Category: brewpubs

Hump Day Options

By on March 2, 2011in bars/restaurants, brewpubs, cask beer

It’s hump day and if you need something to look forward to this evening, to make the hours in between now and then a little easier, here are a few options.

Fulton will have a cask of Worthy Adversary at Old Chicago in Eden Prairie at 5:00.

On the other side of town, Great Waters is putting Tighty Whitey Wit, described as “a tart Belgian wit beer with tastes of chamomile, corriander and orange peel” on tap.

Or if you’re looking for a to go option, Vine Park has growlers of Black IPA, Munich Helles and Irish Stout.

MLBA: Make Up Your Mind

By on February 23, 2011in bars/restaurants, breweries, brewpubs

According to this Star Tribune Piece by Paul Levy, Frank Ball and the MLBA seem to have changed their minds:

But Wednesday, he adopted his stance of a week ago, when he said: “We’re not talking about tires, batteries or accessories. This is alcohol, and it’s highly regulated. There’s a reason this law has been on the books since 1933.”

Deep pockets?

Couple that with some of the misinformation I’ve heard in the past week or so and I think it’s fair to share a few friendly reminders…

Things to consider:

The bill doesn’t allow breweries to sell cans, bottles growlers or beer to go at the brewery. Just beer for consumption on-site.

This bill has nothing to do with Sunday sales.

This bill has nothing to do with wine/strong beer in grocery stores.

With regard to Surly, their increased capacity will force them into the three-tier system, likely within the next year.

Increased capacity means more beer for for bars & liquor stores to sell.

All around the country similar projects exist and local retailers and bars are still selling beer. For reference, look to well-known examples such as Stone Brewing, Goose Island, Deschutes, Red Hook, Dogfish Head and so many others.

As consumers, we’ll still buy bottles and cans of Surly from your liquor stores and pints and pitchers from your bars.

Choosing to stop selling Surly at your bar or liquor store in light of this legislation is silly. Take a look at the rest of your selection and see how many of breweries already do what Surly has proposed. You’ll likely be surprised.

MNBeer.com supports this legislation. If you’re a brewery, distributor or restaurant/bar that supports the legislation, we’d love to hear it. On the same note, if you don’t, please drop me a line (ryan AT mnbeer.com) and let me know why. I’m not interested in calling anyone out, I’m just trying to gauge actual opposition & understand where you’re coming from. Thus far, despite requests, no one has stepped forward  in opposition.  Other than a “Friend of a friend of a friend” story or two, I’m not hearing much.

Fire Chief Tapping at Rock Bottom

By on February 23, 2011in beer events, brewpubs

Drinking beer for the sake of drinking beer is good. Drinking beer for the sake of something larger is well…better.

Now in its 15th year, Fire Chief Ale has continued to gain popularity and is one of the company’s cornerstone promotions. Since its inception in 1997, it has raised over $1 million dollars for local fire departments and related charities. This is the largest charity event we do all year!

St. Paul Summer Beer Fest

By on February 21, 2011in beer events, breweries, brewpubs

Shake off the thoughts of the mountains of snow outside and replace them with the memory of the warmth of the summer sun because the details are out on this year’s St. Paul Summer Beer Fest.

WE ARE MOVING!!!!! The 3rd Annual St Paul Summer Beer Fest will be on June 25th from 1-6pm at the MN State Fairgrounds inside the International Bazaar……can’t wait to see you all there this summer!!!!! —Mark and Juno—

Tickets for the event will go on sale online Saturday, April 2nd at noon. Price: TBA.