This weekend’s annual Hoover’s Hometown Days festival will feature a new presidential ale from Big Grove Brewery, to celebrate the 150th birthday of the only U.S. President from the state of Iowa on Aug. 10.
The brewery will introduce “Thirty One,” a new limited-edition brew named in honor of the 31st President, as stated in a Facebook post from the Hoover’s Hometown Days page.
As stated in the post, Big Grove’s well-known “West Main Wheat” ale embodies small-town charm similar to that of historic West Branch, where Herbert Hoover was born, and lived on a farm until the age of 10.
The new ale, Thirty One, is inspired by Big Grove’s classic wheat ale, with a flavor profile featuring hints of honey and citrus. As stated in the post, the brew adheres to traditional Midwest brewing styles, offering a modern twist on a historical taste.
Also located in West Branch is the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, which opened in 1962 for the former President’s 88th birthday. The building and exhibits will see much-needed contemporary renovations next year, with the official reopening date set for the summer of 2026.
This year’s festival will also provide an opportunity for the museum to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking on the upcoming construction, as well as draw in visitors to the West Branch community, Hoover family descendants, and biographers of the former president’s life.
The Thirty One ale will be available exclusively at Herb N’ Lou’s Pizza and The Down Under pub during the festival. The new brew was created with the support of the Hoover Presidential Foundation nonprofit, and the Solon Brewpub.
Those interested in attending the festival can visit hooverdays.org for more information.
