breweries – Page 4 – MNBeer – Craft beer information from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul and beyond

Hoops Brewing set to Celebrate Two Years

By Ryan Tuenge on June 24, 2019in beer events, general beer, Hoops Brewing, tap rooms

Things were going to be different for Dave Hoops as he set out to start his own brewery after years of concocting beers over at Fitger’s Brewhouse and a year on his own as a consultant. His approach was different from many of his peers. His dream brewery was one that started small and would continue to grow only as he saw fit. Two years later he has few regrets, and is set to celebrate a second anniversary with an event called HoopLa 2 on Saturday, June 29th.

The brewery exists in Canal Park and has a reputation with locals as a place where they can bring their families and check out a hockey game, or as a place to relax after a hard day of work. “We’ve been happy with our beers and the heavy community support. Pop ups are huge right now and were some of the first to do that up here in Duluth. There’s been very little turnover here and we’ve received so much support from this community” Hoops says.

The first two years didn’t come without challenges though. “Limited distribution has been tough. I’ve turned down so many opportunities because we just don’t have the beer. We’re the only independent brewery left in the north and growing slow is a challenge” he says. But slowly he plans to increase their distribution footprint and possibly make their way into 12 oz. cans. Plans for a barrel program are in place, and you may even see some “true” sours coming out of the brewhouse.

Dave had been brewing at Fitger’s Brewhouse for nearly 17 years when decided it was time to leave back in 2015. He knew that there was a big risk in opening his own brewery, especially all the responsibility that comes with it. “The difference is that the brewing part is fun, but owning a brewery consists of putting out fires, stress, bills, and drama. On the plus side, every day is different and I don’t have a boss. My talents are now being used in the front of the house too” he states. Trendy beers are not something he gets excited about despite the rapid growth and popularity of breweries in the northland and across Minnesota. “I don’t like being ridiculed for not making a pop tart sour beer. Let’s make beer that we’re proud of. I think it’s important to support each other” he says.

The Duluth scene has grown quite a bit and Hoops attributes much of this to the community and the fantastic beer festival coming up in late July called All Pints North. He calls it the “center point” of our summer. “It rivals Madison and it’s the most beautiful beer fest in Minnesota. I love hosting all the breweries when they come into town” he says. Just call him what he is, the ambassador for quality beer here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

If you’d like to check either or both of these events. The details can be found below.

HoopLa 2
Free on Saturday, June 29th starting at noon.
Featuring live music from Father Hennepin , food from New Scenic Cafe, games, prizes, raffles, and beer specials throughout the day.

All Pints North
$45 on Saturday, July 27th from 3 pm until 7 pm.
Featuring 2 oz. pours of Minnesota beer, live music, food trucks, and a beautiful view of the water from Bayfront Park. Grab tickets here: https://www.tempotickets.com/AllPintsNorth2019

Cheers!

Jibe Talking Release/Disco Party

By ryan on May 30, 2019in Lift Bridge

As the kids say, “their ain’t no party like a Lift Bridge party…” Perhaps I just made that up, but our friends at Lift Bridge are indeed celebrating the release of a new beer this Saturday, an Apricot Sour, Jibe Talking. At 4.5% abv and only 13 IBUs, this may just be your summer sipper.

If disco is your thing, dust off your old sharktooth suit, pregame with Gloria Gainer on the turntable at home and head to Lift Bridge for a Travolta-esque good time from 5-10pm.

Entertainment courtesy of DJ Stacey & Dwight Chocolate begins at 6pm. Dress in your very best disco gear for a chance to win some Lift Bridge prizes. Grab a bite via River Dogs Food Truck and GET DOWN!

Be cool! No cover.

Badger Hill / Hop & Barrel Collab Release Today

By ryan on May 21, 2019in Badger Hill Brewing

Join us Tuesday, May 21st!

Badger Hill and Hudson’s Hop & Barrel Brewing have collaborated on a new beer and it drops today at Badger Hill in Shakopee. Flip It & Reverse It is American Wheat brewed with Chinook, Citra and Wakatu hops. Expect a refreshing beer with notes of lemon and orange.

Release details: 3pm, Tuesday, May 21st at Badger Hill in Shakopee.

Bent Paddle Trampled Golden Ale

By ryan on May 17, 2019in Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

On the heels of their 6th anniversary, our friends at Bent Paddle has released Trampled American Golden Ale, a collaboration with Duluth-based band Trampled by Turtles. The beer is (not surprisingly) golden in color, with a “not-too-sweet” malt profile with a hit of fresh hop flavor on the end.

“The band was looking for something lower in alcohol content but full of flavor – a beer you could enjoy while you were at a concert.” says Bent Paddle Co-Founder Karen Tonnis. At 4.6% abv, this beer should be a great match for doing just that.

Aside from retail release, you’ll find some temporary distribution of this beer during upcoming Trampled by Turtles shows as well.

May 17 | Special Beer Release Event @ Kelly’s Bar in Red Wing, MN (a bar made famous by the Trampled by Turtles Kelly’s Bar song)
June 13-16 | Events Surrounding the Blue Ox Music Festival Show in Eau Claire, WI
July 6 | Trampled by Turtles Headlining Concert @ Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, MN
July 23 – 25 | Events Surrounding the Red Rocks Amphitheater Concert in Morrison, CO
August 29 | Events Surrounding the Sister Cities Smokeout Show in Moorhead, MN
September 21 | Trampled by Turtles + Avett Brothers Concert @ Treasure Island Casino
in Red Wing, MN

Fair State Mixed Culture

By ryan on May 16, 2019in Fair State Brewing

We’re about a month out from a very cool event organized by out friends at Fair State, Mixed Culture. if you’ve never experienced Mixed Culture, strap on your beer drinking cap (?) and head to Fair State on Saturday, June 15th for a variety of rare beers from some of Fair State’s favorite breweries, with offerings ranging from sour beers to pale ales, lagers and ciders. We’re told that most of the offerings are not normally available in Minnesota, so you may not want to miss out!

Mixed Culture is broken up into sampling sessions – 1-4pm and 6-9pm. Tickets run $55 and can be purchased here. There are also early access passes available for those of you who want an extra hour to sample. Early access for the first session is sold out, but as I write this, early access to the evening session are still available here for $65.

Tickets include admission, unlimited samples during your session and a sweet Mixed Culture glass.

Minnesota BBQ Co. will be on site all day and selling smoked meats, classic sides, and all the fixings.

Guest Breweries: