Surly Brewing Company and HGA Architects unveiled the first images of Surly’s Destination Brewery last night at the brewery’s seVIInth anniversary party at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Here are some images courtesy of HGA Architects, the firm building the new brewery. The images are pretty impressive. It seems the only thing missing is a few big screen TV’s and a bocce / bags court.
Surly Brewing Taproom Opens
The powers that be have spoken, and Surly Brewing is finally opening up a taproom at the brewery! Starting today, Friday June 21, the new Surly Brewing taproom will be open from 3pm to 9pm.
You’ll be able to buy pints of Surly beer Thursdays and Fridays, from 3pm to 9pm, Saturdays from noon until 9pm and Sundays from noon until 8pm.
To kick things off right, they’ll be pouring Hell, Furious, Cynic, Coffee Bender, Diminished SeVIIn, Schandenfreude, Pentagram and Smoke. Also available will be cans of Bender and Overrated.
They will card everyone, so bring a valid ID. They accept AMX, Visa, Mastercard, Discover & cash.
No food trucks this weekend.
Adam Turman will also have 100 limited edition copies of his print available in the taproom store for $20. See a video of how he did it here.
Enki Brewing Opens this Saturday
Enki Brewing is set to make Victoria the next home of local craft beer in Minnesota. The doors will swing open at noon this Saturday.
Dan Norton and John Hayes, are the partners behind Enki Brewing. The two met at Nike years ago and the have finally been able to make their brewing dreams happen. They remodeled the old Victoria Creamery in a brewery and taproom.
Fun fact: Enki was the Sumarian deity of crafts, mischief; water, intelligence, and creation. Enki was also the father of Ninkasi, Sumarian goddess of beer.
Enki Brewing
7929 Victoria Drive, Victoria, Minnesota
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Reconnect With a Beer!
Every morning we wake up, watch, listen to, or read the news only to find that the discourse in our country has devolved into something that most of us can no longer stomach. We cannot seem to have a debate without most of it revolving around assigning blame. How does a nation designed and built for civil discourse arrive at this place? What does this have to do with beer and alcoholic beverages in general or the lack there of? The United States was built in bars, taverns and breweries. It was alcohol (mostly beer) that relaxed the thinkers of the Enlightenment enough to spur the creativity and courage to invent the concept of liberty. The founders of this nation took that concept to a new and dangerous level.
The idea of liberty was conceived in the coffee houses and salons of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire were not just drinking coffee, tea, and water as they penned the discourses that would usher us into the modern world. The convivial, collaborative atmospheres that they wrote in were fueled in most cases by beer and wine. Since these ideas were not popular with the monarchical governments of the era alcohol provided no small amount of liquid courage as well. The philosophical heirs to this tradition, Ben Franklin and Joseph Priestly, spent their evenings in London coffee houses exploring the practical impacts of a society based on personal freedom while imbibing porter-Franklin’s ale of choice. Franklin also had many people of similar mind in his native land of Britain’s American colonies.
The Americans who would eventually found our nation gathered in their local taverns and over a few local ales eventually let their rebellious ideas fly. Key among them was Samuel Adams, a maltster by trade, who was known to buy rounds of drinks to encourage people to talk. In many ways social drinking allow the United States to come into being. So then, how did we get from a nation founded on convivial, social drinking to one where drinking and politics become far less social? That change mostly occurred during an era referred to as Prohibition.
Since the Volstead Act of 1919 prohibited the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol Americans were forced into their homes if they wanted a drink. After Prohibition ended people continued this tradition of drinking in their homes and the remaining breweries were eager to comply. In the second half of the 20th century American breweries would continue to drive their product towards home consumption. Beer became a product to be consumed at home in front of the television, not among friends and neighbors.
With the rise of the interstate system beer could be easily transported across the country allowing the large brewers to become giants and these giants only cared about profits not community. The interstate system also helped spur the move out of cities into suburbia. Suburbs became increasingly spread out forcing Americans to drive to get groceries, beer, or even go to a tavern if that suburb had one. Americans learned slowly but surely that beer and cars were not a great mix so we had one more reason to drink at home. We have become more and more personally disconnected, no longer do most of us live in close knit communities. Instead of walking down to the local tavern to have a beer (or five) with our neighbors over a few hours we exchange 140 character notes. I for one have difficult elaborating on an idea in 140 characters.
Beer is unique among alcoholic beverages because a person can have a few and become more social without becoming drunk. That second drink seems to relax people just enough to let their guard down for an honest, even open-minded discussion. It seems to be more difficult to find a place where a person can have a beer or two and find themselves becoming friends with the stranger on the barstool next to them, who may only live blocks away. Though recently something momentous has occurred locally in Minnesota. We have rediscovered the neighborhood bar, especially the taproom.
With the 4th of July rapidly approaching we should remember the sense of community that our founders used to make this nation great. The people who founded our country bravely drank a few beers and risked their lives to give us a place where freedom of thought and debate was encouraged. This 4th of July shut off your electronics and walk to your local taproom, tavern, or at least walk down the street and invite your neighbor over for a beer. Isn’t it time we disconnected our toys and reconnected face to face with a couple of beers so the conversation can become civil again?
Minnesota Growlers Saved For Some, For Now
This most recent legislative session was a doozy with regard to alcohol-related proposals. Many of the proposals introduced by lawmakers sparked widespread, vocal opposition among the alcoholic beverage industry and consumers alike. Craft breweries and craft beer fans, in particular, had good cause to be concerned. Perhaps the most nefarious alcohol-related proposal was a 600% increase on the state’s already bloated – in comparison with neighboring states – excise tax on beer. Fortunately, this proposed tax increase was ultimately rejected, owing much to the outcry from breweries and beer fans across the state.
Also on the legislative agenda this past term was a proposal authored by Senator James Metzen (DFL) and Representative Joe Atkins (DFL) to amend the off-sale growler licensing criteria. Most significantly, the proposed amendment was aimed at raising the annual production limit for qualifying breweries from 3,500 barrels per year to 20,000 barrels per year. Under existing law, production breweries can only sell growlers of their beer if they produce fewer than 3,500 barrels per year.
Although growler sales do not usually make up a substantial part of a brewery’s revenue, growler sales are nonetheless a worthwhile revenue stream for breweries as they not only increase overall retail sales but also provide a unique customer experience in that customers must visit the brewery itself to buy a growler. For breweries with taprooms, this is a great way to add value to retail sales. Further, smaller breweries have come to rely on revenue generated by growler sales.
The 3,500 barrel threshold is relatively low even for breweries with modest production goals. In order to grow their businesses beyond 3,500 barrels annually, breweries must therefore choose to either eliminate growler sales entirely or fix their annual production at some point below the 3,500 barrel threshold. For obvious reasons, neither of these approaches are desirable.
Raising the annual production threshold to 20,000 barrels is a step in the right direction. And while the growler proposal passed to relatively little fanfare, the measure garnered substantial support leading up to its passage. Save The Growler, an effort organized by the Minnesota Brewer’s Association, was very active across multiple social media platforms in encouraging voters to take action by contacting their elected representatives. Thanks to the support of Minnesota craft breweries and beer fans, most of the state’s smaller craft breweries will not have to worry about losing revenue from growler sales in the near term. An annual production threshold of 20,000, however, is still relatively low, and is likely to be a source of frustration for Minnesota’s craft beer industry in the long term. Consider Surly Brewing Co., which is one of the fastest growing breweries in the U.S., let alone Minnesota. According to data published by the Brewers Association, Surly produced in excess of 20,000 barrels in 2012, and is on pace to brew approximately 30,000 barrels in 2013. Thus, Surly growlers will remain a unicorn for the time being.
Newer Minnesota breweries hoping to continue selling growlers should also be concerned about the new 20,000 barrel limit. Fulton Brewing exceeded the 3,500 barrel limit in its first year of operation at its current downtown Minneapolis brewery. Indeed Brewing Company, one of the state’s fastest growing new breweries (and still less than a year old), announced in February that it is increasing its production capacity to 6,400 barrels. Market analysts predict that the craft beer segment will continue to increase its annual production by double digits every year through at least 2017. Fulton and Indeed could, therefore, reach the 20,000 annual limit within the next few years, which would create for them the same dilemma regarding growler sales as existed under the 3,500 barrel threshold.
Minnesota breweries and beer fans should be happy about the recent increase in the annual barrel limit regarding growler sales. But in the years ahead, we should continue to ask our legislators to relax arbitrary limits on worthwhile revenue streams for breweries. Brewers and consumers alike would benefit from a stable, predictable market for growlers.
The growler amendment can be viewed here, and officially takes effect on July 1, 2013.
Lucid Brewing – BFD
Do you want to be a BFD at Lucid Brewing? Enter the Lucid Brewing BFD (Brewer For a day) home brewing competition!
Lucid Brewing is holding a new homebrew contest, and the grand prize is brewing the winning beer on the Lucid System, entry into the GABF pro-AM and backstage passes to the Great American Beer Fest!
It might be a little short notice, but surely you’ve got something in a fermenter, right?! Registration / Judging info at www.Lucidbrewing.com/BFD
Lucid Brewing will also throw their first (non-freezing cold) outdoor party to celebrate the event on July 27th! There will be live music, food trucks and beer! Tickets can be purchased at http://thebfd.eventbrite.com/
Twin Cities Brewery Tour
Being an ultimate nerd, I’m quite used to blathering on about some uber-geeky subject with great excitement while non-nerds around me completely zone out. One of the reasons that I love brewing so much is that it gives me a topic that I can be super nerdy about without boring anyone to death.
The brewery tour that I went on this weekend with Taste Twin Cities was the perfect chance to geek out (they also have food and wine tours!). The tour began with everyone congregating in downtown Minneapolis and hopping on a bus. I was with a large group of family and friends celebrating my uncle’s retirement, which made the experience all the better. We were allowed to eat and drink (road growlers!) on the bus, and our tour guide, Betsy, did an excellent job of giving us the background of each brewery and keeping us entertained in transit (singing German drinking songs).
Our first stop was Fulton Brewey. Fulton is one of my favorite breweries to visit in Minneapolis. It is also one of my favorite to see people introduced to. People seem to rave about the awesome location (pints before a Twins game) and the great tap room. We got an extensive tour of Fulton’s brewhouse from the father of one of Fulton’s founders, and a great explanation of the brewing process. We got a walkthrough of making an imaginary batch of Lonely Blonde. It was great to see people who are unfamiliar with the brewing process become engrossed while learning about alpha acids, amylase, the history of India Pale Ale, and St. Arnold the patron saint of beer.
My absolute favorite part of the Fulton tour was the an excellent endorsement for drinking local beer, including details about how spent grain supports a local farmer’s blank angus cattle. Another highlight was the story of how Fulton came to be, which is bound to be inspirational to any bleary-eyed home brewer with secret dreams of starting their own brewery. All in all, Fulton was an excellent beginning to this tour especially for those who are unfamiliar with MN beer.
The next stop of the tour was Excelsior. While we were there for a short time, it was certainly an enjoyable time. One thing that I found to be really great, was that for many of the people on this tour, these were there first brewery tour experiences. For this reason, I was really glad that we got to see Excelsior immediately after Fulton. I believe the contrast between the two really showed that each MN brewery has a completely unique identity that can be seen not only in the beer but also in the facilities and the people. This is one thing that I believe really sets craft beer (especially MN craft beer) apart from macro brews. Big beer is faceless and without individual character. When I drink a MN craft beer I like to think about the personalities that helped hand craft it, and the places that it was made.
While a little off topic, my rant above leads me to what I loved about the Excelsior brewery. While significantly smaller than the Fulton facility, Excelsior is impressive in the way it utilizes its space it both a production sense as well as to serve customers. We had a short and sweet tour of the brewhouse from a laid back, yet enthusiastic, Excelsior employee. Overall, Excelsior has an atmosphere that reeks (in a good way) of the imagination and spirit of Excelsior team. You can taste the passion and smell the fun and whimsy. It is ALWAYS a sensational experience to drink fresh beer in the room that it was crafted.
The last stop, in my opinion, was a genius way to end a tour of Twin Cities breweries. We ended at the facility that houses Lucid, Badger Hill, and Bad Weather breweries. If there is any story that paints a real picture of the solidarity and collaboration that exists amongst MN brewers, it is the existence of this warehouse-turned-brewhouse that these three groups share.
I imagine a utopia where crafters of fine beer share ideas and techniques for the good of all beer drinkers of the world. I’m sure reality is much different than that, but just the fact that these people can get together and agree to share the same space to make such unique and different beers in the same space is just fantastic. I was seriously impressed by the setup and capacity of this facility, and the serious room for expansion. These three groups are ones to seriously watch while the grown and mature!
In conclusion, this was one of the best beer-centric days that I have had in a while. I got to visit three awesome breweries with people that I enjoy spending time with and sharing good beer with. I got to get to know a little more about the great people behind the beer. And on a more personal note, I got to celebrate the retirement of my uncle and meet one of my own personal beer heroes Ray Klimovitz (former Technical Director of the MBAA). What a great day!
Please, leave some comments. I’d like to hear your tour experiences and feed back on my first big post!
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Beer Loving Dads
While the weather would have us believe Mother’s Day is near it is actually Father’s Day that is rapidly approaching. As a new first-time father myself, this Father’s Day will be a special one. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably always had a hard time figuring out what to get dear old dad. Well, if the dad in your life is a lover of fine beer here are some options (as well as things to avoid).
Homebrewing Starter Kit
Is the craft beer dad in your life ready to step up to the next level? This can be one of the greatest gifts a guy can receive. Just ask me. I married the girl who bought me one. Just make sure the recipient will actually use it. I once dated a girl who bought one for her dad and fifteen years later it’s still in the box. Here in Minnesota we have a two (for the time being) of the largest homebrewing supply facilities in the country – Midwest Supplies in St Louis Park and Northern Brewer in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Both are currently running Father’s Day specials.
Books or Magazine subscription
Does dad like beer? Does he like to read? Perhaps a beer book or magazine subscription will make his day. If your dad is already a homebrewer, perhaps a technical book would be appreciated. Consider John Palmer’s ‘How To Brew’ (This book is also available in its entirety online at HowToBrew.com) or ‘Brewing Classic Styles’ by Palmer/Zainasheff. This book is a great guide for competition beers! Almost anything by Randy Mosher is a good choice. On the magazine front Brew Your Own and Zymurgy are both great resources and great reading. Although Zymurgy may require a membership to the American Homebrewers’ Association (gift idea?). If he’s just a connoisseur there are plenty of books and magazines to fit that need as well. I like anything written by Stan Hieronymus. Garrett Oliver’s Brewmaster’s Table is an awesome guide to pairing food with beer. And don’t forget the great coffee table book Land of Amber Waters –The History of Brewing in Minnesota by local author Doug Hoverson. Beer Advocate is a fun magazine and as far as beer porn goes, consider All About Beer the sticky page magazine in the group. So much history and knowledge in that publication. I love the articles by Fred Eckhart!
Mix Six
What beer drinker doesn’t like receiving beer? The mix-six is fun to say but it doesn’t have to be six. Think of his favorite beers, maybe they come in bombers or 750s. Or try a theme. Minnesota beers. Or a mix pack of his favorite style. Be careful here though because unless you know his favorites this could end up being a disappointment. I know, I’ve been there. Many stores carry gift cards for just this reason.
Glassware
I love glassware. I like having beer glasses that fit the style. Imperial pint glasses for English style beers, stemmed chalice for Belgians and a beautiful tall curvy wheat-beer glass for hefeweizens. Dad have a favorite brewery? A branded glass may be in order. Most places have gift shops and many have online gift shops. Stay away from shaker pints and I would also avoid those “perfect beer glasses” that are out there. I once received a free four pack of those Sam Adams perfect pints. I sold ‘em at a garage sale because they were clumsy and downright ugly. They are kinda like electric cars – a great idea – but damn if they ain’t ugly.
Brewery tour or taproom visit
Looking to just spend some quality time imbibing with your pops? Sounds like a win-win as it’s a gift that you both can enjoy! With all the tap rooms popping up around town it’s easy to kill a day if not an entire weekend visiting them. Try a NorthEast Minneapolis tour. Or a St. Paul tour. A short road trip will take you to both August Schell and Mankato Brewery – both worth a visit. And in case you haven’t heard, Duluth has one hell of an impressive beer scene. Head up there for a weekend and you can really find some fantastic brews. Be sure to call ahead or check websites for hours or to make a reservation.
Well, those are just some of my suggestions. I hope you found them helpful. I just want to wish all the dads out there a fantastic Father’s Day. Cheers!
