Category: charity

MN Breweries Respond to ICE by Giving Back to Communities

By on March 7, 2026in beer events, charity, Fulton Brewing Co., general beer, Modist Brewing, Unmapped Brewing Co.


Several Minnesota breweries are reacting to the chaos that Minnesota immigrants have been through lately, with good intentions. Namely ICE and their oppressive mission, Operation Metro Surge which has been ripping through the Twin Cities and beyond since the beginning of the year.

ICE now claims to be pulling back on their operation yet these breweries are continuing their donation programs that give back to communities in need. Here are some ways to give back the next time you decide to go out.

Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka has been gathering essentials for an organization called Bridge to Basics which is a hygiene bank dedicated to getting people the products they need on the daily such as toothbrushes, menstrual products, soap, toilet paper and many others.

They’ve also been donating to food shelves and Immigrant resource organizations which are crucial, especially right now.

Co-owner Derek Allmendinger is proud of his team for the effort they’ve made during these trying times. “In response to ICE we’ve been gathering money, food, and pet food for the same food bank (ICA). We have been gathering personal hygiene products for an organization called Bridge to Basics. We are also providing resources for staying safe, knowing your rights, and just generally being a safe place for our community. It’s amazing how supportive people have been!”

Fulton Brewing is running a supply drive for the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf that will run indefinitely as they continue to provide support those in the community affected by ICE. Joyce Uptown Food Shelf has been supporting their community since 1969. They have a no appointments, no questions asked policy and provide two bags of food per month to individuals.

Fulton’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Petz had this to say back in January via Fulton’s social channels.

“We’ve Never envisioned Fulton as platform for political debate. Our work has always been focused on something simpler and more human: bringing people from all walks of life together over a beer. But the last few weeks feel different because our city, our state, and our day-to-day life is under attack from our own federal government.

The most famous line from our nation’s Declaration of Independence state that among our unalienable rights are ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ Right now, these rights that we have long take for granted are getting trampled on.

Life? Two Minneapolis residents dead. Liberty? Uncounted thousands detained, harassed, living in fear. Pursuit of Happiness? Seems impossible without the other two.

Our children’s teachers missing, either fearing for their safety or just gone, taken; their classmates fleeing the country, legal citizens unable to bear the ongoing racial profiling. Restaurants unable to open, because their staff live in constant fear. Masked gunmen forcing an entire block out of their apartments.

These are not abstractions; this was Monday. And the day before, and the weeks before that. In what version of America has this ever been acceptable?

America’s greatness, such that it is, has never belonged to a politician or political party. All it ever was or might someday be can only exist to the extent that we the people make it so, within our families, our neighbors, our communities. It goes way beyond who you voted for, it’s about who you show up for, today, tomorrow, and every day.

It is there that what little power we have as individuals is multiplied as a community; where we see the best of humanity in our neighbors.

Volunteers bringing in food and supplies to those who can’t leave home.

Business owners giving rides to employees who no longer feel safe on public transit.
Parents patrolling streets outside schools.
50,000 people marching peacefully in the bitter cold.
We want to say thank you and recognize the selflessness, generosity and bravery of this community who are making an impact in so many big and small ways. For our part, we will continue to support our employees and prioritize their safety. Our ongoing supply drive will continue indefinitely. And our doors will remain open and welcoming if you need a beer, an ear, a hug, or a soft place to land.

As Minnesotans, we know a few things. How to grow community gardens with a growing season barely 4 months long, and how to push a neighbor’s car out of the snow. Or that you don’t have to check someone’s papers to decide whether to treat them with dignity and respect. We also know that no matter how long and cold the winter, spring always comes. ICE will melt away, and we will still be here.

For our employees, customers, neighbors, and fellow businesses, this is personal.”

Modist Brewing will be hosting an even on March 13th from 5 pm to 9 pm called We Take Care of Us. This is not only a party, but a community fundraiser and donation drop off that supports those affected by ICE in the area.

You will find food, music, immigrant resources, tattooing, and craft table all in a family friendly environment. The following vendors can be found on site.

Food vendors:⁠

@caphinmpls⁠

@axehole⁠

@youvebeensouled⁠

@hermanoslocostacos⁠


Tattooers/artists:⁠

@bunnyakahk⁠

@cbriggstattoo⁠

@prettyininktattoo⁠

@common.frog⁠

@erinncreates⁠

Cheers!

Growler Gala #2: Roosevelt High School Theater Fundraiser

By on January 20, 2017in breweries, charity, general beer, MN

Next Thursday, the Advocates of Roosevelt Theater Arts will be hosting the second annual Growler Gala event at The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge from 7 until 11 pm. The event is open to ticket holders who are 21 and older and will feature, beer, music, a growler cake walk, and a silent auction.

The goal of the event is to raise enough money so that the program can produce a spring musical. Last year was a huge success and they are expecting even bigger things this year. Growlers have been donated by local breweries and the music lineup for the evening will include Rocket Appliances, Grammar, and the Betsie’s.

Get out and support local high school theater and bring some friends with. It’s certain to be a good time. Tickets to the event can be purchased here for $15, or at the door for $18.

When:

Thursday, January 26th from 7 – 11 pm

Where:

The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge

3010 Minnehaha Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

What to bring:

Dancing shoes, money, your thirsty friends

Cheers!

Craft Beer Pioneer Summit Celebrating 30 Years

By on September 8, 2016in beer events, breweries, charity, general beer, history, hops, misc. mn beer, MN, mnbeer.com, Summit Brewing Co., tap rooms

hardroad-letterThirty years ago Top Gun was all the rage. That was 1986, the same year that Summit Brewing opened its doors in an old building that used to sell truck parts on University Avenue in St. Paul. To say this was a humble beginning is an understatement as founder Mark Stutrud received a letter from the Brewers Association back in 1983 during the early planning stages advising him not to attempt such an endeavor.

That was just one of the many challenges for Mark, challenges that microbreweries today do not face. For one, there was no blueprint for a small brewery to succeed in the midwest. At that time was no such thing as a microbrewery. “Thirty years ago there was no regional point of reference as far as other small breweries were concerned – ‘microbrewery’ was not in the wholesaler’s or retail customer’s vocabulary. The idea of ‘craft beer’ didn’t exist in the drinker’s mind. The beer landscape was sterile” says Stutrud.

Two of the beers they produced that first year would pioneer a movement toward beers with a little more flavor, beers that would challenge palates on many levels. Those two beers of course are Summit Extra Pale Ale and Great Northern Porter.

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Summit EPA seems to be the most established and well-known variety that they make and the beer itself was born with a local touch. “The ‘extra’ in EPA was a reference to the love that we put into our beer [the overused word passion wasn’t in fashion in 1986]. The flavor profile of projecting a malt structure with a definite hop balance was a direct reference to the fact that we live in ‘barley country.’  We didn’t realize at the time that we were creating and establishing a specific style.”

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Great Northern Porter was a complete gem of a beer upon its arrival. Even storied beer journalist Michael Jackson loved it. It was so good that it earned Summit a Gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in its first year. “Great Northern Porter was the second beer that we introduced in late 1986” says Stutrud. “At that time, we were one of five breweries in the WORLD that produced a porter. Great Northern Porter received a Gold Medal at the 1987 Great American Beer Festival. Michael Jackson had a deep respect for our beer” he stated.

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If there’s one thing that’s true about Summit back then and now, it’s that quality always comes first. People can say what they want to about Summit not making a crazy one-off beer that sets beer fans abuzz, but the fact of the matter is that they want to make beers that they know how to make—and they make them great every time.

They started the Unchained Series as well as the Union Series to allow their brewers to experiment a little with different ingredients, and to inspire their creativity. All of the beers they make are brewed on a state-of-the-art system that is admired by many across the country. In fact, it’s what separates them from the other local breweries and from those across the country. “No other brewery in the region takes quality assurance to the deep level that we do. These attributes and qualities not only separates us from local breweries, but it distinguishes us on a national level” he says.

When he’s not drinking a Summit, Mark enjoys Pinot Noir, margaritas, the Noble Star Series from Schell’s, Anchor Steam, and Liberty Ales, an occasional Steel Toe, and a Budweiser from his neighbor.

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Summit is celebrating 30 years with a Backyard Bash at the brewery (910 Montreal Cir, St Paul, MN 55102) headlined by local punk legend Bob Mould (formerly of Hüsker Dü and Sugar) and taking place on Saturday from noon until 8 pm. You can grab tickets ($30) online here or at Electric Fetus in Minneapolis. There will be plenty of music and food trucks where you can purchase food. Part of the proceeds will go to Minnesota Music Coalition, an organization that Summit is proud to support. “The originators of this relatively new non-profit organization asked me to serve on the Board of Directors to an entrepreneurial and business perspective.  MMC has become an effective change agent for the independent music scene in Minnesota” says Mark. The band schedule (descending order) is as follows:

6:00 pm – Bob Mould
4:40 pm – Bully
3:35 pm – Dem Atlas
2:30 pm – Bad Bad Hats
1:25 pm – Apollo Cobra
12:20 pm – Nooky Jones
12:00 pm – Hotpants Minneapolis Minnesota (and between all live sets)

Food trucks on site include: The Anchor Fish & Chips, the Black Forest Inn, Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse, Pizza Lucé, Signature on Wheels, World Street Kitchen, FrioFrio MN and PoppedCorn.

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Summit has 30 years under its belt, and they are taking the appropriate amount of time to reflect while still moving forward. Their 30th Anniversary beers are some of the best beers they’ve come up with in recent years and they are not going to stop anytime soon. “Several individuals have asked me if I ever stop and look at what ‘I’ve’ created…There is an awesome and overwhelmed look on their faces when they tour the brewery.”

A brewery that will most certainly live to see 60.

Cheers!

News and Notes Early June 2016

By on June 7, 2016in beer dinners, beer events, Bent Paddle Brewing Co., breweries, charity, Fair State Brewing, general beer, Lift Bridge, misc. mn beer, MN, mnbeer.com, new beer, Summit Brewing Co.

On June 15th Fair State Brewing will release their sour Saison Roselle in cans. This beer is brewed with Hibiscus and is a perfect beer for warm summer days. Speaking of Fair State, they will be hosting a sour beer festival on June 25 called Mixed Culture. At this event they will be tapping 7 new barrel-aged mixed culture beers and bringing out some oldies from the cellar. Oakhold will also be previewing some of their beers at the event. As you may know, Caleb Levar (Co-owner of Oakhold) has been helping Niko and the Fair State crew around the brewery with their sour program.

The Lift Bridge folks made a trip out to Fort Collins earlier this spring to collaborate on a Belgian Ale with Odell Brewing called Peaks and Prairies. This recipe utilizes Colorado Palisade peaches and Cardamom and was aged on oak. This release is a part of Taps & Tables which is a celebration of craft beer and restaurants in June. For $30 you and a guest will be able to enjoy food and the beer at participating restaurants with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Click here for the schedule.

This is the 5th year for Pride Dabbler which will take place on June 24th from 5:30 – 9:30 pm. More than 50 breweries will be on-site pouring beers while food trucks such as Natedogs, The Anchor Fish and Chips, Hot Indian Foods and more will be selling food. Grab your tickets here.

Summit will be releasing the 22nd variety in their Unchained Series called Zingiber Cream Ale with ginger. Expect this to hit shelves and tap lines in the next couple of weeks.

Bent Paddle’s Lollygagger Pale Ale hits store shelves this week. 5% of all sales of this beer will go to helping Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores build a 100 mile mountain biking trail system called The Duluth Traverse. This copper colored beauty is sure to please those that appreciate a well-balanced Pale Ale.

That’s it for now.

Cheers!

Finnegan’s Releases Hoppy Shepherd

By on March 4, 2016in breweries, charity, contest, cooking & food, general beer, hops, misc. mn beer, MN, mnbeer.com, new beer, Summit Brewing Co.

Finnegan's

Jacquie Berglund founded Finnegan’s back in 2000 with the hopes of turning beer into food. Her organization donates 100% of profits to feed the hungry in the communities where their beer is sold. They’ve made a few different styles over the years (their beers are contract brewed at Summit) and they have all been very solid. The latest from Finnegan’s is a Session Ale called Hoppy Shepherd.

I was impressed with this addition to their lineup (although Dead Irish Poet is still my favorite) as it explores the interesting trend of hoppy session beers. I’m a sucker for these “hop forward” styles and this one lives up to that billing. Think lots of citrus with lightly toasted cracker from the malt. I’d suggest choosing this as you fire up the grill this spring and know that you’re not only feeding yourself, but also members of your community.

Speaking of community, Finnegan’s is partnering with local chefs this month in support of MN FoodShare’s Hunger Awareness Month. The theme….Food Fight. How it works is that chefs are asked to come up with a menu item using one of Finnegan’s beers and sell it at their restaurant for the month of March, and then donating a portion of that to profit. Voting will happen through the entire month with the winner receiving a free weekend at Chase on the Lake Resort. Check out the participants below.

• Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse – Chef Joe Bennett

• The Local – Chef Vincent Francoual

• Green Mill (Uptown, Lakeville, Eagan and Albert Lee)- Chefs Eric Heidelberger, Sammy Gonzalez, Danielle Puhle, Derek Oakland

• Le Town Talk Diner – Chef Ozzy Amelotti

• Pat’s Tap and the Red Stag- David Robinson (Pat’s Tap), Chefs Brian Krouch & Andrew Erenst (Red Stag)

• The Minneapolis Club – Chef Hakan Lundberg

• FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar (MOA and Downtown Mpls) Chefs Dinesh Jayawardena and Jim Kyndberg

• Jake O’Connors and O’Donovan’s- Chris Oxley

Cheers!