Tag Archives: J.J. Taylor

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Harpoon Brewery entering Minnesota

An East Coast favorite will soon be available in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Massachusetts-based Harpoon Brewery is partnering with J.J. Taylor Distributing Company, bringing the New England-brewed beer to the Twin Cities.

Known for its Harpoon IPA, Minnesota is the first new state in eight years for Harpoon Brewery to expand to.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about bringing our beer to Minnesota,” said Harpoon CEO and co-founder Dan Kenary. “There’s a fantastic craft beer scene here, and we’re excited to add some New England flavor to it. Drinking beer in the Twin Cities and the north woods over the years, I’ve seen that there are many like-minded beer drinkers out here, who love beer and love life like we do.”

Harpoon Winter Warmer and a new year-round golden ale, called Harpoon Sweet Spot, are also expected to enter the market, according to the company. The brewery will also kick winter into high gear with its seasonal ‘Tis the Seasonal Winter Mix, which includes the aforementioned beers and its Vanilla Bean Porter.

J.J. Taylor is happy to add to its offerings.

“We are excited to expand our outstanding portfolio with the world class beers from Harpoon Brewery,” stated Chris Morton, President of J.J. Taylor Distributing Company of MN, Inc. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Newsfeed

#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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Indeed Brewing Company begins southeast Minnesota distribution with J.J. Taylor

Indeed Brewing Company has partnered with beer distributor J.J. Taylor to make its craft beer available to hte thirsty masses in southern Minnesota. The distribution agreement will help Indeed Brewing Co. meet the growing demand for their beer in markets such as Rochester and throughout southeast Minnesota.

Thomas Whisenand, Co-Founder, Rachel Anderson, Co-Founder, Josh Bischoff, Head Brewery, and Nathan Berndt, Co-Founder. (Photo: Scott Cohen)
Thomas Whisenand, Co-Founder, Rachel Anderson, Co-Founder, Josh Bischoff, Head Brewery, and Nathan Berndt, Co-Founder. (Photo: Scott Cohen)

Indeed Brewing will continue to self-distribute its beer in the Twin Cities metro area. Additionally, the company is now self-distributing to the Duluth/Superior market, making the brewery’s product available in all of Minnesota’s largest markets, including the Twin Cities Metro area, St. Cloud, Rochester, Duluth and Mankato, as well as Brainerd Lakes and Bemidji.

“We’re thrilled to be working with great partners like J.J. Taylor,” said Indeed Brewing Co-Founder Nathan Berndt. “Not only are we happy to come to new markets like Rochester, but these partnerships allow us to focus on improving our own self-distribution efforts, leading to a better experience for craft beer fans all across the state.”

The distribution agreement with J.J. Taylor is scheduled to go into effect on May 1. Indeed beers should begin appearing on store shelves and in bars shortly after.

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Hop City Brewing – Barking Squirrel

By Andy Giesen

First of all, I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of lagers that ever existed.  It probably has something to do with reminding me of the nasty macros I used to pound down in my younger days, but it’s most definitely a style I find myself shying away from.  I can’t say I hate it, but it’s something that isn’t at the top of my list of favorite kinds of beer.

That said, it’s incredibly easy to get comfortable within a loose boundary and forget about challenges to our norms, so stepping outside that go-to trap always proves to be interesting.  Similarly, the interesting approach Hop City takes to their signature lager doesn’t just step outside the expected parameters of a lager, it flips what an expected lager should be.

For starters, any beer from Canada during this craft beer renaissance tends to arouse interest because we don’t see too many around here.  Considering our northern neighbors are known more for their poutine, hockey, and the Trailer Park Boys than they are for crafting a world class brew, it’s time they step it up and show us what they can do.  Enter Hop City, out of Brampton, Ontario.  Yes, Canada.

Hop City is new to Minnesota within the past few weeks, and their Barking Squirrel is the beer to dip its toe into the growing lake of beer choices.  When poured, the thick caramel head fell slowly into the light copper body and threw off a strong floral aroma alongside the distinct sugar and fruity lager tones.  As it warmed, it became slightly biscuity and spicy.

But the important part: the taste.  Expecting some type of lager with a mouthful of hops, I was surprised by the slight hoppy bitterness take hold before quickly letting the bready character come through.  There is a lingering hop undertone, but it just chills in the background, staying there after the bready flavors disappeared.  Another interesting aspect of the Barking Squirrel is that a touch of caramel and toffee notes poke out as it warms.

Overall, this slightly hoppy lager comes off a bit aggressive, but is undeniably refreshing.  Had I known this is what a lager could be back in my younger days, my love of beer would have blossomed sooner.  It also taught me that, every once in a while, it could be a really healthy thing to try something that would normally be overlooked.