In a fascinating twist of fate, a construction crew in Cascade, Iowa, unearthed a 19th-century beer cave beneath a former brewery. This remarkable discovery came to light during renovations led by Iowa Main Street Investments, under the guidance of Brian Bock, who had acquired the old brewery two years prior. The firm had planned to transform the building into residential units but was aware of historical hints suggesting the presence of a beer cave beneath the structure. The excavation revealed two distinct arches that led to the well-preserved beer cave (The Mirror) (VinePair) (American Craft Beer).
The Discovery
“We were given some historical information that potentially there was a beer cave underneath this building somewhere,” Bock explained to KCRG News. “Nothing ever brought us any indication that there was actually a beer cave here.” This unexpected find astonished the team, highlighting the intricate network of subterranean passages historically used for beer fermentation and storage in Iowa (American Craft Beer).
Historical Significance
Beer caves were a crucial part of 19th-century brewing practices, particularly before the advent of modern refrigeration. These underground caverns maintained the necessary cold temperatures for beer storage and fermentation. Doug Alberhasky, a beer enthusiast and owner of John’s Grocery in Iowa City, emphasized the importance of these caves. “The beer needed to be served cold and stored cold for the entire month that it was being brewed,” Alberhasky told Iowa Public Radio. “So, they had to have caves underground that they could put ice in to keep the beer at a happy 33 and a half degrees or so” (VinePair) (American Craft Beer).
Engineering Marvels
The construction of these beer caves was an impressive engineering feat of the era, achieved solely with horsepower and human labor. “When they built them, there was no hydraulics, there were no pneumatics,” Alberhasky noted. “And the fact that they were able to do all of this, to this extent is pretty amazing.” The preservation of the Cascade beer cave, untouched for over a century, offers a unique glimpse into the brewing practices of the past and the ingenuity involved in their creation (The Mirror) (VinePair).
Similar Discoveries
Similar beer caves have been discovered in other parts of the world, highlighting their historical significance. In St. Louis, Missouri, the Lemp Brewery utilized extensive beer caves beneath the city for storage and fermentation before modern refrigeration. These caves were crucial for the brewery’s operations, maintaining ideal conditions for beer production. Today, parts of these cellars are still accessible and open to the public through Earthbound Beer, a local microbrewery that has revitalized the space (Terrain Magazine).
Another notable example is the Beer Quarry Caves in Devon, England. While primarily known for quarrying beer stone used in construction, these caves have also been historically significant for their use in beer storage. The Beer Quarry Caves date back to Roman times and have been used for various purposes over the centuries, including as a source of limestone for many iconic British buildings (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
The discovery of the 19th-century beer cave in Cascade, Iowa, is a significant historical find, shedding light on the brewing traditions and technological capabilities of the era. It underscores the rich brewing history of Iowa and the innovative methods used to maintain ideal brewing conditions long before modern advancements. Similar finds in St. Louis and Devon further illustrate the global importance of these underground beer storage solutions. As renovations continue, this find adds a layer of historical intrigue to the project, offering a tangible connection to the past for the community and future residents of the transformed building.
