MNBeer is nothing, if not concerned for the mental and physical well-being of its readers.  That’s why we take great pains to bring to you the most current, critical news of the local craft beer world.  From time to time we need to ignore our provincial bias and share momentous news from outside our borders.  Consider this a Public Service Announcement.

Check out this Associated Press story shared in the Pioneer Press regarding a new “smash-proof pint glass meant to reduce drinking injuries.”  I especially like the quote, “Glassing causes horrific injuries and has a lasting and devastating impact on victims and their families.”  Hell, things have apparently gotten so bad that they’ve coined a term for it – glassing.  Outfrickenstanding!  And then there is this line, “Officials swore the country would save billions in health care costs by coming up with a glass that doesn’t double as a lethal weapon.”  Hell, maybe we don’t need health care reform.

I figure this P.S.A. outta earn MNBeer a Nobel Peace Prize, so go ahead and begin lobbying The Nobel Foundation.

Here’s an excerpt from an e-mail from Dustin Brau and Brau Bros.  Please take note that folks from Brau will be at Four Firkins tonight from 6-8 pouring Rainwater and several other offerings.

Another quick update from the town of 220.

Rainwater Stout is off and running! It’s all gone here at the brewery, but we couldn’t be happier with the response. There are a few kegs floating around the twin cities, but that’s about it. Maybe bring Rainwater back next winter?

Elisha’s Olde Ale is an ale we brewed with Minnesota and South Dakota Homebrewers here in Lucan. It’s an excellent olde ale cracking 10%, brewed with molasses, and aged on lightly toasted oak. This is the winner of the 2009 Brau Bros SD Homebrewers Challenge. We’ll release about 100 cases sometime in February. Look for it on draft as well. Maybe even a few firkins.

Both Elisha’s Olde and Rainwater will be poured at Winterfest on February 5th. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Our first shipment of Old 56 Light Beer shipped yesterday!! We’re going to keep this one fairly local for a bit, to make sure we can keep up. It’s southwest Minnesota’s first ever locally-brewed light beer! It’s all-malt, including estate grown barley and hops. We had to brew this one in order to get more work out of Dad. He’s worthless on Sheephead all day.

Tonight from 6pm-8pm Mary and I will be at Four Firkins in St Louis Park pouring Rainwater, Scotch Ale, and Cream Stout. Great winter beers – stop in and say hi! I’ve been there before, it’s a blast!