Category: general beer

Vine Park Beer Trip to Ireland

By on February 17, 2009in beer events, general beer

Vine ParkNeed to get out of town this summer? Or perhaps the country? I’ve got a trip for you… The Vine Park Beer Trip to Ireland. Sounds like a blast! Click to learn more!

Join Dan and Deb Justesen and other Vine Park patrons for a laid-back, Irish beer adventure. Discover the scenery and history of the Emerald Isle with a particular emphasis on pub culture and the now fermenting craft brewing movement. Complete details are below.

From all of us at Vine Park Brewing Company, we hope you can join us on our third Vine Park BeerTrip. See you in Ireland!

Brewhouse Beer Releases

By on February 15, 2009in general beer

Yum! I need to visit Duluth again… who is up for playing in the snow at Spirit Mountain & then drinking some beer at the Brewhouse?!

New beer at Fitger’s Brewhouse:

Black Paddle Porter – A rich North Shore style American porter. Loads of malt, lots of chocolate malt, American hops – a rich coffee, toffee fruity treat. Dreamed up in the Boundary waters over a campfire.

Contentment Pale Ale – This hoppy pale North Shore ale, right between Starfire and El Nino in hops and malt. Rich caramel notes in the background… Very aggressive hop notes everwhere else. Brewed to locate the common ground we all share.

Red Star Beer Releases:

El Diablo Belgian Strong Ale – This is a Belgian strong ale. Light gold in color with a surprisingly drinkable flavor and pleasant aroma. The rub is the strength. Very high alcohol is hidden in the rich and inviting flavors. Dry finish and aroma of apple and straw in the nose.

Also… Strong Golden Ale, Black Paddle Porter

Burrito Union Releases:

1100 Wheatwine – A wine strength wheat ale. Aged 15 months to allow for flavor development. A strong wheat flavor – kinda’ tart/tangy blends with vanilla and a warming alcohol finish. 10 oz. pours.

Brewhouse Pub Ale – This pale golden English style ale is modeled after the pale mild style brewed in England. These ales have moderate alcohol and generally a full body. We add nitrogen carbonation to ours to increase smoothness and mouthfeel.

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!

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

Valentines Events at Town Hall

By on February 12, 2009in brewpubs, general beer

Those of you on Town Hall‘s e-mailing list will have seen this already.  For the rest of us unwashed masses, here’s a note townhall.jpgfrom Mike Hoops.

Hi Friends,

Don’t forget about us as you look for a place to dine this coming VALENTINE’S Eve. Please view the attached menu and make your reservations today.  We will be serving *Chocolate Imperial Stout* and *Raspberry Milk Stout* beginning at 5pm (2-14) as an additional Valentine’s treat.  *******Sorry, No Growlers*********

Stop by for the BEER RELEASE this coming Monday 2/16. “Winterberry” will be released and from 5-6 pints of this fine Blueberry Ale will be just $2.50.

*****New*****
Now with beer releases, John and the kitchen crew will be offering a “small plate” with each release. This is a special food accompaniment for the newly released beer. The small plate will be a single serving treat (in most cases) for a price point not to exceed $5 for you. This coming Monday for example the small plate will consist of Lake Superior smoked whitefish, Chevre cheese and crackers. This will be available during beer releases while supply lasts.

Last tidbit

Pint Clubbers……read this
We have a Pint Club Only dinner scheduled for March 24. This will feature a special menu and two special beers just for you at a very attractive price. Food menu is complete and viewable, special beers yet to be named (Expect something crazy hoppy and the other crazy fun). Beers will be available just for Pint Club Members at dinner and will be just $2 per pint. Wow! Great beer for $2 a pint…..it’s kinda like when gas hit $1.50 a couple months ago.

PLEASE RESERVE THE SEAT FOR YOU AND YOUR GUEST SOON

Cheers
Mike

One last thing-Thanks for all the positive response to the Coconut Milk Stout at Winterfest 09….we really liked it too! We are currently working on a new batch, so look for it in 4-6 weeks. Yes, that will be available in growlers at that time.