Author: ryan

Ryan Anderson (that's me!) is the editor & founder of MNBeer. Much has changed since the fall of 2005 and I'm proud to have been a part of it all. Sometime I'll tell you about my grand theory that links craft brewing to punk rock. Just ask.

Weekend Events with Stone’s Greg Koch at Republic & Old Capital Tavern

By on May 23, 2012in bars/restaurants, beer events

Photo: StudioSchulz.com

Ready your “GregFace” if you’re so inclined and spend an evening with Greg Koch, CEO and co-founder of Stone Brewing Co this weekend. Check out these events.

Greg will be at Republic on Friday, May 25  from 7-8:30pm, and of course the Stone beers will be flowing: Arrogant Bastard Ale, along with several special releases: Double Dry Hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, Stone Smoked Porter w/ Chipotle Peppers,  Stone Imperial Russian Stout, and Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine.

On Sunday, May 27th from 8-9:30pm, the St. Cloud area gets a taste of Stone at Old Capital Tavern in Sauk Rapids. Stone beers on tap that evening include: Stone Smoked Porter w/ Chipotle Peppers, Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone IPA, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, and Stone Ruination IPA.

Update… strike that, Greg won’t be at Tilia, but Nate will, and it’ll be an undoubtedly fun night. Tilia beer dinner on June 3rd. Cheers!

Better Beer Society’s Brown Bag Series #2 at Butcher & Boar

By on May 23, 2012in bars/restaurants, beer education, beer events

Today Better Beer Society announced that they have partnered with The Butcher & the Boar for the the second event in their “Brown Bag Blind Tasting Event”. The event will be held on June 30th in the beer garden at The Butcher & the Boar.

The theme for Series #2 is “Summer Session: Backyard BBQ Beers” and will feature 28 taps paired with summer flavors. The goal is to expose participants to beer pairing techniques, with a nod to backyard bbqing.

The event will guide guests through four categories of blind samples paired with a different small plate, designed to accentuate both the beer and the food. Sounds like a blast!

This event will sell out. Get your tickets now at www.betterbeersociety.com

The Better Beer Society is a multi-faceted agency dedicated to the growth and promotion of craft beer; focusing on quality control in our restaurants and bars, as well as hosting creative events, based upon educating the MN craft beer community.

This is the second event in our series of blind tasting events; all designed to challenge and educate your palate. Our aim is to get you thinking and talking about the aromas and flavors that you are experiencing, as well as get rid of any preconceptions one may have about certain beer styles.

Boom Island Brimstone Release

By on May 21, 2012in bars/restaurants, beer events, breweries

Boom Island’s fourth beer, Brimstone makes its way to market this week with a release party at Eli’s East on Tuesday starting at 4:30 followed by a bottle release at the brewery on Wednesday from 5-8.

At  Eli’s East from 4:30-6:30pm, there will be special pricing on Brimstone and a Boom Island Tap Takeover featuring all four Boom Island beers on tap as well as special beer recipes, pairings and more.

On Wednesday, you can head over to the brewery (2207 North 2nd Street, Minneapolis) from 5-8pm for the first crack at bottles of Brimstone.  Brimstone is priced at $10 per 750ml bottle (tax included) with a limit of two per person. Kevin and the rest of the staff will be on hand to answer questions, and you’re welcome to take a peek at the brewery.

The Beer: Color: Light Blond Flavor: Slight Sweetness layered over subtle yet complex spiciness Strength: 9.5% ABV (The important part) -A true example of the Belgian Abbey tradition of brewing, one of which I personally am very, very proud.

Surly Pentagram & Sÿx Label Art

By on May 18, 2012in breweries

Thanks to Beernews.org for digging up the artwork. As we reported back in March (via Denver Post), Surly hoped to make Pentagram an annual Summer bottle release. Lo and behold, Beernews.org gives us the artwork. Check it out. Click for a larger image. 

They also rustled up artwork for Sÿx, which translates roughly into “six” for those of you who don’t speak metal. Surly Sÿx is a wood-aged American Strong Ale that’ll weigh in around 15%. Please don’t fuck it up and it Styx. Again, click to see a bigger version.