Category: breweries

Insight Brewing Grand Opening

insight1

Photo: Insight Brewing Co.

Do you remember when we only had something like seven breweries in Minnesota? It really wasn’t that long ago. Today we add another to the tally, Insight Brewing Company. Their taproom opens at 4pm today (Friday) at 2821 East Hennepin in Minneapolis. O’Cheez food truck will be there and The Dead Pigeons will be playing in the evening as well.

Beer? But of course. How about Chiswick Porter, Curiosity IPA, Yuzu Pale Ale, Lamb and Flag English Ale and Saison de Blanc?

Go check them out! Welcome to the scene, guys!

New Life for Minneapolis’ Grain Belt Sign

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: Wikipedia

Yesterday our friends at August Schell Brewing Company announced that they had reached an agreement to purchase the iconic Grain Belt Beer sign on Nicollet Island. Better yet, the brewery is in the process of discussing plans for preservation and relighting of the historic sign with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. In connection with the purchase, the brewery is in the process of discussing plans for preservation and relighting of the historic riverside sign with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Wouldn’t it be cool to see the sign lit up again? From what I gather, it’s been dark since 1996.
“As the stewards to a 154-year old brewery and family business, we understand the importance of preserving heritage. We are honored to have this opportunity to protect and restore such a beloved part of the Minneapolis landscape,” said Schell’s Ted Marti. “Working in concert with the community, our goal is to preserve and relight this important remnant of the city’s industrial and commercial past.”

For more information on the history of the sign, be sure to check out https://historicminneapolissigns.wordpress.com/signs/grain-belt-beer/

Surly Eight Release Party Sunday

Surly Eight
Surly Brewing Company celebrates their 8th anniversary this Sunday with the release of their eighth anniversary beer aptly named EIGHT! From 5-10pm at Dakota Jazz Club (1010 Nicollet Mall) they’ll be pouring EIGHT, an Oat Wine style ale aged in High West Rye Whiskey barrels as well as Todd the Axe Man, The Devil’s Work, Cynic, Hell and Furious. There will also be special menu item to pair with EIGHT, music from Doomtree’s DJ Paper Tiger, and special guests.
Pro tip: make a reservation. Visit http://www.dakotacooks.com/dining-reservations/ or call 612-332-1010

Schell’s Equinox Fresh Hop Pilsner

freshhop-150x480Our friends at August Schell Brewing Co., are really tearing things up as of late. We’re excited to share a little new about another new limited-release offering, a fresh hop pilsner featuring Equinox, a new hop variety recently developed by the Hop Breeding Company and Hopunion. If the name Hop Breeding Company doesn’t sound familiar, just note that they’re the folks that have brought you Mosaic, Citra and Simcoe hops.

“In our Fresh Hop series, we like to explore relatively new hop varieties, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Equinox,” said Schell’s brewmaster, Dave Berg. “It’s a good way for us to evaluate the variety for future use, while introducing consumers to what’s new in the wild world of hops.”

Hop Union describes Equinox as having a pronounced aroma profile with citrus, tropical fruit, floral and herbal characteristics. Specific descriptors include lemon, lime, papaya, apple, and green pepper. “In choosing Equinox, we considered both its aromatic properties and uniqueness. Fresh Hop beer enthusiasts will find Equinox to be a great aroma hop, with a lot of lemon-lime characteristics. It’s really unlike any anything we’ve worked with before.”

Schell’s Fresh Hop Equinox is a German-style pilsner with 45 IBUs and 5 percent ABV.

Schell’s Snowstorm 2014: Grand Cru

Schell's Snowstorm 2014: Grand CruI always look forward to Schell’s annual Snowstorm beer. I love that they change up the style year after year, and as far as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed the offerings. This year, Snowstorm is a Belgian-style Granc Cru. The folks at Schell’s brewed it with 2-Row Pilsner, Red Wheat, Red X, Special Roast, Light Chocolate malt and Tubinado sugar as well as coriander, bitter orange peel, sweet orange peel, and lemon peel. It’s been hopped to 20 IBUs with Opal and Cascade. Schell’s fermented with Forbidden Fruit yeast strain for fermentation. Schell’s Jace Marti says to look for a beer with a deep copper color and off white head and goes on to say, “The aroma is a combination of fruity esters from the yeast complimented by the citrusy notes of coriander, orange, and lemon peel. This beer is deceptively lighter bodied, with a lively carbonation and subtle warmth from the moderate alcohol. Fruity notes from the yeast carry over into the flavor profile with hints of citrus and light chocolate and a lasting dry finish.”
Can’t wait!