Millstream Brewing Company - Shenanigans

Smooth, malty, and irresistibly drinkable, Shenanigans is a flavorful Irish Red Ale – that's considerably stronger than most traditional Irish versions – crafted with Midwest pride. This well-balanced brew pours a clear amber-red with a creamy, off-white head. Rich caramel and toasted malt notes shine upfront, backed by a touch of biscuit and a mellow, creamy mouthfeel.

If ever there was a place long overdue for a new brewery, it was Amana, IA. Until the Millstream Brewing Company opened their doors in 1985, the area had not been graced by the presence of a brewery for over 100 years. Why it took that long to get a brewery going in Amana, we don't know. What we do know is that the Millstream Brewing Company, founded by brothers James & Dennis Roemig and Carroll F. Zuber, was the first microbrewery in the state of Iowa, and was born out of a love for the finest European ales & lagers and the will to brew great, handcrafted beers locally. Oh, another thing we know... 40 years after their beers hit the market, they just keep getting better!

Master brewer Chris Priebe, who trained at Chicago’s world-famous Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology, became Millstream’s head brewer in 2000, setting them up for a period of growth as the craft beer market in the U.S. expanded greatly. In 2001 the brewery was sold to new owners, Tom & Teresa Albert, who maintained the brewery’s high standards and focus on German and other European styles. Then, in 2021, the brewery was sold to Steve & Susan Charlier and their business partner Justin Cohanim, while the Alberts remain owners of the adjacent Millstream Brau Haus. The new owners seek to maintain the brewery’s core beers while expanding the lineup to include more contemporary styles. They’ve also added a canning line to adapt to the modern demand for this packaging format.

If you're ever in the area of Amana, IA, stop by Millstream's Taproom with 20 rotating taps, or head over to the Brau Haus to try their excellent beers (as well as their hand-crafted root beer, ginger beer, and cream soda) alongside some good food with a bit of German flair. For more information about the brewery, check out their web site at www.millstreambrewing.com.