Finally certain Tweets from certain brewers about their “gimmicky” beers makes sense!!!  The June 2010 issue of Twin Cities Business (hard copy only for now, Dan Haugen authored it) has a brief  but interesting write-up on Minnesota’s bitterest beers (yeah, yeah, I’m sure YOU’VE made a more bitter beer, but you ain’t selling it in stores, is ya?).  You’ll have to track down a hard copy of the rag to read the article, but let me play spoiler for you.  Wondering what, per this article, Minnesota’s top five bitter beers (by IBU, of course) are?

5)  New-comer Fulton’s Sweet Child of Vine grabbed the 5th spot at 70 IBUs, just edging out Summit’s IPA and Horizon Red at 65 IBUs.

4)  Dem dere Brau Bros. oudda Lucan hold de 4th spot wit dere Sheep Head Ale at 88 IBUs.

3)  Wondering why you can’t taste your lutefisk after drinking Surly’s Furious?  Well, it’s position in the 3rd spot at 99 IBUs should answer that question.

2)  Living in the Limelight with the 2nd most bitter beer in Minnesota (after recently holding the first spot until #1 was brought back to the market as a retail-available beer) is Flat Earth’s Northwest Passage IPA at 115 IBUs.  Yup, it curls toes.

1)  And sitting firmly atop the bitter pig-pile is Surly’s Abrasive at 120 IBUs.

Anywho, find a copy of the June issue to see the who holds the 8th-12th spots.