Category: brewpubs

Brewers Bazaar – A Post Mortem

By on May 18, 2008in breweries, brewpubs, homebrew

Yesterday was Stillwater’s 2nd Annual Brewers Bazaar, hosted by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club.  For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s a quick recap.

First of all, this event was lightly attended relative to many other local beer tasting events (still too new, I guess), so lines were short and attendees could spend time speaking with the brewers and reps, if they were so inclined.  The crowd was diverse in terms of age and craft beer experience, but seemed united in its enthusiasm for the beer.

The breweries and brewpubs were very well represented, which was a surprise and delight for many of us.  I had a chance to chat with the following brewers/founders/etc. representing their respective joints: Dave Berg (Brewer, August Schell); Mark Stutrud (Founder, Summit); Steve Rinker and Dan Schwarz (Brewers, Lift Bridge – I think several other Lift Bridge folks were there, but I didn’t get a chance to meet them…sorry); Trevor Brau (CFO, Brau Bros.); Bob DuVernois (Brewer, Great Waters); Jeff Williamson (Brewer, Flat Earth); and Brian and Bob (Fitger’s…did I get the names right guys?).  Additionally, C.R. Stephens, founder of Still-H2O (Homebrewing Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Supplies) was there will a panoply of hombrewing gear, cooking up a batch of blond ale.  Tod Fyten of Mantorville/St. Croix was also there, but I didn’t get a chance to catch up with him.  I also didn’t get a chance to catch up with the folks at the Finnegans table.  Town Hall and Barley John’s, which were on the program, were no-shows.  Too bad, but there was enough other, good beer to go around.

This wasn’t an event crammed full of special releases but Brau Brothers debuted their Whirly Bird Oatmeal Stout and Lift Bridge’s entire offering was new.

 Overall, I would call this intimate beer event a good time.  It would be well worth attending next year, especially if the breweries and brewpubs are as well represented and you can catch a free moment to meet the folks.

Granite City Ostara’s Spring Ale

By on May 14, 2008in brewpubs

In honor of American Craft Beer Week, all Granite City locations tapped their Ostara’s Spring Ale on Tuesday. This is a light golden, dry-hopped ale is meant for a warm spring day. With any luck, we’ll get some warm spring days soon!

Mango Mama & Maibock

By on May 1, 2008in brewpubs, free beer

Here’s the word on Maibock and Mango Mama from Mike at Minneapolis Town Hall …not sure why this posted in the events and not on the main page yesterday, but whatever… who has time to fix things when there’s so much great beer to consume?

Hey All,
This coming Saturday, May 3 is the blessing of the Maibock. The annual German style lager or “blond bock” will be blessed at 5:15 pm….this is something you want to see.

At 5:00 we will start to fill you steins (plastic cups) and we ask that you patiently wait to drink your maibock until the offcial toast after the blessing. After the toast we will continue filling your steins (plastic cups) with Maibock until 6:00…..all this cup filling is compliments of Town Hall Brewery and Pete. He may not always show it, but he likes each and every one of you. Thanks for another great year! (Maibock growlers will be available after the blessing.)

Great Waters Update

By on April 30, 2008in brewpubs

UPDATE:  Stopped by Great Waters on Sat., 5/3, and lo and behold, they were out of quite a few beers.  That’s bittersweet (good for business, bad for me).

greatwaters.jpgGreat Waters has updated their online beer listing. In addition to their usual offering, they’ve got some interesting new beers and a couple of good repeats.

Pulled from the Cask

Mr. Smooth Dark Mild
Made in the style of century old dark mild’s, with wheat, oats, and barley. Gently hopped with East Kent Goldings. Sturdy blue collar session beer for refreshment after a hard day in the mill.
O.G. 10.2P, 25 IBU’S, 5% ABV

Willie the Wisp Scottish Ale (Limited on cask)
Medium body, dark amber color, malty, with hints of caramel, bisquet, and peat. Hopped with East Kent Golding and brewed with Golden Promise barley. Little hop aroma to allow the malt flavors to be present. Also available on pushed draft.
O.G. 13P, 30 IBU’S, 5.2% ABV

Tartar Control IPA
Brewed with lots of Vienna malt and English barley. Plenty of hops to balance the maltiness.
O.G. 17.2P, 90 IBU’S, 6.8% ABV

Surly at Paddle Fest

By on April 24, 2008in beer events, brewpubs, general beer

Surly Brewing is once again sponsoring an extreme sports festival up in Sandstone, MN. The 2nd Annual Kettle River Paddlefest is happening next weekend, May 2, 3 and 4. Granted, the event is more about white water river activities, but I for one am as much looking forward to the evening activities at the Gas Light Bar as I am the ones on the water.

For full disclosure, I brew and drink with Tony, one of the event organizers. Don’t let that fact keep you away.