All posts by Corey Butler

Hi, I'm Corey. I like craft beer; specifically, like a lot of people here, I like Minnesota beer. I'm co-host of On Tap with Corey and Ira, a biweekly radio show and podcast out of Northfield that explores southern Minnesota breweries and beer. Find us on Facebook and Twitter @OnTapNorthfield. I'm a recovering journalist -- now communications guy -- and wannabe great fisherman. Follow me on Twitter @CoreyButlerMN.
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Beers Worth Drinking

Featured: Bent Brewstillery, Enki Brewing, and Mankato Brewery

For the sad saps — like me — who don’t have a taproom nearby their home to frequent, I spend a lot of time perusing the aisles of liquor stores for the latest Minnesota beer offerings. Here’s a few that have found their way to my fridge and, ultimately, down my gullet. You should check them out.

Brewer’s ExperimentalAle No. 12: Oakmeal Stout, Funked Up Series No. 14 – Cheery, Moar IPA, Nordic Blonde, Über Lüpin Schwarz IPA
Bent Brewstillery

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a collection of Bent Brewstillery offerings. The Roseville brewery sure has been ambitious in a lot of its offerings (beer and spirits), and I had only had a couple of their beers before this gift basket of goodness.

The Oakmeal Stout was deep with coffee undertones, and the fermentation on French oak definitely brought that flavor to the fore. My wife even enjoyed some of it. For those of you who read my last entry, I haven’t jumped on the sour train yet. But, with each sour experience, I’m enjoying them more and more. Last time it was Fair State’s Raspberry Roselle, and this time, it was the Cheery from Bent Brewstillery. This sour ale with cherries (duh) and black currant was smooth and pleasing. I would definitely drink more of this.

While those two beers came in bottles, Bent’s can offerings of Moar IPA, Nordic Blonde, and Über Lüpin were all tasty in their own way. Moar is a very drinkable IPA, Nordic Blonde was pleasant (and I don’t tend to drink too many blondes) and Über Lüpin wasn’t what I expected when I poured it, but it was a fun, complex beer. Maybe it’s my lack of beer acumen here, but I had never had a Schwarz IPA, which is also defined as a black/Cascadian Dark Ale (according to Bent’s Untappd entry). It hit on all the right notes, balancing the cocoa flavor with the piney hops.

Oakmeal: 8.5 percent ABV, 35 IBU
Cheery: 6.6 ABV
Moar: 4.7 percent ABV, 47 IBU
Nordic: 5.7 percent ABV, 27 IBU
Über Lüpin: 8.3 percent ABV, 83 IBU

 

Victoria’s Gold Cream Ale, Mocha Porter
Enki Brewing

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Oh, my. Between Bent’s Nordic Blonde and Enki Brewing’s Victoria’s Gold Cream Ale, I may have to dabble more on the “lighter side.” Admittedly, I’ve been closed off the past year or so as I delved deeply into the clichéd and nuanced world of craft IPAs and big stouts. Sue me. But this cream ale was divine. Smooth, silky and refreshing are just three adjectives I can throw at it right now.

Speaking of those “darker” beers, as much as I enjoyed Victoria’s Gold (quite a bit), Mocha Porter was right up my alley. This is a beer I would drink on the boat in July. I enjoyed it that much.

The Victoria-based brewery is increasing its foothold in the western side of the cities (and beyond), so be on the lookout for these offerings (as well as their equally good Tail Feather IPA and CACAO Porter). Fair warning: Mocha Porter is a winter offering from Enki, so there probably aren’t many bottles still floating around. Find one. Now.

Victoria’s Gold: 5.2 percent ABV, 11 IBU
Mocha Porter: 6.5 percent ABV, 24 IBU

 

BOOMCHICKAPOP Popcorn Ale
Mankato Brewery

BOOMCHICKAPOP.

You should try typing that.

Yes, the very popular popcorn has found its way into a beer from Mankato Brewery after owner Tim Tupy had the bright idea to combine two of man’s favorite substances.

While the flashy can (like the namesake popcorn’s branding) and promotion of such a joint venture may seem to be all for publicity, it’s backed up with what resulted in a very nice farmhouse ale that’s easy to drink; and, at 4.45 percent ABV, you can drink a few of them without issue. In fact, I had my first sip before going double bogey recently. No word on if the beer had any effect on my terrible golf game.

Mankato’s smattering of other year-round offerings are also good in their own right, from Haymaker IPA (and Mad Butcher IPA, yum), to Organ Grinder Amber Ale, Crooked Rook Porter (right up my alley!) and Kato Lager.

BOOMCHICKAPOP: 4.45 percent ABV, 24 IBU

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What (Minnesota beer) I’ve been drinking …

Featured: Boom Island Brewing Company, Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Indeed Brewing Company, Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Sociable Cider Werks.

Because of my geographic location (I live in Northfield), I tend to seek out Minnesota beers I can pick up from local liquor stores or in the metro area when I’m up that way.

It’s been a busy month or so of experiencing new beers. Like most beers, I can find a positive in most brews because, well, I like beer. Fortunately, I didn’t have to fall to the lowest threshold to enjoy any of the following beers that I had the pleasure of consuming in recent weeks.

Django Hop Bier
Boom Island Brewing Company

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From the brewery in northeast Minneapolis with a cozy taproom, Django Hop Bier is a nice offering that’s hard to know what you’re getting yourself into. Even for those of us who a step above laymen (I hope?), when you read hop in the beer name, you immediately have a flavor profile in mind. This had a nice, delicate touch to it that was easy to get down. It’s perfect for this time of year when, we hope, we start experiencing a series of nice afternoons and evenings (or mornings, if that’s your kind of thing).

According to Boom Island:

Crafted with Wai-iti hops, pilsner and wheat malt, and a hint of citrus, this hoppy number moves to its own rhythm.

ABV: 6 percent
IBU: 39
Available: 11.2 oz. four-packs and on draft

Raspberry Roselle
Fair State Cooperative Brewing

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I’ll just get this out there: I’ve not yet jumped on the sour train. I’ve read and heard time and time again that sours are “the next IPA.” I’m not so sure. I don’t dislike sours; perhaps I just haven’t found one that tickles me in the right places.

That said, I did enjoy the Raspberry Roselle from Fair State Co-op. It wasn’t too tart for me, which is the issue I’ve run into. Though I enjoyed the better part of the 750 ml bottle, I don’t know if I would have been able to handle much more of it. That’s more of an indictment on me than the beer. It was smooth, sweet and popped with flavor. At no point was it overwhelming. It’s by far the best sour I’ve had.

According to Fair State:

“We re-fermented our year-round Hibiscus Sour Saison, Roselle, with a whole bunch of raspberries. The result is a fruit-forward, rose-hued beer that’s distinctly juice and dry, with increased acidity.”

ABV: 5.8 percent
IBU: 19
Available: 750 ml bottles (if still around – check out their other beers, too!)

Lavender Sunflower Honey Dates Honey Ale (not LSD)
Indeed Brewing Company

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Controversy over the name aside, LSD (for simplicity’s sake) is a smooth 16 oz. trip that can be enjoyed in myriad settings: Porch swing, golfing (guilty) or on the boat (hoping to be guilty of soon). Having not previously sipped this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the advertised name of so many ingredients, many of which I can’t say I consume all that often – or at all. They work together.

Indeed, one of the shining stars in a galaxy of worthy Minnesota breweries, clearly knows what it’s doing. I had faith, even with some trepidation. Go pick this one up and enjoy it. You can also appreciate the artwork, something of a staple for the Minneapolis brewery.

According to Indeed:

“Hello, beautiful stranger. A kaleidoscopic spiral of Lavender, Sunflower honey, and Dates, LSD sets the stage for a mind-bending beer experience as electrifying floral aromas dance atop rich notes of fruit and honey. Are you experienced?”

Malts: Pale, Carafoam, White Wheat, Honey Malt, Meloidin
Hops: Willamette Yeast: American Ale II Specialty
Ingredients: Lavender, Sunflower honey, dates

ABV: 7.2 percent
IBU: 20
Available: 16 oz. four-pack cans and draft

 

93X Brotherhood Beer
Life Bridge Brewing Company

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I didn’t know what to expect here. Like most, um, “craft” drinkers, this wouldn’t be the first beer I grabbed based on its description. But I like a challenge. I’ve also learned to trust Lift Bridge as a company that has a pretty good handle on its product, so that quelled some of my concern.

It’s an American lager, but, after trying the 93X Brotherhood Beer, it could easily be my go-to American lager in a pinch. It was clear, crisp and went down well. It’s clearly a notch above its larger brewery counterparts.

A collaboration beer with the 93X Half-Assed Morning Show, portions of the profits “benefit the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, a community-supported fund that financially supports deployed Minnesota military personnel, their spouses and children with grants during times of extraordinary financial hardship.”

ABV: 4.5 percent
IBU: 15
Available: 16 oz. four-packs and on draft.

Freewheeler, Hop-a-Wheelie, Spoke Wrench
Sociable Cider Werks

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I’ve got a three-for-one here.

Like most people, I’ve had cider – both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic variety, and largely by a large maker. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Sociable Cider Werks, a fast-growing, popular destination for Minnesota consumers. I’m open to experimentation, but I wasn’t sure what a cider with added hops and grains would do. Sociable says it adds bitterness and body, which makes sense.

“The result is tart, dry and flavorful with a well-balanced body. It’s not your typical cloyingly sweet macro-cider. It’s decidedly different. It’s Sociable,” its website reads.

So, how do they taste?

My favorite was Freewheeler, Sociable’s dry apple offering. It was light, easy to drink and had a nice feeling as it went down. To me, this was probably what tastes most like a cider when I think of it, right or wrong. Sociable says this one is its closest to a traditional European cider.

Closely following was Hop-a-Wheelie Hopped Apple, which takes their “signature tart and dry apple flavor and adds a brewer’s hoppy flair that will give you a new appreciation for what a cider can do for your tastes buds.” It was tasty, and I would recommend it.

By default, Spoke Wrench Stout Apple was third for me. I did enjoy it, just not as much as the other two. It’s a hybrid, clearly, of a cider and “a hearty stout brewer’s wort that we then co-ferment using a traditional English ale yeast.” There should be some chocolate and toffee notes, but my limited palate only pulled out some toffee. Still enjoyable, though.

Available: All in 16 oz. four-packs and on draft.

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Waconiator Doppelbock – Waconia Brewing Company

Waconia Brewing Company’s motto is “approachable brews from approachable people.”

They’re not wrong on either front, especially if you’ve had a chance to sample their Waconiator Doppelbock, a 22 oz. bomber released in December that can still be found in limited supply in the west metro.

Waconia Brewing Doppelbock
Spread the word around, the boys are bock in town

Waconiator is Waconia Brewing’s take on a traditional German doppelbock. It is a smooth brew and goes well with a chilly spring day.

Here’s what the brewery has to say about the beer:

“The name is coined from Munich’s legendary brewery Paulaner whose Salvator Doppelbock is the perfect example of the style. We paid tribute to Salvator by adding the suffix ‘tor’ to the end of our great city’s name. The beer itself is a malt-forward, rich, bready, boozy treat. At 8.8 percent ABV, you’ll tread lightly and pick up notes of biscuit, dark fruits, slight chocolate, spice and alcohol. We have been quietly aging this beer for two months now to unleash it on our 1-year anniversary.”

Breaking down the beer
Grain: German Light Munich, German Dark Munich, German Vienna, Carafa II & White Wheat Malts
Hops: UK First Cold
Yeast: Southern German Lager
ABV: 8.8 percent
IBU: 20

You can find Waconiator in finer retail stores while supplies last.

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Lift Bridge’s Irish Coffee Stout

St. Patrick’s Day 2016 may be a date of the past, but don’t that keep you from tracking down Lift Bridge Brewing Co.’s stellar Irish Coffee Stout.

Lift Bridge Brewery Irish Coffee Stout

This tasty beer from the Stillwater-based brewery returned for the fifth year and it’s as good as it’s ever been. You’ll want to find it in your favorite liquor store in 750 ml bottles or catch it on tap at Lift Bridge’s taproom before it’s ushered out of the rotation for the year.

Here’s how Lift Bridge describes the deep, delicious beer:

Morning, noon, night – any time is the right time for this delightful combination of whiskey, coffee and cream. Russian Imperial Stout is aged in whiskey barrels and blended with a big Milk Stout, before it’s finished off with local free trade organic roasted coffee. You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate this labor of love, but you’ll certainly feel the luck. Great with desserts, including chocolate cake and cheesecake.

Breaking down the beer
Malts: Roasted malts
Additions: Cold press coffee, barrel aged
ABV: 8.5 percent
IBU: 50
Color: 70

 

 

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Q & A: Meetinghall Brewery in Dundas

More and more breweries are opening outside of the Twin Cities and throughout Greater Minnesota.

One such planned operation is Meetinghall Brewery in Dundas, a small city nestled against Northfield, about 45 miles south of Minneapolis.

Head brewer and purveyor Andrew Burns recently chatted with Minnesota Beer Activists about the brewery’s plans.

Aerial Brewing Garage New windows Floorplan Interior Perspective Trellised Patio Area Wintertime Deck View OS_Apiary_Imperial_V1_Label_REV OS_Barrel-Aged_Imperial_Stout_V1_Label_REV OS_Belgian_Sour_V1_Label_REV OS_Graff_Imperial_V1_Label_REV OS_Sour_Cherry_Quad_V1_Label_REV

Tell us about the genesis of Meetinghall Brewery. What is your brewing experience?

Well, before pursuing this endeavor, I was a professional touring musician. I toured all over North America and Europe, playing some pretty cool music festivals. Along the way I always made a point of sampling the local beer, and was an avid homebrewer whenever I was home (which wasn’t often).

About a year and a half ago, it was time for a change. After I hung up my touring hat, I decided to look for a way to pursue my other great passion — brewing — full time. I found out that some people from the beer industry wanted to put a brewery in the Northfield and Dundas area, where I was involved with local homebrewers, and decided to jump on board with the project.

Since then, I’ve gone to Siebel Brewing School in Chicago to learn about brewing on a commercial scale. I’ve started to refine my recipes developed from my years as a homebrewer, and have had a chance to get samples out to people in the industry and everyday folks in Dundas and Northfield. The response has been very positive, and I’m excited to scale these recipes up for our commercial system.

Originally, you were known as Meetinghouse Brewery. Why the name change?

The site we’re on is steeped in history. The building dates to 1875, and has been everything from a Sunday school to a jail. It’s been a township hall, and a polling place, and we wanted to honor that history in our name. Originally, we settled on Meetinghouse, but then found a few other companies already using that name.

With some more digging, we found that the original Dundas citizens using the building as a Sunday school would’ve called it a “Hall.” So there were a few reasons to change the name, and we decided that Meetinghall was a better fit.

Who’s involved now?

I’m the primary creative force developing our beers, but I’m not alone. We’ve got a few owners invested from the community — Tom Hinman and Trudi Lloyd, as well as some other owners who all work in the beer industry.

Where are you guys in the process now?

We’re just in the final stages of securing all of our funding, after which it will be off the races. Once we’re fully funded, we’ll begin construction on the two buildings and the installing of brewery and taproom hardware.

What kind of beers do you plan to focus on?

I brew high quality American ales, with influences from Belgian and other European ales. I believe that beer recipes should highlight ingredients, not obscure them, and so my recipes are simple, with surprising depth of flavor and aroma.

I don’t necessarily set out to “brew to style,” but I am instead always thinking about flavor combinations. I get inspiration from foods, other drinks, and even music! The end result of my recipes tend to be comfortably within the range of accepted styles, but I’m not about the stylebook, I’m about the ingredients.

Our taproom will have four year-round beers, and a rotating list of seasonals. Our current lineup of year-round beers is a Kolsch-style light ale, a Belgian Blond, an Oatmeal Stout and an IPA.

In addition to the beers offered on draft, we plan to also launch an “Old School” line of high-alcohol bottled beer. These 750 ml bottles will be big ageable beers, many of them true sour beers.

So, you could say my style is diverse, but really it’s about producing high-quality ales, whatever shape they take.

Tell me about your plans for your space.

The site in Dundas has two buildings, the original 1875 Hall, and a detached large garage building. The garage building will house the brewing equipment, and the meetinghall itself will be the taproom. We plan to renovate the interior of the taproom, while preserving its historic character. In addition to that, there will be a spacious deck facing the Cannon River, which will more than double the capacity of the taproom.

Is distribution part of the plan?

Yes. We are partnered with College City, also in Dundas, to handle our draft accounts in southern Minnesota. We are also partnered with Bernick’s to handle distribution of our Old School line of 750 ml bottles, which could potentially cover most of Minnesota.

What will differentiate Meetinghall in the ever-increasing local beer landscape?

First of all, I think it’s about time that people in Northfield and Dundas had a brewery in their backyard. The community we’re serving wants a brewery to rally behind. So while the Twin Cities might be saturated with new breweries, southern Minnesota deserves its own brewery boom, and we’re on the front edge of that.

In addition to being a locally focused brewery, I’m going to stand behind my product. Every time you stop by our taproom, you’ll find a few beers you recognize, and a few beers that are new, but you’ll know that we’re about quality first and foremost.

Our Old School line is going to be pretty unique for Minnesota. It’s focused on agreeability. It’s something that you can easily put in your cellar for a special occasion, and will only improve with age.

Is there a loose goal for opening? By now, everyone knows that there are a few bumps along the way and projected openings almost always are delayed.

Loosely, middle to late summer.

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It’s time to Let It Ride again

Just in time for the spring thaw and eventual dog days of summer, Indeed Brewing Company’s Let It Ride IPA is hitting the shelves of your favorite liquor store.

I got my hands on the release, which is reskinned this year with art from Minneapolis-based Chuck U, a frequent Indeed collaborator. It didn’t disappoint – the beer or the design.

Indeed Brewing Let It Ride IPA

The pungent smell (in a good way) and tropical taste work in unison to offer a pleasing experience, a good balance for a new approach to the beer.

“There’s a bunch of aroma in these new varieties of hops that we weren’t getting from hops even a few years ago,” said Josh Bischoff, Indeed head brewer. “Expect big fruity aromas containing, but not limited to, dank citrus, pineapple, blueberry and tropical fruits.”

Indeed you should. I did. Now, I’m far from a cicerone, so you don’t have to take my word from it. Head out and pick up a six-pack to check it out for yourself.

Also for a limited time, you can find Let It Ride packaged in a special six-pack with Let It Roll, Indeed’s winter IPA offering. It is, indeed, hard to go wrong here.

Beer breakdown
ABV: 6.8 percent
IBU: 90
Malt: Pale, medium crystal, Munich, Dextrin, Caramel 80
Yeast: American Ale II
Hops: Mosaic, Calypso, El Dorado
Visual: Copper color
Aroma: Pear, tropical fruit, blueberry
Taste: Big fruity IPA with a satisfying body
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied

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Fair State, Surly highlight Minnesota beer rankings

To what should be no surprise to anyone who enjoys beer around the Twin Cities, a few local breweries were recently acknowledged by RateBeer.com’s annual rankings.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative in Minneapolis was named the 10th best new brewery in the world – quite the feat considering more than 5,400 new operations were eligible. Fair State was also named the best new brewery in Minnesota.

Ratebeer.com highlighted Fair State’s creation of some of the best new craft beer, as well as its cooperative business model, allowing members to get happy hour discounts, collaborate on beer recipes and exclusive access to special releases.

Ratebeer-Medals

Founded in 2014, Fair State is spearheaded by president and CEO Evan Sallee, head brewer Niko Tonks and director of operations Matt Hauck.

“This award belongs to the entire Fair State community, including our more than 700 member-owners who have a stake in our beer and our business,” Sallee said. “We’re humbled to be recognized among this amazing group of breweries, and we’re especially excited to play a role in putting Minnesota craft beer on the world stage.”

Don’t get Surly – well, yes, please do

Surly Brewing wasn’t shut out.

It was named the best brewery in Minnesota, according to the beer website, as well as offering the best taproom. Surly also was honored with the best Minnesota-made beer – its Abrasive Ale.

Abrasive, as well as Surly Darkness, are also ranked in the top 100 beers in the world.

For styles, Surly was recognized for its SurlyFest (No. 1 in the dark lager category), Todd the Axe Man (No. 6 in the IPA category) and Abrasive (No. 11 in the imperial IPA category)

Surly, as well as Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, are considered in the top 100 breweries in the world based on RateBeer.com’s users’ rankings.

Other Minnesota businesses recognized:

  • Best Minnesota brewpub: Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery
  • Best Minnesota restaurant: Town Hall Tap
  • Best Minnesota bottle shop: Heritage Liquor
  • Best Minnesota bar: The Happy Gnome
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Take a (short) drive: Northfield British pub offers solid beer lineup, atmosphere

Most Twin Cities-based residents don’t often look beyond the 494 loop for much. They’ve got all they can handle in entertainment, food and drink. But there are, of course, many gems in the first- and second-ring suburbs and beyond.

One such example is the exurb of Northfield, a quaint town of 20,000 (including the populations of its two liberal arts colleges, Carleton and St. Olaf). Best of all? It’s a short 30-minute drive from Burnsville (you know, that sprawling city that’s just 10 minutes away from Minneapolis).

Northfield is a destination for many reasons: Safest place to live, best small town in America, best place to retire, and the history around that whole failed bank robbery by the James-Younger Gang (just do a quick search online for Northfield’s accolades). And it’s growing its reputation for a place for those with a thirst for better brews (and spirits: See Loon Liquors). With Imminent Brewing’s progress and Meetinghouse Brewery slated to open early next year in adjacent Dundas, people will have a good reason to visit Northfield.

But many of the city’s establishments already pay attention to quality beer, including British pub The Contented Cow (www.contentedcow.com), long known to carry beer for the serious beer drinker. Its current lineup includes offerings from Boom Island, Fulton, Indeed, Grand Teton and Mankato Brewery. It’s carried perennial favorites like Summit, Badger Hill and Insight, and regularly shuffles its lineup.

The Cow’s proprietor, Norman Butler (no relation to this writer), recently took time to respond to some questions for mnbeeractivists.com.

Why has bringing quality beer to your pub been a focus?

All pubs and bars sell quality beers and most buy and sell “domestics.” This was certainly the case when The Cow opened in 1999. We wanted to offer something different (including a nonsmoking environment) and, since at that time the U.S. craft beer industry was in its infancy, most of our keg beers were imported. However, the last few years have seen a long-awaited and much-appreciated renaissance of the microbrew and craft beer industry, so nowadays there is no need to go overseas for quality beers.

How many beers do you usually have on tap?

We opened in 1999 with eight and now have 13 and are at capacity regarding the size of our walk-in cooler. Even so, most styles of craft beers are offered — if not this week, then next.

How often do they rotate?

Initially, customers bemoaned the fact that their favorite was on last week but not this. However, quite soon they recognized and appreciated the variety and we will continue to offer a constantly changing lineup of breweries and styles.

What does having better beer options do for the atmosphere of your pub?

Within the context of a warm, inviting, olde worlde style environment, continuous improvement (i.e., change) is important and our approach to beer reflects that. Customers are curious to try new brews and rarely regret it.

You have a lot of Minnesota representation on your tap line. Why is that?

Minnesota beers are brilliant and can stand up to the rest of the country, even the world. In addition and in step with a refocusing of consumer preferences, The Cow tries to source local product and support local businesses — and not just brews.

What’s your favorite craft beer?

I’m spoiled for choice.

What’s your favorite Minnesota beer?

Likewise. And not just beer — also local ciders and soda.

Why is a visit to the Cow and Northfield worth the drive for out-of-towners?

The Cow, Colleges & Contentment. A great place for a day out — arts town, Riverside Market Fair, period architecture, solid, safe, sane (for the most part). The list goes on as do the reasons for making Northfield a destination drive — and hopefully one day a destination train ride!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Northfield and The Cow welcomes the curious and inquiring mind and spirit!

https://www.facebook.com/TheContentedCow/