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.

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery Re-Opens Tonight

By on April 11, 2014in general beer

townhall.jpgWhile Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery wasn’t my first brewpub experience in the Twin Cities (I think Hops was my first visit), my first visit was probably my most memorable. From the first drop of cask-conditioned Masala Mama I was hooked. I’ve always loved the location, the brewers, Pete, (almost all of) the wait staff and the regulars. And even before MNBeer launched in 2005, it seemed as if I always knew someone at Town Hall whenever i visited. Cheers? Perhaps.

In any case, Town Hall re-opens their doors to the public tonight at 6pm. They’re a Minneapolis institution, and I’m sure more than a few of you will be darkening their door tonight. Congrats to Pete and the whole crew. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery – welcome back. We’ve missed you.

Badger Hill Traitor IPA

By on April 7, 2014in beer events, new beer

Traitor-IPA-PintBadger Hill Brewing Co. is rolling out a new IPA and you may just want to try it. Traitor IPA is a year-round offering. Badger Hill’s new Head Brewer Michael Koppleman has been pounding away at this beer for two years, tasting and tweaking to get it where it is today. “This is the beer I’ve been vectoring towards my whole life and I love it.”

The brewery describes this beer as “part West Coast IPA, part not.” Curious? You’ll find it in draft now and in 12 oz. bottles in early May.  While definitely a hop forward beer, Traitor IPA will be consistent with Badger Hills mission to brew approachable, balanced beers – as balanced as a 70 IBU IPA can be. Traitor IPA uses four hop varieties (Citra, Centennial, Cascade & Galaxy) for flavor and aroma and British ale yeast helps for a smooth, dry finish.

Releases and Events
-April 4 – 7 at the Hopkins Pizza Luce for the March Madness IPA showdown with Traitor IPA squaring off against 3 other craft IPAs.
-Duluth Launch @ G B Schneider & Co – Wednesday, April 9th
-Old Chicago Launch at all 8 MN locations, plus live remote at Eagan location, featuring 105 The Ticket – Friday, April 11th
-NE Minneapolis Launch @ Grumpys NE – Monday, April 14th

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Fitger’s Brewhouse Signs 20-Year Lease

By on April 2, 2014in general beer

Fitger's BrewhouseToday, Fitger’s Brewhouse has announced that they’ve signed a 20-year lease with Fitger’s On the Lake. After nearly 20 years in the Fitger’s Brewery complex, it’s nice to hear that they’ll bee there for another 20 years! What could this mean for beer fans? An longer lease opens the door for the Brewhouse to invest in their location – just what we’d expect with an expected brewery expansion.

“With this lease in our back pockets, Fitger’s Brewhouse is ready to reinvest in our own equipment and facilities within the complex,” said Brewhouse Principle, Tim Nelson. “We can’t think of a better place to showcase the talent of our brewers and support staff than at Fitger’s, the historic brewery on Lake Superior. This is good news for Duluth’s craft brewing scene.”

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