Tag: homebrew

No Homebrew Sampling at this Year’s Deer River BBQ & Brew Fest

By on August 7, 2013in beer events, beer laws, homebrew

This year’s Deer River BBQ and Brew Fest will be without one of it’s starring attractions – this year’s homebrew competition will go on, but sampling homebrew to the public will not. We’ve seen issues with sampling homebrew come up for the past few years, and unfortunately this comes as no surprise.

Hello everyone. You may have seen the article in Saturday’s edition of the Grand Rapids Herald-Review that announced we are suspending homebrew public sampling at this year’s event but don’t worry. The homebrew judging event will proceed as planned and beer will be available for sale.

During final preparations for this year’s event it was discovered that Minnesota’s interpretation of current state statutes is that a home brewer or organization cannot give away samples of homebrew to people beyond the brewer’s family, as home brewed beer is not regulated in the same manner of professional breweries. More information will be available at the event Saturday if you would like additional details.

While disappointing, it is a small setback to what is a great event. We have a great lineup of BBQ teams who are ready to pair their low and slow ribs, brisket, chicken and pork with the live music of MESH. Home brewers will compete for prizes and bragging rights as well. Many folks will be camping on the site; BBQ smokers, brewers and their families.

See you on Saturday!

Much like 2010’s Artenbru, this event could very well have two-fold issues. Aside from the interpretation that homebrewer’s can’t share samples with the general public, this is also an event with a ticket price, which very well could be interpreted as payment for beer. Right, wrong or otherwise, this event will be shifting gears this year. What do you think?

Top Brewer Minnesota

By on October 5, 2012in bars/restaurants, beer events, breweries, homebrew, MN

Description from Top Brewer: This event is a celebration of the local craft beer scene.  Never before has the community been brought together to choose what beer will enter the local market.  This event unites local breweries, beer lovers, homebrewers, and craft beer bars in one harmonious event, by showcasing each, and the contribution they make to our community.

Groveland Tap, October 11 & 25th – 6-9:30pm
Edina Grill, October 18 – 6-9:30pm
3 Squares, November 1 – 6pm-9:30pm

The event is 100% Minnesotan.  Taking place on Thursdays in October on scenic patios.

The brewer that will own the Top Brewer MN will be determined through a series of 4 qualifying events, which will be held at a different Blue Plate Group Restaurant. Each week 6 local homebrewers bring a beer to be judged; the winner of each week will be given ingredients courtesy of Northern Brewer and Brewer Supply Group to make a beer for the finals.

The Finals will be held at Lucid Brewing Company on February 2nd and the winner will be be known around Minnesota and beyond as TOP BREWER MINNESOTA.

Top Brewer MN will give local homebrewers an opportunity to be able to brew on a production scale brewing system with the gang at Lucid Brewing Company, help name the beer, and of course be apart of the promotional team through a series of events in March.

Each of the four events will be limited to 200 attendees and will cost fifteen dollars. Ticket will includes a complimentary Lucid beer of your choice, live music featuring local artists, and special pricing for Lucid beers as well as some food items paired specifically with the Lucid beers. For more information go to www.topbrewer.org

Auction for Obama’s Homebrew

By on September 21, 2012in homebrew

This is just another reason why we’ve always loved Brad “the beer guy” Magerkurth. As you might recall, Brad ended up with a bottle of President Obama’s homebrew while in Iowa last month. Now Brad has put said beer up for auction. Proceeds benevig Amplatz Children’s Hospital. You can bid right here.

Minnesota State Fair Homebrew Competition

By on July 11, 2012in homebrew, MN

Kinda’ funny how the State Fair always creeps up on us, not unlike “back to school” areas in department stores. In any case, it’s time to start thinking about the State Fair Homebrew Competition. Details below.

Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition

This isn’t your Grandma’s blue ribbon!  As part of The Great Minnesota Get Together the Primary Fermenters Brewers and Vintners will be hosting the 11th Annual Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition.

Get your entries brewing!  On-line registration will be open from July 20th to August 3rd. Competition is limited to the first 750 entries. You can drop off your entries in person at either Midwest Supplies or Northern Brewer Stores between July 27th and August 3rd. Mail-in entries will be accepted at Midwest Supplies only.

Judging will take place on Friday, evening August 17th, AND Saturday, August 18th, on the State Fair grounds.  Best of Show judging and awards will be held during the Minnesota State Fair, on Saturday, August 25th at 11 AM on the MN Craft Brewers Guild Stage, in the Ag-Hort Building.

Please join us for a fun competition!  To volunteer and help with the competition, contact Amanda Kutzke, the Competition Organizer, directly at pfbrewclub@gmail.com or to judge/steward sign-up online at http://www.mnstatefair.brewcompetition.com (beginning July 20th.)

Dates to Remember:
Online Registration:  July 20 – Aug. 3, 2012
Entries accepted at drop-off sites:  July 27 – Aug. 3, 2012 until 3 PM
Judging:  August 17-18, 2012 (Not Open to Public)
Best-Of-Show Judging and Awards:  August 25, 2012 (Open to Public)

For more information and additional details visit: http://www.mnstatefair.brewcompetition.com/