Category Archives: Newsfeed

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

Newsfeed

Video: Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery Grand Reopening

After being closed for several months Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery grand reopening is this Friday, April 11th, at 6pm.

The space has been reworked to make things a little more open, brighter, and more efficient. There is new art including a impressive neon clock from Matt Thompson at Skyline Neon. Brewery operations have been expanded and capacity has been increased. The menu has been tweaked. More draft lines have been added to bring the total up to 34 with 10 of them dedicated to cider.

When the doors open 6pm be sure to order pint of phoenix pale ale and celebrate the reopening of one of Minnesota’s best breweries.

Newsfeed

Four Firkins announces expansion – launches crowdfunding campaign

Four Firkins specialty beer store announced an expansion and crowdfunding campaign.

The Firkins crew is looking to take their unique business model and expand it to the other side of the twin cities. Minnesota’s only Craft Beer only store is planning on opening a new store in Woodbury. But they are looking for help from the community to partially fund the project.

We’ve seen dozens of breweries use crowd sourcing and even local restaurants like Travail and Birchwood used it successfully for expansion projects.
– Jason Alvey, Owner Four Firkins

Beer fans are clearly excited at the prospect of having a Four Firkins store in the east metro. The community is certainly pitching in. There is already over $21,000 pledged toward the $50,000 goal. That means Alvey and gang are on or near the pace they’ll need to reach their goal by the April, 25th deadline.

Along with the rejoicing there have been a few detractors of the Four Firkins fundraising plan. Without a doubt some of the loudest voices are from the competition. Some have even said crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo are for startups, not established businesses. “We were faced with a choice that many businesses our size are faced with: sell off ownership and bring on investors to grow or get the money some other way,” says Jason Alvey. “We’ve seen dozens of breweries use crowd sourcing and even local restaurants like Travail and Birchwood used it successfully for expansion projects. We didn’t know how well we’d do if we tried it, but figured it’s certainly worth a shot. Luckily our customers really do appreciate what we do and are happy to be a part of this very important growth stage. We will never forget them!”

Agree with the plan or not, there are some cool perks, and another quality beer store is a good thing. Checkout the Four Firkins Indiegogo site for all the details.

Newsfeed

Beer at the Ball Game – Target Field Beer

Opening day at Target Field! Who is playing hooky to watch the Twins? Everyone knows that no trip to the ballpark is complete without a cold beer in the sunshine. While there might be a roof deck named for a large international brewer, the decision makers at Target Field are either listening to Minnesota beer fans, or have great taste. Maybe both. They are adding more local craft beer to the list of refreshments. Beginning this season cans of Indeed Brewing (Day Tripper and Shenanigans) will be available in sections 126 and 320.

To make your Twins game day at Target Field easier we have created a quick and easy refreshment reference chart with beer sizes, locations, and prices. However, according to Pete Spike, general manager for Sportservice at the ballpark, beverage services can literally and figuratively be quite fluid. If you notice any changes or updates be sure to let us know in the comments section.

Go Twins!

Target Field Beer Guide
Beer      Locations Price
Third Street (Three Way, Lost Trout) Craft beer bars in section 116, 125, 322 $6.50 12oz
Summit Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Summit Seasonal Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Summit EPA Section 140 $6.50 12oz
Surly Cans Section 141 (Twins Pub) $9.00 160z
Fulton Draft Section 141 (Twins Pub) $9.00 20oz
Grainbelt Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Grainbelt Nordeast Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Indeed Cans (Day Tripper, Shenanigans) Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Schell’s Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Finnigans Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Lift Bridge Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Leinenkugel Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Leinenkugel Seasonal Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Goose Island Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Red Bridge Gluten Free Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320 $6.50 12oz
Domestic Various Stands and Portables $7.50 20oz /$8.50 16oz
Premium / Import Various Stands and Portables $8.00 20oz /$9.00 16oz
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Near Beer      Locations Price
O’Doul’s – N/A Most Permanent Stands and Delta SKY 360° Legends Club $4.00 12oz
Other Alcoholic Drinks
If you must      Locations Price
Wine Minnesota Brews Portables 126 and 320, Twins Pub, 1st & 3rd Base Lounge $6.50
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Most Permanent Stands and Delta SKY 360° Legends Club $7.50 16oz
Liquor Drink Mixes Portable 104, 119, and 308, and Twins Pubs 1st & 3rd Base Lounge $7.50/$8.00

Honorable mentions: The new Butcher and the Boar grill inside Gate 34 will have local craft beer, bourbon, and meat. And checkout the “Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary” at Hrbek’s from noon-1pm on home game days.

photo credit: Minnesota Twins
Newsfeed

Are some beer distributors killing craft beer?

Brooklyn Brewery Founder Steve Hindy isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. In a recent TV interview with CNBC Hindy recounts fighting an incompetent distributor and how difficult it can be for craft brewers when franchise laws favor distributors.

The frank interview comes directly after Hindy’s Op-Ed in the NY Times. In his opinion piece Mr. Hindy warns of the dangers of letting outdated laws dictate the success or failure of a craft beer brand of rather than consumer appeal. Hindy essentially warns us that if some of the franchise laws aren’t addressed some beer distributors could be killing craft beer at their whim. Most of the current laws were written at a time when large macro brewers would pit distributors against each other. The franchise statutes make it nearly impossible for a brewer to switch distributors without facing severe financial hardship. The risk of this hardship is very real and remains today.

So where does craft beer figure in to the conversation? The stakes are far higher for small craft brewers than for the large international brewers the laws  were originally written around. The results can be devastating when distributor chooses to focus on the “bread and butter” of their portfolio (yellow fizzy brew), or the next hot craft beer as is often the case. Small local craft brewers are left locked into distribution agreements with virtually no recourse. Craft beer brands suffer and languish while the distributors have virtually no motivation to change anything.

Steve Hindy is a craft beer legend and an industry leader, when he speaks beer lovers across the country should listen. I sincerely hope craft beer fans are paying attention to what he is saying. Minnesota beer lovers have seen what first hand what can happen when there are rocky relationships between distributors and brewers. Have you tried to buy a beer from Jolly Pumpkin or Avery lately?

… in Washington State, small brewers are excluded from the state’s franchise laws completely.

As with most liquor laws, while the rest of the nation is looking forward, it seems Minnesota is moving backward. It was just last year when small Minnesota brewers were forced to give up 5,000 bbls of self distribution to “save the growler.” And let’s not forget that Minnesota Beer Wholesalers have consistently fought against Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota.

Let’s ask Minnesota legislators to listen to Steve Hindy. Our beer distribution franchise laws could use some updating along the rest of the Minnesota liquor code.

Newsfeed

Infographic: Tap Into the Business of Craft Beer

The Future of Craft Beer

The craft beer industry has seemingly exploded in the past few years, but it also looks like it’s going to be more than just a passing fad. Why? Because there’s still a demand for even more craft beers than are already available.

According to research compiled by Kendall College’s School of Hospitality, more than one third of consumers (36%) already drink craft beer. When you look at Millenials alone, that number goes up to 43%. And 45% of consumers say that they would try more craft beers if they knew more about them. As craft beers continue to become more and more prominent at local festivals, grocery stores, and bars, those consumers will have plenty of opportunities to learn more.

KC-beer-info

Why Craft Beer is Here to Stay

Craft beer—defined as beer produced by small, independent breweries—has been around for years (the do-it-yourself, underground breweries of the Prohibition era count!), but it’s only been in the past five or so years that the industry has really started hitting its stride. The production of craft beer increased by an astounding 71% between 2006 and 2012—and consumers are still clamoring for the full-flavored product. In 2012, sales of craft beer totaled 12 million dollars, and that number is expected to triple by 2017.

For many modern consumers, the variety and rich flavors of craft beer are a welcome change from major beer brands like Budweiser and Coors Light. Craft beer is higher in alcohol content, is locally produced, and gives beer lovers plenty of opportunities to try different products. Small breweries often make several different types of craft beer, such as an IPA, stout, wheat beer, and brown ale, so that consumers can sample different varieties to find the one that they like best—or the one that will pair best with their meal.

While some news sources like Business Insider have speculated that the craft beer industry is in a bubble that will soon pop, industry insiders are more optimistic. Bart Watson, an economist with the Brewers Association, pointed out to CNBC that the supply of craft beer still isn’t meeting public demand. He believes that rather than crashing, the craft beer industry will someday look more like the restaurant industry—a lot of small local breweries will open, and the ones that manage to make a lasting impression will stick around while other smaller players will keep entering and exiting.

For now, the craft beer industry is looking like a pretty welcoming place for anyone interested in working in the food and beverage world. According to Kendall College, there are roughly 2,403 breweries in the US (the most since the 1880s) and over 103,585 industry jobs (including servers at brew pubs). Job growth in the food and beverage industry has been 25% in the last 13 years as compared to a 4% rise for total employment in the US—and a lot of that job growth can be attributed to craft beer.

In response to this booming industry, many colleges are now offering concentrations within their Hospitality or Business major to allow students to focus on Beverage Management. Whether or not you’re a current student, however, now is a great time to break into the world of craft beer.

Newsfeed

Introducing Bauhaus Brew Labs

A new destination brewery/taproom is opening in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis’ Brew District. At Bauhaus Brew Labs, beer fans will be able to enjoy uniquely crafted, German-inspired beers with a focus on lagers – lighter brews that don’t rely on heaviness for flavor. With these sessionable beers, Bauhaus is looking to become not just another taproom, but a gathering place for friends and family to share stories, ideas, revelry and excitement.

Bauhaus itself is truly a family endeavor, built slowly over years of laughter-filled weekends and holidays full of beers brewed specifically for each occasion. In the fall of 2012, Bauhaus’ founding family made the decision to share their world with others. The company took shape after embracing the tenets of the Bauhaus movement of early 20th-century Germany: blurring the line between work and play while celebrating the joy of art and craft in everyday life.

Focusing on brewing flavorful, intriguing, “forward-drinking” beers, Bauhaus crafts imaginative and unexpected interpretations of iconic beer styles with a primary focus on lagers. President and Head Brewer Matt Schwandt explains, “A lot of the craft lagers available today are very traditional. Bauhaus is looking beyond tradition to reimagine classic lager styles and give them new life. We want to expose beer fans to a whole new kind of lager beer.” With the help of Helms Workshop out of Austin, TX, the Bauhaus visual identity also looks beyond tradition in craft beer.
BauHaus Brewlabs Cans
Among Bauhaus’ core offerings are Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner, Wagon Party West Cöast Style Lager and Stargrazer German Style Schwarzbier. Rounding out Bauhaus’ initial lineup is Sky-Five! Midwest Cöast IPA, a full-flavored ale that fuses German and British base malts with experimental hop varieties from around the globe. This rambunctious bunch of beers is the result of intense creativity and an exacting scientific approach that Bauhaus has developed over the years.

The brewery’s 2,000-square-foot taproom, with a future patio area of equal size, will be more than just a place that pours Bauhaus beer. “We’re building a taproom filled with energy and excitement,” says Vice President Lydia Haines. “One night, you might find three of the founders rocking on stage in the Haus band, Viva Knievel, or random strangers coming together on a Rick Astley duet during karaoke night.” Haines adds, “We also want beer fans to be a part of creating the space that they play in, to be involved every step of the way. There will be a big opportunity to do that in the coming weeks.”

In addition to its taproom and future patio, the company has its eyes on production and distribution. “The four Bauhaus core beers will be available to bars and restaurants right out of the gate,” says Schwandt. “We’ll be rolling out twelve-ounce cans around mid-summer.”

“Our brewery is really just an extension of who we are and all the things we love to do as a family,” Schwandt adds. “We’re proud and excited to open our doors, share our work and watch it become your brewery as well.”

Website: http://bauhausbrewlabs.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bauhausbrewlabs
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bauhausbrewlabs
Instagram: bauhausbrewlabs


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Want to own a Minnesota brewery?

Looking to get into the brewing game? You probably are, you and everyone else. Greg Smith at Leech Lake Brewing is looking to move on the other adventures and he is putting his home and brewery up for sale.
Greg Smith Leech Lake Brewing
There is a lot of work, inspections, paperwork, and more hassle than most people imagine when setting up a brewery. This would type of turn-key deal would enable a startup to bypass that mess and move right into the production phase.

Checkout the link to the facebook post below and contact info for serious inquiries.

Have you ever dreamed of owning a brewery? Would you like to live on one of the largest, most diverse lakes in the country? Well, here’s your opportunity to do both.

As stated on LLBC bottle labels… “BREWED AND BOTTLED IN WALKER, MN, BECAUSE PARADISE REQUIRES A BREWERY.” If fishing, water sports, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, cycling, golfing… and killer craft beer all equate to paradise in your mind, then allow me to introduce you to Nirvana.

Leech Lake Brewing Company is available as a turn-key business in which you can take over operations immediately. I will be happy to make historic and projected financial data available, and discuss terms with anyone serious about the opportunity who first signs a non-disclosure agreement.

In addition to the business, our 6 bedroom/4 bath (~3000 sq. ft.) home near the school in Walker is for sale. We’d consider packaging the business and home together if that is of interest. Contact me via brewmaster@leechlakebrewing.com, or at 218-547-4746, if you’d like more information. Cheers!

Newsfeed

Ace Spirits opens whiskey wonderland in Hopkins

Ace Spirits is a brand new store in Hopkins, MN. The new liquor store is a unique concept featuring whisk(e)y and craft beer.
Ace Spirits
Featuring you say? Yes. Featuring, as in every whiskey available in Minnesota. That is a lot of whiskey. utopiasTo show just how serious they are about whiskey Ace Spirits is having a legendary whiskey giveaway contest. Just how legendary? Click the link for full details, but names like Pappy Van Winkle 20 Yr, George T. Stagg, and Eagle Rare 17 Yr Rye should pique your interest.

The whiskey and craft beer market has been exploding and while there are other specialty craft beer stores, no one has given whiskey the focus it needs and deserves.
-Louis Dachis, Ace Spirits

No good liquor store is complete without a well stocked craft beer section. To make sure the beer gets the tender loving care it so deserves they’ve brought in beer veteran Seneca Berg, formerly of Falls Liquor. The new store hosts weekly beer tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings. Harriet Brewing’s Divine Occulust is currently on tap. And keep an eye out for special beer events like this Utopias tasting.
Ace Spirits
It is worth mentioning that Ace Spirits has a great online setup for shopping from home. As I type this I’ve already put one bottle of WL Weller Antique Bourbon in my digital shopping cart and I’m browsing the selection of American rye whiskey. Think I can have it delivered on a Sunday?

I really dig the Ace Spirits concept of picking one thing and doing it well. Many local liquor stores are freaking out about large liquor retailers moving to the state and edging them out on prices. Ace Spirits doesn’t seem worried about the big competition. Ace is focused on mastering the service and selection of one growing sector of the liquor market. Wine shops mastered this concept a long time ago, some beer stores in town, as well. I can’t believe a whiskey focused store has taken this long.

Ace Spirits
Mon – Thu: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
4 Shady Oak Road #18
Hopkins, MN 55343

Ace Spirits online
Ace Spirits on Facebook
Ace Spirits on Twitter


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