Beers and ciders, oh my, at The Iowa Taproom

On draft at the Iowa Taproom, from left: A zesty Chili IPA from Turner Alley Brewing; a refreshing Hazelnut Oatmeal Pale Stout from Reclaimed Rails Brewing, 6.0% ABV, 27.5 IBU; an easy drinking California Common from Iowa Brewing with their Tragedy of the Commons, 4.9% ABV, 38 IBU.

Masters of the fruit! Keg Creek's Black Cherry Stout, left, starts off dark and bitter like pure cacao, but brightens with subtle cherry after further quaffs. 5.2% ABV, zero IBUs. "Woooooo!" I exclaimed upon whiffing Parkside Brewing's Belly Dancer, right, a 7.0% ABV chai stout. Loads of spice! It is what it says it is.

Surprising ciders! Oaked sour cherry from Jefferson County Ciderworks, left, is refreshing with bright cherry flavor, and hints of vinegar on the nose and sugar on the palate. An optimal drink for warmer months. 6.7% ABV. Jacked Cider House's (Crimson Sunset Vineyards and Winery) cider with strawberries, right, starts off on the sweet side, with a taste not unlike strawberries in sugar. Finishes with an equal mix of sour and sweet. 6.8% ABV.