Category: Steel Toe Brewing

Top Local Barrel-Aged Beer Programs

By on February 5, 2026in beer dinners, beer events, Bent Paddle Brewing Co., general beer, Lift Bridge, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Steel Toe Brewing, Surly Brewing Co.

Quality Barrel-Aged beers are not always easy to find. The entire brewing process is lengthy and can lead to unexpected results in the final product. These beers require patience and the quality is hard to predict. Results often vary and they don’t always turn out the way the brewer intends them to. That being said, there are a handful of programs here locally that do a solid job at delivering on their experiments. Here are some of the top programs here in Minnesota.


Town Hall Brewery hosts Barrel Age Week every February with this year’s iteration taking place from Thursday, February 13th thru Sunday, February 24th. That’s a whole 10 days featuring over 20 special beers and a ticketed beer dinner event. Some of which include:

Manhattan Reserve: A Gran Cru aged in the barrels of two different Kentucky distilleries with tart Michigan cherries. This is must try.

Cold Runnings: The ever popular Scottish Wee Heavy aged in Jamaican Rum barrels contributing flavors of vanilla, chocolate, nougat, maple, and black strap molasses.

Jalisco Highlands: A Strong Belgian Blonde aged in an oak tequila barrel with notes of honey, lemon, watermelon, cherry and lime. A very unique addition worthy of sipping.

Iced Old Vine Curve: A blend of Town Hall beers aged in Cali Red Zinfandel barrels and briefly frozen to which left H20 crystals that were later removed with the concentrate saved for your enjoyment. What charcuterie boards are to Lunchables, Iced Old Vine Curve is to Icehouse. Plus, Icehouse is so mid-nineties.

Surly Brewing is notorious for their annual Darkness release every fall and their barrel-aged version is collected by many from all over the region. They are currently pushing their Barrel Goblins Project headed up by the talented Ben Smith. This collection includes:

Boris, a Parker’s Heritage 14 year Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine.

Lizzie, the French Oak Aged Dopplehelles Bock.

Viktor, a daring Bourbon Barrel-Aged Strong Ale with Vanilla.

Vlad, the mega Belgian Golden Strong Ale aged in Bourbon barrels and fermented with Brettanomyces.

Also around the bend is a collab project with Chicago’s Revolution Brewing which released in January. This concoction happens to be a Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout finished on wine lees. Also of note, Barrel-Aged Darkness is heading our way coming up in March in bottles and on tap. I’m drooling…

Steel Toe Brewing produces a couple of barrel aged beauties, Lunker and Before the Dawn. These releases are typically every other meaning that one year it will be Lunker, and the next is Before the Dawn. These usually drop late fall and they move fast so you’ll want to get in soon after the release if you want it on tap.

Bent Paddle Brewing brews up a Russian Imperial Stout version of Cold Press Black called Double Shot Double Black which typically releases in late November. This beer is a beast in terms of ABV, and especially compared to the standard version of Cold Press Black which is extremely crushable and the perfect companion to a campfire.

Lift Bridge Brewing produces one of the most overlooked barrel-aged options around called Silhouette. This Russian Imperial Stout is often available in different versions. For example, last year they released the traditional Bourbon Barrel Silhouette, French Toast, and Espresso Martini versions.

Cheers!

Five Session Beers to Seek Out

By on September 2, 2024in Dangerous Man Brewing Co., Fulton Brewing Co., general beer, Steel Toe Brewing

Have you ever found yourself wanting beer options that allow you to be out with friends for an extended period of time that won’t leave you feeling extremely intoxicated? This can be challenging since most craft beers are rated at 6% ABV or higher.

There is nothing worse than signing yourself up for happy hour on a work night and knowing that you will be there for multiple hours with that all important morning meeting looming. Behold, some craft options that are sure to allow you a social life no matter what the morning beholds.

Daytime IPA Lagunitas Brewing – This unique brew will please everyone from the IPA fanatic to the gym rat. This boasts a remarkable statline of 98 calories per can, 3 carbs, and 4% ABV. You can literally be on a low carb diet and smash these considering they size up against those in the Michelob Ultra category. This may be the official beer for your summer weight loss program.

Fulton Chill City – Hamm’s is a classic beer around these parts. When you’re looking for something similar, there is no better choice. Your standard go-to crusher fit for the pontoon or the backyard potluck. ABV 4%.


Steel Toe Size 4 – When you want something crisp and flavorful, this is your pick. West Coast hops shine through this in this offering that has taken home a couple of prestigious medals. Plus, all the pretentious IPA bros will agree that this is the pick in the category. ABV 4.5%.


Bell’s Light Hearted – What separates this from the rest of the bunch is the balance and body demonstrated in this option. Those who love Bell’s Two Hearted will adore this iteration of a session style IPA featuring Galaxy hops. Michigan’s finest brewery knocks it out the park with this one checking in at 110 calories and an ABV of 4%.


Dangerlight Dangerous Man – This Pilsner really hits the spot on a beach or paired with a book on the couch. This beer won’t fuck up your fantasy football draft and will pair well with those tacos served up buffet style. Fear not, this beer finishes dry and will make you feel much less guilty for crushing the whole six pack at 4% ABV.

Cheers!

Ten Iconic Minnesota Beers

By on November 30, 2021in August Schell Brewing Co., Barley John's, Dangerous Man Brewing Co., Fair State Brewing, Fulton Brewing Co., general beer, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Steel Toe Brewing, Summit Brewing Co., Surly Brewing Co.

Minnesota has a rich brewing history dating back to the mid 1800s. Breweries such as Wolf Brewing in Stillwater, Minneapolis Brewing Company, Schell’s Brewing, and Hamm’s in St. Paul paved the way for the many breweries we enjoy here today.

 

It’s really pretty incredible to think how large the brewing scene has become once again, especially amid a society so hell bent on counting every calorie they put in their bodies. But here we are in the middle of a pandemic—with nothing but time to reflect on what got us here.

 

Here are ten beers that have helped define what local brewers are capable of. Some have been around for over 50 years, and some were formulated and brewed within the last ten years.

 

Schell’s Pils – A classic version of what a German Pilsner should be. One could argue that this recipe was one of the better American-made versions in production the past 30 years. Clean, crisp, and refreshing—this beer could be found in most brewer’s refrigerators across Minnesota. The brewery has since dropped this from their lineup, but here’s to hoping it makes a comeback.

 

Summit EPA – This is the first craft beer that many Minnesotans were introduced to. Anything outside of a standard American Lager was hard to come by around here, even in the 90s when many across the country were drinking beer from Sierra Nevada, Anchor Steam, Deschutes and many others. Mark Stutrud brought this recipe to life back in 1986 and it’s still every bit as good today.

 

Surly Furious – Many were skeptical when they saw this beer in 16 oz. cans (thanks Linda Haug) on the shelves of liquor stores. A hoppy red ale in cans? This revolutionized the way people thought about packaging beer here in Minnesota. Oskar Blues had been doing this since 2002, but Surly had the foresight to put their boldest beer in larger cans for sale in four packs.

 

Dangerous Man Peanut Butter Porter – Often imitated, but never duplicated, this beer has converted plenty of “non-beer drinkers” to craft beer fanatics. This is literally Minnesota’s “dessert beer” and rightfully so. It tastes like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in liquid form, a gem amongst many imposters. Their recipe for success in Northeast is simple. Brew unique beers that people will love, and they will come and spend their money.

 

Minneapolis Town Hall Masala Mama – Ask any homebrewer, brewer, or beer nerd around town what their favorite IPA was 15 years ago, and they’d say it was Masala Mama. This was the best IPA recipe in the Midwest and was the brainchild of Mike Hoops who still runs the show over at their Seven Corners location. This is easily the most influential IPA ever to be born here in Minnesota.

 

Fulton Lonely Blonde – The craft beer for your dad, uncle, or cheap beer crushing friend. This beer is full of flavor but is approachable to all who try it. Minnesota patios sell a ton of this from April through October and year-round for that matter. This is your perfect boating beer, and one that I keep in my fridge on the regular.

 

Fair State Roselle – This is a perfectly executed Kettle Sour that is an ideal choice for any wine drinker or sour beer fan. Roselle is tart, fruity, and floral and it set the standard for what local brewers are doing within the sour beer category.

 

Steel Toe Size 7 – Before the “haze craze” people actually used to appreciate a good West Coast IPA. There is no better example of the style than the one made in St. Louis Park. This beer is far from balanced with big citrus notes and a clean finish. There’s a reason why this is their number one seller.

 

Grain Belt Premium – This was once brewed by the Minneapolis Brewing Company right after Prohibition ended. Now this clean, Minnesota classic adjunct lager is made by Schell’s Brewing Company who bought the recipe back in 2002. Corn and blueberry notes come through in this legendary beer which can be found at any dive bar across the Twin Cities.

 

Barley John’s Wild Brunette Wild Rice Brown Ale – A classic Brown Ale from one of the original brewpubs in town. Roasty malts and subtle chocolate and vanilla satisfy the palate in this classic Minnesota beer. Homebrewers in the Twin Cities have long admired this underappreciated offering, and it’s still being made some 20 years after being introduced. Find this one on tap at the brewpub located in New Brighton.

 

Cheers!

ABR Returns to Boom Island Park

By on September 17, 2021in breweries, general beer, Hoops Brewing, mnbeer.com, Pryes Brewing Co., Steel Toe Brewing

The Autumn Brew Review is back and it returns to a familiar spot along the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the event which will almost certainly leave some upset, but the health of the attendees and vendors is being put first during this uncertain time.

“The health and wellness of craft beer employees and customers is extremely important to the Guild, and so is continuing to host the festivals that energize and connect the craft beer community. As COVID continues to be a concern throughout the state, we felt it was our responsibility to do what we could to support community and industry safety at ABR,” says Bennett McGinty. “We know not everyone will be happy with the vaccine requirement, but our goal is to limit the potential negative impact our festival could have on community health, and allow people to be more confident in working, attending, and volunteering at ABR.”

This event will once again showcase Minnesota breweries and some of their finest creations on Saturday, October 16th beginning at 1:30 pm and going until 5 pm. These Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild events are often the best way to sample beers from breweries all across Minnesota without the long drive. “We hear from attendees all the time that they love how they actually get to talk with the head brewers and owners of Minnesota’s breweries at our festivals. Our fests are a great way for craft beer fans to connect in a new way with some of their favorite local businesses, and discover new places they haven’t been able to try yet,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of the MNCBG.

One of those breweries is Hoops Brewing in Duluth. Dave Hoops who founded the brewery is known for his fruit concoctions as well as his ability to utilize hot peppers in a subtle way. Some of the beers he plans to bring include a Raspberry Wheat Ale, Bamberg Lager, Wood Smoked Hefeweizen, and a Pepper Ale.

Many of the local breweries will bring a special beer or two to spice things up and show attendees what they are capable of. One such beer that will be worth seeking out is the 2021 version of Lost Moon from Pryes Brewing in Minneapolis. This Russian Imperial Stout won Silver at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Expect rich, roasted malts with Belgian candy sugar and notes of chocolate and caramel. Perfect for a fall day in the Twin Cities. They will also bring Cartographer, Star Seer, and a triple hopped honey DIPA featuring locally sourced honey.

The folks at Steel Toe haven’t solidified their choices yet, but expect to see Size 4, Provider, and Rainmaker on their menu. Rainmaker is one of the most underrated beers made in town. Classified as a Double Red Ale—this beer brings piney hops to the table with toasty caramel malts—and sports a lovely red hue when poured into your favorite glass. Be sure to seek this one out.

Tickets will cost $60 to attend, and $15 for sober drivers. ABR will happen rain or shine so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast. You can purchase tickets here.

Cheers!

Indeed and Steel Toe Collaborate for an Old Favorite in Flock Together Series

By on April 3, 2018in food pairing, general beer, Indeed Brewing Co., MN, new beer, Steel Toe Brewing

You know that Black & Tan you used to order? Well two local breweries have collaborated to bring you a local version with the order reversed. A Tan & Black. Indeed Brewing out of Northeast and Steel Toe from St. Louis Park got together and made two beers with the intention that you’ll order them together in the same glass. The Indeed version is a Wood-Aged Blonde Ale and the Steel Toe beer is a Wood-Aged Rye Bock.

Both beers utilize English malts and were aged on honeycomb spirals from Black Swan Cooperage out of Park Rapids, Minnesota. The Blonde will feature notes of bread, honey, and oak while the Bock will add some chocolate, caramel, and wood flavors.

So why did they switch it from a Black & Tan to a Tan & Black? “I’ve always liked Steel Toe,” says Indeed Lead Brewer Dan Stavig, describing how the collaboration formed. “Michael Wagner (Steel Toe Brewer) and I struck on an idea that sounded unique to us: two different beers made at separate breweries, but designed to be blended together.”

Indeed has always been on top of collaborations and frequently joins forces with local and national breweries (Dangerous, Man, Schell’s, Hoops Brewing, Northbound Smokehouse, New Belgium, and more) to bring special beers to life. Steel Toe on the other hand has been rather quiet on that front with only a couple of collaborations under their belt. Sticky Bubbler with Surly last year for the Red Stag Block Party and a version of Sticker Fight with Boneyard Brewing out of Bend, Oregon.

You can get yourself a Tan & Black at Bunny’s Bar and Grill in St. Louis Park (pair it up with their wings) starting on April, 10th and at Pizza Luce in Roseville (try it with the Italian Sausage Parmigiana) on April, 12th.

Cheers!