After a year of quarantining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beer lovers came out in droves to the Benz Beverage Depot’s 16th annual Beer Fest held in June. “I think for a lot of people, it’s a really big fun annual event; that’s a tradition for them,” said Benz assistant manager Anna Barnts of the […]
After a year of quarantining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beer lovers came out in droves to the Benz Beverage Depot’s 16th annual Beer Fest held in June.
“I think for a lot of people, it’s a really big fun annual event; that’s a tradition for them,” said Benz assistant manager Anna Barnts of the event that attracted around 1,000 people this year. “It’s great because it’s outside, we block off all the streets. Everybody really enjoys themselves and has a good time trying new things.”
The Cedar Rapids specialty store not only stocks a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits, but also carries more than 100 imported and domestic cheeses and numerous specialty food items including pastas, sauces, marinades and rubs, fine vinegars and oils, artisan chocolates, dips, spreads, appetizers, olives and specialty meats.
And, of course, the depot makes it a point to feature local beverages.
“We’ve been specializing in Iowa beer, which has really made a huge boom in the last probably three or four years,” Ms. Barnts said.
1st Runner Up: Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits
2nd Runner Up: First Avenue Wine House
