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.

Surly Overrated

By on February 1, 2013in breweries
Surly Overrated West Coast Style IPA
Surly Overrated West Coast Style IPA

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Beerpulse uncovered can artwork for a new Surly “West-Coast IPA” dubbed Overrated on Thursday. The artwork, and name for that matter, remind us a bit of Bandwagon, Surly’s draft-only beer served (mostly) exclusively at Target Field for Twins games. Officially, the brewery isn’t ready to comment on the beer, though when asked if the beer was Bandwagon Surly brewmaster Todd Haug said (via Twitter) “they are both ‘Am. IPA’s’ so I can only assume that people might think they are similar. New hop variety for us so we’re stoked!” More details, release info, etc., etc. to come. For now, some art and verbiage. After seeing Surly detractors on this site for years using the term “Surly fanboys,” it’s nice to see them spit it right back at them. Cheers!

It’s been said, “It’s easier to brew an extremely hoppy beer than an extremely balanced beer.” And you know us, we are always looking for the easy way out, so we jumped on the West Coast IPA Bandwagon and brewed this dry and hoppy ale. “Surly’s a little bit of a one-trick pony, they just brew gimmick beers,” and maybe we are OVERRATED, but at the end of the day, it’s just a beer. If you like it, great, so do we. If you only liked us when we were small, then leave this one on the shelf. Let one of the fanboys grab it.

Growler Magazine Duluth Launch Party

By on February 1, 2013in bars/restaurants, beer events
The Growler

The GrowlerThe Growler is coming to Duluth and they’re throwing a party. Needless to say, dear friend, you’re invited. The party gets started at 9pm on February 8th at  Tycoons Alehouse & Eatery. The first 200 paid attendees will receive a free pint of beer and a souvenir Growler pint glass. Duluth based band the Black-Eyed Snakes, and Silverback Colony with lead singer Gabriel Douglas of 4ontheFloor will be performing. Cost of admission is $6.

Great Twin Ports Taste Together with Dropkick Murphys

By on January 30, 2013in beer events, breweries, brewpubs

We sort of missed the boat this year on this festival. By “sort of” I mean that it looks as if the regular tickets are all sold out, but there are still some hotel package options available as I write this, so without further ado…

Killer beer and an awesome band? Check! The Great Twin Ports Taste Together features four hours of great local and national breweries and wineries from the Duluth Superior area and beyond. Brewfest tickets also include free access to a concert by The Dropkick Murphys. Win-win. Music starts at 8:30pm.

More details here.

Best of Both Shores Beer Dinner at Grandma’s, Duluth

By on January 30, 2013in bars/restaurants, beer events, breweries
Best of Both Shores Beer Dinner

Best of Both Shores Beer DinnerGrandma’s at Canal Park in Duluth is hosting a beer dinner that celebrates some tasty Minnesota and Wisconsin beers with a little help from Duluth’s Lake Superior Brewing Co. and South Shore Brewery in Ashland, WI. Brewmasters Dale Kleinschmidt and Bo Belanger are hosting a five-course, ten-beer dinner on February 12th at 7pm at Grandma’s in Canal Park. $54.99/person includes tax & tip.