In this shorter “unofficial” episode of Chop & Brew, Chip pulls himself away from grad school work for a few moments to share some announcements, thoughts, and homebrewing/cooking resources. Got a crazy idea for a homebrew session, a go-to house beer recipe or mad skills in the kitchen you’d like to share with the people? Chop & Brew is looking for Twin Cities area homebrewers and/or home chefs with ideas for and interest in being featuring in future episodes. If you are game, contact them at chopandbrew@gmail.com.
News & Updates
Beer Dabbler Bullpen at the Saints’ Stadium
The Beer Dabbler and The St. Paul Saints are pairing up to bring 21 craft beers to the ballpark this year. The area, dubbed The Beer Dabbler Bullpen, will be located in the left field corner and will feature seven different breweries, a 70 foot custom bar and a retail space. This outdoor craft beer area will debut at the Saints’ May 11 exhibition game against the Gary SouthShore RailCats.
In addition to other beers, Badger Hill plans to launch a limited release White IPA at the Bullpen. You’ll also be able to find beers from Alaskan, Fulton, Goose Island, Lift Bridge, Odell and Third Street.
“Beer and baseball are the perfect combination at the ballpark,” said Scott Bush, assistant general manager, St. Paul Saints. “Our goal is to enhance the Saints experience and this partnership with the Beer Dabbler will allow our fans to choose from a wide variety of tasty craft beers. A ‘call to the Bullpen’ will definitely have a different meaning this year.”
“We are excited to bring fans even more tasty reasons to come to a ballgame this year,” said Joseph Alton, project director at the Beer Dabbler. “What pairs better than beer and baseball? The Saint Paul Saints are an outdoor summer institution in Minnesota and now you’ll be hard pressed to find a better draught list at another sporting event this summer.”
Summit Cellar Expansion
Every time I hear progress of one of our locals (especially one that my gullet has so much history with, I beam with a little bit of pride. Here’s some video of the progress of Summit’s cellar expansion. That’s one hell of a fridge! Way to go Summit!
Bathwater Beer and Taxes
Kurt Zellers
Whoops. Regarding the proposed excise tax increase on beer, representative Kurt Zellers drew some grief at home for this quote:
“To say that it’s only seven cents a beer, that’s like promising a case of Summit to the party and showing up with that bathwater called Leinenkugel’s,” and went on to say “It’s not a fair deal at all. Good Minnesota beer for Wisconsin bathwater, no sir.”
When he returned to the house, he came with an apology. Apparently his wife is quite a fan of Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.
“The little joke I played last night got me in trouble at home last night. So most importantly, my apologies to the Leinenkugel family. They are a great family-owned business. But as it usually goes at our house, ‘I’m sorry, honey.”
Of course Leinenkugel’s is owned by SABMiller. And while I wouldn’t call their beer “bathwater,” Summit would be preferred in my world. My suggestion? Someone should send his wife a case of Schell’s Shocked Radler and be done with it.
Alpine Beer to Brew in Minnesota?
Interesting. Southern California’s Alpine Beer is close to inking a deal to expand their operation by brewing beer at Cold Spring. Of course even more interesting should some of said beer find its way into our market. According to this U-T San Diego article, the move would allow the brewery to supplement the 1500 barrels they produce annually with an additional 5000 bbl.
Obviously no word as to whether the beer would become available in Minnesota, but at 5000bbl, I’m not holding my breathe.