Tag Archives: Sociable Cider Werks

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What (Minnesota beer) I’ve been drinking …

Featured: Boom Island Brewing Company, Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Indeed Brewing Company, Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Sociable Cider Werks.

Because of my geographic location (I live in Northfield), I tend to seek out Minnesota beers I can pick up from local liquor stores or in the metro area when I’m up that way.

It’s been a busy month or so of experiencing new beers. Like most beers, I can find a positive in most brews because, well, I like beer. Fortunately, I didn’t have to fall to the lowest threshold to enjoy any of the following beers that I had the pleasure of consuming in recent weeks.

Django Hop Bier
Boom Island Brewing Company

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From the brewery in northeast Minneapolis with a cozy taproom, Django Hop Bier is a nice offering that’s hard to know what you’re getting yourself into. Even for those of us who a step above laymen (I hope?), when you read hop in the beer name, you immediately have a flavor profile in mind. This had a nice, delicate touch to it that was easy to get down. It’s perfect for this time of year when, we hope, we start experiencing a series of nice afternoons and evenings (or mornings, if that’s your kind of thing).

According to Boom Island:

Crafted with Wai-iti hops, pilsner and wheat malt, and a hint of citrus, this hoppy number moves to its own rhythm.

ABV: 6 percent
IBU: 39
Available: 11.2 oz. four-packs and on draft

Raspberry Roselle
Fair State Cooperative Brewing

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I’ll just get this out there: I’ve not yet jumped on the sour train. I’ve read and heard time and time again that sours are “the next IPA.” I’m not so sure. I don’t dislike sours; perhaps I just haven’t found one that tickles me in the right places.

That said, I did enjoy the Raspberry Roselle from Fair State Co-op. It wasn’t too tart for me, which is the issue I’ve run into. Though I enjoyed the better part of the 750 ml bottle, I don’t know if I would have been able to handle much more of it. That’s more of an indictment on me than the beer. It was smooth, sweet and popped with flavor. At no point was it overwhelming. It’s by far the best sour I’ve had.

According to Fair State:

“We re-fermented our year-round Hibiscus Sour Saison, Roselle, with a whole bunch of raspberries. The result is a fruit-forward, rose-hued beer that’s distinctly juice and dry, with increased acidity.”

ABV: 5.8 percent
IBU: 19
Available: 750 ml bottles (if still around – check out their other beers, too!)

Lavender Sunflower Honey Dates Honey Ale (not LSD)
Indeed Brewing Company

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Controversy over the name aside, LSD (for simplicity’s sake) is a smooth 16 oz. trip that can be enjoyed in myriad settings: Porch swing, golfing (guilty) or on the boat (hoping to be guilty of soon). Having not previously sipped this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the advertised name of so many ingredients, many of which I can’t say I consume all that often – or at all. They work together.

Indeed, one of the shining stars in a galaxy of worthy Minnesota breweries, clearly knows what it’s doing. I had faith, even with some trepidation. Go pick this one up and enjoy it. You can also appreciate the artwork, something of a staple for the Minneapolis brewery.

According to Indeed:

“Hello, beautiful stranger. A kaleidoscopic spiral of Lavender, Sunflower honey, and Dates, LSD sets the stage for a mind-bending beer experience as electrifying floral aromas dance atop rich notes of fruit and honey. Are you experienced?”

Malts: Pale, Carafoam, White Wheat, Honey Malt, Meloidin
Hops: Willamette Yeast: American Ale II Specialty
Ingredients: Lavender, Sunflower honey, dates

ABV: 7.2 percent
IBU: 20
Available: 16 oz. four-pack cans and draft

 

93X Brotherhood Beer
Life Bridge Brewing Company

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I didn’t know what to expect here. Like most, um, “craft” drinkers, this wouldn’t be the first beer I grabbed based on its description. But I like a challenge. I’ve also learned to trust Lift Bridge as a company that has a pretty good handle on its product, so that quelled some of my concern.

It’s an American lager, but, after trying the 93X Brotherhood Beer, it could easily be my go-to American lager in a pinch. It was clear, crisp and went down well. It’s clearly a notch above its larger brewery counterparts.

A collaboration beer with the 93X Half-Assed Morning Show, portions of the profits “benefit the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, a community-supported fund that financially supports deployed Minnesota military personnel, their spouses and children with grants during times of extraordinary financial hardship.”

ABV: 4.5 percent
IBU: 15
Available: 16 oz. four-packs and on draft.

Freewheeler, Hop-a-Wheelie, Spoke Wrench
Sociable Cider Werks

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I’ve got a three-for-one here.

Like most people, I’ve had cider – both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic variety, and largely by a large maker. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Sociable Cider Werks, a fast-growing, popular destination for Minnesota consumers. I’m open to experimentation, but I wasn’t sure what a cider with added hops and grains would do. Sociable says it adds bitterness and body, which makes sense.

“The result is tart, dry and flavorful with a well-balanced body. It’s not your typical cloyingly sweet macro-cider. It’s decidedly different. It’s Sociable,” its website reads.

So, how do they taste?

My favorite was Freewheeler, Sociable’s dry apple offering. It was light, easy to drink and had a nice feeling as it went down. To me, this was probably what tastes most like a cider when I think of it, right or wrong. Sociable says this one is its closest to a traditional European cider.

Closely following was Hop-a-Wheelie Hopped Apple, which takes their “signature tart and dry apple flavor and adds a brewer’s hoppy flair that will give you a new appreciation for what a cider can do for your tastes buds.” It was tasty, and I would recommend it.

By default, Spoke Wrench Stout Apple was third for me. I did enjoy it, just not as much as the other two. It’s a hybrid, clearly, of a cider and “a hearty stout brewer’s wort that we then co-ferment using a traditional English ale yeast.” There should be some chocolate and toffee notes, but my limited palate only pulled out some toffee. Still enjoyable, though.

Available: All in 16 oz. four-packs and on draft.

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Able Seedhouse + Brewery Opens

Able Seedhouse and Brewery, the newest brewery in the Logan Park neighborhood, is opening November 6th. We stopped by their soft opening the night before in order to get a sneak peak at what you can expect from Able. Located just walking distance from Indeed, 612Brew, Bauhaus Brew Labs, and Sociable Cider Werks, Able is definitely in good company.

Able Logo

The Taproom is clean and spacious, making use of natural wood and ample lighting to give a warm atmosphere. There are attractive views of both the brewhouse and fermentation areas from the Taproom for those looking for a peak behind the scenes. Tables are lined with small plants, and an intriguing magazine Able had created just for their taproom. Featuring photos, information about Able, and fun facts, these handouts were a nice twist on the typical bar literature. Inside you can even find a flowchart showing the musical connection between Bob Dylan and Insane Clown Posse.

Twin Sparrows WPA
Twin Sparrows WPA

On opening night Able Seedhouse + Brewery will have four flagship beers on tap: First Light IPA, Blk Wlf Stout, Twin Sparrows Wheat Pale Ale, and House Red Ale. We tried all but the IPA, as it wasn’t on tap at the soft opening, but we were assured it would be on tap at the grand opening the next evening. Among the three beers we tried, Blk Wlf Stout was the clear standout. The nose had a mild hint of hops and a light caramel sweetness. On first taste we noted an excellent malt character that was strong in roast, with a mild chocolate finish. Served on nitro, the body was smooth and creamy.

Able Seedhouse + Brewery
Able Seedhouse + Brewery

One standout thing about Able’s beer was the ABV. Their Stout, Wheat Pale Ale, and Red Ale all stand below 5% ABV. This means that one can have more than just one or two beers without feeling a serious buzz, and with session beers becoming even more popular, this is a wise move on Able’s part.

Able Flights
Flights at Able

Perhaps the most intriguing fact about Able Seedhouse + Brewery is their plan to start malting their own grain. Malting, the process of kilning and drying grains for use in brewing, is typically done by dedicated malt houses, not by breweries themselves. Able intends to malt locally grown grains, and use a percentage of that in their own brews. Will this in-house malting capability bring a unique twist to their beers? We are interested to find out.

Taproom Hours:

  • Wednesday: 3-11
  • Thursday: 3-11
  • Friday 1-11
  • Saturday 12-11
  • Sunday 12-6

Able Seedhouse + Brewery | 1121 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis

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Dream Jobs

Still looking for that dream job? Several local companies are looking for qualified help. Don’t bother hitting Craigslist.org, we have the careers you want right here!

Sociable Cider Werks Taproom Bar | Northeast Minneapolis | Mn Beer Activists

 

Sociable Cider Werks

Nordeast Minneapolis fermenting mavericks Sociable Cider Werks is hiring for a Customer Service Rep/Delivery Driver.

For this position you’ll need a strong back and the ability obtain a CDL. Other job requirements include a clean driving record, weekend availability, and some inventory management.

Full details and application here
*Hint – Nobody beats Batman. Nobody.

 

 Nord Craft Spirits

Du Nord Craft Spirits is hiring a Production Assistant

A full-time position, the Production Assistant helps the Head Distiller with the day-to-day operations of the distillery. Duties include, but are not limited to, cleaning, mashing grains, setting up spent grain for farm pickup, distillation, errands, etc. The production assistant occasionally serves as a tour guide for Saturday groups.

Full details and application here

Castle Danger Brewery

Castle Danger Brewery is currently seeking Seasonal Part-Time Bartenders.

There are several open seasonal positions that run from the end of May – October.
Applicants should have craft beer knowledge and previous experience.

Full details and application here

Related articles across the web

Herkimer Brewpub

The Herkimer Pub & Brewery is currently accepting résumés for seasonal wait assistants and servers.

This Uptown Minneapolis nightlife mainstay is looking for people with positive energy, interest in craft beer and experience in high volume service. Résumé should include prior and current work history. Industry experience is required for all server positions and recommended for wait assistant positions.

Bring your résumé to The Herkimer, 2922 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 or email

Related articles across the web

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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