Category: breweries

Cheesy Collaboration

By on February 14, 2009in breweries, general beer

A couple of MNBeer geeks had a chance to attend a private cheese release at Summit Brewery last evening.  The purpose of this release was to present and taste Winter Blues, a cheese made in collaboration between Faribault Dairy Co. (producers of Amablu lines of cheese) and Summit.  “How does this diabolical union come to be,” you ask!?  Amablu’s St. Pete’s Select blue cheese was bathed in Summit’s Winter Ale for several weeks and, I’m not a science guy but hang with me, apparently the cheese mold gets a bit tipsy, throws a few parties, puts the obligatory lamp-shade on its head, all from the safe confines of a bomb-proof complex of caves.  The result is a very creamy, sensational blue cheese.

“That’s all good and well, Mag, but why are you telling us?”  Good question.  The good folks and Lunds and Byerly’s are going to attempt to single-handedly pull our economy out of this recession by selling Winter Blues in all Lunds and Byerly’s stores starting on February 20th.  And they’re gonna do this without TARP money.  Additionally, Winter Blues will be showcased in a Lunds and Byerly’s catered beer dinner at Summit on March 4 (see the previous post).

Well done folks, truly.

And my thanks goes out to Mark, Carey and the folks at Summit for allowing us to join you.  Cheers!

Summit Beer Dinner

By on February 14, 2009in beer events, breweries

Date: Wed., March 4, 2009
Location: Summit Brewing Company
910 Montreal Circle
St. Paul, MN 55102
Brewery Tour: 5:30 pm
Beer & Appetizers: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost: $60 per person
To Register: Call 952-897-9800 or email openhouse@lfhi.com

Menu:
Clam and Sausage Soup
Tomatoes, Chili, Clams, Fini Cheddar and Summit Hefe Weizen

A Salad of “Fish and Chips”
Smoked Trout, Frisee and Wild Rice finished with Pretzel Chips and Summit ESB Dressing

Layers
Roast Gold Beet and Faribault Dairy Gorgonzola Terrine accompanied by Orange, Black Olive, Almond and Summit IPA Dressing

Bacon Wrapped Lamb Loin
Accompanied by Mushroom and Faribault Dairy AmaBlu Potatoes, Fig and Summit Porter Jam and Cocoa and Porter Laced Lamb Reduction

Beer & Cheese
Faribault Dairy Winter Blues, Peppered Summit Syrup and Roasted Fennel Relish

Ebony & Ivory
Layered Faribault Dairy AmaBlu Cheese and Summit Stout Crème Caramel garnished with Summit Stout and Stone Fruit Relish

What the Hell is Sheephead, You Ask? Read on…

By on February 12, 2009in beer events, breweries, general beer

braubrothers.jpgBelow is a note from Dustin Brau, Brau Bros., regarding an up-coming beer release at the Happy Gnome (pronounced “Gah-nome” in my vernacular).  Sheephead is a back-stabbing, friendship-breaking, unholy card game (similar to euchre and the like…very fun).  I played many-a-game growing up in Sleepy Eye.  I don’t know what the hell this goofy spitz and nola stuff is Dustin mentioned, but I’m guessing it won’t matter after a few beers.  Also, I had a chance to try Brau’s Sheephead Ale at Winterfest.  Loved it.  A most worthy event!

Sheephead Ale is coming soon! February 28 is the release date for our newest beer. We will be celebrating with a release party Feb 28 at the Happy Gnome in St. Paul. We’ll bring a couple casks of sheephead (extra dry-hopping of course!) to sample and answer any questions or just talk beer. Also, for all sheephead (Schaf-Kopf for anyone over 60) players, we’ll host a tournament with prizes for top scores. Check in at 2pm, tourney runs 2:30 – 5:30pm. If you would like to learn how to play, visit Yahoo’s Sheepshead game room. It’s a great way to learn. For those who do not play, we’ll celebrate another old German tradition – drinking beer. Sign up for swag giveaways throughout the day. To sign up, just email Mary, mary@braubeer.com, here and let her know. We will play Lucan rules (spitz, nola, call ace). If you have any questions, shoot us an email. We’re looking forward to meeting everyone and catching up with old friends!

Take care,

Dustin