Big news! On Saturday, Feb 18, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune will run an
article about Surly Brewing Company. Reporter Chris Riemenschneider and a
photographer spent more than two hours at the brewery this week and we had a
great time. At least I did. Gotta love photo shoots that entail drinking
lots of great beer.

Check this: Two weeks ago, Surly was available in just two Metro locations.
As of today, 13 area bars and restaurants have Bender, Furious or both! Now,
some of these establishments have yet to tap their Surly keg, so check out
the “Surly Bars” page and call the new additions with questions. Here are
the places that are currently pouring or will be this weekend: Acadia Café,
Blue Nile, Bryant Lake Bowl, Cafe Twenty Eight, Grumpy’s – Northeast, The
Happy Gnome, Mac’s Industrial, MacKenzies, McCormicks & Schmicks, The Muddy
Pig, Solera, Triple Rock Social Club, University Lounge. At this rate of
growth, we’ll be in every Minnesota watering hole in three months and should
surpass Budweiser later this year. Or something like that.

Two other notes: First of all, we’re not quite ready to give tours. We’re
finishing up a couple of building features mandated by the city, but then
the doors will open to our adoring public. You’ll be the first to know, we
promise. Secondly, we ain’t bottling anytime soon, so stop asking. Gosh! We
just began brewing, people! Give us some time to get our beer legs.

Now that we’re delivering Surly, we get to see lots of friendly faces
raising glasses. It’s so satisfying to see our hard work enjoyed by all
y’all. We never get tired of hearing about how people love the beer, so keep
the feedback coming. And remember; be sure to sport your Surly swag at bars.
We’re often out and about, and if we see you representing then your next
Surly is on us!

Cheers,
omar

It’s Wednesday again, and Minneapolis Town Hall has another new brew available, “Foolish” a Belgian-style Quadrupel that weighs in at a hefty 10.1% abv. 10oz. pours from 5-6 for $2.00. I had the pleasure of enjoying this one at Winterfest. And while my experience with this style is somewhat limited, I really liked Foolish.

This may be a little late for some folks (and others of you are probably still planning to run to the grocery store for flowers and/or chocolate after work), but Barley John’s has a cool Valentine’s Day dinner offering this evening, so if your significant other digs good beer and equally tasty food, check it out. At $80/plate, it’s not cheap, but Barley John’s food and beer are outstanding, and this will be no exception.

First: Lox and Crimini Duxelle roulade w/ Rose Honey garnish -or- Egplant and Black Bean Cakes w/ Miso Chili Sauce. Champagne by Jean-Noel Hatan Brut or Little Barley Bitter

Second: Chilled Leeks, Green Olives, Capers and Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette -or- Roasted Potato and Carrot Salad w/ Basil Citrus Dressing -or-Yellow and Green Bean salad w/ Prosciutto, Roasted Pine Nuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette. Fume Blanc or Sauvignon BLanc or Tripel Karmeliet

Main: Vegetable Selection -or- Grilled Ostrich w/ Sundried Cherry and Orange Sauce on handmade Basil pasta and sauteed Fenel -or- Pan seared Ahi Tuna, Scallops and Blue Prawns on Pappadalle w/ Rosemary Chevre sauce -or- Breast of Duck w/ Honey Ginger and Lavender with a Wild Rice Pilaf. Clera Pino Noir Central Coast 02-03 vingate or Wild Brunette.

Maple Pecan Cake served with a sherry or Winter Ale -or- Chocolate Deserte selection with Sherry Cline Big Break Zin or Old 8 Porter.

Great. Now I’m hungry!

Yup. Bigfoot sighted in Minnetonka. Go get it.

Other recent arrivals include, St. Bernardus abt 12, Bards Tale (Gluten free), The Czar Imperial Stout and Corsendonk.

No news on other locations… I’m just on Minnetonka’s beer list, but would always welcome info from other locations or other liquor stores.

Cheers!

Rock Bottom has what I think may be an oxymoron on tap, “Angry Hippie.”

This medium bodied beer is a cross between a British Style ESB and an American Style IPA. Made with British malts and a British yeast strain, it is hopped intensely with citrus American Hops for a crisp and clean finish.

Also, keep your eyes open for their Fire Chief Ale on March 23rd at 6pm.