Prohibition – Where are we now?

January 16, 2014 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

January 17th, 1920, the 18th Amendment, commonly known as prohibition, went into effect. The Amendment effectively outlawed the manufacture, sale, transportation, or importation of intoxicating liquors across the nation. The change put brewers, distributors, and retailers out of business, increased the scope and power organized crime, and turned hard working Americans into scofflaws.

When Prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally increased; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has increased to a level never seen before.
-John D. Rockefeller, Jr. June, 1932

Prohibition, or The Failed Experiment as it came to be known, was eventually overturned 13 years later with the passing of the 21st Amendment. The 21st amendment nullified Prohibition and bestowed powers of liquor regulation to individual states.

With the control of intoxicating liquors many states embraced popular public sentiments, while other states imposed teetotaling regulations that lasted for decades. Mississippi was dry until 1966. Minnesota didn’t allow restaurants to serve alcohol on Sunday until 1967. Kansas didn’t allow alcohol until 1948, and they didn’t legalize public bars until 1987.

Some states and municipalities inserted themselves into the liquor commerce in an effort to encourage moderation and likely maximize revenue. Pennsylvania created the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) to “discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible.” The PLCB controls licensing, distribution, storage, sale, and virtually every aspect of commerce related to wine, spirits, and beer in the keystone state. Minnesota didn’t go as far as PA, but the land of 10,000 lakes does have 266 municipal liquor operations. The most recent data available shows some Minnesota Muni stores like Flensburg and Rushford have operated at a loss of over 100k/yr.

So, where we now? Pennsylvania is looking at privatizing their liquor operations. Alabama just became the last state to legalize homebrewing. Kansas only has 13 counties that remain dry. Here in Minnesota consumer still can’t buy liquor, wine, or beer in a store on Sunday.

It has been ninety-four years since prohibition went into effect and Minnesotans are still being restricted by a failed experiment from a bygone era. Every state surrounding Minnesota has Sunday liquor sales. The restriction puts Minnesota business owners at a competitive disadvantage. Possibly the worst aspect of Minnesota’s off-sale Sunday liquor ban is the fact that it punishes responsible consumers for absolutely no sensible reason. The fact that liquor sales are allowed 6 days a week makes it clear that buying liquor is ok. The fact that you can buy liquor in a bar on Sundays makes it clear that the state says it is ok to buy liquor on Sunday. So, if liquor is ok any day of the week, why do we continue the prohibition of Sunday liquor store sales in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Beer Activists have been invited to a Town Hall Forum being hosted by The Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota to address Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota. The Fightin’ Words Podcast, by Walter Hudson, was kind enough to underwrite the cost of our table. We are looking forward to an honest and open discussion about what possible changes to the existing law could mean for Minnesota. The panel will consist of several interested parties including Minnesota House Representative Steve Drazowski (R- Mazeppa). Representative Drazkowski has consistently pushed for the repeal of Sunday liquor prohibition. The forum is open to anyone, and we would love to have consumers come participate. The RLCMN is asking for a donation of $5 at the door. There will be a limited menu and bar available.

Details:
Sunday Liquor Sales Town Hall
Mermaid
2200 Hwy 10, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
6:30-7p Social
7-8p Town Hall Forum
8-? Shenanigans
Limited menu and bar available.

View Larger Map

Newsfeed

Junkyard Brewing

January 15, 2014 Lacy

The first beer Aaron Juhnke ever tasted was a bottle of Guinness Extra Stout back in his college days. Looking from his dark, thick, flavorful beer to his friends’ fizzy yellow beers, it occurred to him that there wasn’t much variety to be found in American beer. With the encouragement of his rugby team, he got to homebrewing, and started refining recipes that would eventually become Junkyard Brewing flagships.
The plans for Junkyard went through different phases. Originally intent upon opening a larger microbrewery with investor backing, Aaron wrote up detailed business plans. However, when investors were hard to nail down, Aaron and his brother Dan decided to go it alone, without outside funding, and start up with what they had. From his homebrewing days, Aaron was acquainted with the local homebrew supply shop owner, who happened to have space available to lease. Aaron and Dan moved their homemade 50 gallon brewing system, and the rest is history.

Its location brings unique challenges for Junkyard Brewing. Being located in Moorhead makes it subject to Minnesota’s alcohol laws, although less than 2.5 miles away, Fargo Brewing Company is subject to much more relaxed North Dakota laws. For example, North Dakota allows its breweries to sell containers from 12 ounces to 5 gallon off-sale—much less restrictive than Minnesota’s growler law allowing 64 ounce growlers or 750ml bottles. Where customers could buy a full 5 gallon keg on premises at Fargo Brewing, they cannot do so at Junkyard, just minutes away. The label approval process is also easier and less costly for breweries in North Dakota than those in Minnesota. It would be helpful to small breweries like Junkyard to have the state label approval fee waived where federal approval was already successfully obtained.

Finally, due to its location on the border with North Dakota, Junkyard is also subject to the same Sunday sales prohibition that harms Twin Cities retailers for being near Hudson. Aaron and Dan are not able to open Junkyard on Sunday, and growlers they could be filling remain empty on the shelves while potential customers visit liquor stores across the Red River.

In addition, although craft brewing has reached new heights of popularity throughout Minnesota, there is little or no education in the Fargo-Moorhead area on how to properly handle and serve craft beer. For two guys who started out running a system not dissimilar to what homebrewers use in the garage, this brought the worry of customers rejecting cloudier, unclarified beers. The city of Moorhead was extremely proactive about a brewery opening within its city, however, even helping Aaron out with some of his applications.

Despite the challenges they face, Aaron and Dan bring a lot to the craft beer table. The Junkyard name is majorly influenced by Aaron and Dan’s perception of themselves as brewers—local, unique, thrifty, full of character. Junkyard’s beers maintain that mantra. Scrounger is a solid entry-level beer for a beer drinker who doesn’t want to be hit with a ton of hops. A cream ale with a nutty, light hop taste, Scrounger isn’t just for craft beer newbies—it should appeal to anyone looking for balance and subtlety. Where Scrounger blends into the background, Hatchet Jack stands in the spotlight. If you are totally over hops and on the hunt for malt-forward beers, get yourself a growler of Hatchet Jack. Dark English caramelized malt, Chocolate malt, Carafa malt, and American 2-row and 6-row malts give this beer a caramel-chocolate flavor without being over-roasted. Although it tastes bright for its category of Baltic Porter, this beer is darker than dark with a huge caramely head. Hatchet Jack definitely contributes to the unique character of Junkyard Beers.

Junkyard’s third beer, Coachgun IPA, wasn’t on tap when I visited the brewery, but according to their website, Junkyard aimed to feature the hops without making it so strong that it burns the taste buds. I definitely look forward to trying it the next time I’m in the area.

The offerings from Junkyard make a trip to Moorhead well worth the journey. Junkyard is open for growler fills (and lots of fun chatter) on Fridays from 4-7pm.

Junkyard Brewery on the Web
Junkyard Brewery on Facebook
Junkyard Brewery on Twitter

View Larger Map

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

The Small BREW Act (HR 494) with Jon Messier from Lucid Brewing

January 13, 2014 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

We recently had chance to talk with Jon Messier from Lucid Brewing about The Small BREW Act (HR 494). The Small Brew Act is a federal bill that would lower the small brewer excise tax on the first 60,000 barrels by 50 percent (from $7.00 to $3.50/barrel) and institute a new rate $16.00 per barrel on beer production above 60,000 barrels up to 2 million barrels. The bill has bipartisan support, and was coauthored by House Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN).

For more information on the The Small BREW Act (HR 494) visit the Brewer’s Association. More about Representative Paulson’s visit to Lucid Brewing can be found here. To let your legislators know you support the Small BREW Act enter your address HERE and contact your U.S. representatives. This is a national bill, so local legislators won’t want to hear about it.

Newsfeed

Music and Craft Beer

January 8, 2014 Ryan Tuenge

Some might say that there is no better combination for a good time than craft beer and music. Unfortunately it seems that you either get one or the other here in the Twin Cities—but there are a handful of places that seem to have done something right when it comes to pairing the two.

Legendary Folk & Blues Guitar artist Peter Lang at Nomad World Pub

In St. Paul, Amsterdam Bar and Hall has a great lineup of brews featuring Summit, Deschutes, Surly, Bell’s, Fulton, Founders and of course a nice selection of Belgians. They have music just about every night, which includes local bands such as The Red Daughters, Exiles, Hot Pants and more. One nice thing about the location is that Downtown St. Paul meters are only enforced until 5 PM; meaning that you can usually find some free parking within walking distance.

Drive over the river to Minneapolis and you will find some good music and beer at Nomad World Pub. They also have Bocce Ball, which tends to pair well with a local tap brew. Although too many beers is sure to bring out the worst in your game. You’ve been warned…

Icehouse, which is also located in Minneapolis, can be described as a musician’s hang out. They tend to book some pretty great bands and this is certainly complimented by their tap beer menu. You can often find local selections, but beware of long lines at the bar. Also be sure to check out their reasonably priced late night snack menu, which features both sweet and savory items.

Harriet Brewing is passionate about two things: beer and art. Thus, there is no shortage of music here on the weekend. When paired with one or two of their brews you are in for a fine night.

Pilsner and Bluegrass at the Harriet Brewing Taproom

Duluth undoubtedly has the best music and craft beer scene in Minnesota. The people of Duluth tend to support their local breweries and musicians as evidenced by the many venues that offer music along with a great beer selection. Here are just a few of them.

Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery & Grille — Fitger’s Brewhouse – always hoppin’, always boppin’

Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth has a back mountain ski lodge feel and is always brewing up something special. They tend to book more low-key singer-songwriter types or jazz musicians like the talented Sam Miltich. Make sure to get there before the music starts as the small space tends to fill up rather quickly.

Just a couple blocks down Superior Street sits a little gem called Tycoon’s Ale House. The music here is typically very good, but it’s the prohibition-style craft beer bar in the basement that makes this place really special. Expect to find the best beers in town and an excellent whiskey list to boot. Look for special tap takeover events hosted in the basement where you can try hard-to-find brews specially selected by Fitger’s Brew Master Dave Hoops.

Another spot to catch some good music is Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery, which is also on Superior Street. With 32 taps to choose from, you are bound to find something you like. They even brew some of their own beer. Avoid the Mint Stout (unless you really like Girl Scout Cookies) but most of the others were pretty good.

Just across the bridge in Superior, Wisconsin you’ll find Thirsty Pagan Brewing (Formerly Twin Ports Brewing), which brews its beers on site and makes fantastic pizzas. If you like loud music and craft beer this is the spot for you.

Hopefully, with the craft beer scene growing in the Twin Cities, bars will continue to improve their tap selections and choose to showcase local musician’s talents as well. Because the melding of music and craft beer is always a big hit.

Cheers!

Did we miss your favorite spot for tunes & brew? Leave suggestions in the comments section.

Newsfeed

Oskar Blues Announces Minnesota Debut

January 3, 2014 Andrew Schmitt 2 Comments

Oskar Blues has announced the launch of the Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul markets in the great state of Minnesota and will partner with the Original Gravity group of distributors consisting of Capitol Beverage Sales, Thorpe Distributing, College City Beverage and C&L Distributing.

“Ultimately, the OG group was a great fit for Oskar Blues and we’re confident in their ability to dig deep in their markets and effectively grow the full portfolio of OB brands for many years to come. The decision was not an easy one as there were several strong potential partners in the mix” says Oskar Blues Business Development Director Chris Russell.

The launch is targeted for late January and early February and will be kicked off at the Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival on January 25th. What better way to celebrate than sampling outside with 150 other brewers around, live music, gourmet food from local food trucks and carts, a homebrew contest, Silent Disco & attempt at the world’s largest snow ball fight.

The 10,000 Lakes Region is a great fit for Oskar Blues’ passion for the outdoors, music, craft beer & their line-up of complex craft beer-in-a-can. Oskar Blues will launch by building on and off premise distribution with the full line-up of craft CAN packages. Draft offerings are set to follow in the early spring of 2014.

The Minnesota launch follows additional 2013 Oskar Blues distribution in Central California and a new market launch in Indiana where Kroger is seeing increasing success with Oskar Blues brands. 2014 will see Oskar Blues increase distribution in a handful of new states including Idaho, Delaware, Kansas, Nevada and increased coverage in Southern Alabama.

Newsfeed

Harriet Brewing now Available in Bottles

December 31, 2013 Andrew Schmitt

Harriet Brewing is now selling corked and caged 750ml bottles of their Belgian-style brews. This is great news for fans of the south Minneapolis brewery.

The brewery has always sold 64 oz growlers to go, but 750ml bottles will make it easier to enjoy the craft beer without having to commit to an afternoon of drinking. In addition to friendlier serving size the new bottles will allow you to cellar Dark Abbey Divine Oculusts, something you couldn’t really do before.

Bottles of West Side are $9, dark Abbey and Divine Oculust are $10. The bottles are only available at the brewery for the time being.

Newsfeed

Summit Brewing Unchained Batch #15 – Fest Bier

December 30, 2013 Andrew Schmitt 1 Comment

Summit Brewing is continuing their unchained series at a fast and furious pace with batch #15, Fest Bier. The 5.5% ABV Fest Bier will be brewed by Nate Siats. This will be Nate’s third beer in the Summit Unchained Series, following his #5 Imperial Pumpkin Porter, and #10 Abbey Ale.

Look for Unchained Batch #15 to be released sometime in March after it undergoes lagering for some time.
It looks like this might be a traditional Märzen style beer, Nate is using Weyermann malt straight from Bamburg Germany. If Nate goes the traditional route it should be hopped with something like Saaz, Tettnanger, or maybe Hallertauer. But, this is the Unchained Series, so Nate may have something crazy up his sleeve.

UPDATE: The hops in this beer are actually Sladek (Czech hop with Saaz parentage) and Saphir (German hop with Hallertau parentage), so a non-traditional take on a traditional hopping bill. Nate also used a new-to-the-scene Czech Pils base malt with two types of Munich worked in as well.

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Governor Mark Dayton says he Would Sign a Bill Repealing the Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales in Minnesota

December 27, 2013 Andrew Schmitt

In a story released by the Associated Press, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, said he would sign a bill lifting the ban on Sunday liquor sales.

The Governor’s neutral stance is surely good news in the common sense battle for Sunday sales. However, the Governor saying he will sign a bill is a long way from saying he supports it. You would think he would be all for Sunday sales. The Governor is pushing for a new kind of legislative session, an “Unsession.” The unsession concept is to undo some of the things that no longer make sense for Minnesota. A widely supported issue like selling wine, liquor, or beer in Sunday should be at the very top of the unsession list.

The Unsession is a first-of-its-kind effort to make government better, faster, simpler and more efficient for people. We want to improve service, shorten wait times, eliminate old and outdated rules, and undo anything else that makes government nearly impossible for people to understand.

A Sunday liquor sales bill will need to pass votes the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee and be approved on the floor before it can go to the Governor for his signature. Previous Sunday sales bills have always been stalled out in the past at the committee level.

There is a lot of influence from powerful lobbying groups to keep the status quo. And, many in the liquor industry make donations to election campaigns and PAC’s, that kind of money probably gets you some special attention liquor issues come up. It should come as no surprise that some of those donations come from those in the Wisconsin and North Dakota liquor industry. After all, Minnesota’s ban on Sunday liquor sales works to their advantage.

Beer Consumers in Minnesota