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.

Fulton War & Peace Release Saturday

By on January 30, 2014in bars/restaurants, breweries

WarandPeaceI caught a little flack for dissing W. Axl Rose & the song “Patience” with Fulton’s last bottle release. I’ve yet to apologize (I’m more of a “Nighttrain” kind of guy.), but I’ll be much nicer with their latest release, War and Peace. A little secret? I’ve never read Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” I realize it doesn’t redeem me, but I do really like Peace Coffee. Not enough? An unlabeled bottle of Fulton’s Russian Imperial Stout was the first of their offerings to pass my lips before the brewery began producing beer for the public. Good enough?

In any case, the latest Garage Series beer from Fulton, War & Peace will be released this Saturday at their taproom. They’ll be offering 10 oz. pours for $6 and  750ml bottles for $15 each with a limit of two per person. And if you don’t get enough coffee in you from the beer, the fine folks from  Peace Coffee will be there sampling their brews as well.

Look for War & Peace around the Twin Cities on draft and in bottles in the following weeks. You’ll also want to mark February 6th on your calendar as Butcher & the Boar will be tapping one of the first War & Peace kegs, the aforementioned Patience (don’t whistle), and one of a few keds of Libertine aged in special Butcher & the Boar Knob Creek bourbon barrels.

 

Summit Frost Line Rye Comin’ Atcha

By on January 30, 2014in breweries

frostlinerye

We first told you about Summit’s new in-between seasonal offering, Frost Line Rye back in October. We’re excited to say that you should start seeing it this week. For those of you playing along at home, this beer is Summit’s fifth, tucked nicely in between Winter Ale and Maibock (..shhh! Hold that thought. I know some of you have already seen Maibock in spring samplers.).

Here’s what Damian had to say about the beer: “We’ve had our four seasonal brews for a long time, but as these winters seem to get longer and longer, we thought we would introduce a beer that helps folks make it to spring with their sanity intact.”

Earlier reports suggested that this beer was inspired in-part by Mike Lundell’s Unchained 3: India Style Rye Ale. Frost Line Rye will highlight the earthiness and spice from several varieties of rye and unique hops. Look for a little citrus, some floral notes and a bitter & dry finish.

How ’bout we drink some today?

Deets:
Malts: US pale, US pale rye, US caramel rye, German chocolate rye, US flaked rye
Hops: Summit, Citra, dry-hopped: Citra, Experimental hop #01210
ABV: 5.8%
IBUs: 55

Town Hall Lanes Chili Cook-Off Sunday

By on January 30, 2014in bars/restaurants, brewpubs

thlaneschiliWhile Town Hall Brewery is getting a a little nip and tuck this season, their baby sister, Town Hall Lanes, will serve as host for the brewery’s annual Super Bowl Sunday Chili Cook-Off this year. $10 gets you a pint of Town Hall beer and access to a variety of homemade chili to sample and ultimately judge.Attendees will pick the People’s Choice award (a $50 gift card). Judges at the brewery will award to prizes for their favorites, a $300 prize pack for the winner and a $200 prize pack for second place.

Think you have what it takes to win? Call or enter in person until February 1st. One entry per person!

Details:
Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 2:30 PM.
Town Hall Lanes, 5019 34th Ave S, Minneapolis
$10 at the door
http://www.townhallbrewery.com/#news-and-events

A New Look for Grain Belt

By on January 28, 2014in breweries

The look of Grain Belt really hasn’t changed much over the years. And while Schell’s has owned the brand since 2002, they’ve always been fairly hesitant to change the look of Grain Belt. Certainly a facelift for Grain Belt needs to be treated delicately, given it’s dedicated following and rich history.

According to Schell’s Jace Marti, the new design drew inspiration from the aesthetics of Grain Belt’s look back in the 50s and 60s, – iconic and classy. “When we finally decided it was time to update the packaging, that look was what immediately came to mind. It’s a great family look that stays true to it’s roots…”The brewery has also acquired some great old Grain Belt ads and artwork that will serve as inspiration for new ads and signage for the brand “It’s going to be such a stark contrast to all the American Lager ads you see out there today, I think it’s really going to be a fun, refreshing change.” Very true! Look for the new campaign in February.

Surly Asator Viking IPA

By on January 27, 2014in breweries

 

assviking

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if you don’t like metal (or at least beer), this post is a bust! Bonus points if you can pick the song and artist whose lyrics I (poorly) co-opted.*

In any case, whether or not metal is your thing, Surly has a new limited draft release beer that might just tickle your proverbial fancy. Surly brewed Asator Viking IPA for an upcoming Amon Amarth metal show at Mill City Nights on February 8th. Asator is a dark IPA brewed with peated malt and fermented on oak. If you’ve ever visited the brewery, you’ve likely heard a blast or two of metal: “The Surly production team is fueled by metal, so what better way to honor three of our favorite bands who have braved the winter to perform for Minnesota.” said head-banger…er brewmaster, Todd Haug.

You’ll be able to catch a taste of Asator Viking IPA at show first, and then for a very limited time at the Surly Taproom starting on Wednesday, February 12.