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.
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AB InBev Looks to Buy SABMiller

Are you a Bud drinker or a Miller drinker? Soon there may be no difference. Rumors have swirled for years about a merger of the two macro brewers. It looks like the merger rumors may soon become a reality. AB InBev (Budweiser) has announced their intention to purchase SABMiller (Miller/Coors).

No proposal has been made yet, but some estimates put a combined value of the two firms near $230B based on Tuesday’s share price. SABMiller stock prices jumped 23% on news of the offer.

SABMiller Stock

If the buyout happens it will likely mean the changes for the companies, at least in the U.S. When AB IbBev purchased Grupo Modelo (Corona) the beer giant was sued by U.S. Justice Department amid concerns of anti-competitive pricing manipulation.

If the merger actually takes place, and who knows if it will, the change won’t likely be a good deal for consumers, wholesalers, or craft brewers. Removing a huge competitive force in the beer industry will lead to a consolidation of power and resources. Look for objections to the merger from every corner of the beer world.

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Rochester Brewers Want to Stay Open for Consumers, Liquor Store Owners Opposed

Local control of liquor laws, are they really all they are supposedly cracked up to be? For years the idea of giving the option of Sunday liquor sales to Minnesota municipalities has been bounced around. The problem with municipalities and the passing of reasonable liquor laws is that they are easily influenced. For Decades Minnesota has seen retailers, municipal stores, and distributors wield their influence at the state level. Consider how easily a city council could be ‘educated” with all that lobbying power focused on only 7 council members. Suddenly it doesn’t seem like a great idea for Minnesota consumers. The fine city of Rochester, Minnesota is seeing a version of that scenario play out right now.

Brewers in Rochester asked the city council to allow expanded growler sale hours to serve consumer demand. Area liquor stores fought the expansion of off-sale hours. The city comprised by granted only brewers the right to stay open later. Someone took umbrage with Rochester City Council’s ruling to allow brewers the option to stay open until 10pm. and promptly alerted Rochester city officials as to the legality of their ruling.

From Mn Statute 340A.24:
Off-sale of malt liquor shall be limited to the legal hours for off-sale at exclusive liquor stores in the jurisdiction in which the brew pub is located, and the malt liquor sold off-sale must be removed from the premises before the applicable off-sale closing time at exclusive liquor stores, except that malt liquor in growlers only may be sold at off-sale on Sundays. Sunday sales must be approved by the licensing jurisdiction and hours may be established by those jurisdictions

The Rochester city council will address the legality of the issue in a coming meeting. Meanwhile, it would appear not everyone likes being bullied by the Mn liquor lobby. City Council Member Michael Wojcik recently took to twitter to give his view on the issue.

LTS Brewing owner and brewer Brandon Schulz says, “Rochester has off-sale liquor hours that are more restrictive than state law requires. Some liquor store owners have cited issues such as family values and employee safety. I speculate most opposition has more to do with additional labor than anything else.” He goes on to say, “Stores and brewers alike should have the right to choose their own hours within the bounds of current state law. I’m hopeful that the Rochester City Council will find a way for local craft brewers to serve our loyal customers.”

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

New Poll Shows Sunday Liquor Sales More Popular Than Ever Among Minnesota Voters

A recently released poll from Public Policy Polls (link) shows overwhelming support for Sunday liquor sales from registered voters in Minnesota.

Minnesota voters of all political ideologies believe that Sunday liquor sales should be allowed in the state. Polls show that not only is a repeal of the Sunday liquor ban supported by a majority of voters, but that the issue is gaining momentum.

Voters that Support Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota by percent
Sources:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2015/PPP_Release_MN_80615.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2014/PPP_Release_MN_618.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MN_52313.pdf
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MiscellaneousMN_060512.pdf

The growing popularity of Sunday liquor sales proves what we have been saying all summer long as people sign the petition to repeal the ban. With so much backing from people across Minnesota, there will be even more pressure on politicians next year at the Minnesota Capitol to finally pass legislation to lift the outdated ban on Sunday liquor sales.  

In April, both the Minnesota House and Senate failed to pass a bill that would have given liquor stores the option to remaining open on Sundays.  Although both bills were rejected, a law was passed to allow craft breweries to sell beer growlers on Sundays.
Latest polls show there was a 7% increase in overall support from a similar poll conducted in 2014. Republican opinions on the issue of Sunday liquor sales jumped from 52% in 2014 to 60% in 2015.

Minnesotans that identify as Democrats also increased their support for a repeal of the outdated blue law. 69% percent of Minnesota Democrats say they support repealing the prohibition on Sunday off-sale liquor commerce.

The largest increase in support for Sunday sales came from Independent voters in Minnesota. 71% of Independent voters support Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. This is a large jump from 58% the previous year. Overall, Minnesotans increased their support to modernize the blue law by 7%, bringing support to over 67%.


Sunday growler sales from qualifying breweries have been legalized in many cities across the Minnesota, the sky didn’t fall. Over 7,000 Minnesotans have signed the petition at SundaySalesMN.org, and Minnesotans from every single legislative district have signed the petition to repeal the anti-consumer prohibition on Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. Support for repealing the ban on Sunday liquor sales should only continue to grow.

How to contact your Minnesota legislators

http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/

How They Voted in 2015

MN Senate Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
1 Stumpf LeRoy A. DFL N
2 Skoe Rod DFL N
3 Bakk Thomas M. DFL N
4 Eken Kent DFL N
5 Saxhaug Tom DFL N
6 Tomassoni David J. DFL N
7 Reinert Roger J. DFL Y
8 Ingebrigtsen Bill R N
9 Gazelka Paul E. R N
10 Ruud Carrie R N
11 Lourey Tony DFL N
12 Westrom Torrey N. R N
13 Fischbach Michelle L. R excused
14 Pederson John C. R N
15 Brown David M. R N
16 Dahms Gary H. R N
17 Koenen Lyle DFL N
18 Newman Scott J. R Y
19 Sheran Kathy DFL excused
20 Dahle Kevin L. DFL Y
21 Schmit Matt DFL Y
22 Weber Bill R N
23 Hoffman John A. DFL N
23 Rosen Julie A. R N
24 Jensen Vicki DFL N
25 Senjem David H. R Y
26 Nelson Carla J. R Y
27 Sparks Dan DFL N
28 Miller Jeremy R. R Y
29 Anderson Bruce D. R N
30 Kiffmeyer Mary R Y
31 Benson Michelle R. R Y
31 Carlson Jim DFL N
32 Nienow Sean R. R Y
33 Osmek David J. R Y
34 Limmer Warren R N
35 Petersen Branden R Y
37 Johnson Alice M. DFL N
38 Chamberlain Roger C. R excused
39 Housley Karin R Y
40 Eaton Chris A. DFL N
41 Goodwin Barb DFL excused
42 Scalze Bev DFL Y
43 Wiger Charles W. DFL N
44 Bonoff Terri E. DFL Y
45 Rest Ann H. DFL N
46 Latz Ron DFL N
47 Ortman Julianne E. R Y
48 Hann David W. R Y
49 Franzen Melisa DFL Y
50 Wiklund Melissa H. DFL N
52 Metzen James P. DFL N
53 Kent Susan DFL Y
54 Sieben Katie DFL Y
55 Pratt Eric R. R Y
56 Hall Dan D. R Y
57 Clausen Greg D. DFL N
58 Thompson Dave R Y
59 Champion Bobby Joe DFL Y
60 Dziedzic Kari DFL N
61 Dibble D. Scott DFL Y
62 Hayden Jeff DFL N
63 Torres Ray Patricia DFL N
64 Cohen Richard DFL N
65 Pappas Sandra L. DFL Y
66 Marty John DFL Y
67 Hawj Foung DFL Y
MN House Vote on Sunday Liquor Sales – 2015
Dist Last Name First Name Party Vote
01A Fabian Dan R N
01B Kiel Debra R Y
02A Hancock Dave R Y
02B Green Steve R N
03A Dill David DFL N
03B Murphy Mary DFL N
04A Lien Ben DFL Y
04B Marquart Paul DFL N
05A Persell John DFL N
05B Anzelc Tom DFL N
06A Melin Carly DFL N
06B Metsa Jason DFL N
07A Schultz Jennifer DFL N
07B Simonson Erik DFL N
08A Nornes Bud R Y
08B Franson Mary R Y
09A Anderson Mark R Y
09B Kresha Ron R Y
10A Heintzeman Josh R N
10B Lueck Dale R N
11A Sundin Mike DFL N
11B Rarick Jason R N
12A Backer Jeff R N
12B Anderson Paul R N
13A Howe Jeff R
13B O’Driscoll Tim R N
14A Theis Tama R N
14B Knoblach Jim R N
15A Erickson Sondra R N
15B Newberger Jim R Y
16A Swedzinski Chris R N
16B Torkelson Paul R N
17A Miller Tim R Y
17B Baker Dave R N
18A Urdahl Dean R N
18B Gruenhagen Glenn R N
19A Johnson Clark DFL Y
19B Considine, Jr. John (Jack) DFL N
20A Vogel Bob R Y
20B Bly David DFL N
21A Kelly Tim R Y
21B Drazkowski Steve R Y
22A Schomacker Joe R N
22B Hamilton Rod R Y
23A Gunther Bob R N
23B Cornish Tony R N
24A Petersburg John R Y
24B Daniels Brian R Y
25A Quam Duane R N
25B Norton Kim DFL Y
26A Liebling Tina DFL Y
26B Pierson Nels R Y
27A Bennett Peggy R N
27B Poppe Jeanne DFL N
28A Pelowski Jr. Gene DFL N
28B Davids Greg R N
29A McDonald Joe R Y
29B O’Neill Marion R Y
30A Zerwas Nick R Y
30B Lucero Eric R Y
31A Daudt Kurt R Y
31B Hackbarth Tom R N
32A Johnson Brian R N
32B Barrett Bob R N
33A Hertaus Jerry R Y
33B Pugh Cindy R Y
34A Peppin Joyce R Y
34B Smith Dennis R Y
35A Whelan Abigail R Y
35B Scott Peggy R Y
36A Uglem Mark R Y
36B Hortman Melissa DFL N
37A Newton Jerry DFL N
37B Sanders Tim R Y
38A Runbeck Linda R Y
38B Dean Matt R N
39A Dettmer Bob R Y
39B Lohmer Kathy R N
40A Nelson Michael V. DFL N
40B Hilstrom Debra DFL N
41A Bernardy Connie DFL N
41B Laine Carolyn DFL N
42A Yarusso Barb DFL Y
42B Isaacson Jason DFL
43A Fischer Peter DFL N
43B Lillie Leon DFL N
44A Anderson Sarah R Y
44B Applebaum Jon DFL N
45A Carlson Sr. Lyndon DFL Y
45B Freiberg Mike DFL Y
46A Winkler Ryan DFL N
46B Youakim Cheryl DFL N
47A Nash Jim R Y
47B Hoppe Joe R N
48A Selcer Yvonne DFL Y
48B Loon Jenifer R Y
49A Erhardt Ron DFL N
49B Rosenthal Paul DFL Y
50A Slocum Linda DFL N
50B Lenczewski Ann DFL N
51A Masin Sandra DFL N
51B Halverson Laurie DFL N
52A Hansen Rick DFL N
52B Atkins Joe DFL N
53A Ward JoAnn DFL N
53B Fenton Kelly R Y
54A Schoen Dan DFL N
54B McNamara Denny R Y
55A Loonan Bob R Y
55B Albright Tony R Y
56A Christensen Drew R Y
56B Peterson Roz R Y
57A Mack Tara R Y
57B Wills Anna R Y
58A Koznick Jon R Y
58B Garofalo Pat R Y
59A Mullery Joe DFL N
59B Dehn Raymond DFL N
60A Loeffler Diane DFL Y
60B Kahn Phyllis DFL Y
61A Hornstein Frank DFL Y
61B Thissen Paul DFL N
62A Clark Karen DFL N
62B Allen Susan DFL Y
63A Davnie Jim DFL N
63B Wagenius Jean DFL N
64A Murphy Erin DFL N
64B Pinto Dave DFL N
65A Moran Rena DFL N
65B Mariani Carlos DFL N
66A Hausman Alice DFL Y
66B Lesch John DFL N
67A Mahoney Tim DFL N
67B Johnson Sheldon DFL N
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Schell’s 2015 Snowstorm – Wallonian-Style Brown Ale

Winter is coming. Schell’s Brewery is readying their annual Snowstorm beer for release. Snowstorm’s style varies every year. Previous Snowstorm iterations have included a Biére de Noél, Strong Belgian Golden Ale, and most recently a Grand Cru. The 2015 release of Schell’s Snowstorm will be a 6.5% abv Brown Ale of Wallonian inspiration. Wallonia is a French speaking region in south Belgium. Wallonia is home to famous breweries such as Chimay, Rochefort, and Orval. Schell’s could certainly choose a worse place to draw inspiration for a beer. Look for Snowstorm to hit shelves and bars around November.

Visit: http://schellsbrewery.com/beer/snowstorm/ for updates and info.

Schell's Snowstorm 2015
Taking inspiration from the artisanal and experimental tradition of the Wallonian brewers, our 2015 is malt-focused mahogany ale with hints of nut, biscuit, and stone fruit. Alc. 6.5% by Vol
Newsfeed

Bryn Mawr Brewing Company Launches Online Portal to Invest in New Minneapolis Craft Brewery and Tap Room

Minneapolis Craft Brewery Offers Equity Shares To Investors

Bryn Mawr Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of west Minneapolis. Heading up the project is Minnesota craft beer veteran Dan Justesen. The new craft brewery is surely a welcome addition to that part of town. The brewery and taproom is set to open in late 2015/early 2016 and will specialize in classic European beer styles. The upstart brewery is currently seeking investments from accredited investors and conducting a separate crowdfunding campaign through the brewery’s VIPer Program.

Bryn Mawr Brewing Company Beers

A Tradition of Innovation and Success

Dan Justesen and the crew at Vine Park Brewing combined community and craft beer, turning them into a groundbreaking and successful brew-on-premise business. Dan is again breaking ground by truly opening up investment opportunities at Bryn Mawr Brewing Company. Bryn Mawr Brewing Company is seeking local residents and beer lovers anywhere in the country to invest in and become owners of its startup venture through equity crowdfunding rules. This unique opportunity gives accredited investors the potential for lucrative future income while supporting a local business and its community.

https://youtu.be/I4erHmRBFzk

A Return on Community Investment

The financing of equity will be conducted through Bryn Mawr Brewing’s holding company, Utepils Investments LLC. Investors will receive accelerated cash distributions based on profitability of the brewery, which is expected to occur within three years of opening. Along with returns on their investments, Bryn Mawr Brewing Co.’s investors will also benefit from exclusive perks in the tap room and priority access to the annual Bryn Mawr Brewing Co. Beer Trip program.

“This publicly announced private placement is truly a unique way to fund the start up of a brewery,” said Dan Justesen, Co-Owner of Bryn Mawr Brewing Co. “We plan to brew finely crafted beer for our neighbors while also putting money back in their pockets.

Accredited investors interested in learning more about investing in Bryn Mawr Brewing Co. should visit the brewery’s website at brynmawrbrewing.com and click on the “Invest” tab to be directed to the investment portal. The Bryn Mawr Brewing Co. investment portal contains investing guidelines, relevant brewery information, and the payment form where the investment transaction can be completed.

Artist rendering – courtesy of Bryn Mawr Brewing

MemBEERship

Bryn Mawr Brewing Co is also hosting a separate crowdfunding campaign through the brewery’s VIPer Program. Through this program, supporters that may not be accredited investors may purchase MemBEERships that come with a Host Of Privileges (HOPs) including free beer, special event programming, and a VIPer custom stein. One of the great things about the VIPer status is that it is transferable. Your VIPer status may be transferred via gift, inheritance, or sale. MemBEERships are good for 99 years, that kind of longevity will have your kids squabbling over their place in your will for decades to come.

Dan from Bryn Mawr Brewing on The Minnesota BeerCast


Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Web: http://brynmawrbrewing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bryn.Mawr.Brewing
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brynmawrbrewing
Instagram: https://instagram.com/brynmawrbrewing/
Location: 225 Thomas Ave. N, Suite 700 Minneapolis, MN 55405

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Autumn Brew Review Tickets go on Sale at Noon

Tickets for the 15th annual Autumn Brew Review — Minnesota’s oldest and one of its largest craft beer festivals — go on sale at noon, Tuesday, July 28. The $45 tickets can be purchased online at http://www.tempotickets.com/abr.

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild encourages craft beer fans to be prepared to purchase tickets as the event has historically sold out quickly, often in the first hour of the on-sale.

The Autumn Brew Review is 1–5 p.m., Saturday, September 19, at the Historic Grain Belt Brewery at 19 13th Avenue NE, in northeast Minneapolis.

This 21+ outdoor event will feature unlimited beer from more than 120 participating breweries, as well as non-alcoholic samples, a commemorative tasting glass, live music, food vendors, beer educational sessions, and an opportunity to vote for the best beer of the festival.

WHAT:
15th annual Autumn Brew Review hosted by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

WHEN:
1­–5 p.m., Saturday, September 19

WHERE:
Historic Grain Belt Brewery

19 13th Avenue NE, northeast Minneapolis

TICKETS:
On sale Tuesday, July 28, at noon CST — $45
Purchase tickets online: http://www.tempotickets.com/abr.

People have had issues getting tickets online in the past. Here are some hints.

  • Control + F5 will usually reset your browser cache and refresh your page. This can be helpful when trying to get into the ticket queue.
  • Wait around for a bit. Unpurchased tickets that are left in carts can will reappear.
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Beers to try at All Pints North 2015

It is that time of year. Time for a delightful afternoon on the shore of Lake Superior enjoying beer, jamming to music, consuming a Nate Dog or two, and letting the good times roll at All Pints North in Duluth, MN.

All Pints North summer beer festival grows every year. The festival has 95+ breweries occupying Bayfront Park for 2015, most of them Minnesota breweries.

At any beer festival you will see brewers showcasing some big beers, some barrel-aged, and some over-the-top hoppy. But, Minnesota is enjoying the sweet spot of summer right now. Brewers are aware of that and they are bringing offerings that reflect the season. You’ll see a good amount of of fruit, wheat, and sour beers at All Pints North. That doesn’t mean you won’t find me sneaking a taste of Sommelier George Hunter Stout from Castle Danger, a first sip of Surly NEIN, or a wee dram of Bourbon County Brand Stout. But like most people, I drink with the season/weather. This weekend in Duluth will be no different.

Drinking every beer from every brewer at All Pints North is truly an impossibility. If you are drinking with the weather like me, here are a few beers you may want put near the top of your list to try before palate fatigue takes over.

Tickets to All Pints North are still available here:
http://www.tempotickets.com/apn

Follow this link for the full program and beer lists.

Schell’s
Too Many Peaches
Starkbier Berliner Weisse aged on Peaches. Just like
the name says, this was meant to be Starkeller Peach,
but with a little too much peach. Extremely hazy and
bursting with tart peach flavor and aroma. For those
who like their OJ with a little extra pulp! 3.66 pH, 1.14
Total acidty
ABV: 7.3 IBU: 5

Sociable Cider Werks
Habenero Cucumber Freewheeler
A firkin of Freewheeler infused with freshly sliced habanero
peppers and cucumbers. The cucumber cools
as the habanero scratches its way across your palette
ABV: 6.2 IBU:

Bemidji Brewing
Flanders Sour Red Ale aged oncBlackberries and Raspberries
Mid-Festival Release! We aged this year’s entire batch
of Flanders Sour Red Ale on blackberries and raspberries
for an additional 3 months. Huge fruit and berry
aromas and flavors are backed by sturdy malts and a
snappy, tart finish.
ABV: 6 IBU: 10

Bent Paddle Brewing
Nitro Vanilla Cold Press Black Bent Paddle Black infused with Duluth Coffee Co. cold
press coffee and infused with Madagascar vanilla on
nitro. This beer is brewed to be a smooth, chocolatey,
semi-roasted ale that bridges the islands of porter and
stout, with a generous amount of oats to round out
the flavor.
ABV: 6 IBU: 35

Castle Danger Brewery
Summer Crush
Light, refreshing and tart. Our take on a summer
shandy without being one. Brewed with Sorachi Ace
hops and acidulated malt lends a nice burst of lemon
flavor and aroma with a dry tartness throughout. Its
the un-shandy.
ABV: 4.5 IBU: 22

Fitger’s Brewhouse
Framboise
This beer is our version of a very unique Belgian beer style
brewed only in the Lambic region outside Brussels. Our version is
fermented in wine barrels with a blend of Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces,
Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. After 2 years or more,
the beer is racked onto regionally grown raspberries and allowed
to referment for 6 months. Fitger’s Framboise presents strong
notes of lactic, sour aroma with a tart and well balanced flavor.
ABV: 6.5 IBU: 0

Jack Pine Brewery
Vengeance!
Dead Branch Cream Ale infused with fresh-cut jalapenos.
Bright pepper flavor and aroma with just enough
lingering heat to make you want more. (4.6% ABV)
ABV:4.6% IBU:

Lift Bridge Brewing
Citra Kellerbier
Building on tradition, we have used the lemony Citra
hops to elevate the classice Germanic style Kellerbier
to a refreshing summer treat. A natural haze welcomes
you to quaff the citurs hop nose and then dive
into the straw malt character, finishing ultra clean and
crisp thanks to the lager yeast.
ABV: 4.5 IBU: 35

All Pints North

21+ Event | ID Required at Entry
Rain or Shine
No Pets Allowed
Folding Chairs and Blankets Allowed
Sealed Bottled Waters Allowed
Tickets are $40 in advance (+taxes and fees) and $50 day-of if available (+taxes and fees)

Tickets

http://www.tempotickets.com/apn

Details

http://www.mncraftbrew.org/events/allpintsnorth

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Updated: Toppling Goliath Brewing is Coming to Minnesota

Toppling-Goliath-MN-Beer-Activists
Via some Thursday afternoon tweeting from the Toppling Goliath twitter account, the Iowa brewery informally announced their move into the Minnesota beer market.

Further tweets clarified that the small Brewery from Decorah, Iowa would enter Minnesota ahead of Illinois, a move that has been publicly speculated for a while.

The expanded distribution and talk of larger markets is 180° turn from where Toppling Goliath appeared to be headed just months ago. Toppling Goliath’s Head Brewer had left and people were grumbling about the consistency of the beer.

Fast forward to present day: Head Brewer Mike Saboe is back at the brewery. Toppling Goliath has an alternative proprietorship agreement with Brew Hub. And soon Minnesotans will no longer need to drive to Hudson, WI to get their fix of Toppling Goliath Brewing’s Pseudo Sue (except on Sundays).

Moving production of Toppling Goliath’s top sellers such as PseudoSue, Golden Nugget and Dorothy’s to contract facilities like Brew Hub will allow the team in Iowa to continue to innovate and develop new beers.
– June 17, 2015 • By Chris Drosner | Wisconsin State Journal

7/21/2015 Update: Artisan Beer Company (Johnson Brothers) confirmed a new distribution partnership with Toppling Goliath via press release. Artisan will distribute Toppling Goliath beer for Minnesota and Iowa. No word if specialty beers like Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout and Assassin will make it to Minnesota. See press release below.

Toppling Goliath announces distribution agreement for Iowa and Minnesota.

(Decorah, Iowa)

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company President Clark Lewey is proud to announce that a strategic partnership has been formed with Johnson Brothers to distribute Toppling Goliath’s beers throughout Iowa and Minnesota.

“Johnson Brothers is one of the best craft beer distributors in the Upper Midwest and is the perfect fit for our brands,” said Lewey.“Johnson Brothers will take over all of the remaining distribution for Iowa, which will help us reach many more customers that have been patiently waiting for our beer. We have a lot of fans in Minnesota as well, and we can’t wait to launch our beer there as well.” “We couldn’t be more excited to offer this fantastic portfolio of beers to our customers,” said Todd Johnson, COO of Johnson Brothers. “This is a great day for craft beer lovers in both Iowa and Minnesota,” he added.

Toppling Goliath is no stranger to success. They have won dozens of awards and are consistently ranked as one of the best craft breweries in the world. They even have three of their beers listed in the top 50 beers on Beer Advocate. Later this fall, Toppling Goliath will be looking to begin building its second new brewery with an estimated completion date of June of 2016. This will more than double the current capacity and the new location will have much needed acreage for future growth.

“I am so proud of the hard work our team at TG has put in since we started 6 years ago,” said Lewey. “Bringing on a distributing partner with the type of reach that Johnson Brothers has will insure we will be able to bring our brands to more folks throughout the region.”