The International Cold Climate Wine Competition yesterday celebrated its 10th year of honoring the finest examples of cold-climate wine in North America. The judging was held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and The Growler was among 24 judges charging through hundreds of wines made with grapes that can withstand our extreme climate, several varieties of which … [ Read more]
Drink these Minnesota-made 2016 gold medal wines
August 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Growler was on hand to help judge the 2016 International Cold Climate Wine Competition. We’ve found that the quality of cold-hardy wines has grown exponentially in the last five or six years. Local wineries are accruing a much better grasp on growing and bottling these new wine grape varieties that are suited to the upper Midwest. Our … [ Read more]
Four Daughters Loon Juice
May 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Four Daughters Winery Loon Juice 6% ABV This local cider is currently only available in five-liter kegs as well as bombers, but will soon be available in six-pack cans just in time for warm weather. An impressive amount of carbonation and a bright-yellow body sends a clear message: “Drink me…now!” The dry apple scent combines … [ Read more]
Apples to Apple Cider: Minnesota’s craft cider takes root
November 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Minnesota’s craft cider scene is growing. The sweeter cousin of craft beer contains a similar alcohol by volume, but with the nose-tickling bubbles of dry champagne. While not out of place next to Surly or Indeed’s latest seasonal on draft, cider is actually created in a process that has more in common with making wine than … [ Read more]
