Nils Collins & Brian Nackerud are starting a craft distillery in Minneapolis, and they need your help to fund it. The new Lost Falls Distillery is planned to go into CityFoodStudio, a shared space on Chicago Ave, in south Minneapolis.
The duo has bunch of recipes planned, including a dark cherry rum, but they can’t get started without the necessary equipment. In return for funding the project the guys are offering a bunch of handmade, union, and USA-made incentives based on the level of giving. The giving incentives range from stickers and tumblers, and go all the way up to a handmade liquor cabinets, and more. Sadly, you can’t get any of their forthcoming spirits. Giving alcohol as a funding reward is against kickstarter’s rules.
Watch the video below and consider funding the project. It is time Minnesota had some craft distillers to go along with our craft brewers.
On December 14, MN Beer Activists and Dangerous Man Brewing are teaming up for one humdinger of a fundraiser. Part of the fun will be tapping a beer brewed specifically for the event. But, we were having trouble coming up with a name and a style. So, help us name our beer!
What should we call this one-off brew? And more importantly, what style would you like to see? Weigh in on the poll below, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for Dec 14th. You won’t want to miss it.
[polldaddy poll=”7505349″]
Minneapolis election day is November 5, 2013. Minneapolis residents will have some tough choices to make. We don’t pretend that the stance a candidate takes on modernizing Minnesota liquor law should a decide if they get your vote, but it can give you some insight to their political philosophy and how they might handle future issues.
The City of Lakes will be saying goodbye to Mayor R.T. Rybak and looking for a new mayor. During his time in office Mayor Rybak, ushered in several changes that have made many Minneapolis beer drinkers grateful.
One key change came when Rybak approved an initiative by Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff to lift the prohibition on breweries within 300 feet of churches. This ordinance change alone made it possible for Dangerous Man Brewing Co. to open in NE Minneapolis, while opening up the city for more commerce.
Rybak also pushed for a change to state level beer law. He successfully pushed for breweries to have the ability to sell their own pints of beer on site in taprooms. The success of modernized liquor code has led to taprooms and breweries being built all over Minneapolis, and the rest of the state, including a massive forthcoming “destination brewery” from Surly Brewing Co.
So, as Minneapolis looks to a elect its next leader, keep in mind that while being pro beer isn’t everything, Mayor Rybak’s pro-beer stance has lead to a lot of entrepreneurship and brewing industry growth in Minneapolis. As the beer culture continues to grow in Minnesota, it is important to remember that modernizing liquor regulations play a big part in fostering that expansion.
The leading Minneapolis mayoral candidates don’t often get asked about beer and liquor laws, but it comes up from time to time in public forums. Here is a list of what we have been able to track down. If you have updated information, or find something we didn’t, please comment below and will we update this piece.
Minnesota Mayoral Candidates on Liquor / Beer
Allowing Sunday Sales
Allowing Brewpub Distribution
Allowing Distillery Taprooms
Eliminating 60/40 Food/Alcohol Sales
Betsy Hodges
Undecided
Undecided
Supports
Supports
Mark Andrew
Against
Undecided
Supports
Supports
Don Samuels
Supports
Undecided
Supports
Supports
Cam Winton
Supports
Supports
Supports
Supports
Stephanie Woodruff
Supports
Supports
Supports
Supports
Jackie Cherryhomes
Against
Undecided
Supports
Supports
It is worth noting that according to Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Mark Andrew tried to get a $1,000 donation from the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association PAC, but walked away with $500, the legal limit on contributions. Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association has opposed recent beer reforms, including retail sales at brewpubs and Sunday sales.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/92858129″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
In addition to mayoral candidates, there is also a proposal to amend the Minneapolis city charter liquor-licensing provisions on the ballot. The proposed amendment would essentially “clean up” the language in the Minneapolis City Charter (i.e., the city constitution). The charter was written long ago, it uses language like “doth” instead of “do” and even references parts of the city government that no longer exist. The new language wouldn’t change any rules or regulations, it would make the existing regulations easier to for residents to understand.
2) “Shall the Minneapolis City Charter provisions relating to the sale of liquor and wine be amended by reorganizing and rewriting in plain modern language?”
Yes __________
No ___________
Minnesota’s Legislature is considering a proposal to add deposit fees to nearly all bottles and cans purchased in Minnesota. The proposal would result in an additional $0.10/container, or $2.40 per case of beer. The amount may be refunded if consumers bring used bottles and cans to newly created redemption centers. The deposit fee is intended to create an incentive to increase the rate of recycling in Minnesota to 80%.
Scope of beverage containers with deposit
All alcoholic or a nonalcoholic drink intended for human consumption and packaged for sale in a redeemable beverage container including beer and other malt beverages, wine, distilled spirits regardless of dairy-derived content, carbonated and noncarbonated soft drinks, flavored and unflavored bottled water, fruit juice, and tea and coffee drinks regardless of dairy-derived content.
–Draft program design for a recycling refund program for beverage containers in Minnesota – MPCA
The proposed beverage container deposit fee is part of a recommended recycling program being proposed by the MPCA, as charged by the Minnesota Legislature during the 2013 legislative session.
The commissioner shall prepare and submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources by January 15, 2014, with recommendations for a statewide recycling refund program for beverage containers that achieves an 80 percent recycling rate. In preparing the report, the commissioner shall consult with stakeholders, including retailers, collectors, recyclers, local governments, and consumers on options to increase the current recycling rate. An assessment of the financial impact of any recommended program shall be included in the report. All money deposited in the environmental fund for the metropolitan solid waste landfill fee in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 473.843, and not otherwise appropriated, is appropriated for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 473.844. $315,000 the first year and $315,000 the second year are from the environmental fund for the electronic waste program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 115A.1310 to
115A.1330.
–H.F.No. 976
The new program will undoubtedly mean higher beverage prices, not only from the deposit, but from the additional costs of setting up and operating a new redemption system for bottles and cans. Higher beverage prices would hit low‐income families and seniors on fixed incomes the hardest. Minnesotans with the fewest resources would have to devote a greater percentage of their income to the new program. Additionally, higher beverage prices will mean people buy less, having a negative impact on producers, distributors, retailers. The reduction in beverage sales would ultimately cost Minnesota jobs.
Of course, the proposed price increase from the new Minnesota recycling program would affect each community differently. It is unclear how the program would co-exist with current recycling programs that are already well integrated in Minnesota municipalities. Curbside recycling program costs could change drastically without the revenue from the collection of cans and bottles.
Much like the current ban on Sunday liquor sales, retailers near state borders would see the greatest drop in revenue as shoppers make purchases across state lines. On-sale retailers would ultimately move away from bottles and cans and toward kegs in an effort to cut down on the upfront costs the and hassle of collecting and storing used beverage containers, not to mention getting them to a collection center.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that is anti-recycling. And, an 80% recycling rate is admirable goal, but is the best course of action to place all the cost on consumers while putting existing recycling programs on a shelf? Many Minnesotan’s recycle already, the introduction programs like “single sort” recycling in Hennepin County, Minnesota’s recycling rate should continue to improve. Maybe Minnesota legislators need to make recycling more convenient, not more expensive.
Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild events just keep getting better. Autumn Brew Review 2013 looks to continue this upward trend by offering a huge variety of beer from an ever growing list of craft breweries.
Unless your name is Andre the Giant, there is no way you will be able to fit all these beer samples into your afternoon. Nor should you try. When attending a beer festival I usually divide the program into 3 tiers; a must try, really want to try, and all the rest. Below is a few of the brews that will be going into my “Autumn Brew Review 2013 must try beers.”
Bent Paddle Brewery Nitro Cold Press Black with Whole Bean Madagascar
Cold Press Black infused with Madagascar vanilla beans and served on nitro.
Creamy and roasty with coffee and vanilla? Oh, hell yes.
Lucette Brewing Company Hips Don’y Lie – Fruit Bowl
Hips Don’t Lie is a slightly bigger interpretation of a traditional German wheat beer featuring a refreshing light body with a crisp, dry finish. A high proportion of malted wheat lends a round, pasta-like character that is complemented by a delicate balance of clove-like phenolics, banana esters and just a hint of sulfur from the classic German weissbier yeast strain. Rose hips give this beer a subtle floral note while the honey lends to the dryness in the finish. The beer has been infused with bitter and sweet orange peel which along with the banana characteristics gives this beer the ultimate fruit bowl in a glass.
An easy drinking beer with subtle flavor layers you can explore for days. I’m excited to see what the addition of fruit via cask will do to this one.
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Brewed in honor of the 1000th batch at our original Clybourn brewpub. A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with thick foam the color of a bourbon barrel. The nose is an intense mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer.
This beer is legendary. Ever since the change in ownership I feel uncomfortable drinking it, but that has yet to stop me. It is just too good.
Indeed Brewing Fresh Hop (Mn version)
This Minnesota Fresh Hop ale was brewed with 10-pounds per barrel of Cascade hops from Goat Ridge Farm in New London, Minnesota. Deep amber in colorthis session ale carries the typical citrus and floral hallmarks of the famed Cascade hop but with a juicy fresh twist that drips flavors and aromas of a spicy orange marmalade. Available: September
Tis the season! It is nice to see a session version of a local fresh hop beer. With an ABV of 4.2% and unmistakable fresh hop aroma you can (and will want to) rock this beer all day long.
Green Flash Brewing Double Stout Black Ale
Golden naked oats mashed with dark crystal and robust roasted malts create a luscious black brew with satin smooth finish. An old-world style, done the Green Flash way. Big, bold, flavorful and complex.
Green Flash is new to the market. A quality brewery with lots of street cred, their IPA often overshadows other great beers in their portfolio like this black beauty.
I hope you enjoy my suggestions. Hit the link to the full Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Autumn Brew Review 2013 program to check out all the beer and make your own “must try” list. Don’t forget to thank the brewers for making events like this special, as well the volunteers that work hard to make these things happen. As always, eat a big breakfast, stay hydrated, and consume responsibly.
Is there glaring omission? Totally off with a suggestion? Leave a comment below and let us know what in your “must try list.”
Who is Pryes Brewing?
Pryes (pronounced: “Prize”) brewing is the creation of a group of long time friends and beer lovers who aim to raise the bar on how great craft brewing can be. We are a team of very talented individuals bringing our respective specialties together to produce the beers and experiences that make enjoying our beer fun.
What kind of beer will Pryes Brew?
Pryes Brewing has acquired and developed the unique knowledge of many different kinds of brews. It is amazing just how many things are out there that can be made into a craft beverage, everything from ciders and mead to beers from around the world. We like to think we take a little inspiration from everything to create something innovative, unique and very drinkable.
Production Brewery/brewpub?
Since brews are our soul, we want to be able to concentrate on beer and other similar mediums. In addition to beer, we plan on releasing other brews which we believe will be surprising and exciting to drink. It will definitely shape us as a production brewery with many other things only offered in our planned taproom. We are quite excited to bring our vision to the area.
Where will Pryes be located?
We have some spots that would work wonders, but it all comes down to capitalization. Ideally, we would like to open up in the vibrant craft beer scene of Minneapolis. However, if our target capitalization is not met within a reasonable amount of time, then our plan B is to find a place we can contract brew our beer like other local breweries have successfully done to get our beer in customers’ hands as soon as possible.
What is the Future of Pryes?
When we become fully capitalized, we will open a 20BBL brew house and host a number of special brews in our taproom. We feel the taproom will allow us to involve the public’s ideas and be a part of the innovation we plan to bring to the market.
How big is the system? Capacity? Distribution?
1st year output? We anticipate our initial output to be in the 2,000 bbl/yr range, with planned phase 2 expansion essentially doubling capacity. We plan to self-distribute to some of the best restaurants, bars and liquor stores in the region.
When will you open?
We’re ready to go once our target capitalization is achieved. We would anticipate a 3-4 month lead time for equipment delivery and facility construction work to be completed.
Are you worried about getting lost in the shuffle?
Not at all. In fact we are excited to add a different and unique flavor to the mix. It’s time to show the rest of the country why Minnesota’s craft scene is one of the fastest growing markets in the US.
What sets Pryes apart?
We are a team. We stick together. We plan everything as a team. Everyone involved in the company brings a different quality that affects the things we do and plan on doing. There have been many times when I’ve thought to myself, how incredible it is to have such a talented team together. Everything from the beer, to the brand, to the business operations are handled by leaders in their respective fields.
Minneapolis Councilperson Meg Tuthill was very critical of your brewery plans. How did that impact your business plans?
Whenever your embarking on an endeavor like starting a company and building a brand, it is all too common to hit bumps in the road. In fact, facing those road bumps strengthens you as it challenges you to ensure you are headed down the right path and building the right plan. We believe that everything happens for a reason, and the silver lining is that we were contacted by many people that supported our vision and consequently brought more people to be a part of the investor family.
Jeremy Pryes, CEO & Brewmaster – Pryes Brewing Company
What has been the hardest part of starting a brewery in Minnesota?
Building a brewery is a capital-intensive undertaking and everyone is aware that finding capital is the hardest thing about starting any brand. What they might not understand is the degree to which it is difficult. Bank and SBA loans are available, provided you are willing to guarantee the debt with personal assets, and that can dissuade potential investors as well as exceed your own entrepreneurial risk tolerances. Good investors that see your vision understand that something like this takes time to build – everything from getting fully capitalized to recipe development and brand creation takes time. Our company was formed in early 2012 and we’ve been meeting with investors ever since. As much as they interview you, you are also interviewing them to make sure you all share the same passion for the craft and the business.
What has been the biggest surprise?
I am most surprised at how much support we have received from other breweries. Everyone is very supportive and understands the difficulty in opening a brewery. It takes a lot of time, energy, patience and love to make this happen.
How can people learn more about Pryes Brewing?
I would encourage people to visit our website at http://www.pryesbrewing.com. The site is a simple version for now; the full site will go up once we are fully funded and we can show more of our plans and secrets. We also have a Facebook and Twitter presence and you can always send us an email at beer@pryesbrewing.com.
As a result of the progress made during the last legislative session, Indeed Brewing is selling growlers. Indeed never intended to sell growlers because they planned on meeting the 3,500 bbl limited very early early on in their production plans.
This Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 is the 4th Annual Kramarczuk’s Sausage Co Kielbasa Fest (http://kramarczuk.com/entertainment/events/). This year, Kramarczuk’s will receive a proclamation from the City of Minneapolis proclaiming the day, “Kielbasa Day,” in Minneapolis.
Artist: Michael Berglund
In addition, Surly Brewing Co has created a special new beer to be served at Kielbasa Fest Friday and Saturday—Dampfbier, a German style steam beer that’s traditional to the region that the Kramarczuk’s food and family hails from. This is the first time the beer will be tapped! It will pour both days at Kielbasa Fest:
Surly Dampfbier
A lesser known style of German ale once popular and brewed on the Germany/Czech border.
Brewed with 100% malted barley and fermented (warm) with a traditional Bavarian (wheat) Hefe-Weizen yeast, this is the German equivalent of a “Steam” beer.
Hazy yellow in color and medium bodied with flavors of toasted bread, cloves and banana’s.
ABV 5.3%
SRM 4.5
IBU 12
Location
Parking lot at Kramarczuk Sausage Company
215 East Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
General Information
4th Annual Kramarczuk’s Kielbasa Festival 2013
Presented by Kramarczuk Sausage Co.
“Meat Us In Nordeast”
Live Music & Family Entertainment
Kramarczuk’s Street Food
Local & European Beers on Tap
Nils Collins & Brian Nackerud are starting a craft distillery in Minneapolis, and they need your help to fund it. The new Lost Falls Distillery is planned to go into CityFoodStudio, a shared space on Chicago Ave, in south Minneapolis.
What kind of beer will Pryes Brew?
