[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 59 (Monday, April 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2643-S2644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING KEG CREEK BREWING COMPANY

 Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the U.S. 
Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I 
recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the 
American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my

[[Page S2644]]

privilege to recognize Keg Creek Brewing Company of Glenwood, IA, as 
the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2011, Randy Romens, John Bueltel, Art Renze, and Grant Hebel 
founded Keg Creek Brewing in Glenwood, IA. Randy, John, Art, and Grant 
started in the beer industry as homebrewers in their garages and 
basements, brewing 10 gallons of beer at a time. After their beer 
became a hit with friends and family, they decided to start Keg Creek 
Brewing Company, named after Keg Creek in Glenwood. What began as one 
location with three barrels quickly expanded. In 2016, the team 
expanded their production facility and, 2 years later, moved into their 
current location, where they now have 15 barrels. In 2015, Keg Creek 
Brewing added a new owner, Matt Kirsch, who has remained instrumental 
in their continued success.
  Keg Creek Brewing offers 18 beers on tap while distributing bottles 
and kegs of beer throughout the Midwest. The Brewery has a lively 
taproom and a patio for customers and regularly hosts trivia nights, 
live music, and karaoke. During the spring and summer, they hold sand 
volleyball and cornhole leagues. In addition to beer, they also support 
other local small businesses by hosting food trucks, pizzas from 
Roberto's Pizzas of Dunlap, and MinDee's Nuts of Malvern.
  Keg Creek Brewing is actively involved in the Glenwood community and 
has been recognized for its rapid climb in the brewery industry and 
craft beers. In 2020, they were awarded a bronze medal by the U.S. Open 
Beer Championship for their ``Deviant of the Depths'' beer in the Rum 
Barrel Aged Beer category and another bronze medal for their ``Old 
Marathon'' barley wine in the Barrel-Aged Barley Wine category. In 
2017, the Brewers Association's list of 50 Fastest-Growing Small and 
Independent Craft Breweries in the United States recognized the Keg 
Creek Brewery. Their beers have also won awards at the Iowa State Fair 
and are a staple at the craft beer tent. Keg Creek Brewery has also 
hosted fundraising events for Relay for Life, the Mills County K9 Unit, 
and the local libraries. In 2024, Keg Creek Brewing celebrated its 13th 
business anniversary.
  Keg Creek Brewing Company's commitment to Glenwood and the craft beer 
industry is clear. I want to congratulate Matt Kirsch, Randy Romens, 
John Bueltel, Art Renze, Grant Hebel, and the entire Keg Creek Brewing 
Company team for their continued dedication to the Glenwood community. 
I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 
Iowa.

                          ____________________