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MNCBG Winterfest Needs You

 

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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.

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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

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barrel aged dice rollToday (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.


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town hall barrel aged week

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

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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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2015 Saint Paul City Council Race and Sunday Liquor Sales

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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.

SundaySalesMN

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

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.

#MNCleanPint-Kickoff-Party

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

http://www.twincitiesnewstalk.com/media/podcast-the-minnesota-beercast-MinnesotaBeercast/schells-brewing-company-jj-taylor-distribution-25725994/

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Minnesota Brewery Job Openings

Enki Brewing Brewhouse
Enki Brewing Brewhouse

Everyone knows the craft brewing industry is expanding across the nation and right here in Minnesota. Breweries add staff as they grow to make sure expanding operations continue to benefit their company and its partnerships. Several Minnesota craft breweries are looking for to add help in a variety of roles.

Everyone thinks brewery work is a dream job. The truth is that brewery work is still work. You don’t get to punch in at noon and crack a beer. You’ll be up early, and likely cleaning or lifting something. If you think you’ve got what it takes, checkout the links to Minnesota brewery job openings below.

Lift Bridge Brewing Co

Applications deadline is February 2nd, 2015.
All potential candidates, please fill out the form at the following link: http://bit.ly/1drvm64

Lucid Brewing Co.

  • Growler Sales Manager
    Summary Description:
    Responsible for scheduling part-time growler sales staff, coordinating and executing tours and private events, and merchandise management.
  • Part-Time Growler Sales
    Summary Description:
    Responsible for checking IDs, interacting with customers, cleaning and filling growlers, and tour support.
  • Brewer/Cellarman
    Summary Description:
    This position will be responsible for the brewing process from preparation of the raw materials through the fermentation process.

Bauhaus Brew Labs

  • Brewer
    Production, fermentation, and sanitation.

Tin Whiskers Brewing

  • Marketing Manager
    The marketing manager is responsible for preparing and sending out press releases, brand development and promotion, managing our external events, organizing events at the taproom, updating the website, current social media platforms, doing basic graphic design, and some sales.
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ENKI Brewing wins grant from Minnesota Department of Agriculture, announces expansion

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Enki Brewing TeamENKI® Brewing has announced that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded the brewing company a grant of approximately $44,000. The grant will be used to expand the Victoria, MN brewery’s production and distribution footprint, as well their quality assurance program. The added brewing capacity will enable ENKI to package their beer in bottles while adding beer styles that feature Minnesota grown hops and barley.

John Hayes, President of ENKI Brewing, stated, “We are extremely appreciative of this grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and are committed to promoting the use of hops and grains grown by Minnesota farmers. All of us at ENKI wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our community leaders for their letters of support which were so crucial in the MDA’s assessment of our grant proposal.”

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Value Added Grant Program

The MDA Value Added Grant Program supports Minnesota agricultural producers and processors by expanding markets for Minnesota products. Value Added Grants are funded through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program, which focuses on advancing Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. AGRI targets areas of greatest opportunity and potential economic impact to create agricultural jobs and profitable businesses in the areas of livestock investment, value-added business and market development, and renewable energy. Value Added Grants are directed towards farmers, agricultural businesses, cooperatives and entrepreneurs with new business or market plans, diversification or expansion goals. ENKI Brewing is one example of the dozens of public and private partnerships supported through AGRI annually.

“This is exactly the kind of success story we like to see from the local investments we make using our Value Added Grants,” said MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “It’s a great return on investment for all Minnesotans and its adding value to more than just business at ENKI Brewing. Hops and barley farmers also benefit from the use of these ingredients grown right here in Minnesota.”

Beer Consumers in Minnesota

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