Category Archives: Newsfeed

MN Beer Activists feed of news, events, education, legislation related to beer, wine, and spirits in Minnesota.

Q and A with Zac Carpenter of Bad Weather Brewing

March 25, 2015 Andrew Schmitt

Two years, Did you think you’d make it this far?
We certainly hoped we would! I don’t think you go into something like opening a business without planning long term. That being said, opening any type of business is very difficult and takes alot of time and dedication, so we are definitely grateful to be able to continue brewing up beers for Minnesota – we plan on doing this a very long time.

What has been the best part of starting a craft brewery in Minnesota?
I think that opening a craft brewery in Minnesota is probably a pretty unique experience compared to many of the other locations in the US. We have a really energized base of people who want a ton of craft beer, and they want it now. It would be much different, and probably much more of a slog to open a brewery in one of the more mature craft beer states like Washington, who already has over 200 craft breweries. It’s quite a bit of fun to be part of a young rapidly growing industry, there is just so much excitement surrounding what we do.

What has been the biggest challenge?
I think running a business is always the most challenging part. Beer is a lot of fun, but behind it you are still running a business with payroll, employees, sales goals and bottom lines. Balancing the passion with the business end can be hard.

Bad Weather Brewing began with as alternating proprietorship, brewing at the Lucid Brewing facility. Is there any stigma from hardcore beer nerds about not having your own brewery?
I don’t know if there is a stigma as much as there has been a lack of visibility. For all the benefits that come with sharing a space, like lower costs, knowledge sharing and existing infrastructure, we don’t really have our “own” space. We don’t have that entrance point where beer fans can come see what we are all about, try all our beers, and just belly up to the bar and enjoy the atmosphere. The new taproom will fix that particular problem!

Looking back, would you do anything differently?
I really don’t think so. Launching the way we did, sharing space with Lucid, really allowed us to get to market much faster than we would have been able to otherwise. It has also made it much easier during the ramp up to our planned expansion. We obviously needed to get quite a bit of additional funding to build our St. Paul location, and when meeting with investors we had an actual product and sales history to show them.

Where do you see Bad Weather Brewery in 2 years? 20 Years?
In a couple years we will be buying more tanks and possibly a packaging line to move into our 2500 square foot expansion space adjacent to the taproom. In 20, I hope that Joe and I are retired and laying on a beach somewhere!

What has been your favorite beer, firkin, etc.?
Ominous with coffee! We launched with a firkin of that 2 years ago during our release party. We will have a small keg of coffee Ominous at our 2 year Anniversary party tonight.

Any new beers coming?
A ton of new beers when we open up the taproom. Stay tuned!

When does the new brewery open?
Summer 2015

Join Bad Weather Brewery at The Happy Gnome, at 5pm, on Wednesday, March 25th. Zac, Joe, and Andy will be celebrating and rubbing elbows.

Listen to an in-depth interview with the guys from Bad Weather Brewery on the Minnesota BeerCast.

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Run for the Border – SundaySalesMN.org

March 12, 2015 Andrew Schmitt 3 Comments

Supporters of ending the ban on Sunday alcohol sales will meet at the Minnesota State Capitol this Sunday (3/15) to send a message to legislators that the time has come to stop sending our money over the borders to Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa; the time has come to end Minnesota’s ban on Sunday alcohol sales.

Meeting at the temporary parking lot on the Capitol Mall, supporters will hear from liquor store owners and craft brewers that are being hurt by this ban. After brief remarks, supporters, unified with custom-made car flags and lights on, will form a caravan to embark on the 19-mile journey to liquor stores in Hudson, Wis., bringing their money with them.

Who: Supporters of ending the ban on Sunday alcohol sales & MN Beer Activists
What: Beer Run to Hudson, WI in Support of Sunday Liquors Sales in Minnesota
Where: The temporary parking lot on the Minnesota State Capitol Mall
When: 1pm This Sunday (3/15)

Link on Facebook

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13 Things Your Taproom Server Wants You to Know

March 5, 2015 Brian Hayes 3 Comments

On every shift they work, Minnesota’s taproom servers greet wave after wave of new customers who are exploring craft beer for the first time. They see the amazement and confusion in the faces of customers who are quickly overwhelmed with new information. If only there was a way that someone could sit you down and explain the subtleties of the taproom scene, you’d be on your way to that perfect taproom experience.

Please, be seated.

I asked over a dozen experienced servers what tidbits of information they want to share. They responded, and those compiled results are below. They’re in no particular order. And no, I’m not calling it a top ten list – that’s Letterman’s schtick. However… maybe Anton will give us a drum roll:

“Don’t be afraid to try something different and request a sample.”

Yes, a sample. In most cases, FREE. This gives you a chance to try something without buying a pint of something you suddenly realize you don’t like. But use this opportunity wisely – don’t ask for a sample of everything. Similarly, ordering a tulip glass/half pint/swifty is a great way to try a few beers, or slow down when you’ve had a few. Don’t waste beer.

“The beers listed on the board are the beers available.”

You may have come in looking forward to trying that uber beer your BFF told you about, but if it’s not up there, it’s not available. Many taprooms actively rotate their beers, so when it’s gone, it could be weeks before it is back. And no, contrary to popular belief, there are no secret stashes of the uber beer everyone wants behind the bar.

“Firkins and casks are only for that day.”

Special beers are packaged in small containers and are in VERY limited quantity. If you really want it, you need to be here or on your way when they tap it. There are about 86 pint glasses in a firkin, and then it’s gone. Beer hunters are attracted to firkins like bees to pollen, so if you see it available, now’s your chance.

“The lady behind the bar, standing next to the bearded beer tender, knows just as much about all the beers and brewery.”

Yes, the men look very official and burly and all beer-wiser, but the ladies all know about the beer too. Depending on what you want to know, they may be able tell you more than fuzzy could. Contrary to popular opinion, a beard doesn’t automatically make you beer-smart.

“Dispose of your food trash when you’re done eating.”

There are differences between a taproom (brewery without a kitchen) and brewpub (brewery with a kitchen). The latter will have waiters and waitresses who will come to you, take your order, bring you goodness to eat and drink. You pay your bill at the table and leave.

A taproom needs you to come to the bar to get your beer (usually), and then find a place to sit down. Was that a food truck parked outside? You can go get some food and bring it in, or even bring in food from nearby restaurants or even home. But clean up your stuff, throw your trash, pay your bill. Make that space nice for the next customer.

What can’t you bring to a taproom? Someone else’s beer (that’s just rude), wine, spirits and any form of hard liquor. You can’t make mixed drinks. Why? Because it’s illegal. It’s the law.

“Clear the shipping lanes.”

If an establishment has an obvious serving/ordering area, make sure to move out of the way after you receive your beer, have paid, and have engaged in chit chat with the staff. Even if there is not a line now, there might be soon, so don’t just post up in the serving areas.

“Bring your glass back when you want another or you’re done.”

This hits at those differences between a taproom and a brewpub again. Taprooms do not have busboys and girls. So when you finish your beer and want another, help them out by bringing the glass back to the bar. They’ll give you a fresh beer in a fresh glass! It keeps them behind the bar pouring beer and, hence, keeps the lines shorter. Win-win.

“You can tip us. Really, it’s ok. We do this for a living.”

TIPS stands for ‘to insure prompt service’ (or so I am told)’. Just because they are behind that bar (and didn’t come to your table) doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a tip if they did their job well. If math is not your strong suit (it’s not mine), my rule of thumb is a buck a beer (approximately 20% based on a $5/pint).

“We love to chat about beer… unless it’s super busy. Then please let us work. And patience is a virtue.”

Don’t be shy! Feel free to ask them as many questions about the beer as you’d like when they’re idle. They really do LOVE talking about it. However, when a bus or pedal pub or wedding party or large group just appeared and they all want beer now, you should let them work.

Remember that they’re doing their best back there. If you need something, please be patient until they get to you. Sometimes it helps if you can make eye contact with them and not be looking at your phone – then they’ll know you want something.

“Those beer names can be tricky. Let us help you say them and explain them.”

There is so much to learn about craft beer. Size On? It should be pronounced “say-zohn”. Head’s up: there are more beer styles than just IPA, double IPA and Russian Imperial stouts. Oh, and session beers aren’t necessarily lighter in flavor. Not every IPA tastes like Pliny the Elder. They’ll educate you and correct you, gently – if you listen.

“Please don’t take our glassware home to clean and return!”

They know everyone is trying to be helpful, but some of us can’t resist taking our glassware home… to wash and return. <cynical look> Right. The problem is, they need those for other customers who will be here before you get back. They get paid for doing dishes. Bring them up to the bar empty and just leave them there.

Those glasses are super-cool, I admit. Almost every taproom has them and more for order on the website. Some will, depending on availability, be able to sell you a glass in the taproom (look for the merchandise area).

“Start a tab – and bring everyone’s ID when you order.”

If you think you’re going to have more than one, it makes it easier on everyone if you open a tab. Or better yet, buy the first round for you and your friends so they don’t have to slow things down by ringing everyone up individually.

Oh and speaking of buying for friends, you’re being all awesome and standing in line for your group, ultimately they’ll want to see and ID for each person you are ordering a beer for. They have to follow the law and not serve to minors. From one server: “We appreciate and love that you are willing to buy beers for your comrades and keeping the lines shorter, but it is very important to us that we don’t over serve someone who’s had enough, or someone underage who should be drinking Sunny D instead. Or purple stuff.”

“Be slow to judge the brew.”

If you haven’t already, you’re going to find out that all beer is not the same. Give your palate some time to adjust before dismissing a style of beer altogether. After a few sips of beer, your palate will gradually adjust and the stronger, more pronounced qualities will eventually be balanced by the more subtle flavors and complexities, often changing your perception of a certain style.

My sincerest thanks to the folks who contributed (well, basically wrote) this post:

Mike Schwandt, Bauhaus Brew Labs
Maggie Pears, Dangerous Man Brewing Company
Matt Hauck and Charlie Tonks, Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Tom Schufman and Dru DeLange, Waconia Brewing Company
Sandy and Jay Boss Febbo, Bang Brewing
Blake Verdon, LTD Brewing Co
Emily Cochrane and Alex Sacco, Sociable Cider Werks
Al McCarty, Eastlake Brewing and Tavern

Newsfeed

MNCBG Winterfest Needs You

February 24, 2015 Brian Hayes

[adrotate group=”1″]

Want to work your way into MNCBG Winterfest? Here’s how!

VOLUNTEER!

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild’s Winterfest 2015 is at Union Depot in St. Paul on Friday, Feb 27 and Saturday, Feb 28.

Clicking on that blue logo will take you to the tickets page where you can sign up for specific shifts at either night of Winterfest that best fit your schedule. Descriptions of the main volunteer roles are also included. There are a finite number of shifts available, and all are first come, first serve. An additional email will follow this one to all signed up volunteers with parking, day of event info, etc.

Each shift is roughly three hours long. The MNCBG will send individual emails this week with role details and shift times for each volunteer.

TICKETING – ID, scan tickets and stamp patrons at entrance to the event (volunteers work at stations). All ticketing volunteers will be trained in by a ticketing captain.
GENERAL SET-UP – Help set up Guild areas (info table, ballot boxes, signage, etc) before the event.
BREWER CHECK-IN / BREWER LOAD-IN – Help deliver beer and ice to brewer booths and assist brewers with the load-in of their booth materials.
BREWER HOSPITALITY SET-UP/SECURITY – Help set up brewer hospitality room. Stand at entrance and check wristbands for entry to Brewer Hospitality area. Brewers, catering staff and Cargill sponsor staff only are allowed in Brewer Hospitality.
RUNNERS – Help keep ice stocked at brewer booths and areas clean during the event. Runners report to the volunteer coordinator for tasks
COAT CHECK – Check patrons coats at coat racks; shifts at beginning and end of event.
WILL CALL – Help with check-in of education speakers, partners/sponsors, VIPs, media, etc at Will Call table.
MERCHANDISE/MNCBG TABLE – Teams will work the Guild merchandise/information table selling Guild apparel and pint glasses (will be trained to use Square scanners), answering event questions and directions, handing out Guild brochures, etc.
TEAR DOWN/BALLOT COUNTING – Help take down Guild materials, signage, tables etc. and clean up areas at end of event. Help count “best of” ballots to tally winners of Best of Fest award at end of event.

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Barrel Aged Week at Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

February 16, 2015 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

Today (Monday) kicks off Barrel Aged Week at Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery. The annual week long celebration is a treat for anyone that loves beer aged in barrels.

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery has been aging beer in wooden barrels since a phone call brought a barrel of Jack Daniels to the brewery in 2000. An Imperial Stout was brewed, then aged in that barrel of Old #7 and the next year it took home a Gold Medal from GABF in the Experimental Category.

As time went on more barrels were acquired, more awards were won, and Town Hall’s barrel-aged beer releases morphed into a whole week of beers in 2009. Wildly successful in both awards and popularity, every year Minnesota beer fans have lined up early the week before barrel aged week to reserve growlers of the limited beer. That is still the case. However, this year there will be some opportunities to get your hands on some of the beer if you didn’t have your Sunday morning free to stand out in the cold. At every release there will be chances (limited of course) to roll a few dice and win a chance to purchase a growler of barrel aged beer release of the day.

Buffalo Trace — Good things come to those that wait.

Also new this year are 750ml growlers, and flights of 3 beers, at 5oz each. It can be tough to tackle these beers alone. Smaller servings in both on-sale and off-sale format make it easier to approach these big beers.

Listen to Head Brewer Mike Hoops talk about the history of Barrel Aged Week at Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, as well as this year’s beers and pairings on the latest MN BeerCast.

Subscribe: iTunes Stitcher RSS

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612BREW Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Six-pack Cans and Taproom Party

February 6, 2015 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

Perfectly timed with its two-year anniversary, 612BREW has announced its three core beers,
SIX, Unrated Rye and Gateway Park, will now be available at local retail stores in six-packs of 12 oz. cans.

In 2014, 612BREW expanded its northeast Minneapolis brewing facility. The brewery added tanks to increase production, and a private “cellar” area for parties and events. In the coming year the brewery expects to nearly double its market share with the addition of the new canning line and retail partners. 612BREW has also hired Great American Beer Fest silver medal-winning brewer, Austin Myhran, and expects to bring on additional staff to help on the packaging line in anticipation of the increased production.

“We are canning all of our beers right here at the brewery,” explains co-founder and brewer, Robert Kasak. “We explored a number of options for packaging, but decided to purchase our own canning line and do everything in house.”

612Brew purchased Wild Goose canning line of Colorado for its small footprint and solid reputation. Kasak and his team chose cans over bottles for their lightweight packaging, environmental benefits, and their ability to protect beer from light and oxygen.

Renowned local artist, Adam Turman, was hired to create three unique can designs. Adam also painted the mural that adorns the taproom. Standing out in primary colors of bright red, yellow and blue, the cans are sure to draw attention on store shelves.

“Working with Adam to design the can art has been a blast,” says co-founder Adit Kalra. “Each can is its own piece of art.”

Each can tells the story of the beer within. SIX features a Metro Transit bus, as the beer is named for the number 6 bus line that travels through Minneapolis. Unrated features a movie theater theme as a nod to the recent dispute with the Motion Picture Association of America. Pre-prohibition lager Gateway Park goes back in time with imagery of downtown Minneapolis in the late 1800’s.

Robert Kasak and Adam Turman — Robert Kasak, Adam Turman

612BREW has partnered with Bernick’s distribution to make their beer available in liquor stores across the Twin Cities metro area beginning February 16.

The brewery will host its 2nd Anniversary party at the taproom on February 13 to celebrate the launch. Here are some of the highlights of the party:

Free pints of beer from 4-5pm
Live music from Kingsview and Justin Halverson
Special edition 612Brew Can release/anniversary shirts designed by Adam Turman and printed live, on-demand by CHUX Printing
Special firkin tappings

Giveaways and more

Hear more about the cans, the art, and more on the latest episode of the Minnesota BeerCast.

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Legislative Events, Newsfeed

2015 Saint Paul City Council Race and Sunday Liquor Sales

February 3, 2015 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

The 2015 Minnesota legislative session has thus far been a busy one with lawmakers introducing several bills aimed at easing the restrictions on Sunday off-sale liquor sales. Bills include everything from a Sunday sales pilot program, to growlers for qualifying brewers, a local option allowing municipalities to lift the ban, and full repeal.

If legislation supporting a local option to allow individual municipalities to lift the ban on Sunday sales were to pass this session, the future of Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales in the city of Saint Paul will be in the hands of its city council members.

With that in mind we reached out to 21 candidates who have announced their intent to run for city council seats across all seven of Saint Paul’s Council Wards. We asked all of the candidates to respond to the following questions:

1. Minnesota Farm Wineries are allowed to sell bottles of wine on Sundays. Should qualifying local brewers be allowed to sell 64 oz / 750 ml growlers of beer on Sundays?
2. Several bills have been introduced to the 2015 state legislature that may ease or repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales. If the Sunday liquor ban is repealed, would you vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays?

The candidates’ responses are below or follow the links for a specific ward.

Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7

*Editors note: If there are any candidates that would like to be included in this guide or if you find any inaccuracies, please send an email here, we will continue to update this poll as more information is received.

Ward 1

Trahern Crews – Green Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Brewers should be able to sell 64 oz/750 ml growlers on Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes! Saint Paul could use the tax dollars that escape to Wisconsin every Sunday.”

Dai Thao – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, if there is an option to opt out by retailers without penalty.”

Samakab Hussein – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Mohamed Said – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 2

Marit Brock – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, I support Sunday growler sales, and I am proud to see the growth of local breweries in Ward 2 and throughout Saint Paul. I want to make sure that Ward 2 is a great environment for small, family-owned businesses that really make up our American dream, and this includes local brewers in our ward like Bad Weather, Great Waters, Tin Whiskers, Vine Park, and Wabasha Brewing. We should work hard to support our local family-owned businesses and not restrict their business with rules that may no longer fit our times.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, I support the right of Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. I believe that the ban on Sunday sales is outdated and no longer reflects the needs of our communities. Many liquor stores are small businesses, and we should support their efforts to succeed and not restrict their business with rules like a ban on Sunday sales.”

Louis Garcia – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I support brewers, wineries, and businesses that sell their products. The city shouldn’t impose any law that prevents these establishments to serve consumers seven days a week. I’m opposed to this restriction at the state level and will be an advocate to repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“The state should not require or dictate what days of the week a businesses should be open. Each business should be able to decide if they want to keep their establishment open on Sunday. If the ban is repealed I will be an advocate for Saint Paul’s business interest and should the state contradict our interests, I will work at the city level to protect our businesses.”

Cara Martner – Independence Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I certainly believe if Wineries are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays that local qualifying brewers should be allowed to do the same.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Although I am personally disappointed by the amount of effort and focus that goes into fighting the Sunday liquor ban year after year when there are more important issues to focus on for the future of Saint Paul, I agree that each liquor store should be given the right to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Rebecca Noecker – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, absolutely. Maintaining separate standards for wineries and breweries makes no sense and is discriminatory. The exciting interest in local brewing promises to bring much-needed local business to our city, expanding our tax base and making Saint Paul more attractive to young professionals and recent college graduates looking for a place to call home. We should be doing all we can to encourage and support this burgeoning field; imposing a double-standard does exactly the opposite.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes. While I am in favor of repealing the ban on Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales, I believe business owners have the right to decide their operating hours based on what they feel will make most sense for their business.”

Darren Tobolt – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I’m excited by the expanding brewing economy in Saint Paul. I understand that this is an issue for consideration by the state legislature and would require a state law change. If that law were to pass, I would support modifying necessary city ordinances to support the small brewing community. Something I believe we can do under current law is change our ordinance to allow growler sales until 10pm on weeknights, I would like to explore that option to encourage development in Saint Paul.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If the State of Minnesota were to allow Sunday sales, I would certainly be open to easing city ordinances to support all of our small businesses.”

Ward 3

Chris Tolbert – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Minnesota’s current blue laws are out-of-date and bad for our local business owners. The City should take steps to ease these restrictions. In Minnesota we have a booming craft beer industry and we should support these entrepreneurs and give Minnesota consumers the option to buy a growler of their favorite brew on a Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, should the Sunday liquor ban be repealed, I would vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. That decision should be in the hands of the store owners. Any attempt to continue to ban the sale of off-sale liquor in Saint Paul after a repeal of the statewide sunday liquor ban would negatively impact Saint Paul businesses and Saint Paul residents.”

Ward 4

Russ Stark – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes.”

Curtis Stock – Independent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes of course. Politicians cowering to their big contributors crushed this item before. It makes no sense to make a great craft beer community that brings people here then tell patrons and visitors that they can’t take some home to enjoy because it’s Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Again, yes of course. A business should be allowed to decide when they are open for business. On-sale is legal on Sunday and off-sale should be as well.”

Ward 5

David Glass – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. I believe local breweries should have the same options as everyone else we need a fair and equal business environment.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. If elected to the City Council, I would vote to give liquor businesses the same opportunities to operate on Sundays as everyone else.”

Amy Brendmoen – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
Yes.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
Yes.

Ward 6

James Lockwood – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“In more ways than one, Minnesota’s craft brewers and distillers are revitalizing whole neighborhoods and communities and helping to bring new vitality to our cities and state. It only makes sense to bring parity between these artisan industries that are giving the state a national reputation for creativity, quality and livability.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Saint Paul’s residents deserve to be able to shop where they live, whether it’s a Friday, Monday, or Sunday. Additionally, as a city, we can’t afford to see our tax revenues go to neighboring communities because of differing blue laws. Personally, I would like to buy wine on Sunday to go with the dinner I bought on Sunday, so, yes, I would support Sunday liquor sales in Saint Paul.”

Dan Bostrom – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 7

Elliott Nickell – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Saint Paul has many great small craft breweries, and they should be supported. I support craft beer Sunday growler sales.“

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“I support the repeal of the ban. Currently, Minnesota loses out on tax revenue to Wisconsin, because people drive there to buy beer, liquor, or wine on Sundays. As I am writing this, on Super Bowl Sunday, many people are driving to Wisconsin to buy beer. I would support allowing liquor stores to decide whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Jane Prince – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“My answer to both questions is an enthusiastic yes. One of my campaign priorities is to increase our city’s support of locally owned independent businesses, who offer tremendous vitality to the local economy. I am very supportive of removing barriers to the success of local businesses.”

Paul Sawyer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I would like to see this expanded to local brewers. Saint Paul has a thriving brewing industry which should be supported as much as possible.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Should the legislature allow for Sunday sales, I am in favor of allowing liquor stores in Saint Paul to engage in Sunday sales. This option is good for consumers and for businesses.”

John Slade – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, if farm wineries can sell their product on Sundays, local brewers should be able to sell growlers. This is not only justice, but it’s important for promoting local businesses and local production.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If bars are allowed to sell liquor on Sundays, then off-sale should follow suit. There are only two days that most people have off of work, and it makes no sense to keep them from buying wine, beer, and liquor to take home on one of those two days.”

Steve Frazer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

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#MNCLEANPINT Campaign Returns

February 3, 2015 Andrew Schmitt

How clean is your beer glass?

#MNCLEANPINT is a social media awareness campaign created by Joe Falkowski at J.J. Taylor Distributing Company of MN to promote the proper cleaning of glassware at Minneasota bars and pubs. (Sorry, no taprooms)

Throughout February consumers and on-sale retailers are encouraged to share photos of their beer on social media (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook) that has been served in proper “beer clean” glassware and tag it with #MNCleanPint and your location. At the end of the month, the establishment (excluding tap rooms) with the most mentions will win be crowned as the owners of “Cleanest Pint in Minnesota.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjLLYyitO1M

MN Beer Activists is proud to support the #MNCLEANPINT educational initiative along with J.J. Taylor Distributing Company of MN, Cicerone® Certification Program, Micromatic, The Better Beer Society, MNBeer.com, and A Perfect Pint. Feel free to tag MNBeerActivists in your photos, we’ll be retweeting, regramming, and toasting consumers all month long.

The campaign for clean glassware kicks off February 3rd, at the location of 2014 Cleanest Pint in Minnesota, Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub. The winning establishment gets a party from J.J. Taylor. Other prizes include Cicerone® training and tests, a $100 bar tab, a home kegerater kit, glassware, and lots of other prizes throughout the campaign.

Joe Falkowski talks #MNCleanPint on the MN BeerCast

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-minnesota-beercast/id936715007

Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-minnesota-beercast

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Minnesota Beer Activists

Category Archives: Newsfeed

Q and A with Zac Carpenter of Bad Weather Brewing

Run for the Border – SundaySalesMN.org

13 Things Your Taproom Server Wants You to Know

“Don’t be afraid to try something different and request a sample.”

“The beers listed on the board are the beers available.”

“Firkins and casks are only for that day.”

“The lady behind the bar, standing next to the bearded beer tender, knows just as much about all the beers and brewery.”