Best B1G Brewery Challenge: Round 1, Top Half

With the play-in voting still rolling along (just 24 more hours to vote on Michigan, Wisconsin, and Maryland!), we move into Round 1 of the Best B1G Brewery Challenge!

Today we've got Iowa, Indiana, and New Jersey to help fill out the top part of the bracket. Rules and bracket can be found here, early discussion of the breweries can be found here, and the other section of play-in voting is here. Let's hit it!

Don't Read the Comments Bracket

Iowa

#1 Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. vs. #4 Lion Bridge Brewing Co.

MNW's Hot Taek: I mean...we know it's TG, right? We can just move on with our day? PseudoSue is a phenomenal pale ale, and I'm a huge fan of the Smoove Opferator. Assassin, according to a few of our BHGP friends, is also a must-have. Plus, cucumber is gross and you should feel bad for putting it in beer, Lion Bridge.

#2 Millstream Brewing Co. vs. #3 Peace Tree Brewing Co.

MNW's Hot Taek: I see that 12-0, Millstream. Well done. Humorously, it's also only 7%, so it's a fraudulent barrel-aged, just like Iowa was a fraudulent 12-0. (I've also had Blonde Fatale and was underwhelmed, so Millstream it is.

Speth's Liver Memorial Bracket

Indiana

#1 3 Floyds Brewing Co. vs. #4 Sun King Brewery

MNW's Hot Taek: I mean...it can't not be 3 Floyds. Just solid craftsmanship and brewing.

#2 Upland Brewing Co. vs. #3 18th Street Brewery

New Jersey

#1 Flying Fish Brewing Co. vs. #4 Carton Brewing Co.

MNW's Hot Taek That's Not Actually A Taek: I actually have had Carton of Milk off the tap at The Grange, a wonderful little bar in Harlem (thanks again, Paul, for putting up with me 'til 4am when my Airbnb locked me out). That said, I still am not making a call here. Fans of Taylor Ham or whatever it is will likely vote against Flying Fish.

#2 River Horse Brewing Co. vs. #3 Kane Brewing Co.

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Remember, voting stays open for 48 hours. Let us know your picks in the comments! If you're a fan of one in particular, let us know which brews you recommend, which you don't, and which breweries this "writer" has snubbed! Check back tomorrow morning for the results of and next round of voting on Michigan, Maryland, and Wisconsin!

Stay tuned for Nebraska and Pennsylvania this afternoon,

MNW