Fat-washing spirits.” It sounds disgusting, right? But, when a bacon bourbon old fashioned is on the menu, it sells like hotcakes. Fat-washing is the revolting terminology for a delicious and popular technique in the cocktail world, and, despite my many emails advocating for a name change, the global bartending community has yet to change the … [ Read more]
The Growler’s Field Guide to Cider
August 30, 2018 by
Cider seems like a straightforward drink. We’re all familiar with apple juice and the concept of fermentation, and, at its core, cider is just a combination of the two. But in practice, the beverage is far more complicated. Because what about pear cider? Or rhubarb cider? What are those drinks? And what about those ciders … [ Read more]
Keepsakes of a Season: The homegrown ciders of Nate Watters and Tracy Jonkman
August 28, 2018 by
See? Not every apple is created equal,” Nate Watters says before launching into a story about the “spitter” apples he just had me try. I quickly grasp his point—their flavor is horrible for eating, and I promptly and predictably eject from my mouth the small bite I’d taken, just as Nate knew I would. “The … [ Read more]
Cider in the North: Two cideries add new flavor to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District
August 2, 2018 by
Two more cideries will soon be added to Minnesota’s roster, and both will be located in a city that as of yet is without a cidery to call its own: Duluth. Not only will Duluth Cider and Wild State Cider both be in Duluth, but they’ll be located some 500 feet from each other on West Superior … [ Read more]
Rosé all day not just for wine anymore
July 2, 2018 by
Rosé has grown to dominate the summer wine scene, but it hasn’t stopped there. The pink drink of choice has also inspired breweries and cideries to attempt to capture its floral, fruity flavors, resulting in a not-insignificant lineup of beers and ciders that are as delightful to look at as they are to drink. Wine-inspired … [ Read more]
What We’re Drinking: July 2018
June 26, 2018 by
Welcome back to What We’re Drinking, wherein The Growler editorial staff look back on recent remarkable beverages. What are you drinking, Growler Nation? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Brian Kaufenberg, Editor-in-Chief ■ Aval Cidre Artisanal Aval’s sole offering is a semi-dry cider that transports you to the Brittany coast of France where it’s made using … [ Read more]
Number 12 Cider House’s North Loop taproom, new head cidermaker named at Minneapolis Cider Company, and more Minnesota cider news
June 2, 2018 by
While not as explosive as the craft beer boom, cider has seen steady growth in recent years in Minnesota. And with opening of several new cider taprooms across the state this year, the oft-misunderstood beverage might just be approaching a renaissance of its own in the state. To help push cider into the limelight, Minnesota’s … [ Read more]
The Ultimate Guide to Cider Week 2018
June 1, 2018 by
Celebrating all-things cider, the annual Minnesota Cider Week is back and ready for sipping action. Running June 2–9, this week-long celebration, organized by the Minnesota Cider Guild, highlights our state’s locally crafted cider, as well as many of the establishments that embrace and support the fast-growing industry. The week is full of events, from special … [ Read more]
The Johnny Appleseed of South Minneapolis: Jeff Zeitler is planting a neighborhood urban orchard
May 4, 2018 by
Jeff Zeitler, co-owner of Urban Forage Winery & Cider House, isn’t your typical farmer. With a focus on what he calls “urban agriculture,” he strives to crowdsource all of his ingredients from the landscape around him. But urban areas have limited green space to grow fruit on a large scale, which is how he came … [ Read more]
2017 Kind-of-a-Big-Deal Readers’ Choice Award Winners
November 28, 2017 by
Readers, hold on to your hats, for it is time to announce the winners of the 2017 Kind-of-a-Big-Deal Readers’ Choice Awards. These are the best of the best in beers, spirits, food, and culture around the great state of Minnesota. Our readers have cast their votes and now it’s time to see where Growler nation … [ Read more]
Urban Forage Winery & Cider House’s long-awaited taproom opens in Nov.
October 30, 2017 by
Since January, Urban Forage Winery & Cider House has been equal parts winery and construction zone. On their way to opening a taproom at their production winery and cider house, owners Jeff and Gita Zeitler spent months replacing the building’s roof, remodeling the front entryway, installing a new HVAC system, hanging drywall, and building the … [ Read more]
What We’re Drinking: September 2017
August 30, 2017 by
Welcome back to What We’re Drinking, wherein The Growler editorial staff look back on a recent remarkable beverage. What are you drinking, Growler Nation? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. HammerHeart Brewing Von Winterherz Verhasst – Brian Kaufenberg, Managing Editor Ever wonder what a smoked banana would taste like? While the Lino Lakes brewery is known for … [ Read more]
Milk & Honey Ciders to open new cidery and taproom
August 8, 2017 by
Milk & Honey Ciders’ Aaron Klocker, Adam Theis, and Peter Gillitzer are pressing forward to achieve a longtime dream they’ve had since they started planning their cidery back in 2011—a taproom. Come August 25, it will finally come to fruition. Due to the difficult landscape of the cidery’s original location in Cold Spring, Minnesota, the … [ Read more]
Lionheart becomes Minneapolis Cider Company, building cidery and taproom
July 21, 2017 by
Lionheart Cider Company announced today that it’s rebranding to become Minneapolis Cider Company, and developing plans to open a taproom and production facility in Northeast Minneapolis. For co-founder Jason Dayton, it’s a not so much a shift away from the original brand, but rather a move back towards their original goal: to open a cider … [ Read more]
What We’re Drinking: June 2017
June 13, 2017 by
Welcome back to What We’re Drinking, wherein The Growler editorial staff look back on a recent remarkable beverage. What are you drinking, Growler Nation? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Wyndfall Cyder Driftless Dry, Kate Murphy, Editorial Assistant On a muggy summer’s day, I thirst for something to beat the heat that’s refreshingly light, tart, … [ Read more]
