Category: general beer

Chop & Brew #6: Growing Hops at Home (Part 1)

By on May 22, 2013in beer education, Features, general beer, homebrew, video

Another spring, another hop crop gets underway in Minnesota. This episode of Chop & Brew looks at the basic steps to planting hop rhizomes in containers and in the ground. The C&B crew helps new hop-growers with tips and techniques for the start of the growing season. Chop & Brew will do several episodes over the coming months on maintenance, harvesting, drying and of course a fresh-hop brew day episode. For related links and resources see the official episode page at Chop & Brew’s website.

Also, check out this Chop & Brew Lagniappe video “Cooking Hop Shoots (Hop Asparagus)”

Chop & Brew #5.5: Not an Official Episode

By on May 1, 2013in beer education, general beer, homebrew, video

In this shorter “unofficial” episode of Chop & Brew, Chip pulls himself away from grad school work for a few moments to share some announcements, thoughts, and homebrewing/cooking resources. Got a crazy idea for a homebrew session, a go-to house beer recipe or mad skills in the kitchen you’d like to share with the people? Chop & Brew is looking for Twin Cities area homebrewers and/or home chefs with ideas for and interest in being featuring in future episodes. If you are game, contact them at chopandbrew@gmail.com.

Alpine Beer to Brew in Minnesota?

By on April 27, 2013in general beer

alpineInteresting. Southern California’s Alpine Beer is close to inking a deal to expand their operation by brewing beer at Cold Spring. Of course even more interesting should some of said beer find its way into our market. According to this U-T San Diego article, the move would allow the brewery to supplement the 1500 barrels they produce annually with an additional 5000 bbl.

Obviously no word as to whether the beer would become available in Minnesota, but at 5000bbl, I’m not holding my breathe.

Taprooms & Growlers Approved in Bemidji

By on March 26, 2013in beer laws, breweries, general beer

Good news from the Bemidji Brewing Company – the Bemidji City Council has approved ordinances allowing taprooms and growler sales within the City. With that move, a large hurdle to growth has been removed for Tom, Tina and Bud as they continue to brew out of the Harmony Co-op shared kitchen.  Things are looking promising, though;  in this clip from Lakeland Public Television, Bud hints at a move to a permanent location to allow increased production and of course, a taproom.

Here’s to continued success, Bemidji Brewing Co.!

Northgate Brewing Growler Sales Start Saturday

By on February 12, 2013in beer events, breweries, general beer
Northgate Brewing Co.

Northgate Brewing Co.What a good week for beer in the Twin Cities. If the opening of taprooms for both 612 Brew and Steel Toe isn’t enough, Northgate Brewing has announced that they’ll open their brewery  for growler sales on Saturday, Febrary 16 from 2-6pm. Head to Northeast Minneapolis and grab your own growler of Northgate’s flagship beer, Wall’s End English Brown Ale.

Northgate growler

Image blatantly stolen from Northgate’s Twitter feed

“We’re extremely happy to open up our brewery to the local craft beer community,” said Northgate Brewing co-founder Adam Sjogren. “When you stop by for a growler, you’ll be walking right into our production brewery, and we’re always happy to talk about how our beer is made.”

Northgate Brewing,  3134 California St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Beer Description:
Wall’s End is a smooth Northern English Brown Ale that is refreshing enough for summer drinking and substantive enough for bitter Minnesota winters. Wall’s End is malt-focused, English-hopped and highly sessionable at 4.8% ABV. Growlers of Wall’s End will be available for $12 after a $5 container deposit. Growlers of additional Northgate Brewing beers will be available in the near future.