MNBeer is nothing, if not concerned for the mental and physical well-being of its readers.  That’s why we take great pains to bring to you the most current, critical news of the local craft beer world.  From time to time we need to ignore our provincial bias and share momentous news from outside our borders.  Consider this a Public Service Announcement.

Check out this Associated Press story shared in the Pioneer Press regarding a new “smash-proof pint glass meant to reduce drinking injuries.”  I especially like the quote, “Glassing causes horrific injuries and has a lasting and devastating impact on victims and their families.”  Hell, things have apparently gotten so bad that they’ve coined a term for it – glassing.  Outfrickenstanding!  And then there is this line, “Officials swore the country would save billions in health care costs by coming up with a glass that doesn’t double as a lethal weapon.”  Hell, maybe we don’t need health care reform.

I figure this P.S.A. outta earn MNBeer a Nobel Peace Prize, so go ahead and begin lobbying The Nobel Foundation.

So you like to drink good beer. And maybe you’ve been to a beer pairing dinner or two. Now maybe you’re looking for something else. How about taking a class with Certified Cicerone Michael Agnew? Check out these classes offered through Cooks of Crocus Hill:

ABCs of Beer – Friday, March 26th 6 – 8 pm, $55
Smoked, Grilled and Sauced: A Wine and Beer Pairing Experience – Friday, April 30th 6 – 9 pm, $75
Cheese and Ale: Pairing Beer and Cheese – Monday, May 17th 6 – 8 pm, $55

Here’s an excerpt from an e-mail from Dustin Brau and Brau Bros.  Please take note that folks from Brau will be at Four Firkins tonight from 6-8 pouring Rainwater and several other offerings.

Another quick update from the town of 220.

Rainwater Stout is off and running! It’s all gone here at the brewery, but we couldn’t be happier with the response. There are a few kegs floating around the twin cities, but that’s about it. Maybe bring Rainwater back next winter?

Elisha’s Olde Ale is an ale we brewed with Minnesota and South Dakota Homebrewers here in Lucan. It’s an excellent olde ale cracking 10%, brewed with molasses, and aged on lightly toasted oak. This is the winner of the 2009 Brau Bros SD Homebrewers Challenge. We’ll release about 100 cases sometime in February. Look for it on draft as well. Maybe even a few firkins.

Both Elisha’s Olde and Rainwater will be poured at Winterfest on February 5th. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Our first shipment of Old 56 Light Beer shipped yesterday!! We’re going to keep this one fairly local for a bit, to make sure we can keep up. It’s southwest Minnesota’s first ever locally-brewed light beer! It’s all-malt, including estate grown barley and hops. We had to brew this one in order to get more work out of Dad. He’s worthless on Sheephead all day.

Tonight from 6pm-8pm Mary and I will be at Four Firkins in St Louis Park pouring Rainwater, Scotch Ale, and Cream Stout. Great winter beers – stop in and say hi! I’ve been there before, it’s a blast!

A couple days ago, MN Governor Tim Pawlenty tweeted:

“The results are in! In the unlikely event the Saints beat Vikes on Sun. I’ll offer Jindal a Vikings cooler filled w/ Minnesota microbrews.”

What will be in the cooler, Governor?

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos for Beer Dabbler ticket contest. All submissions were good. In the end, we decided to go with Susan’s photo. Susan avoided Corona and Jamaica for Cedar Lake and Surly Hell. Susan, your tickets are in the mail!

Beer Dabbler Showcase takes place on Saturday, January 23rd from 3:30 – 7:30pm at Mears Park in St. Paul. See you there.

Here’s a short list of some of the breweries that will be present… visit Beer Dabbler for more…

Surly Brewing Company, Flat Earth Brewing Company, Fulton Brewing, Rush River Brewing Co, Brau Brothers Brewing Company, Crispin Cider, August Schells Brewing Company, Tyranena Brewing Company, Mantorville Brewing Company, Cold Spring Brewing, Dark Horse Brewing Company, Flying Dog Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Co, Rogue Brewery, Sprecher Brewing Company, Summit Brewing Co, Granite City Food & Brewery, Lift Bridge Brewery, Hub City Brewing Company, Full Sail Brewing Co, Goose Island Beer Company, St Croix brewing Company, Choc Beer Company