After seeing the artwork for the Union Series as well as the new logo, we figured it wouldn’t be too long before Summit rolled out new labels. No word yet as to when we’ll start seeing these on bottles, but I think they look pretty damn good.
News & Updates
No Homebrew Sampling at this Year’s Deer River BBQ & Brew Fest
This year’s Deer River BBQ and Brew Fest will be without one of it’s starring attractions – this year’s homebrew competition will go on, but sampling homebrew to the public will not. We’ve seen issues with sampling homebrew come up for the past few years, and unfortunately this comes as no surprise.
Hello everyone. You may have seen the article in Saturday’s edition of the Grand Rapids Herald-Review that announced we are suspending homebrew public sampling at this year’s event but don’t worry. The homebrew judging event will proceed as planned and beer will be available for sale.
During final preparations for this year’s event it was discovered that Minnesota’s interpretation of current state statutes is that a home brewer or organization cannot give away samples of homebrew to people beyond the brewer’s family, as home brewed beer is not regulated in the same manner of professional breweries. More information will be available at the event Saturday if you would like additional details.
While disappointing, it is a small setback to what is a great event. We have a great lineup of BBQ teams who are ready to pair their low and slow ribs, brisket, chicken and pork with the live music of MESH. Home brewers will compete for prizes and bragging rights as well. Many folks will be camping on the site; BBQ smokers, brewers and their families.
See you on Saturday!
Much like 2010’s Artenbru, this event could very well have two-fold issues. Aside from the interpretation that homebrewer’s can’t share samples with the general public, this is also an event with a ticket price, which very well could be interpreted as payment for beer. Right, wrong or otherwise, this event will be shifting gears this year. What do you think?
Summit Backyard Bash Sept. 7th
Summit Backyard Bash. Photo © Summit Brewing Company
Occasionally we like to promote items from the events pages to the homepage, and Summit’s Backyard Bash is just such a thing. Our 27-year-old friends in St. Paul are celebrating their collective birthday in a big way on Saturday, September 7th from noon-8pm. $18 gets you a whole lotta’ music, and half of the proceeds from your ticket go straight to the Minnesota Music Coalition, a nonprofit service organization dedicated to supporting Minnesota’s independent music community. Very cool. In a previous life (let’s call it the 90s), I was an indie zinester and independent music is still very near and dear to me.
But I digress… sort of, anyway. The Backyard Bash will include performances by local bands including Secret Stash Soul Review (The Valdons, Sonny Knight, Jackie Harris and Wanda Davis), Haley Bonar, The New Standards, Lizzo (featuring Lazerbeak), Night Moves, Charlie Parr and friends, and Hotpants DJs. The Current’s David Campbell will emcee with help from Ellen Stanley from the MMC.
Needless to say, you’ll find some good munchies at the event from places like Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse, Barrio, Pizza Luce, Blue Plate and Black Forest Inn and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to wash down all that Minnesota music and food with a little beer from Summit Brewing Co.
Expect a variety of beers from the brewery as well as a cask beer area in their brand new cellar. They’ll also feature some kellerbier straight from the tanks and served in Fass kegs (think casks, but German…) Casks will be tapped continuously throughout the day. Good times!
Hey Mom or Dad, wanna’ come down to the Twin Cities and watch my kids for the day?
For more information about the Backyard Bash, including directions and FAQs, please visit: http://www.summitbrewing.com/Summit-Backyard-Bash
Darkness 2013 Artwork
This year’s artwork for Surly Darkness comes from the hands of Josh “Jawsh” Lemke. Check it out.
From the bottle:
“Brewcifer Lord of Darkness”
From the depths of the Brewhouse he arises! Enveloped in raging flames, his shadowy visage commands submission ot the dark nectar in his goblet. Brewcifer holds before you a massively opaque black brew with notes of chocolate, coffee,d ried tart cherries and rasins. The thick body of this Russian Imperial Stout finishes sweet, with a piny resinous hope character.Brewcifer commands that you enjoy this creation in a tulip glass, to capture the comple aromas and flavors. Brewcifer would suggest that you share with a friend. Brewcifer doesn’t want you to e a jerk.
Each year, we select a different artist to create a Darkness-inspired monstrosity. This year’s fiery creature is from the dark imagination of local artist Josh “Jawsh” Lemke.
Omar Ansari Todd Haug
Chop & Brew #9: Crawfish Boil with Cajun 2 Geaux
Crawfish. Crayfish. Mudbugs. Whatever you call them there is nothing like a crawfish boil! And while it’s true you don’t usually equate the Upper Midwest with Cajun cuisine, a couple of months ago Twin Cities beer-lovers experienced the joy of a full-blown crawfish boil thanks to Chef Tim Glover from local food truck favorite Cajun 2 Geaux. In this episode of Chop & Brew Chef Tim and his krewe show us how they prepare a crawfish boil for both a small backyard gathering and a large throwdown at Summit Brewing Company. This is a family tradition that Louisiana native Chef Tim is proud to bring to Minnesota. Look for more Cajun 2 Geaux Crawfish Boils at local events and breweries next summer. Episode music by local jazz cats McNasty Brass Band.