Duh.

I’m sure some of you have heard that the Brewer’s Association announced yesterday that craft beer “dollar sales were up 12 percent in the first half of 2010, compared to 9 percent growth during the same period in 2009.” I can’t say I’m surprised, though being involved with MNBeer & craft beer on a local level for 5+ years (and drinking it for much longer…) has allowed me to watch the enthusiasm grow exponentially both within our market and beyond.

Six years ago, I never would have thought that so many people that I know would have enjoyed malt- and hop-forward beers. “I tried this new beer, a dark beer… Ever heard of Amber Bock, Ryan?” seemed to be more of the sentiment. Now I’m not surprised when a friend can tell me that her mom loves Furious and another friend replaces his Budweiser with Lift Bridge’s Farm Girl. Pretty cool.

Go craft beer, go!

Ngon Bistro in St. Paul just tapped some cask Surly Bender, which goes delightfully well with Cha Gio or Duck Cassoulet de l’Indochine. While you’re there, you might as well get a pour of Abrasive, which is sure to be some of the last floating around the cities.

Just a quick remeinder that the Beer Dabbler Showcase is Saturday at Highland Fest. Here’s your last chance to win tickets (mailing tomorrow if you win)! Email ryan@mnbeer.com your address with the subject line “Mmmm. Beer.” 9pm deadline!