The Contrary Story

When Mark Mitchell of Muscatine, Iowa moved to Germany with the armed forces in the late 1980s, he discovered a world of refreshing pilsners, rich doppelbocks, and dark, malty dunkels. Upon returning to the US, Mark found most American mass-produced beer lacking in comparison and decided to start making his own.

That was over twenty years ago, and Mark has been fermenting his own beer ever since. On the days he wasn’t carrying mail, he experimented like a mad scientist with hops, yeast, and grains. What started as a hobby grew into a passion, and soon Mark was bottling several of his own unique brews every season.

Mark’s dedication to flavor was apparent to anyone lucky enough to try his beer at tasting parties. After years of harassment from family, friends and neighbors, Mark finally relented and began making plans to open his own brewery where he could share drinks with everyone.

And that’s Contrary Brewing Company. Brewing in small, handmade batches, with different kegs every week. A haven for unique beer and an escape from the usual. Muscatine’s first brewery in over a century, right in the heart of downtown.