Olde Main Brewing Co.
www.oldemainbrewing.com, Facebook, Twitter
316 Main Street
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 232-0553
Not long ago, late one evening (or was it morning?), an Iowa State biology graduate (Jeff “Puff” Irvin) and Ames bar owner (Scott “Griff” Griffen) sat — as many of us have — dreaming over beers. This was no far-fetched fantasy. After much discussion the dream came into focus. If Puff enrolled in the master brewer’s program at the University of California at Davis, Griff would have a brewpub waiting for him upon completion of his studies. The deal was sealed that night (or morning?) with a cheers and a handshake.
Shortly thereafter, Puff emerged from the wilds of California with a degree, a tan and some real nerdy beer science knowledge. True to his word, Griff made good on his pledge to provide the brewpub. He purchased an old bicycle shop on Main Street in downtown Ames and immediately hired Puff as his head brewer. The dream became reality on Oct. 4, 2004, when Olde Main Brewing Company & Restaurant opened its doors to the public.
What has occurred since then has been nothing short of astonishing. Puff started his operation with a 15 barrel brewing system that he put together using his patented beg, borrow and buy-off-the-internet approach. After a little tinkering and a lot of experimenting, Olde Main’s signature brews began to take shape.
Word began to spread across Iowa. Iowa State students went back to their hometowns with stories about Olde Main’s offerings. People began to ask questions. Why can’t everybody in Iowa enjoy Olde Main? Why can’t I buy it in the store? So, for the first time in 2008, beer lovers from all corners of Iowa were introduced to Olde Main via distribution in grocery stores and bars.
And to think, it all started late one night (morning?) with a handshake and a cheers. The results were unpredictable, the future is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: beer is only as good as the word of the men who make it.
Olde Main Brewing Co. Beers:
Bottles and Draft
Dinkey Wheat
Belgian Style Ale
Named for the train that used to run from downtown Ames to the ISU Campus, the Dinkey Wheat has a flavor derived from coriander, chamomile, and orange peel, making for an enjoyable and unique drinking experience.
Off KILTer
Scottish Ale
This traditional Scottish Ale have subdued hop flavor and aroma with high in malt flavor. Our brew master actually wears a kilt while brewing this ale to achieve maximum Scottish feel and tradition.
Long Face
Amber Ale
A horse walks into a bar and the bartender says, “Why the long face?” An all around easy drinking, tasty beverage with malt and notable caramel flavors balanced by several American hop varieties.
Exclusively Draft
Clone
American Pale Ale
Simply a “Clone” of an American classic, this American Pale Ale is crisp and clean with a noteworthy hoppy bite. The subtle malt background balances out the refreshing ale.
To Be Named Later Stout
Stout Ale
Hearty ale with color and flavors derived from roast, chocolate, and caramel malts. This ale has a complex taste with a rich creamy mouthfeel. The pronounced hop presence balances the deep malt flavors.
GryphonbraĂĽ
American Light Lager
This classic American Lager is very easy drinking, with slight malt sweetness and restrained hop flavor and aroma. This refreshing “anytime beer” finishes clean with no aftertaste.
Red Monkey Root Beer
Rich, creamy, and smooth with no caffeine. Red Monkey is sweetened with cane sugar, honey, and molasses. No monkeys are harmed in the process of root beer production.
