Since the beginning of commercial brewing here in 1849, Minnesota has produced all types of beers. Many were ordinary and some were renowned, but a small few have become true icons. These were brands that left a mark on the industry, the culture, and even the landscape of beer. Assembling a list of the most … [ Read more]
Beers for Bob: 10 perfect pairings honoring Dylan’s Nobel Prize
October 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Bob Dylan became the first singer-songwriter to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” In honor of this achievement by one of Minnesota’s most recognizable native sons, here are 10 of our favorite Dylan songs or albums and their perfect Minnesota beer … [ Read more]
Bauhaus Wonderstuff 12-packs coming soon to a store near you
April 25, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Warmer weather and pilsners go hand in hand, and Bauhaus Brew Labs is making the most of that reality by packaging its Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner in 12-packs, just in time for summer. In order to properly commemorate the launch of Wonderstuff 12-packs, Bauhaus did the thing they know best and wrote a song about it…and then filmed … [ Read more]
The Taste Test: Blind-tasting 53 Minnesota IPAs
March 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Blind tastings. If you’ve never done one, you should. Comparing beers of similar style without the biases and preconceptions that come with brand identification is humbling at the very least. It’s mind-blowing at best. Beloved beers fall short of expectations. That much-derided brew suddenly gains new luster. You’re left with the realization that you don’t … [ Read more]
New craft beer restaurant taking flight at MSP
January 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Craft beer lovers from around the world are about to be treated to some of Minnesota’s finest at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Stone Arch, a new Minnesota craft-beer restaurant that will be located in the former Chili’s space in the airport mall, near the entrance to Concourse F, is on pace to open this summer … [ Read more]
The year ahead: predictions for 2016 Minnesota beer trends
December 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The editorial team at The Growler sat down with Minnesota Business to share our predictions for 2016 beer trends in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. From rural/suburban expansion (we think you’ll see more of it) to collaborations (increased collabs between breweries, distilleries, and wineries), and a renewed focus on local ingredients to a bold prediction for the … [ Read more]
Now Open: South Fork Brewing Company
May 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Many Minnesotans have never been to Delano; even fewer could place it on a map. But this summer, local beer enthusiasts will get acquainted with the small, 5,500-person town on the South Fork of the Crow River, 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities, as two new breweries will open their doors in the historic … [ Read more]
Now Open: Big Axe Brewing
May 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Quick, what comes to mind when you hear the words, “Brainerd, Minnesota?” Fishing? Resorts? Golf? If Chris French, owner and head brewer at Big Axe Brewing Company, which is located just north of Brainerd in Nisswa, has anything to say about it, “craft beer” will soon be joining that list. “The area’s really evolving,” said … [ Read more]
Now Open (Or Damn Close): Lupine Brewing
May 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
It’s only fitting that a brewery, whose name relates to wolves, should find a home in the heart of “Big Woods” country in Delano, Minnesota. Lupine Brewing was started by Hanover, Minnesota, resident James Anderle, his childhood neighbor Eric Sergeant, and his current neighbor Mike Dumas. “I spent 25 years in corporate America, in the … [ Read more]
Now Open (Or Damn Close): Spilled Grain Brewhouse
May 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
On a quiet morning in Annandale, Minnesota, in 1980, eight-year-old Dan Seaberg had no idea that something was about to happen that would lead to the inspiration for the name of a brewery he’d open with three co-owners more than 30 years later. “I was playing outside and I heard this loud crash,” Seaberg said. … [ Read more]
Now Open (or Damn Close): 56 Brewing
March 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
A simple Twitter post from NorthGate Brewing this past summer announcing their plans to expand in a new location was the spark that lit the fire for husband and wife Kale and Kerry Johnson. Kale, a professional engineer and five-year homebrewer, reached out to NorthGate, curious to know what their plans were with the old … [ Read more]
Now Open: Beaver Island Brewing
February 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment
UPDATE: Beaver Island Brewing opened the doors to its taproom on February 21st at 4pm. It seems just a short few months ago that Beaver Island Brewing announced they would soon be opening a new brewery in St. Cloud, Minnesota—because in fact it was just a few months ago. What these days seems an improbable … [ Read more]
Now Open (or Damn Close): Late Winter 2015
February 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
This edition of Now Open (or Damn Close) features breweries from one end of Minnesota to the other. Voyageur Brewing The Minnesota Northwoods is a place where travelers can satisfy their need for adventure by immersing themselves in wilderness. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Superior National Forest allow backcountry adventurers the opportunity … [ Read more]
Now Open (or Damn Close): LTS Brewing
February 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
They say ignorance is bliss. Before the craft beer renaissance in the US, beer drinkers happily stocked their refrigerators with light lagers because it was all they knew. But craft breweries popping up every day around the country are exposing beer drinkers to the differences between a flavorful craft beer and light macro-lagers. The revelation … [ Read more]
Bad Weather Brewing Windvane
February 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Bad Weather Brewing Windvane 6% ABV As the seasons transition from one to the next, Bad Weather Brewing is also transitioning from its current home in Minnetonka to the Saintly City. Changes aside, their flagship beer remains consistently balanced and suitable for any time of year and any part of town. The subtle, toasty caramel … [ Read more]
