Category: breweries

MPR “A shortage of hops has beer makers and beer drinkers worried”

By on November 23, 2007in breweries, brewpubs, mnbeer.com

Read and listen here (or catch it the old-fashioned way at 91.9 FM in the Twin Cities)

Tim Post spoke with Chris Laumb from McCann’s in St. Cloud, Dustin from Brau Brothers and me about the current state of beer, hops and barley prices.

Ryan Anderson, who runs the blog MN Beer, says the increase isn’t likely to keep beer lovers from buying a six-pack of their favorite.

“That’s just something that, as fans and advocates of craft beer, we’re just going to have to absorb and continue to enjoy our beer,” Anderson says.

What beer connoisseurs like Anderson fear is that the shortage of hops and barley could force some small breweries out of business.

In hindsight, I’m not sure I love the sentence that I formulated there and probably would have asked for a do-over, but overall, I think that this is the best piece I’ve seen on the ordeal.

Darkness Glass Give Away

By on November 21, 2007in bars/restaurants, breweries

Got plans for Friday night? In addition to the Cask Bender being tapped at Cafe Twenty Eight on Friday, check this out:

On Friday November 23rd we will give away three sets of two official brewery Darkness glasses at our Cask Bender tapping.  The tapping starts at 9:00 PM. Any Surly purchase gets your name in the hat for the drawing (limit one entry per person).  The drawing will be at 10:45PM Need not be present to win, but if your not you will have to come back and pick them up.

Please note that these are not the evil Darkness goblets that Todd does.  We only part with those for our favorite charity The Wildcat Sanctuary.  Look for another charity event for them sometime this winter.

Darkness 750ml bottles

By on November 19, 2007in breweries

Just a quick note on the Darkness bottles… Dec. 15th is the date, Surly is the place. More details forthcoming. Surly will be filling 480 bottles and individuals will be allowed to purchase two bottles apiece. Like I said, more info forthcoming. Check your e-mail.

More on the hop shortage and barley prices

By on November 17, 2007in breweries, brewpubs, misc. mn beer

…from KEYC TV in Mankato (thanks Twincitiesbeerprices.com)

…from KARE-11 (thanks Trav)

…and you can expect a piece from Tim Post on MPR, most likely on Friday. Tim was nice enough to call me and will likely be wading through my thoughts on the whole ordeal, with red pen in hand (or at least I would…) he spoke with brewers as well, and I’m guessing that it’ll be a great piece, with or without my help. 🙂

The Onion’s Amber Waters Home Brew Contest

By on November 15, 2007in breweries, brewpubs, homebrew

Update: For all of you with your panties in a bunch, please note that I just got a call from the Onion and you’ll be happy to note that you only need to submit two beers and it’ll be BJCP sanctioned. Adam Stern is involved with the judging. They’ll also be having a corresponding event at Town Hall on Tues., Dec. 18th at 7:00pm.

Details:
Bring a home brewed six pack by December 18th to the Onion, 212 3rd Ave. North, #334, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

Prizes?
-An autographed copy of Land of Amber Waters: The History of Brewing in Minnesota by Doug Hoverson.

-10 cases of beer from Minnesota breweries including: Summit, Gluek’s Schell’s, Grain Belt, Brau Brothers, Town Hall, Great Waters, The herkimer, Flat Earth and Surly.

-$50 gift certificate to Northern Brewer.

Commentary:
There’s been a bit of talk about this one among local homebrewers, both with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of skepticism. It sounds like fun and the prizes are certainly good, however a six pack is a lot of precious homebrew to give up for a contest. I’m not sure if the Onion staff knows what their up for, given the size of Minnesota’s homebrewing community. Six beers per entry is a lot of beer, and no doubt the judges will be drunk and tired by the time they’re finished.

There’s also a bit of curiosity among brewers as to what will constitute a winner. I’m assuming it’s just “best beer,” sort of a “best of show.” It doesn’t sound like an easy task, though that opinion comes from a beer nerd. From what I understand, local BJCP judges haven’t been asked to take part, either.

And then, of course, the prizes. 10 cases of local beer sounds great and that certainly makes sense for the breweries, but what about the brewpubs? A case of growlers perhaps? Count me in.

Perhaps the Onion needs some “celebrity” local beer nerds as judges? I know five local beer bloggers that consume their fair share of local beer! Ahem.