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.

Leech Lake Brewing is Closing

By on January 16, 2015in breweries
Courtesy of Leech Lake Brewing's Facebook page.

Courtesy of Leech Lake Brewing’s Facebook page.

Sad news from the Walker, Minnesota area. According to their Facebook page, Leech Lake Brewing Company wasn’t able to get the investors needed to expand the brewery, so they’ve decided to liquidate.

As you’ve no-doubt assumed, the $1000 limitless growler offer didn’t meet with enough… exuberance… to be adopted. So, LLBC’s assets are being liquidated, and the brewery will close once the last ounce of beer is poured from the taproom. The existing inventory will continue to be bottled and sold to liquor stores while it lasts, but I will no longer supply to draft accounts.

To those of you who expressed interest in the limitless growler offer, thank you very much! Your support for LLBC is appreciated more than you know. Sorry I couldn’t “brew up” more participation. Cheers, and take care…

We wish Greg the best in his future endeavors. Though craft beer continues to grow, Leech Lake’s closing is a reminder that a brewery is a business and a challenging one at that. It’s been said that the best way to make a small fortune in the brewing industry is to start with a large one… and with the success and growth in the industry, sometimes we look at things with amber-colored glasses.

Inevitably, some breweries in Minnesota will not succeed. We consider brewery folks to be friends, so it’s while it’s no fun to see them take a hit, the fact remains that as a business owner, the odds are against you. Stay strong brewery friends. We’re here for you.

Coming Soon: Bauhaus Brewlabs Über Düber

By on January 14, 2015in Bauhaus Brewlabs, new beer

uberduberdooBauhaus Brew Labs is coming at you with another winter seasonal offering – Über Düber. Über Düber is described as a “hoppy bock.” This beer is loosely based on a traditional German bock, albeit hopped up a bit. They’re added Oceanic hops to this traditionally malt-forward beer. At 7%, we’re curious to see how these two elements play together. Bauhaus notes earthy flavors of Black currant and cherry as well as a “straight up dank” aroma. I’m down for a few pints!

Look for 22 oz. bombers of Über Düber in stores in late January. And if you can’t wait, it will debut at the St. Paul Winter Beer Dabbler on January 24th. You’ll also be able to catch it on tap at Bauhaus and select other locations starting on the week of January 26th.

On Tap: Fulton Insurrection IIPA

By on January 12, 2015in Fulton Brewing Co.

insurrectionHere’s one to watch for… Fulton Insurrection has returned. They haven’t brewed it for a couple of years and you’ve never been able to get it in 12 oz. bottles until now. This beer features over 3 pounds of Nelson Sauvin and Mosaic hops per barrel. Stop into the Fulton taproom for draft pours and growlers or watch your local retailer for 4-packs of bottles.

 

Friday 5ive: The Ice in Me

By on January 9, 2015in Friday 5ive

No Foreigner. No Vanilla ice. Just five songs with references, however vague, to ice. Did you commute in and around Minnesota Thursday? Did it suck? These songs, in my book, do not. Enjoy!

 

Rock*A*Teens – Black Ice


Hüsker Dü – Ice Cold Ice (I know, I know, this video is Bob Mould and Dave Grohl, not Hüsker Dü, but it’s good and not of the “old beat up VHS cassette” quality of most of the live Hüsker Dü footage.)


Joy Division – Ice Age


The Dismemberment Plan – The Ice of Boston


Metallica – Trapped Under Ice

MNCBG Season Four Pack Tickets on Sale Today

By on January 5, 2015in general beer

winterfest-2015-web-buttonToday at noon is your first chance to get your hands on 2015 Winterfest, All Pints North and Autumn Brew Review tickets. All of these festivals sell out, but as you know Winterfest and Autumn Brew Review tickets disappear at a blinding pace. $200 gets you a ticket to both nights of Winterfest (Feb. 27 and 28), All Pints North (July 25) and Autumn Brew Review (September 19th). Point your browser here and have at it: www.tempotickets.com/mcbg

Your next chance for Winterfest tickets will be next Monday, January 12th at noon. On the 12th, you’ll have a chance to buy tickets for both nights of Winterfest for $135. Single tickets will go on Sale on Friday, January 16th at noon. Mark your calendars. Tickets are $75.

In case you haven’t heard, the Guild is changing up Winterfest a bit this year. To accommodate all of the breweries and beer fans, the festival will be spread out over the course of two nights – February 27th and 28th. The festival will remain at Union Depot and will run from 7-10pm each night. As per usual, this event will feature beers brewed in Minnesota by current Minnesota Draft Brewers Guild members. They’ll also offer up food, beer education, entertainment and music. Each night will feature a different set of breweries, with a few “best of the fest” winners that will appear both nights. Details about which breweries will be appearing each night are forthcoming.