Category: MN

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Local Beer Enthusiasts

By on December 14, 2015in beer education, Fair State Brewing, Fulton Brewing Co., history, MN

Holiday shopping can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know what to get someone. The good news is we’ve got some ideas here at MNBeer.com for the beer loving folks in your life. Here are some ideas for you to ponder as the time winds down.

Fulton Gift Pack
Fulton Beer, Red Table Meats, and The Lone Grazer Creamery have teamed up to bring you some fantastic snacks and beer to go, just in time for the holidays. For those of you who haven’t tried anything from either Red Table or The Lone Grazer, you are missing out. The set includes two Fulton pint glasses, a growler of beer, salami, and a wheel of cheese.
If you really want to impress someone, go with Worthy Adversary for your growler fill and they will love you forever. If that’s not your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Lonely Blonde. This took home Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival and should be in your fridge on the regular. Pick this set up at the Fulton taproom before they sell out. $50

Fair State Membership
Fair State Brewing is the Minneapolis cooperative brewery that has been making waves since they opened up shop just over a year ago. Now’s the time to get someone in on the fun by gifting them a membership. This gift will go a long way in that they will receive voting rights, happy hours, a free anniversary pint, and the biggest benefit….priority access to special releases. Their special bottle releases have really been a hit and as you probably know, they sell out fast. At the very least this would give your special friend or family member an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy a tasty local brew. Lifetime membership $200

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Have a friend who has tried about every beer you can think of? Ha! There’s no way they have, and to prove it you should get them tickets to Northern Lights Rare Beer Fest coming up on March 12th at the Minnesota History Center. Here they will find the some of the rarest brews from some of the most respected breweries around the country. Here is the lineup from last year to give you a taste. $100

Land of Amber Waters
Got a history buff in your circle? Doug Hoverson’s Land of Amber Waters is the best record of the history of brewing here in Minnesota. This is still the best reference manual about the local suds that have been brewed over the years first published in 2007. One of the most impressive things about this written record are the illustrations of breweriana (yes, that’s a word) from around the state. This is one gift that should be on the coffee table of any Minnesota beer aficionado. $40

Lift Bridge Gift

If you are looking for a simple gift idea for a reasonable price, you might want to go with this gift pack from Lift Bridge Brewing. It includes a koozie, an empty growler, a key chain bottle opener, and a $15 gift card which is to be used to fill the growler with the beer of their choice. Pick this gift set up at their brewery which is located in Stillwater. $35
Also please remember to shop local whenever possible. There are many local merchants out there trying to feed their families.

Cheers!

Spring Ale Fest – April 6th

By on March 26, 2013in breweries, MN
Spring Ale Fest 2013

What do you get when you combine 14 local breweries, food trucks and a boxing gym in northeast Minneapolis?  The Spring Ale Fest!

April 6th will mark the 2nd Annual Spring Ale Fest.  This year the fest will be held indoors at the Uppercut Gym in Northeast Minneapolis (1324 Quincy St NE).  Most other days of the year Uppercut is home to boxers and trainers, April 6th will see the space set up for drinking. The gym will be stripped down to one ring, and local music group, White Dad, will be providing the tunes.

The event is sponsored by and benefits Nice Ride Minnesota, the community bike sharing program you can find in just about every neighborhood in Minneapolis.  The Spring Ale Fest also marks the kick-off to the 2013 Nice Ride season!  (Someone tell Mother Nature.)  There will be plenty of bike parking at Uppercut, and there are a few Nice Ride stations in close proximity to the event.

Last year eight breweries were showcased; this year ups the ante to 14.  Local favorites such as Dangerous Man, Northgate, 612Brew and Indeed will be representing their turf, plus other local favorites, and even one or two that are coming from just across the Mississippi.  Check out the entire list here.

While on the smaller side compared to some of the beer fests in the area, this festival limits the tickets to keep a favorable ratio of brewers to drinkers. Long lines won’t be an issue, and there will be great food from Rusty Taco and Stanley’s Bar Room to soak up the libations.

Last year the event sold out, and this year is on pace to sell out this week, so go over to brownpapertickets.com and grab some of the last ones!  VIP tickets are $60 and get you into the fest an hour early, 1-5pm, as well as a special souvenir mug.  Regular tickets are $40 and get you access from 2-5pm.

If you have any questions, direct them to info@springalefest.com.

DRINK LOCAL – EAT LOCAL – RIDE LOCAL

Indeed Burr Grinder Coffee Ale Release

By on February 28, 2013in breweries, MN
burr grinder

burr grinder

As a coffee nerd and a beer nerd, this is one I’ve been waiting for for a bit. It’s no surprise that I like Indeed’s beer and when I heard that they were collaborating with Dogwood Coffee I knew I had to try this beer. If you’re not familiar, Dogwood is extremely well-received by local coffee geeks. You’ll have your chance to check out this brew next week at  Victory 44 on  Tuesday, March 5th starting at 5pm. According to indeed, they steeped 90-pounds of Guatemalan Finca Rosma coffee in the brew kettle before topping off the finished beer with 54-gallons of cold press.

I’ve consumed my fair share of Guatemalan coffee as of late and my mouth waters thinking about this one. Can’t wait to try it.

 

Fulton War and Peace Release (Bottles, too!)

By on February 20, 2013in beer events, breweries, MN
Fulton Brewing Co.

Fulton Brewing Co.Fulton’s Imperial Coffee Stout, War & Peace, makes its return Saturday at their taproom. War & Peace is infused with whole bean Guatemalan Organic dark roast coffee from Peace Coffee. You’ll be able to have it on draft or take home a 750ml bottle for $15 if you visit the brewery Saturday. Can’t make it Saturday, on Monday (2/25), War & Peace will roll out on draft and in bottles across the Twin Cities.

War & Peace is part of what Fulton is calling the Garage Series – a home for some of their beers that just don’t fit anywhere else. This series may include some experiments, infusions, barrel-aged beers and whatever else. We look forward to seeing more as the series develops!