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.

Beer School at Republic Tonight

Come join Beer School for their last class of the fall semester! Jake Keeler from Northern Brewer will be handing out prizes for Beer School Graduates, Rob Shellman from Tallgrass will be in to announce a few events for his new project, Better Beer Society, and Omar Ansari from Surly will be at class talking beer and pouring some rare brews-and all for only $5! Also, come today to get in on the presale deal for next semester-only $25 for the whole 16 class semester. It’s not one you want to miss!

Harriet Divine Resolution Release Saturday

Harriet Brewing is giving their Divine Oculust its own bag of spices for the holiday celebrations of December.  They’ve piced their Belgian Golden Strong Ale with orange peel, pepper and coriander to “compliment its subtle fruit character and crank up the spice to eleven.”

They’ll debut Divine Resolution on Saturday, December 10th during their Saturday tasting hours from 1-6, and it will be available in limited quantities for the rest of the year.

Beer Geeks TV Launches Sunday

Beer Geeks, the first television show dedicated to craft beer in Minnesota, to premiere December 11th on KSTC-TV, Channel 45. Grab a beer & tune in! Read on for more information. Some of you may know Ed from Heritage Liquor in Maplewood. Local producer Jason Wiltse has a great pedigree as well, as a former segment producer and editor for Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Beer Geeks will tap into the ever-growing world of craft beer in Minnesota each week, taking viewers for a ride on the Beer Geeks Bus to local breweries, restaurants, and retail locations – highlighting the latest in craft brews, while meeting the people who create, enjoy and drink them.

Host of Beer Geeks is Minnesota native and craft beer lover, Jeff Angell. Having traveled coast to coast in the craft beer movement, he’s enjoyed many brews and the stories behind them. Back in the Twin Cities, Angell and his fellow Beer Geeks will share with viewers stories and more from the many local craft brews right here on Minnesota.

Beer Geeks is the brainchild of Matt Sandell and Ed Bremer. Longtime friends and colleagues in the beer and wine market, the two saw a niche market of craft beer growing rapidly, especially here in Minnesota. In fact, the market share of craft or micro breweries has increased steadily, while the domestic premium, super premium, sub-premium malt liquor or macro breweries have seen a decline in their share of the market, according to Information Resources Inc, who tracks data from beverage retailers.“I carry over 1000 different craft beers due to customer demand,” says Bremer, who owns a successful liquor store. “Craft beer comes in so many tastes that anyone, even those who say they don’t like beer, can find something to like in a craft beer. Beer Geeks TV has mass appeal”

The growing interest in craft beer is fueled not only by the beer itself, but also by the unique connection craft brewers share with their customers and the history they share with the community. “Craft beer is an art, behind art is passion, and that passion plays out in the community”, says Sandell, a liquor distributor with 20 years in the industry. “Each brew, each brewer, each brewery has a fascinating story to tell. Being a Beer Geek, craft beer is a lifestyle and our show brings it to life”

The half-hour show will air six weekly episodes on Sundays at 11:00 pm starting December 11th on KSTC-TV, Channel 45 in Minneapolis/St. Paul. The show is currently locally produced in the Twin Cities, however plans exist for possible expansion to other markets in the future.