Author: ryan

Ryan Anderson (that's me!) is the editor & founder of MNBeer. Much has changed since the fall of 2005 and I'm proud to have been a part of it all. Sometime I'll tell you about my grand theory that links craft brewing to punk rock. Just ask.

Summit Union Series: Rebellion Stout

Summit Rebellion Stout

Rebellion Stout is the moniker for the next beer in Summit Brewing Company’s Union Series. It’s an Export Double Stout weighing in at 8.5% ABV and 70 IBUs. Look for it in November – it looks like a serious stout that will be a great fit for Fall/Winter.

If you recall, the Union Series will focus on new and up-and-coming materials and ingredients, exploring the latest malts and hops in the industry. This one will feature Bodicea hops and Stout Malt from Ireland. According to The British Hopgrowers Association, “Boadicea is mild, light floral and spicy, with a grassy scented aroma.  It has a touch of floral flavour notes and reminds you of orchard blossom.” Fun fact: Bodicea is the world’s first aphid-resistant hop.

If I were a betting man, I’d guess that they’d be using Stout Malt from Malting Company of Ireland, distributed locally by Brewers Supply Group. Local homebrew supply company, Northern Brewer, had this to say about Irish Stout Malt:

Irish Stout Malt is characterized by plump, round kernels with very low protein and high extract. Low kilning temperatures mean a very pale wort with high enzyme levels. While usually used in Irish stouts, it is at home in any style calling for an English-type pale malt. This malt’s tendency to be very pale and very high in enzymes means it is well suited to adjunct-laden worts, such as the classic dry Irish stout grist.

More details as we get them!

Town Hall Bocce Tournament Saturday & Sunday

townhall.jpgFor the weekend, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery has their patio with hundreds of pounds of sod to create a bocce court for their annual tournament. Teams will compete in a minimum of four games on Saturday, with the top 8 teams competing on Sunday for a cash prize of $1000 as well as cool prizes.

Hungry? Saturday they’ll be roasting a hog at noon on Saturday.

To register a team, contact the brewery at 612.339.8696. For more info visit http://www.townhallbrewery.com/#news-and-events

Tom Thumb Would be Proud – Lift Bridge Mini-Donut Beer

lift-bridge-mini-donut-beer-smIf it didn’t sound delicious, I’d call it a gimmick. Our friends at Lift Bridge have produced what is said to be the first-ever mini donut flavored beer. Armed with a stack of Motley Crue albums, some ripped jeans and a sleeveless Iron Maiden t-shirt, brewer Matt Hall toured the country with carnies for months as he honed his recipe and devised a tiny automatic brewhouse to produce this sweet little beer, one pint at a time.

True story. The fruits of the brewery’s labors will be available exclusively at the Ball Park Café.  And though you won’t have to bitch should you throw this beer into your mouth too quickly, drinking a dozen in a sitting will probably kick your ass. Expect a malty sweet sipper that weighs in at about 5% abv. Mini-Donut will be served in a glass rimmed with cinnamon and sugar. Suggest pairing: Mini-donuts. Duh.

Many thanks to the guys at Lift Bridge for not making a corn dog or blooming onion beer. Gah.

Summit State Fair IPA

Here’s a cool little video featuring Summit Brewing Company brewery and all-around good guy, Jeff Williamson. Jeff and his amazing mustache explain his State Fair-inspired brew. Look for it daily at the International Bazaar and bask in the glory that includes Minnesota ingredients like wild rice, honey, pronto pups corn and Cascade hops from Hippity Hops Farms. And just so it’s hoppy enough for you, they’ve thrown in Magnum, Amarillo, Chinook and Centennial hops, creating a beer that rounds out at 95 IBU and 5.5% abv.

You know what would be awesome? State Fair vendors, are you listening? State Fair IPA beer-battered something on a stick. DO IT! Incidentally, if you’d like to catch Summit at the fair, here are a few dates for your consideration.

• August 22 – Jeff Williamson, brewer of State Fair IPA – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 1-2:30pm
• August 26 – Meet Founder Mark Stutrud – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 12-1:30pm
• August 28 – Meet Head Brewer Damian McConn – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 1:00-2:30pm
• August 30 – Mike Lundell, brewer of Another IPA – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 11:30-1:00pm
• August 30 – Mark Stutrud (with Ted Marti from Schell’s) – Craft Brewer’s Guild Area in Agriculture Building – 3pm

Harriet Brewing Rauchfest

harriet logoClear your calendars. Harriet Brewing just made plans for you… On Saturday, September 28th, the brewery celebrates beer (duh), art, food and music with the festival known as Rauchfest! This smokin’ event features two stages of musical mystery, ten bands, food trucks a’plenty and local artists.

Want a ticket? Friday is your day… tickets go on sale at noon on August 16th at harietbrewing.com
Tickets Go On Sale Friday, August 16th at Noon at www.harrietbrewing.com

Par for the course, our friends at Harriet will brew a single batch fo Rauchfest, a smokes Oktoberfest lager. And if smoky beers aren’t your thing, fear not as Harriet will have 8 beers on tap as well as food from Tollefson’s Family Pork, AZ Canteen and Potters Pasties.

Musical acts include Boys ‘N The Barrels, Useful Jenkins, Dérobé Dance Band, The Blackberry Brandy Boys, Dead Larry, Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers, Erik Koskinen Band, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, and more.

General Admission tickets are $10.00 before Sept. 23 and $15.00 week of show. Purchase Tickets at Harriet Brewing or online at www.harrietbrewing.com