Tag Archives: Minneapolis

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Eastlake Brewery & Taproom Opens in Minneapolis Midtown

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Eastlake Brewery & Taproom opened Thursday in the Midtown Global Market after a busy preview night. Wednesday was full of energy with staff and neighboring businesses passing out hearty food samples to accompany the beers. Manny’s Tortas, anyone? Owner Ryan Pitman was running around pouring, bussing and welcoming friends. I was lucky to get a few minutes with him to talk about his venture which has been in the works for a year.

The taproom is perfectly positioned on the south side of the building with windows facing Lake Street so there is no missing that a good time is being had inside. Long tables and ample bar and window seating make the space very welcoming. This bodes well for Eastlake as they are probably the only business that people can see from outside.

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Eastlake Brewery opened with four taps out of eight: Saison, American Rye Stout, Belgian Pale Ale, and a black IPA. Ryan says he definitely has an affinity for Belgian beers as we can see from his taplist. An American Pale Ale and a Belgian IPA will be on tap next week and the additional two will follow. I asked him about what style he wants to put on the map, Ryan says it’s the Nicollet Mauler, the Black IPA. He is particularly fond of his recipe because of its maltier backbone and his use of rye.

Eastlake craft brewery taproom
Photo Credit: Brad Ashton

One of the benefits of opening in Midtown is the array of food to be had. If you are not familiar, you can get East African, Vietnamese, Mexican, Korean, award-winning baked goods and so much more. Ryan is embracing the diverse food offerings by offering pairing suggestions on the menu below every beer. You’ll never have to worry about this taproom not having food or not having the right kind of food, there is something for everyone. Culinary choices aside, Eastlake also offers kombucha and root beer for the non-beer drinkers.

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I asked him about the 9am opening on weekends for Premiere League soccer and he told me that there weren’t places in South Minneapolis that showed soccer so it seemed like a good thing to try out for the neighborhood. Latin American soccer is a TBD (I think it might go over well). Beer, tamales and soccer – works for me.

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It was great to see a good mix of people, including families celebrating the opening. Several people I spoke with are from the neighborhood and were thrilled to have a taproom so close to home. South Minneapolis is definitely behind on taprooms compared to NE. Midtown is a Minneapolis gem that I know I don’t get to nearly enough, I have a feeling I’ll be shopping there more often.

Eastlake Brewery & Taproom
Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake St. #123
Mpls, MN 55407

Opening Week Hours
Thursday – 11 am to midnight
Friday – 11 am to midnight
Saturday – 9 am to midnight
Sunday – 9 am to 6 pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

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Sisyphus Brewing – Batch #50.50

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On October 21st, I met Sam Harriman, Owner and Brewer at Sisyphus Brewing, on a brew day to watch and discuss batch #50.50. This special brew is Sam’s 50th batch of beer. It is an American Imperial Stout expected to come in around 10.50% ABV. It was brewed with a combination of black and chocolate malts coupled with roasted barley, flaked barley, and Chinook hops.

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This American Imperial Stout is labeled batch #50.50 as a nod to the production number and method. Instead of making his usual single two-barrel batch, Sam brewed 2 single-barrel batches and combined them. Sam typically brews two-barrel batches in his three-barrel mash tun. However, all the grain required to make this higher gravity beer would not all fit into a single batch without the risk of a serious boil-over. So, batch #50 was split, 50/50.

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The recipe for this milestone beer was adapted from a homebrew recipe that Sam came up with a few years ago. He developed it for an annual holiday party that he hosts with his wife. This is the first time that he has brewed it on this scale. And, this is the first time anyone will have the opportunity to have a beer this big from Sisyphus.

As far as the taste, Sam expects is to be “more roast forward and …more of a bitter bite”…than what people might be used to in a sweeter-style Russian Imperial Stout. I, for one, am interested in a black, roasty beer with a nice hop profile.

Sisyphus batch #50.50: American Imperial Stout is being served up in 10 oz pours and is only available at the tap room.

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Fair State Brewing Cooperative AMA – Behind the Scenes

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It began with a question: I asked Andrew Schmitt how could we do an interview but not make it seem like just another interview? You know what I mean? I ask a prepared question, they give an answer, we write it down and publish it. Boring. Been done. To death. There’s no sense of… drama… or danger. How could we have a dangerous non-interview?

The answer was: Let everyone else ask any question they want and do it live on the internet.

Fair State Coop Brewery Reddit AMA
I made this all by myself – can you tell?

And that’s exactly what we did by hosting an AMA – an “Ask Me Anything” event – on Reddit: the entertainment, social networking and news website. Users submitted the questions, and Matt Hauck, D. Evan Sallee and Niko Tonks from Fair State Brewing Cooperative answered them. Nobody has the ability to control the questions. Nothing is off the table.

Drama. Danger. We haz it. I tell you straight up: I was nervous. When you’re on Reddit, anything you post has a chance of going internationally viral. There is no ‘only this group sees things’ setting. Wide open. Uncensored. One misplaced statement, and suddenly tens of thousands are repeating it everywhere. Andrew, who agreed to moderate the event, told me not to worry.

I still did.

What transpired over the next hour and a half is out there for all to see, raw and unedited, at this link.
There was some more at the IAMA forum, here.

There’s not a lot of benefit to repeat every question and answer here, but I will highlight some. A lot of good questions were asked – and yes, some tough ones, too.

In an AMA, sometimes the questions don’t get answered. It is, after all, an “ask” me anything, but there is no promise to answer everything. But as the event wore on, these three were focused and collaborated to answer as many as they could. Even the question about rating Evan’s butt got a reply (oh, NOW you want to check out that link. I see how it is).

He looks so happy, but is that drinkable?

As we gathered in the oddly conversation-stilled FSBC taproom in NorthEast Minneapolis, the long periods of silent typing reminded me a lot of hours spent in the computer labs in school. From the back, sounds of crews putting up the large party tent for Saturday’s Co-optoberfest echoed off the brickwork. Piercing the silence most often was the question ‘Did you see this question? Who wants to answer it?’

Things were going quite swimmingly until the first tough question hit. They all seem to see it at the same time, and hands came off keyboards. CraftBrew asked, “Worried about the crime in your area?” The question continued with an account of something that reportedly happened, posted in a closed Facebook group. It wasn’t the first time I’d had heard of this, having chatted with many a patron in many a taproom in the area.

Active and – I’ll say passionate – discussion between the trio commenced, breaking the marathon of silent typing that we’d all been running. After a few minutes of debate, I interrupted them. “You don’t have to answer every question.”
Fair State Brewing AMA
“No, I want to, this is bull****,” said Niko, and began typing his reply. Did you know that typing sounds differently depending on your mood? It does. Happy sounds like “ticka-ticka”. Intense sounds like “TAPPA-TAPPA”. Niko was TAPPING. I glanced over at Andrew, who was working on expanding the chat to the international IAMA channel of Reddit. He seemed non-plussed. So, I worried for both of us.

When Niko was done, Evan and Matt read his response before he hit save. Andrew and I were on the other side of the table, we didn’t see it. “Click” said the mouse: it was saved. I hit refresh to see the reply, trying not to panic.

If this was Buzzfeed, I would now give you a link to that conversation with this headline: “YOU’LL BE STUNNED AT WHAT THIS HEAD BREWER SAID NEXT”. But it’s not. Go read it for yourself. #nospoilers

As the influx of questions slowed, you could hear the business waking up around us. Smartphones chirped, voicemails were checked, the bar phone began ringing. We chatted about Co-optoberfest. A member called, asking how to absentee vote for the election on Saturday. Matt offered Andrew a tasting of the 9… 10? beers they had tapped up.

Check out those MS-Paint skillz

When we agreed that the one-hour-turned-nearly-two hour event was over, I began packing up the laptops. I think I heaved a sigh of relief – no epic failures, no blatent blunders, no Scott Pelley closing the CBS Evening News with: ‘And our last story comes from a small cooperative brewery in North East Minneapolis…’.

My favorite question? The MacMan asked, “What are your thoughts on a nacho-infused beer? Can we make this happen?”. Any other answer other than “yes, right now, we will do it now” made me sad. You and me, MacMan: simpatico.

My favorite answer? Frozen_Barbie_Head (not their real name… then again, who am I to say) asked. “How do you feel about hipster beers? ie trendy beers?”

FairStateBrewingAMA: I’m wearing a flannel shirt and I rode my bike to work today, so clearly, AWESOME. Oh yeah and I have a huge beard.

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Interview with LynLake Brewery Head Brewer Joel Carlson

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Lynlake Brewery is set to open in south Minneapolis

After months of construction, Lynlake Brewery is set to open in south Minneapolis this Friday on Lyndale Avenue, just north of Lake Street. The new brewery now occupies the freshly renovated Theater Antiques Building.

LynLake brewing operations is helmed by brewer Joel Carlson. Joel will lead Justin Skyberg and Lee Ankrum, his band of bearded brewing brethren. Together, they will use of the 10-barrel DME brewhouse to fill their 6 10-barrel fermentors and 3 bright tanks with Minnesota craft beer. Their plan is to brew twice a week during the first year, pushing out about 1,000 barrels to the 88-seat taproom and surrounding venues.

“We’re going to keep this neighborhood supplied and happy,” said Joel Carlson, LynLake Head Brewer.

Joel has been brewing for about 7 years, he isn’t just some geek off the street. He has spend time at the famed Great Waters Brewpub in beautiful downtown Saint Paul, as well as the Boathouse in Ely, MN. Most recently he spent time at Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery.

Photo Credit: Photo provided by LynLake Brewery

As Head Brewer Joel is taking the experience gained at these breweries and putting it use, giving LynLake Brewery an identity all its own. He is looking forward to brewing a variety of beer styles. Brewery patrons can look forward to enjoying a big bold IPA, Sottish Amber, Stout, Single-Hop Pale Ales, and one-off seasonal releases. Once brewery operations normalize and capacity increases, Joel says he will begin a barrel-aging program and begin producing lagers.

The taproom will be a place for neighbors to gather and enjoy a beer without the noise or distraction of overhead TV’s. It features a wraparound bar with a bicycle rim sculpture hanging from ceiling. LynLake Brewery won’t be bringing foodrucks in. Rather, they will partner with neighboring brick-and-mortar restaurants to provide Minnesota craft beer lovers with some edible options.

Look for PonyBoy Gold Ale (Stay gold, Pony Boy!) and Rubbish Oat Amber Ale to be on this weekend when they open the brewery doors for the first time at 4pm on Friday, Oct 10th. It isn’t clear if the cask engines or the nitro taps are up and running yet, but those are going to be there at some point. The rooftop patio and serving station isn’t ready for “prime time” either, but who cares with all the chilly weather we have been having.

For all the details on the brewery opening upcoming news follow LynLake Brewery on facebook, twitter, and instagram.

Wednesday — Thursday
4pm — 11pm
Friday — Saturday
2pm — 12am

LynLake Brewery
2934 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN — 55408
(612) 326-1999

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Du Nord Craft Spirits releases Fitzgerald Gin, asks Minnesota to decide final recipe

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Fitzgerald Gin hits store shelves, begins Du Nord’s community feedback program to decide “Minnesota’s Gin.”

 

Just in time for the late summer season, Du Nord Craft Spirits is releasing Fitzgerald Gin, Formula No. 1. Fitzgerald Gin, Formula No. 1, is a classic London dry style gin. Like any London dry style gin the lack of sugar lets the botanical elements impart most of the flavor and aroma. The traditional juniper flavor stands front and center in Fitzgerald Gin, Formula No. 1. It is supported by flavors of citrus, angelica root, and licorice root. The result is a gin that stands on its own, but is equally tasty in a bright summer cocktail. Gin and Tonic, anyone?

Fitzgerald Gin Du Nord craft SpiritsFitzgerald Gin, Formula No. 1, kicks off Du Nord’s unique quest to discover “Minnesota’s Gin.” Du
Nord will release three gin formulas for consumers to taste and judge. Each gin formula will be a different style. Formula No. 1 is a obviously a classic London dry. Formula 2 will be a new-world style that focuses more on herbs than Juniper. Formula No. 3 promises to be wild. Nothing is set in stone, but in co-owner Shanelle Montana says it may include hop oil. Visitors to the soon-to-open Cocktail Room will be able to sample each formula and vote for their favorite. The winning formula, to be chosen in spring of 2015, will be forever known as “Fitzgerald Gin” making Fitzgerald the first gin to be chosen by its consumers.

“We want to get the community involved,” said co-owner Chris Montana, “gin drinkers are particular about their style; what better way to find out what Minnesotans like then by letting Minnesotans choose?”

The release of Fitzgerald Gin, Formula No. 1, comes on the heels of L’etoile du Nord Vodka – Du Nord’s
first product – winning a Triple Gold Medal for taste at the 2014 Microspirits Awards in Beverly Hills. Like L’etoile du Nord Vodka, Fitzgerald Gin is hand crafted in small batches in the Minneapolis distillery, using grain from co-owner Shanelle Montana’s family farm in Ivanhoe, Minnesota.

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Bauhaus Brew Labs opens in NE Minneapolis

Bauhaus Brew Labs, the latest brewery/taproom in the heart of Nordeast Minneapolis’ Brew District, will celebrate the grand opening of their taproom on Friday, July 18th.

Bauhaus brew as been popping up on draft at select bars and pubs around town, but this is the first time that beer drinkers can visit “The Haus.” The space was funded partially with contributions to their successful kickstarter campaign.

Bauhaus Brew Labs pints
Credit: Veronica Villalobos-Andrew

The brewery’s 2,000-square-foot taproom features a massive hand-built bar made from reclaimed Minnesota barnwood set inside a vast, industrial early-20th Century warehouse. “The Haus” will feature stage for live music, a “Beer It Forward” board that allows drinkers to gift a beer to a friend, trivia, and karaoke.

bauhaus Brew Labs taproom board
credit: Veronica Villalobos-Andrew

At the July 18 opening, Bauhaus will be pouring three of its four core offerings: Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner, Wagon Party West Cöast Style Lager, and Stargrazer German Style Schwarzbier. The Sky-Five! Midwest Cöast IPA will debut in the coming weeks.

Bauhaus Brew Labs Coaster
credit: Veronica Villalobos-Andrew

Bauhaus’ regular taproom hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. Look for local food trucks to be on-site to compliment the craft beer.

It is time for a Haus Party!

1315 Tyler St NE
Minneapolis
Minnesota
55413

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What’s new with Sociable Cider Werks?

We’ve seen an uptick in ciders and sour beers in the local market in the last couple of years which is a welcome addition to beverage selections in pubs, restaurants, and liquor stores. With perfect timing, Sociable Cider Werks opened up in Northeast as the first cider-house in Minneapolis. Based on my latest visit to the taproom, the Twin Cities is loving it as it was overflowing with bocce-ball-yielding patrons, and has been, since they opened in November of last year.

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I sat down with Jim Watkins for lunch last month and we got to chatting about cider and beer. You’ve most likely heard his story, about leaving finance and opening a taproom in NE Minneapolis with his long-time friend and business partner, Wade Thompson. I am so glad the finance world was not entertaining enough that we got some entrepreneurial cider-makers to bring their dream to fruition and open up shop in our neck of the woods. Sociable is legally considered a brewery because of the use of sorghum, and hops used to bitter their cider due to a lack of local bitter apples, which makes it a graff for licensing purposes. Call it what you will, the recipes that they have developed are based on old world-style ciders which are drier and crisper. When you head to Sociable expect them to be labeled as cider when ordering.

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Business is booming and Sociable has expanded at a better than expected rate with a waitlist for kegs at this time, at least until the fall. Not surprising, since they are bringing a great local product that goes so well with food and is “decidedly different,” as their motto states. The Freewheeler is a dry cider which is tart and crisp. Spoke Wrench, also known as Stout Apple, is malty and smooth as it’s made with stout wort and English ale yeast. Hop-a-Wheelie comes in as the driest of the bunch, reminiscent of a sour beer – and my favorite. Though their standard selection is the aforementioned three, Sociable has plenty of other ciders and beers that rotate through, including infusions. Their offerings really do appeal to a wide range of consumers from the devoted craft beer fan to the beer or wine drinker may not be as familiar with the range of flavors that can be had with cider.

So, what about the beer? Jim and Wade just hired Mike Willaford, most recently from Surly, to head up the beer brewing at Sociable, so expect some cask aging and sour fruit beers along with what’s been brewing in the last couple of weeks: a wheat lager with apricots, Figgy Sour, Oatmeal Coffee Stout, German Golden IPA, and Belgian Dark Session Ale. Though the ciders are gluten-free or gluten-removed, Sociable does not brew gluten-free beers.

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Sourcing their apples is a challenge, but an acceptable one as they are dedicated to getting quality apples from our region. Canning of the ciders is the next step, no beers. Expect to see four-packs in liquor stores in late summer or fall. So for now, keep filling up those growlers which make an excellent contribution to a cabin weekend or a dinner party.

Sociable has some exciting events lined up this summer. They are organizing the first ever NE Brewer’s Block Party on July 27, featuring live music, lots of beer from neighboring breweries, cider, and food trucks which will feature special pairings. I envision a caravan of beer-folk returning from All Pints North and landing here for, well, more beer and cider. What a perfect way to spend a Sunday! Speaking of Sundays, this will be day one of Sunday hours for them in the taproom too.

The following week, Sociable will be a part of In Cahoots!, Red Stag Supperclub and The Growler’s block party on August 3 which will feature collaborations by local breweries. Sociable Cider Werks is paired up with Schell’s for a smoked apple beer, which pretty much sounds like the best collaboration ever.

Thanks to Jim for a great lunch and for sharing his passion for cider. Cheers!

 Sociable Cider Werks  – 1500 Fillmore St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

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Sisyphus Brewing now open

Sisyphus Brewing

Sisyphus Brewing is officially opening today at noon! Tucked away near the Walker’s Sculpture Garden, the 100-seat taproom is ready for customers. If the location was hard to find before, it will soon be quite visible as the Kickstarter-backed mural by Adam Turman and Josh “Jawsh” Lemke is completed. Entertainment will be a big part of this taproom’s amenities, plans are in the works for a 100-seat theater for live music and comedy, but for now you can have fun with two shuffleboard tables.

Via Instagram

Sisyphus will operate with a two-barrel system and will rotate beers frequently to allow them to experiment with various styles. The taproom will be the only place the beers will be available as they will not distribute or sell growlers. Today’s opening will feature four beers: Brett IPA, Oatmeal Pale Ale, Black Ale with coffee, and Kentucky Common.

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The taproom will be open on Fridays and Saturdays until 1am for now, with the ultimate goal of being open seven days a week. The addition of a taproom to the Loring Park neighborhood definitely mixes up the nightlife options for residents as well as creating a fun destination for beer lovers. Check them out and let us know what you think.

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