Backpocket Brewing Company - Gold Coin

“Helles” is a German term meaning “pale” or “bright”, and is used parallel to how Anglo-American brewers use the term “pale” in “pale ale.” This interpretation from Backpocket is one of the brewery’s first beers, and it’s easy to see why it’s stuck around all these years as a year-round offering. Bright golden in the glass and topped with a head of white foam, Gold Coin offers up subtle noble hop character in the aroma, with softly floral tones, moderate spice, touches of hay, and a wisp of cut pine. Helles lagers tend to be richer than many other pale lagers, including German pilsners which tend to veer more toward hop expression, and we see that with Gold Coin, too. On the palate, look for the malts to deliver a prominent toasty impression of crusty bread, along with moderate caramelization. We picked up some notes evoking dried fruits and apple skins too, while the noble hop character comes forth with those spicy and floral qualities. Hop bitterness is low, as expected, but perfectly in balance with just a touch of residual sweetness. For pairing options, we’d recommend herb and mustard basted pork chops, chicken and fresh seafood dishes, zesty salads, your favorite sandwich, and even most soups. Prost!

While studying for a PhD in microbiology, Jake Simmons never imagined he'd be running a brewery in a few years. But, after deciding he wasn't in love with his studies, he left the PhD program and proceeded on a path that ultimately led him to the good place he finds himself in today: at the helm of Iowa's growing Backpocket Brewing Company. After working in the biotech industry for a while, which paid well but didn't inspire any passion, Jake (who had homebrewed for several years) started to consider a career in the brewing business. The chance to create something tangible, shareable, and enjoyable was just too compelling to pass up.

After a few stints at various brewing companies, Jake wound up at Old Man River Restaurant & Brewery in McGregor, IA. Their first beer flowed in 2008 from a small 7-barrel brewhouse. By 2010, they had expanded their operations enough to begin offering kegs and bottles to local draft and retail accounts. Ultimately, though, a big expansion was necessary to really hit the retail space hard, so Jake led the operations on a move to a brand-new facility in Coralville's Iowa River Landing development project in 2012. The brewery was rebranded as Backpocket, with Jake Simmons serving as founder and brewmaster. Featuring a 30-barrel brewing system, a taproom, and a kitchen, the new location is the perfect hub for local craft beer lovers.

In addition to their Coralville location, Backpocket has a Taproom in Dubuque featuring rotating taps, good food, and an array of old-school arcade games. Another even larger location is due to open soon in Johnston called Pin and Pixel, which will also feature a retro arcade as well as several duckpin bowling lanes. For more info about the brewery, visit them at backpocketbrewing.com.