Author: Mag

Brewers Bazaar – A Post Mortem

By on May 18, 2008in breweries, brewpubs, homebrew

Yesterday was Stillwater’s 2nd Annual Brewers Bazaar, hosted by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club.  For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s a quick recap.

First of all, this event was lightly attended relative to many other local beer tasting events (still too new, I guess), so lines were short and attendees could spend time speaking with the brewers and reps, if they were so inclined.  The crowd was diverse in terms of age and craft beer experience, but seemed united in its enthusiasm for the beer.

The breweries and brewpubs were very well represented, which was a surprise and delight for many of us.  I had a chance to chat with the following brewers/founders/etc. representing their respective joints: Dave Berg (Brewer, August Schell); Mark Stutrud (Founder, Summit); Steve Rinker and Dan Schwarz (Brewers, Lift Bridge – I think several other Lift Bridge folks were there, but I didn’t get a chance to meet them…sorry); Trevor Brau (CFO, Brau Bros.); Bob DuVernois (Brewer, Great Waters); Jeff Williamson (Brewer, Flat Earth); and Brian and Bob (Fitger’s…did I get the names right guys?).  Additionally, C.R. Stephens, founder of Still-H2O (Homebrewing Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Supplies) was there will a panoply of hombrewing gear, cooking up a batch of blond ale.  Tod Fyten of Mantorville/St. Croix was also there, but I didn’t get a chance to catch up with him.  I also didn’t get a chance to catch up with the folks at the Finnegans table.  Town Hall and Barley John’s, which were on the program, were no-shows.  Too bad, but there was enough other, good beer to go around.

This wasn’t an event crammed full of special releases but Brau Brothers debuted their Whirly Bird Oatmeal Stout and Lift Bridge’s entire offering was new.

 Overall, I would call this intimate beer event a good time.  It would be well worth attending next year, especially if the breweries and brewpubs are as well represented and you can catch a free moment to meet the folks.

Great Waters Update

By on April 30, 2008in brewpubs

UPDATE:  Stopped by Great Waters on Sat., 5/3, and lo and behold, they were out of quite a few beers.  That’s bittersweet (good for business, bad for me).

greatwaters.jpgGreat Waters has updated their online beer listing. In addition to their usual offering, they’ve got some interesting new beers and a couple of good repeats.

Pulled from the Cask

Mr. Smooth Dark Mild
Made in the style of century old dark mild’s, with wheat, oats, and barley. Gently hopped with East Kent Goldings. Sturdy blue collar session beer for refreshment after a hard day in the mill.
O.G. 10.2P, 25 IBU’S, 5% ABV

Willie the Wisp Scottish Ale (Limited on cask)
Medium body, dark amber color, malty, with hints of caramel, bisquet, and peat. Hopped with East Kent Golding and brewed with Golden Promise barley. Little hop aroma to allow the malt flavors to be present. Also available on pushed draft.
O.G. 13P, 30 IBU’S, 5.2% ABV

Tartar Control IPA
Brewed with lots of Vienna malt and English barley. Plenty of hops to balance the maltiness.
O.G. 17.2P, 90 IBU’S, 6.8% ABV

Brief Update from Brau Bros.

By on April 8, 2008in beer stores, breweries, free beer

braubrothers.jpgBelow is a brief update (links removed) found on the Brau Bros. website (and no, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check the site out yourself).  Lucan (pronounced “loo-can” – they notice if you pronounce it wrong apparently : ) ) is a bit off the beaten path for many of us, but they make it up to the Cities for tastings periodically.  There will be Brau Bros. tastings at Wine Street Spirits in Bloomington and Blue Max in Burnsville this Sat., 4/12  Check out Brau Bros. schedule of events for more details.

April 2, 2008
This Friday we will be tapping the first ever cask-conditioned ale from Brau Bros! Our very own local pub, the BrauHaus will host the event. At about 6:30 pm we will start serving a dry-hopped firkin of Brau Pale Ale – I’ll be pouring the pints. I believe pints are only $2. I know the BrauHaus is looking to make cask beer a regular on “Firkin Fridays”. Beth, thanks for the heads-up on a couple blog entries mentioning Brau Bros, here: and here:.It’s always great to hear from people who pronounce “Lucan” correctly on the first try.
Take Care,
Dustin

Minnesota Beer or Not?

By on March 30, 2008in bars/restaurants

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to visit either the Minneapolis or St. Paul Chatterbox lately (I just happen to have hit both within 24 hours…yeah, get a life), they’ve made some changes to their beer menu.  Several months ago they expanded their branded craft beer menu from just a couple of beers to six.  Point Brewery, in Steven’s Point, WI, contract brews for them, but I think we can say this qualifies for MNBeer attention.  Currently, Chatterbox is offering their Chatterbox Speakeasy Lager, Chit Chat Belgian White Ale, Philosopher’s Stone Belgian Style Dubbel, Zicke Zacke German Maibock, Empyreal Pale Ale, and Magnanimous Brown Ale.  My favorite is the Empyreal Pale, but I also enjoyed the Maibock and Brown.  If you can find a better way to spend a Sunday other than playing Super Mario Bros. and drinking beer, then you’d better speak up.