Nice little intro piece about Surly in the Strib.
I’ve been remiss about covering beer and spirits, but that’s about to change. Which was part of the reason for finally catching up with Omar Ansari, whose Surly Brewing Company has developed a cult-like following regionally and even nationally
Read the full piece here.
Wanna brew in a basement and sell it? Now you can, under legislation which passed the Minnesota House today. What originated as a bill for a constituent who was making and brewing tea in his basement, and ran into problems with inspections, allows a business to “manufacture, mix, or compound flavored beverage base or syrup; bottle or treat water; package carbonated or noncarbonated beverages; or bottle beer or other malt beverages.” Bring.com notes that “the ban on basement brewing is a holdover from the days when basements were often plagued with mildew problems.”
An amendment to significantly reduce the state fee on distillers was withdrawn with a promise to give the bill of the same purpose a hearing.
The brewing bill is working its way through the Senate committee process. Track it’s progress here.
[Note: As someone who spends hours a week on the legislative website, I can attest to the ease of tracking legislation, the depth of information and the ability to influence the outcome of said legislation.]
Tracy’s Saloon is offering 2-for-1 Summits during their release party for the third Summit Unchained Series, an India Rye Ale.
Looks like Fitger’s is branching out and delving into liquor with the custom Brewhouse blend of Woodford Reserve. Details–well a photo anyway–are on their Facebook page.
One of my favorite beer festivals of the year, Firkin Fest, is announced for March 20th at the Happy Gnome.
$10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be bought in advance here.
Tasting tickets will be available in the tent.