The Mill: McNally Smith College of Music closure leaves students, faculty with uncertain futures

McNally Smith College of Music abruptly announced that it will be closing December 20, immediately following the end of the semester. The news first came as an email to the faculty late on December 14 from board member and co-founder Jack McNally. McNally informed staff that they wouldn’t be able to cover their Friday paychecks, … [ Read more]

NorthGate Brewing closed, effective immediately UPDATED

By Brian Kaufenberg and Joseph Alton Updated March 1, 2018 at 10:00am: This story has been updated with information regarding the closure of NorthGate Brewing Just months after NorthGate Brewing founders confirmed they were in the process of selling the brewery to Tod Fyten, it was announced Thursday morning that the brewery is officially closed, … [ Read more]

Brewer Profile: Dicky Lopez of NorthGate Brewing

It’s a sleepy Tuesday afternoon at NorthGate Brewing. The taproom is closed and chairs are stacked upside down on the tables. NorthGate’s head brewer Dicky Lopez strolls in from the brewhouse floor and shakes hands with a strong grip. He’s sporting a heavy buffalo red flannel over his burly frame, a wild black beard, and … [ Read more]

NorthGate Brewing is raising awareness (and a pint) for Save the Boundary Waters

It’s no secret that Minnesota is full of natural beauty. But some are concerned that the proposed sulfide-ore copper mining operation will endanger northern Minnesota’s  Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Thus, in 2013, the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters was organized. To defend the Boundary Waters as a national and natural treasure, Minneapolis’ NorthGate Brewing is teaming … [ Read more]

Beers for Bob: 10 perfect pairings honoring Dylan’s Nobel Prize

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]

NorthGate Brewing takes a ‘Leap’ into nitro beer in cans

Craft brewers will share the hardest to find hops, but there’s one thing they still won’t share with each other: the secret to packaged nitro beers. The process to get the creamy, thick pour that Guinness made famous is a trade secret. Some use a plastic in-can widget to release the nitrogen gas while others, … [ Read more]

Wander North debuts whiskey series made from Northeast craft beers

Wander North Distillery, maker of Outpost Vodka, is debuting a series of whiskies made from the beers of Northeast Minneapolis. Their Uncharted whiskies are made in collaboration with several breweries, and distilled from the distinctive malt bills of some iconic Northeast beers. “After the release of the Applejack we did in collaboration with Sociable Cider … [ Read more]

Opinion: “Lady-beers” an insult to the women of craft beer

Yesterday we asked: Is there really a need for women-targeted beer? Today, Kaleigh Dunn responded. Kristi McGuire, I have only one question for you. If you’re a master brewer and 20-year veteran in the business, tell me this: What qualifies as “women-friendly beer?” I’ll be waiting. You can answer me at [email protected] And while we … [ Read more]

Wander North opens its cocktail room, teams up with NorthGate

Photos by Aaron Davidson Where else but in Northeast Minneapolis would a cocktail room and a taproom end up, by chance, as neighbors. This weekend Wander North Distillery will open as Minneapolis’ third cocktail room (after Du Nord and Tattersall, respectively). It’s neighbor? NorthGate Brewing. With Wander North’s menu of vodka- and gin-based drinks and … [ Read more]

Your Guide to Sunday Growler Sales in Minneapolis

Following passage at the state level and subsequent approval by the Minneapolis City Council, Sunday growler sales will be legal in Minneapolis starting this Sunday, June 14. Below is a listing of Minneapolis breweries and brewpubs that will be selling growlers on Sundays and their hours. In terms of special offers to mark the occasion … [ Read more]

The Ultimate Art-A-Whirl Beer Guide

Northeast Minneapolis is the poster child for the Twin Cities’ creative scene. From innovative breweries to one-of-a-kind artist studios to quirky restaurants, the neighborhood wasn’t dubbed Minneapolis’ Arts District for nothing, and this weekend the doors are being thrown wide open for Art-A-Whirl. It’s no surprise, then, that the big annual event in Northeast would … [ Read more]

Now Open (or Damn Close): 56 Brewing

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]

Northgate Brewing Parapet ESB

Northgate Brewing Parapet ESB 5.6% ABV Nestled in Northeast Minneapolis in a brand spankin’ new facility, Northgate Brewing’s mission is to focus on session beers and British styles. Parapet ESB delivered on both promises, as this is a nicely hopped ESB for IPA drinkers. Aromas of spicy hops, citrus, and a hint of coriander give … [ Read more]

Grumpy’s Limited Action Beer Festival This Saturday Features One-of-a-Kind Brews

What happens when a bar asks every brewery in town to make up a special beer for a random Saturday in November? If you’re Grumpy’s, they respond with a resounding yes. Beginning at 2pm this Saturday, Grumpy’s Downtown will host the Limited Action Beer Festival. The free event is your chance to taste one-of-a-kind and … [ Read more]

The Mill: Art Crawl, Fall Fetes, BrewDogs and more

The Mill is getting breezy. We’re weathering the gusts and sneaking in some long bike rides. We’re playing Kubb before the snow blankets our fields (have you found Issue 16 yet? If not #snagamag now!). What’s on tap for you this week in The Mill? Tweet us @growlermag. Events: First two dozen pints come with … [ Read more]