A new wave of craft light lager is proving you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when turning down the ABV. Our editors discuss their favorites. John Garland, Deputy Editor: Of all the terrible buzzwords that became popular during the initial craft beer boom, I think “session” beer had to be my least favorite. It reeked … [ Read more]
The Mash-Up: From pineapple to lime to guava, fruit is front and center
July 24, 2020 by
With over 185 breweries now pouring their beer in Minnesota, there’s always something new to try. To keep you up to date, we present The Mash-Up—our weekly rundown of new beers and seasonal releases in Minnesota from your favorite local and national breweries. Visit growlermag.com every Friday for the latest or sign up for a … [ Read more]
Bill introduced to temporarily expand on-site sales for Minnesota’s craft breweries and microdistilleries
May 7, 2020 by
After a major public push last week led by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, a bill has been introduced that would temporarily allow breweries and distilleries some retail flexibility. HF 4640, authored by Rep. Liz Olson and Rep. Sydney Jordan, would allow breweries whose taprooms have been closed by executive order to sell six- and … [ Read more]
Opinion: Let Minnesota breweries sell taproom customers what they really want: 6-packs & 4-packs
March 2, 2020 by
Chris Kolve is co-founder of Wabasha Brewing Company in St. Paul. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author. There has been a lot of talk about the “growler cap” in Minnesota recently and while it’s good for everyone to know about the regulations that affect them, I think it’s important to have … [ Read more]
The Most Important Beers in Wisconsin Brewing History: A 12-Pack of Leaders & Legends
February 24, 2020 by
Few places on earth are more synonymous with beer than Wisconsin. Names like Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller spread the fame of the state worldwide while many amazing beers were seldom available beyond a 50-mile radius of the brewery. Ranking the most important beers in Wisconsin history is only slightly less controversial than ranking its “best” … [ Read more]
What We’re Drinking: March 2020
February 20, 2020 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. Txopinondo Sagarnoa Brian Kaufenberg, Editor-in-Chief The Basque region is one of the most legendary when it comes to cider and though the naturally fermented style is most … [ Read more]
What We’re Drinking: February 2020
January 27, 2020 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.
2019 Kind-of-a-Big-Deal Readers’ Choice Award Winners
November 26, 2019 by
Who better than the readers of The Growler to nominate and vote for the finest of the finest in Minnesota beer, spirits, food, arts, and culture? We had a tidal wave of votes to determine the winners of the 2019 Kind-of-a-Big-Deal Readers’ Choice Awards, and we’re proud to share the results with you. These are … [ Read more]
2019 Year in Review: Beer, Cider, and…Seltzer
November 26, 2019 by
From 30,000 feet up, American craft beer looks to be settling into a new, stable normalcy. After years of double-digit production volume growth, craft beer grew at just 4% in 2018 and according to the mid-year report by the Brewers Association, 2019 is projected to stay steady at that mark. But look closer and … [ Read more]
The Taste Test: Blind Tasting 48 Oktoberfests
September 30, 2019 by
No beer style in the world is more appropriate for its season than Oktoberfest. It’s right there in the name—a celebration of autumn. Balancing the richness of Munich malt with the subtle spice of noble German hops, each sip of Oktoberfest practically feels like the leaves crunching beneath your feet. It’s tempting to think of … [ Read more]
Death of a Beer: In a fickle market, brewers grapple with axing the beers that once defined their brands
September 30, 2019 by
A great beer with mass appeal is the result of a brewer’s time, effort, and passion, but hard work isn’t what dictates a drink’s success. Whether or not a beer becomes a mainstay for a brewery depends on the consumer’s reaction. If a lot of people love it, then a lot of people drink it—it’s … [ Read more]
The Growler’s Complete Guide to Beer at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair
July 29, 2019 by
It’s the most Minnesotan time of the year, folks: State Fair time. Since the launch of Lift Bridge Mini Donut in 2013, the Fair has engendered the zaniest output from Minnesota’s breweries and cideries. Fair beverages are 12 days of devil-may-care: stuffed with fruits, pickled with veggies, ringed with cotton candy, frozen into slushies, or … [ Read more]
The Mash-Up: Fruited Beers and All Pints North special releases
July 26, 2019 by
With over 175 breweries now pouring their beer in Minnesota, there’s always something new to try. To keep you up to date, we present The Mash-Up—our weekly rundown of new beers and seasonal releases in Minnesota from your favorite local and national breweries. Visit growlermag.com every Friday for the latest or sign up for a … [ Read more]
The Taste Test: Hazy IPA
July 24, 2019 by
The Growler’s editorial staff partnered with official BJCP judges in a blind tasting to determine the best Hazy IPAs in Minnesota. The results may surprise you.
The Mash-Up: Gose, Keller Pilsners, and POG juice beers for your weekend enjoyment
July 12, 2019 by
With over 175 breweries now pouring their beer in Minnesota, there’s always something new to try. To keep you up to date, we present The Mash-Up—our weekly rundown of new beers and seasonal releases in Minnesota from your favorite local and national breweries. Visit growlermag.com every Friday for the latest or sign up for a … [ Read more]
