In case you’re not a reader of the Star Tribune or in case you generally just like to look at the pictures and read the comics in the paper (like me), let me point you to an article in today’s Strib about the impact that the hop shortage is having on local brewers. For anyone who has paid attention to this over the past months, there really isn’t anything new to report. However, Chao Xiong, the reporter, does a good job in addressing the impact locally.
Category: general beer
Reminder – City Pages Beer Festival!
Just a quick reminder that today is the City Pages Beer Festival. The event runs from 5-9 P.M. Lines get long and the event is generally crowded, so plan for that. It’s a beautiful day so far and likely to get better with a few beers. See you there.
BusinessWeek Story
This isn’t exactly a MN focused article by BusinessWeek (actually, written by Boston Beer Co.’s Jim Koch), but I recall a few dialogues on MNBeer, other sites and in local watering holes on the topic of hop shortages and some things Boston Beer Co. was doing. It’s an interesting read. I also think it shows that Jim Koch and Boston Beer Co., despite their size and success, still “get it.” My opinion. Anyway, it’s a good piece that will get some more mileage while we’re all knuckle-down at a bar chatting away.
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/may2008/ca20080521_308953.htm
Surly at Paddle Fest
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.
Vine Park Tornado Alley Alt
Saturday, May 3 10:00 am – Noon
Glockenspiel, St. Paul
Mai Festival & German Weisswurst Breakfast
Thanks to a special arrangement between Vine Park and the Glockenspiel, there will be 2 kegs of Tornado Alley Alt on tap for your drinking pleasure. And to free up more funds to increase your drinking pleasure stop by Vine Park for reduced priced tickets to the breakfast ($10.95 each).