Category Archives: Newsfeed

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

Newsfeed

Badger Hill and Valleyfair Want To Take You On A Ride

Shakopee Minnesota institution, Valleyfair, is teaming with the new kid on the block, Badger Hill Brewing. The amusement park is celebrating its 40th anniversary and to mark this momentous event, Badger Hill is brewing up an exclusive beer. High Roller Extra Park Ale High Roller Extra Park Ale is modeled after an EPA style beer. It is malt-forward, easy drinking and perfect for a day at the park.

Unlike the thrill ride of the same name, this EPA won’t jerk you around. It’s balanced with just enough hop bitterness to cut through many of the park’s food offerings. Selecting the beer itself was a collaborative process, as Valleyfair’s marketing team had the enviable job of selecting from four Badger Hill offerings with which to commemorate 40 years of fun. In the end this easy drinking option won out and it’s not hard to see why. At 5.2% ABV and 43 IBUs it is approachable and just what Valleyfair was looking for. This beer is perfect for park regulars and beer tickers alike (remember, it’s exclusive to the park).

The weather is finally resembling something close to summer. What better way to spend it than a day at the amusement park? I’ll tell you, a day at Valleyfair with a cold local brew in hand.

Newsfeed

Boom Island hosting second annual Pints & Pups event

pintsandpumps

Boom Island Brewing Company presents its second annual Pints & Pups fundraising event on Saturday.

The event, which is 1-6 p.m. in the Boom parking lot, is hosting seven fostering and adoption agencies. The aim of the event is to raise dollars and awareness for animals in need of forever homes.

Boom Island is donating a portion of its sales from the entire day (until 9 p.m.) to the participating rescue organizations.

A dog-washing truck, dog treats and dog daycare services will also be available. And, it wouldn’t be a pooch event without Nate Dogs to serve some quality meat to the humankind.

Well-behaved and leashed dogs are encouraged to attend.

Find out more information about Pints & Pups at the Boom Island website.

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Liquor Sales Amendment Fails in MN House

It is that time of year. The time of year where Minnesota consumers get an honest look at who represents their shopping interests at the Capitol. The time of year when Minnesota legislators discuss Sunday liquor sales.

2016 house vote

Rep Jenifer Loon offered an amendment to what Joe Hoppe called his omnibus liquor licensing bill, HF3699. After lengthy debate and a quick vote, the amendment ultimately failed and was not attached to Rep Hoppe’s larger liquor bill.

Unhappy with the vote?

Visit SundaySalesMN.org
SundaySalesMN

Though the language of the amendment was more restrictive then the language voted upon last year, there were actually more people who switched from a “yes” vote to a “no” vote than the other way around. Here is the breakdown:

From Yes to No (9)
-Carlson
-Dettmer
-Hamilton
-Hancock
-Isaacson (absent on 4/28/15)
-Kelly
-Mack
-Miller
-Newberger

From No to Yes (7)
-Bennett
-Bly
-Cornish
-Lueck
-Pelowski
-Rarick
-Slocum

How new legislators voted
-Ecklund voted No (formerly held by Dill who also voted no)
-Flanagan voted No (formerly held by Winkler who also voted no)
– Anderson, C voted Yes (formerly held by Lenczewski who voted no)

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Liquor Sales to be Voted on in Minnesota House

It is time to contact your legislators and pass Sunday Sales
Click here to find out who represents you.

SundaySalesMN

The Minnesota House of Representatives is scheduled to hear a bill related to liquor wine and beer on Thursday, May 12, 2016. The bill (HF3966) is focused on licensing for the major league soccer stadium in St. Paul, a brewpub in Minneapolis, and others. Rep. Jenifer Loon is likely to  propose an amendment that would give municipalities the option to authorize Sunday liquor sales.

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a municipality may authorize off-sale licensees or a municipal liquor store under its jurisdiction to make off-sales of intoxicating liquor on any day, provided that no sale may be made before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Look below to find out how legislators have voted in the past. Do they represent your interests?

Join the conversation on twitter using the hashtags #SundaySalesMN and #MNleg.

Click here to contact your legislators

Let us know what you hear back.

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
51 Carlson Jim 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
Newsfeed

Things Becoming Clearer for Blacklist Artisan Ales

The brewery that plies its trade near arguably the most famous body of water in the state is teaming with a beverage company whose name reminds older readers of a brewery with a bear for a mascot. What am I getting at? When will I just get to the point? Alright fine. Let me clarify. Blacklist Artisan Ales, the latest in a long run of excellent brewers to expand their footprint into the Twin Cities, and the path to Minny and Paul couldn’t be any clearer.

Blacklist Artisan Ales

Blacklist is bringing their beautiful Belgian beers to the Twin Cities via Clear River Beverage Company. Clear River will distribute Blacklist brews to 17 counties within and surrounding the Twin Cities market including Aitkin, Pine, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Benton, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, Wright, Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Carver, Scott, and Stearns.

So from St. Cloud to St. Paul and from Pine City to Princeton, bold Belgian beers made by brewers Blacklist will boost our bountiful beverage selection. Boy! Bottom line, Twin Cities denizens now have access to Tripels brewed with Green Tea, lemongrass, and honey, imperial rhubarb wits, and cocoa hefeweizens, just to name a few.

Newsfeed, Review

Beers Worth Drinking

Featured: Bent Brewstillery, Enki Brewing, and Mankato Brewery

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Victoria’s Gold Cream Ale, Mocha Porter
Enki Brewing

IMG_4083 (1)

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

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

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

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

 

BOOMCHICKAPOP Popcorn Ale
Mankato Brewery

BOOMCHICKAPOP.

You should try typing that.

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

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

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

BOOMCHICKAPOP: 4.45 percent ABV, 24 IBU

Newsfeed

Get Down…With The Wonderstuff

A few days have passed now since arguably the most influential being to come out of our fair state passed away. The man who was once identified only by a symbol is now existing on a higher plane. A void the size of the Mississippi River exists in many Minnesotans hearts. What does this have to do with beer you ask? Well they say that humor is the best medicine (I would argue beer does the job just fine). The creative crew at Bauhaus Brew Labs has stepped in with both. To commemorate a the release of their sublimely sippable “Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner” in 12-packs, they’ve released what can only be described as this Prince meets Michael McDonald at Saints North. But enough of my rambling. I give you…Wonderstuff.

That was…surreal. And while a slickly produced music video may have been enough to move product back in the days of TRL, the Bauhaus crew is more than just flash. They have quite the refreshing beer that they’re now releasing in convenient 12-packs. Wonderstuff is Bauhaus’ decidedly modern take on a classic Bohemian (aka Czech) pilsner. While still as crisp and refreshing as its German counterpart, Bohemian pilsner is regarded by some as the perfect beer given its perfect balance between spicy hops and a rich, complex maltiness. Wonderstuff includes all of the hallmark characteristics of a classic Bohemian pilsner but includes a healthy dose of new world hop cultivars that give it a powerful citrus twist.

What does that mean to you the discerning, thirsty craft beer consumer? It means that starting the first week of next month, you’ll be able to plop yourself down in your happy place, let the sun hit your face, crack open one of these refreshing bad-boys, and invite the whole crew over for a funky good time. Your soundtrack…?

Newsfeed

What (Minnesota beer) I’ve been drinking …

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

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

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

Django Hop Bier
Boom Island Brewing Company

IMG_4045

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

According to Boom Island:

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

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

Raspberry Roselle
Fair State Cooperative Brewing

IMG_4034 IMG_4039

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

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

According to Fair State:

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

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

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

IMG_4007

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

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

According to Indeed:

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

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

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

 

93X Brotherhood Beer
Life Bridge Brewing Company

IMG_4005

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

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

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

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

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

IMG_4006

I’ve got a three-for-one here.

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

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

So, how do they taste?

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

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

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

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