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.

Stub & Herb’s beer tasting no. 2 – Schell’s

By on March 27, 2008in bars/restaurants, breweries

Ted Marti

I went to Stub & Herb’s second beer tasting last night with my co-worker Scott and a couple of his friends that were eager to taste some great beers. The game room was once-again filled with 20-30 (?) people. We had a special guest that evening – Ted Marti from Schell’s. I had assumed that a brewery rep. or perhaps our buddy Dave would be talking, and that would have been just fine, but I thought it was very cool that the CEO of the second-oldest family-run brewery joined us. Lots of good beer (Original, Dark, Pilsner, Firebrick, Stout, Maibock and Einbecker Doppelbock), lots of good questions (I’ll get to that in just a minute), some good food (German sausage, sauerkraut and soft pretzels) and of course some great information for the beer geeks.

The questions… in case you’re curious – if forced to choose, Ted would pick the Pilsner as his favorite Schell’s beer. AND… drum roll here… the next anniversary beer is a dunkel. Details to come.

To finish out the night, Stub & Herb’s served two bonus beers. In order to win some prizes, we had to identify the beers from Stub & Herb’s selection. I knew one – I’d enjoyed it the night before, Avery’s Collaboration Not Litigation – but I couldn’t place the other. I knew it was pale, somewhat fruity, hoppy, biscuity… Left Hand Sawtooth Ale. Four people (myself included) took some nice prizes home from Schell’s and Stub and Herb’s.

Thanks to Jon and Stub & Herb’s, Ted and Schell’s and everyone who showed up. I see great potential in this series! Look for Bell’s and Ommegang at future events.

Black Forest Bock on tap at McCann’s

By on March 25, 2008in brewpubs

McCann’sStraight from the brewer’s keyboard…

We are pleased to introduce our first lager Black Forest Bock. Bock in German translates to goat and this beer has plenty of kick. German monks would brew these strong lagers to get them through their fast during lent. Our version is a bit of a hybrid Schwarz(black)Beer/Bock. Starting with a traditional bock base we added some black malt to add a soft roastyness. A deep dark mahogany color with a caramel, toasty/raisin bread sweet malt character you will enjoy. 7.3% ABV

Hop rhizomes at Northern Brewer

By on March 24, 2008in general beer, homebrew

Here’s a little note from Juno at Northern Brewer:

Northern Brewer has just received hop rhizomes (root cuttings) from Oregon! Now you can grow your own hops at home for use in beer or for decorative purposes. Stop by our retail store in St. Paul at 1150 Grand Avenue. Each rhizome is $5.99 and we have the following varieties available: Cascade, Centennial, Crystal, Goldings, Mt. Hood, Magnum, Nugget, Sterling and Willamette.They will only be available for the next week or so!

Gastro Non Grata

By on March 23, 2008in beer events, general beer

The fifth installment of Gastro Non Grata will take place at Memory Lanes in the Seward Neighborhood of Minneapolis on March 30 from 6-9. Musical guests will be Self-Evident and Total Fucking Blood. Pat Starr from the Wienery will be dispensing knowledge and hot dogs while Corey Shovein of Hohenstein Distributing will be offering up an old school lager tasting. Don’t forget about the meat raffle or the special guest The Hamm’s Bear.

Flat Earth 1st Birthday Party

By on March 23, 2008in beer events, breweries

Head on down the the Muddy Pig Monday, March 24 to celebrate Flat Earth Brewing’s first birthday.  They’ll have 4 Flat Earth beers on tap along with a couple of surprises and Jeff Williamson will be on hand to talk beer. The party starts at 5:00. Oh, and all Flat Earth beers will be just $3.