| The Arrival
 Terry and I were in Cedar Rapids for Novell's exteNd - Director Portal seminar. Lucky for me my day ended when I finished the seminar, too bad for Terry, he was still on the clock. Just a couple of blocks away was the Cedar Brewing Company, in quite an unassuming strip mall. Inside I was surprised to find a stylish restaurant.
The Beer  Eight brews on tap served in 7 oz samplers. Would have been 9 but I missed their Oatmeal by a couple of days.
Black Cobra Stout -
This was my 2nd favorite. The roasted barley, smoky aroma and smooth finish made this beer a real winner. Be sure to have their Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake with it.
Reviewer's Rating: 6 - Excellent. Order another one right away or take a growler home.
Dunkel Weiss -
Malty sweetness stands out in this one.
Reviewer's Rating: 4 - A decent beer. Slightly above average.
Flying Aces's Ale -
Gotta love a place that makes an ESB! By the time I got to this one, it was close to room temperature, only added to the experience. Brewed a little more hoppy then most I have tried. Definitely a great beer.
Reviewer's Rating: 5 - Now this is beer. Would definitely drink again.
Helles Honey Bock -
Mildly sweet. I'm not much for honey beers, so I was surprised at how good this was. It is made with pure Iowa wild flower honey, and it's noticable. It was a very refreshing beer.
Reviewer's Rating: 4 - A decent beer. Slightly above average.
Magnus Malt House Porter -
"WOW!!!" This was the star of my visit. Right away the roasted aroma promised me this was going to be a great beer. The roasted, chocolate & caramel malts combined to such perfection. I just had to order a 23oz one right-away.
Reviewer's Rating: 7 - Near perfect. Equal to any beer in its style. Drive many miles to get.
Red Rocket Amber Ale -
A great, easy drinking, beer! A good pool playing beer. Moderate hop, balanced malt/bitterness, and medium body tastes great and is clean before you take your next shot.
Reviewer's Rating: 4 - A decent beer. Slightly above average.
Sassy Lassy Pale Scotch Ale -
Very light and clean. A good converter beer for Bud Lite fans.
Reviewer's Rating: 3 - Equal to most macrobrews. Not too bad; nothing special.
Tilted Kilt -
#3 on my list of favorites. Not because of it lacking anything, there are just so many great beers! Love them Scottish Ales! Comparable to the Sassy Lassy, but a little sweeter
Reviewer's Rating: 5 - Now this is beer. Would definitely drink again.
Discussion with Brewmaster
Mike Snyder was unavailable, but we enjoyed a lengthy conversation with the owner, Bradley Smith. While it seemed that Bradley gives Mike some encouragement for experimentation, overall consistency in their brewing is the focus.
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The Atmosphere
Missing most of the bar game novelties, we noticed a more business oriented clientele. The food was amazing! I had the "New Orleans Best", spicy sausage, shrimp and pulled pork with rice and beans. I had this with "Magnus Malt House Porter" and was in heaven. Followed by the "Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake" and the "Black Cobra Stout", dear lord can it get any better.
Afterthoughts
 Definitely calls for a revisit. If not for their beer, then for their food. I was a big fan of the "Flying Ace's Ale" and the "Black Cobra Stout", but the "Magnus Malt House Porter" was a definite favorite. I'll be counting the days until my return there.
Visit Cedar Brewing Company Website
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