Wizard's Den

Wizard's Den Bar & Tap, Arcade, BBQ & Grill, Smokehouse. Over 50 Arcade Games, Skeeball, Shuffleboard, Darts.

Sampled the BA Barleywine this week, three months aged so far - and it did not disappoint! Color, Aroma, and Taste are ...
12/19/2025

Sampled the BA Barleywine this week, three months aged so far - and it did not disappoint! Color, Aroma, and Taste are right on the mark! It has many more months to forge but stay tuned!

10/10/2025

When I decided to dive into the world of craft beer and turn a small section of my basement into a full-blown brewery, I made myself a promise: I’d give this passion three full years of dedication — success or failure be damned. If, after those three years, my heart was still in it, I’d keep going, upgrade my equipment, and continue investing in the craft. If not, I’d sell off the gear and move on with no regrets.

Exactly three years ago today, I publicly announced the 'opening' of Wizard’s Den Brewing.

I’m proud to say that three years later, my heart is still completely in it — the passion, the creativity, the pure joy of crafting something special to share, from the can art to the beer inside. Words can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for the love, encouragement, and friendship from so many of you who’ve supported this little journey from day one.

This is an expensive hobby, with no monetary return on investment for me. I don’t have a license to sell or distribute the beer I make — which means that when I brew a batch, you can be sure it’s not for the money. I’m not here to be an instant success turnkey brewery for generic consumption or a revolving door of profit for the masses. I want to craft quality beer, regardless of the quantity or time it takes. It’s a labor of love and passion.

Beer brings people together, and great things happen when good beer is involved. I believe that the conversation & camaraderie that beer & people bring to the table together is something that is a part of being human, and always an experience that is hard to top. My hope is that, in some small way, Wizard’s Den Brewing has contributed to that experience, just as so many incredible local breweries have done for all of us.

This has been an amazing ride and I fully intend to keep riding. Beer is art, and every beer tells a story. Here's to the next chapter of the Wizard's Den.

Play Like a Kid
Eat Like a King
Drink Like a God

Eight weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to obtain an incredible oak barrel with an impressive pedigree from my friends a...
09/24/2025

Eight weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to obtain an incredible oak barrel with an impressive pedigree from my friends at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, IA. I could talk forever about this barrel, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise just yet.

Seven weeks ago, I brewed an English Style Barleywine. The brew days went very well, and I am deeply thankful for the help I received. It was a bold initiation that involved many brewing hours, preceded by weeks of designing, planning, and preparation.

Last weekend I transferred into the barrel, where it will rest for an amount of time that is yet to be determined.

Brewing something of this scale isn’t just a solitary craft; it thrives on dedication, shared knowledge, encouragement, the steady hands of those willing to lend their time, and the unquenchable enthusiasm of the craft beer community. That support made the difference between simply completing a brew and creating something special.

I’m proud to say this beer is already something truly remarkable. The magic of a Barleywine lies in time, so I’m excited to see how the flavors deepen as it ages. Entering the barrel at 12% ABV with a rich, full personality, I eagerly anticipate the day I experience its finished character—and I especially look forward to unveiling and sharing it with all of you.

Until then.... Drink Like a God.

Makin' a Barleywine, Drinkin' a Barleywine!
08/09/2025

Makin' a Barleywine, Drinkin' a Barleywine!

Yesterday we celebrated National IPA Day with a nice road trip and some live music! Today... back in the brewery to pre...
08/08/2025

Yesterday we celebrated National IPA Day with a nice road trip and some live music! Today... back in the brewery to prep for the next big thing. What's your favorite IPA Style?

Proud to renew my membership and continue to be an official member of the American Homebrewers Association! The AHA com...
08/08/2025

Proud to renew my membership and continue to be an official member of the American Homebrewers Association! The AHA community is full of creativity, camaraderie, and passion for the craft, which is why I am honored to stand among so many passionate brewers and continue crafting incredible beers! Here’s to more hops, more malt, and more unforgettable brews!

"... and swung it down like a bolt of thunder...."
08/02/2025

"... and swung it down like a bolt of thunder...."

Forged in Fire, Aged in Shadow - Patience shall summon the reckoning....
07/28/2025

Forged in Fire, Aged in Shadow - Patience shall summon the reckoning....

I'd like to give a heartfelt thanks to all who came last night for the official release of "Andúril, Flame of the West"....
04/17/2025

I'd like to give a heartfelt thanks to all who came last night for the official release of "Andúril, Flame of the West". It was elbow-to-elbow in a packed Den for sure. It was a good time with great people and an amazing beer share on top of it. I am humbled. I am grateful. Now, on to the next brew.

A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends, and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is ...
04/11/2025

A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends, and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!

Hello, and Happy National Beer Day! I know, we haven't talked in a while, but what a perfect day to announce our newest...
04/07/2025

Hello, and Happy National Beer Day! I know, we haven't talked in a while, but what a perfect day to announce our newest brew! Andúril, Flame of the West - a DDH West Coast Double IPA.

Reforged from the shards of Narsil, Andúril was more than a sword - it was a symbol of hope, rightful kingship, and the return of light to a shadowed world.

In that spirit, and forged in the fires of passion and tradition,
Andúril: Flame of the West is a West Coast IPA that carries the spirit of the Dúnedain.

With a radiant deep golden hue, it delivers a hop-forward assault,
blending Warrior’s strength, Chinook’s piney edge, and Simcoe’s fruit-laden touch. Centennial and Columbus flow through it - a tribute to ancient kings and timeless craft.

Each sip is a crisp tale of bravery, with a finish like a well-forged blade - decisive, satisfying, and echoing the courage of those who defend the free lands.

The King has returned.

Andúril, Flame of the West will have a limited amount available in cans, coming soon. Cheers!

Presenting HopCock: Citra! Our 5th beer is an 8.3% ABV Triple Dry-Hopped Double IPA, with 100% Citra Sunshine Heaven! ...
09/28/2024

Presenting HopCock: Citra! Our 5th beer is an 8.3% ABV Triple Dry-Hopped Double IPA, with 100% Citra Sunshine Heaven! Cheers!

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