All posts by Andrew Schmitt

Andrew is just a guy that likes beer. You can usually find him on the twitters or spending time with his family.

Excelsior Brewing Company to Host Fat Bike Race

Arctic Fat TireExcelsior Brewing and Erik’s Bike Shop are hosting the Arctic Fat Fever race on January 19th, 2013. Taking place at Excelsior Brewing at 421 3rd Street, Excelsior MN, beginning at 2 PM, this is a race exclusively for “fat bikes” – mountain bikes with tires that are wider than a standard mountain bike tire and designed for travel over snow. This event is free of charge and will include men and women’s classes of racing on a course around 15 miles in length. There will be a heated tent on site with live music for spectators and racers alike, and Excelsior’s selection of beers available for sale.

Race registration is free of charge and limited to 200 riders. Participants may register at www.eriksbikeshop.com/Arctic-Fat-Fever.aspx. Bikes must have a minimum of 3” wide tires; studded tires are not allowed.

Under the Tree and Into The Cellar

By Dan Belfry and Jon Buck

BrewbicleNot so long ago our hobby of beer aging transformed into our passion and that’s when we both slowly began to amass beers in our respective basements. We kept them in what everyone starts with, discarded cardboard boxes from the liquor store. These boxes became unsightly and it was difficult to find the specific beers that we were looking for. Furthermore, they were equipped with flimsy handles, untrustworthy bottom panels and stacked upon one another precariously. We quickly realized that there had to be a better way to store our growing collections of beer.

As we researched options, we found several things that didn’t quite do the trick: expensive and cumbersome refrigeration units, wine racks, shelving units and other homemade solutions. There wasn’t anything out there that was specifically designed with the beer collector in mind. After finding nothing to suit our needs in the market, Jon and I began designing and prototyping what would eventually become the Brewbicle.

At the time we had no intention of bringing these to market; we were making these for our personal beer collections and our mission was simple: to safely and properly store our beer until we were ready to drink it. When we made the first round of prototypes, some friends became interested and wanted a couple for their personal cellars. We made them and began an informal market study and gathered feedback. After about a year of modification, we saw it was time to get Brewbicles out to all the beer geeks who would find themselves in similar situations.

As they are modular units, Brewbicles will easily stack and grow with your cellar. They are sturdy and will hold your beer safely and securely for as long as you want to age it. Brewbicles hold bottles upright and in a light-free environment, which is important to proper aging. Perhaps most conveniently, they have an inventory system that allows you to identify exactly which beer is stored where, when it comes time to open what you’ve been so carefully maturing. Brewbicles are designed to be space conscious, with less of a footprint than a case of beer and the ability stack safely. They are meant to be stored in a cool place, such as a basement or an interior closet to keep your beer at a consistent and cool temperature.

Brewbicles make a great holiday gift for that special beer geek in your life who will think of you every time he or she places their treasured beer into its’ tailored home. Plus it is made by beer geeks; we are truly passionate about our product and have designed the Brewbicle around beer, and its’ aging.
Brewbicle Benefit List:
– Modular and stackable
– Light-free and upright storage
– Heavy-duty construction
– Integral Inventory system
– Holds 25 – 12oz bottles or 16 – 22oz/750mL bottles
– Customizable
– A one-of-a-kind gift that will be remembered

Brewbicles are made in locally Minneapolis and have been sold all over the country. Visit www.brewbicle.com or write info@brewbicle.com for more information. Dan and Jon are happy to answer any questions.

Batten Down the Hatches for Bad Weather

Bad Weather Brewing is a new partnership between long time craft beer fans, and brewing school graduates, Zac Carpenter and Joe Giambruno. Bad Weather Brewing works as an alternating proprietorship within Lucid Brewing’s facility in Minnetonka. Alongside Lucid Brewing and Badger Hill Brewing, Bad Weather will make full use of the Lucid’s 15 BBL brewhouse using 30 BBL fermentors. The alternate proprietorship gives each business control of their own beer from kettle to glass. By joining forces with Lucid Brewing, Zac and Joe were able to design a business model that allows them to start small and expand strategically. The unique cooperation at Lucid Brewing is fostering community and friendship within the small, but rapidly expanding, Minnesota craft scene.

Co-Founders Zac and Joe are both long time homebrewers following the long-term goal of starting a professional brewery. In pursuit of their dreams, Joe graduated from the World Brewing Academy with an Associate in Brewing Technology at Siebel Institute and Zac graduated from the American Brewers Guild and apprenticed at Lucid Brewing. The natural camaraderie they developed as homebrewing buddies soon evolved into a business partnership that picked up Zac’s home brewery name, Bad Weather Brewing (which comes from the fact that he and his dad and brother often brewed in bad weather).

Bad Weather Brewing will feature only one flagship beer. Their brewing plan allows Bad Weather to emphasize seasonal and limited beer releases. Bad Weather’s mission is to bring Minnesota unique beers throughout the year.

The flagship year-round release WINDVANE is a hoppy red ale. The use of American hops gives WINDVANE a swift bitterness with piney, citrus and resinous flavors. If you want something with strong malt shoulders, you have that too. Roast malt layers add complexity and keeps the beer dry to showcase the hops.

The winter seasonal is OMINOUS. This big, intense dark ale comes in at At 7.5% abv. American, English and Belgian malts come together with rich, nutty, roasted flavors. Dark candi sugar brings out hints of dates, raisins, plum and chocolate.

Besides OMINOUS they will be releasing at least three more seasonal offerings in 2013. The guys also plan to throw in some special release beers alongside the regular offerings. Bad Weather Co-Founder Joe Giambruno says, “You can expect at least five releases from us in 2013. They are beers that speak to the season, but don’t follow the pack. Our recipes utilize interesting ingredients that celebrate each season in a way we are proud to present to beer-loving Upper Midwesterners.”

Bad Weather beers will be in kegs and bottles early 2013, with growlers sometime later. Bad Weather plans on utilizing a distributor to deliver their beers to the thirsty masses, but are not quite ready to announce a distribution partner yet, but stay tuned.

Zac and Joe have both completed intensive brewing school programs. Zac Carpenter will take the role of head brewer at Bad Weather Brewing. He is an award-winning home brewer who graduated from the American Brewer’s Guild in July 2012 and worked at Lucid Brewing as part of the program. Part of Zac’s training was working at Hoppy Brewing, a brew pub in Sacramento, California. They have both been working and training on the facilities used at Lucid Brewing. Besides their commercial brewing experience, both have homebrewed for years and have invested countless hours and calories into the growing beer scene here in Minnesota.

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Harriet Brewing’s 2nd Anniversary Bash

Harriet Brewing has announced their 2nd Anniversary Bash, Saturday, January 19 at El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 E. Lake Street in Minneapolis. Harriet Brewing will be taking control of all 12 taps at the club and will be presenting exciting new selections and one-offs in addition to all their favorites, including the return of Elevator Doppelbock. Twin Cities bands Malamanya, Steve Kaul & The Brass Kings, and Postina will be
performing. Additionally, there will be live art by Chuck Hues and Jesse Brodd plus a full tapas bar provided by El Nuevo Rodeo. The celebration will also be taking place across the street at Harriet Brewing’s Tap Room with free music and special brews.


Music Schedule @ El Nuevo Rodeo Ballroom
7-8:30 pm – Postina
8:45-10:15 – Steve Kaul & The Brass Kings
10:30-1:00 am – Malamanya
El Nuevo Rodeo Ballroom
Doors: 6:00 pm | Music: 7:00 pm – 1:00 am | Ages: 21+


Tickets On-Sale Friday, December 21 @ 12 pm
General Admission tickets are $14.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door
Limited VIP Dinner & Reception opportunities are available; more information and
Tickets available at Harriet Brewing and online http://www.harrietbrewing.com/

Lucid Brewing Approved for Growler Sales

Lucid Brewing LogoLucid Brewing won approval to sell 64 oz “growlers” and 750ml bottles earlier this week via unanimous vote from the Minnetonka city Council.  The license allows Lucid to sell directly to its consumers at the Lucid Brewey located at 6020 Culligan Way, Minnetonka MN 55345.

The west metro brewers are expected to begin growler sales in early January. The brewery is intent on “flexing its creative muscles” with some new recipes and “brewery-only” special releases. The first two special release beers available in growlers will be “DUCE”; a 7.5% ABV malt-forward imperial red ale, and “CRAIG’S ALE”: a 7.5% ABV chocolate rye, brown ale brewed in honor of a brewery supporter. Brewer Paul Johnson says, “Foto, Dyno, and Air in growlers. Special projects in 750’s. Look for lots of 750’s…”

Flight with Bites – A Beer and Food Pairing Social Event

Please join us for our first monthly social event of Flight with Bites, hosted by MN Beer Activists and Senor Wong Bar & Restaurant, with special guest Kevin Welch of Boom Island Brewery. Participants will be able to sample the current seasonal style of beer available from four different breweries and enjoy pairing those beers with foods in a fun, casual, and social atmosphere.

$25 per person (includes tax, tip and donation)
Saturday, Dec 22nd
6:00pm-7:00pm

  • Featured Beer Style: Christmas/Holiday Ales
  • Featured Beer Flight: Indeed Old Friend (MN) – A limited release Holiday Ale with fresh ginger root and a hefty dollop of family harvested honey. This fireside companion has a deep ruby-colored body with layers of malt complexity and an intense ginger aroma. Reunite with friends, old and new, and celebrate the season with an Old Friend by your side. 7 % ABV
  • Bells Christmas Ale (MI) – A malt driven scotch ale, made with 100% Michigan grown barley and a blend of Pacific Northwest and Michigan hops.
    Boom Island Yule (MN) – Yule smell the holiday spices before it hits the glass. Yule savor the rich, toasted malts and drink deep in the spirit of the season. http://boomislandbrewing.com/Yule.html
    St. Bernardas Christmas Ale – St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the youngest descendant in the illustrious family of delicious Abbey Ales by Brewery St. Bernardus. This specialty beer of 10% alc. vol. is characterized by its deep dark colour, with a creamy, thick head and a full, almost velvety taste with a fruity nose. It’s a seasonal ale, brewed annually for the holiday season. The long winter nights are perfect moments to savour this ale with or without friends and to enjoy its unique, complex taste and after-taste. RateBeer: 99
  • Meet and talk to Kevin Welch, owner and brewer at Boom Island Brewery.
  • Espresso rubbed lamb loin w/ mole
    Pho soup dumpling w/ braised oxtail, onion, herbs
    Crispy pickled red onion rings w/ adobo sauce and queso cotija
    Impossible cake: cherry flan, chocolate cake, mexican chocolate pudding, dulce de leche powder, nuts

Please call for reservations. A credit card is needed to secure your reservation. 651.224.2019

Mankato Craft Beer Expo Tickets on Sale Now

Mankato Craft Beer ExpoMankato Craft Beer Expo tickets are now on sale.

Link for full details

When:
January 19th, 2013
1pm-2pm VIP Hour
2pm-6pm Gen Admission

Where:
Verizon Wireless Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001

Cost:
$40 +fees
Tickets

Alaskan Brewing
Angry Orchard
Atwater Brewing
August Schell Brewing
Bad Weather Brewing
Big Sky Brewing
Boston Beer
Boulevard Brewing
Brau Brothers Brewing
Brooklyn Brewery
Capital Brewery
Deschutes Brewery
Empyrean Brewing
Finnegans
Grand Teton Brewing
Hinterland
House of Shandy
Kona Brewing
Lagunitas Brewing
Leprechuan Cider
Lucid Brewing
Lift Bridge Brewing
Mad River Brewing
Mankato Brewery
New Belgium Brewing
Odell Brewing
Pour Decisions Brewing
Purity Brewing
RedStone Meadery
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Southern Tier Brewing
Squatters Brewery
Summit Brewing
Surly Brewing
Tallgrass Brewing
Third Street Brewhouse
Tommyknocker Brewing
Tonka Beer
Wasatch Brewery

Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild 2013 Festival Ticket Six Packs Go On Sale

This year, for the first time, the Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild is offering Minnesota craft beer fans a Seasonal Six Pack, a pair of tickets to all three Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild events throughout 2013: Winterfest, All Pints North and Autumn Brew Review. For $290 (+ticketing fees), you score a pair of tickets to each of the Guild’s annual beer events before they even go on sale.

Seasonal Six Packs go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 1 at noon.  Head to the Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild website to get your tickets.

The benefits of this pack are clear: no need for multiple ticket site log-ins, no waiting, no fear of missing out on tickets that often sell out in seconds. In other words, if you want Winterfest tickets this your BEST chance to get them.  Only a limited amount of these ticket packs are available, so act fast on December 1. You can plan ahead, line up your entire year of Guild beer festivals, then sit back and relax. Plus the Seasonal Six Pack makes a great holiday gift.

Below is more information about the 2013 Guild events.


Winterfest
This annual festival is solely devoted to member breweries. Showcasing the great beers brewed in this state and celebrated at the Minnesota History Museum overlooking the Capitol. An intimate crowd of 700 allows for more brewer conversations and hearty food to balance the seasonal beers that are hallmarks of this event.

  • Date: Friday, February 1, 2013
  • Time: 7 – 10 pm
  • Location: Minnesota History Center | St. Paul, MN

All Pints North
Join the brewers of Minnesota by the sunny shores of Lake Superior at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth and celebrate craft beer 2 oz at a time! All Pints North Summer Brew Fest will feature beer from breweries around the region, live music and tasty food in an iconic setting.

  • Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: Bayfront Festival Park | Duluth, MN

Autumn Brew Review
This annual festival is held on the grounds of the historic Grain Belt Brewery in NE Minneapolis and is the biggest beer festival in the state, with 100+ breweries from all over the U.S. entertaining and educating over 3,000 attendees on the great craft beer brewed in this state and beyond. This outdoor fall festival also has stellar music and food to enhance the lively atmosphere brought by attendees.

  • Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: Grain Belt Brewery | Minneapolis, MN