sip. Of course any wizard worth the name has more th

Red Dawn Michelada-Style Lager

Whether you’ve been fighting off invasion from a foreign power, or just feeling the effects of a little overindulgence last night, a Michelada is t...

Whether you’ve been fighting off invasion from a foreign power, or just feeling the effects of a little overindulgence last night, a Michelada is the perfect refreshment to get you back into the fray. For our take on this classic pick-me-up, we started with our Capital Gold Vienna-Style Lager. Full-bodied and malty, with just a hint of honey-like sweetness, it uses the perfect base of tangy tomato, bright lime, hot sauce heat, and just a touch of salt to transform into a restorative tonic. Grab a 4-pack for your next Sunday brunch, dinner on the patio, or anytime you need a refreshing way to get a new start on the day!

Sawyer's Serenade - Tequila Barrel Aged Lager W/ Guava & Agave

As the dulcet tones of our very own singing brewer, Jacob Sawyer, waft across the cellars on a Saturday morn; so too the harmonious flavors of agav...

As the dulcet tones of our very own singing brewer, Jacob Sawyer, waft across the cellars on a Saturday morn; so too the harmonious flavors of agave nectar and guava sing their sweet refrain through every sip of Sawyer’s Serenade. As notes of tequila and mezcal dance on your tongue, the ballad swells to a crescendo of piquant flavors reminiscent of a classic cocktail. Take a sip, close your eyes, and let this sultry cowboy sing to you of red rocks and agave fields that stretch to the sun.

Served at: VIP

South Side Citra Blonde Ale

Belgian two-row pilsner malt, cara-blonde and a little wheat malt and American Ale yeast. The not-so-secret ingredient is an intentionally light to...

Belgian two-row pilsner malt, cara-blonde and a little wheat malt and American Ale yeast. The not-so-secret ingredient is an intentionally light touch of Citra hops, just enough to inject light bittering flavor via whirlpool and dry-hopping but not so much as to inhibit drinkability.

The Melba Wizard Fruited Sour Ale W/ Peach & Raspberry

When humans first began brewing beer, the science behind fermentation was not well understood and probably seemed a bit like magic. We now know tha...

When humans first began brewing beer, the science behind fermentation was not well understood and probably seemed a bit like magic. We now know that around 1000 AD in Goslar, in present day Germany, lactic producing bacteria from the grain and air combined with the salinity of their local water source to help the brewers produce a tart, refreshing brew that we call Gose (Go-zuh). In conjuring up a plan for this beer, we honored that natural sort of magic by culturing lactobacillus organically from our grain to quickly sour a whole batch of beer. The resulting brew retains the magic of the original, with a citrus-like tartness and minerality that awakens and refreshes your palate with each sip. Of course any wizard worth the name has more th

Yard Yacht Session Hazy IPA

This beer is brewed for the Tuesdays, the workdays, the hum-drum doldrums of a midweek evening. Yard Yachting is about escaping the mundane and sei...

This beer is brewed for the Tuesdays, the workdays, the hum-drum doldrums of a midweek evening. Yard Yachting is about escaping the mundane and seizing on the opportunity to make every day a little special. With the power of your imagination, and the help of some like-minded adventurers, a pedestrian after work hang can easily transform into a tropical vacation. Born from that spirit, Yard Yacht is the perfect beer for your weeknight getaway. Bursting with big bright flavors of citrus, berries and exotic fruits, but with an ABV low enough that you can enjoy a few without compromising tomorrow, it’s the perfect companion for whatever adventures you can dream up. Stop waiting for the weekend, pick up a 4 pack of Yard Yacht and set sail tonigh