A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I'm thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that'll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn't mind if I was a little late, they're cool like that. Very laid back.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
ABR is the same day as Schell's Oktoberfest this year. I'll take New Ulm.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
ABR is the same day as Schell’s Oktoberfest this year. I’ll take New Ulm.
ABR is during hockey season now. I’ll take hockey. ? I wish it was still in September, but I suppose it’s not so deadly hot now.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
After doing the Nillerz release I think I’m skipping Forager Fest.
New Ulm would be a really fun trip one of these years for Oktoberfest but just too much kid stuff happening to let me make a full day out of it. We will also just be getting back from Bayfield
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
After doing the Nillerz release I think I’m skipping Forager Fest.
New Ulm would be a really fun trip one of these years for Oktoberfest but just too much kid stuff happening to let me make a full day out of it. We will also just be getting back from Bayfield
A buddy did Nillerz release, and between him, me, and one other buddy, decided to split the cost and eventually drink them amongst ourselves, at some point. We have one bottle down, 5 to go. 😀
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
ABR is the same day as Schell’s Oktoberfest this year. I’ll take New Ulm.
ABR is during hockey season now. I’ll take hockey. ? I wish it was still in September, but I suppose it’s not so deadly hot now.
Admittedly from what we know of the schedule that's either a road weekend or more likely a bye weekend for the hockey team...so you can still have the best of both worlds.
A week to go before Ansari’s Whales And Ales fest. 100+ beers, I guess, food included. Tix are still up for grabs, last I looked. Sticker shock is for real, I admit. But, it is worth it, from what I’ve seen this year, and heard from the last one. Looking forward to it. And anyone who has been there, Ansari’s doesn’t mess around with their beers. They always have a top notch list.
I’d thought about going but then realized we will be out of town.
i need to go get ABR tickets though because it’s still always a fun festival.
I am probably skipping ABR this year. I’m thinking about going to Forager Fest instead, and that’ll cost a pretty penny. Might have to make it a hell-run, also, since my liquor store could be open by then, and I usually start at noon. Note: they wouldn’t mind if I was a little late, they’re cool like that. Very laid back.
ABR is the same day as Schell’s Oktoberfest this year. I’ll take New Ulm.
ABR is during hockey season now. I’ll take hockey. ? I wish it was still in September, but I suppose it’s not so deadly hot now.
Admittedly from what we know of the schedule that’s either a road weekend or more likely a bye weekend for the hockey team…so you can still have the best of both worlds.
I have to travel for work that weekend so no dice. But most thankful I’m not missing any Gopher hockey!
Anyone going to the Summer Beer Dabbler this Friday? I've never been to one so I can't vouch...
And to the surprise of no one the 50 drunkest counties in the U.S...
Nothing at The Fair really caught my eye this year. The closest was Lemon Razzicle Cream Ale by Indeed Brewing. That was a bit refreshing, but didn't blow my mind.
However, after that, had a grillout with some friends, and the four of us finished off the last 5 (of 6) bottles of the last Forager Nillerzzzzz (and variants) release. Those were outstanding, as expected. The best of the bunch was Comoros, using vanilla beans from the Comoros Islands. We had narrowed the area down a little bit, given the logo, googled it: oh, between Madagascar and the mainland of Africa. No SH* why this vanilla stout is so good. 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Nearly pulled the plug on the Collective Arts Origin of Darkness but instead went with the Founders KBS and a Bell's Hazy IPA.
Skipping Forager Fest tomorrow. Have a ticket to Central Waters' Black Gold release (Amherst, WI). Sounds like I'm doing more than a hell run to pick up bottles. An over-nighter is in the works. Plus, stout season is nearly upon us.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
all hail to Oktoberfest season…the leadin to stout season.
I have a very ambitious goal to clean out most of my beer cellar this winter. Ambitious in the sense that I’d likely need to buy very little new stuff this year if I want to clean out the cellar
I had that last year too until my wife bought basically every pastry stout that came out
Well, Bear Cave (Hopkins) is pulling more BS. They posted on FB that they are "teaming up with our brothers" at LTD for Oktoberfest, both breweries holding fests on the same day. There is no collaboration, no teaming up. Period. Some LTD customers had asked about their "collab" beer, which does not exist.
Even my potty-mouth doesn't have enough cuss words to describe this situation, so I'll go with the short SHORT version: F Bear Cave.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Just delivered a care package to the Fitz. A bunch of 2015-16 bottles I doubt I'll get to.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Wife and I went to Back Channel at Noon because she thought their anniversary beers were bottle releases. They weren’t but we tried a couple on tap.
The Apple Brandy BA Vanilla Stout is now the leader in the clubhouse for best beer I’ve had this year. The base beer was excellent but this one was incredible
Wife and I went to Back Channel at Noon because she thought their anniversary beers were bottle releases. They weren’t but we tried a couple on tap.
The Apple Brandy BA Vanilla Stout is now the leader in the clubhouse for best beer I’ve had this year. The base beer was excellent but this one was incredible
Got roped into the Bags Tourney tomorrow at BC for their "Backtoberfest." I've never played. 10:30 am is the start time. Come out and heckle me. And have some good beer. The food truck apparently has breakfast burritos, too, which I will stuff my face with.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Surly Sixteen - BA Imperial Red aged with raspberry and strawberry
this is a muddled mess. This all just doesn’t go well together and it’s pretty bitter to boot. Still not as bad as Eight was but it’s close
Top Ten at Ridgedale (Chammps location). Beer selection sucks for that size of a store. The liquor selection is nice, and the prices (if you sign up for the free rewards) are rather good. Got one hell of a deal on a Barrell Bourbon cask strength bottle. 20% off.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
@the-rube Other than the SLP store I don't think any of the Top Ten locations have a great beer selection when it comes to one-off release kind of stuff. My wife prefers the Plymouth Top Ten to Princetons but I rarely go to Top Ten
@davescharf I have not been to the Plymouth one. The SLP one is indeed good on the beer selection.
I'll be making a hell-run to Central Waters on Sat. Have a Black Gold ticket. One of two friends already backed out, can't make it, so I'm muling for him. The other is a game-time decision. Haven't done one of these in a while. 8 hr round trip, just in driving.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Well, made the hellrun, and tried the variant to CW's Black Gold, which is a "marshmallow fudge cookie." Um, it was FIRE. So delicious.
Didn't find any New Glarus Serendipity, though. Only fruit beer I found of theirs was the Raspberry Tart (oh, darn 😉 )
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Raspberry tart is pretty good. Not sure if blushing monk good….
No, it is not Blushing Monk good. It's not even New Glarus' best fruit beer (which would be Serendipity).
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Dangerous Man is moving to Maple Lake. They bought a building out there, and their current building is for sale. Also, rumors of a canning line are being tossed around. Obviously, a major change for them.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
lol guess I’ll never be in their place again. Maybe that was the idea, though.
@the-rube i am pretty surprised they want to do this because they have to be a lot more profitable not being in distro.
maybe they want to grow bigger finally but if they plan to stay the same size this fees weird. I know the owners live out there but it’s still odd
ABR was fun yesterday but it was definitely a little different. A number of well known breweries weren’t there (Dangerous, Indeed, LTD, Junkyard we’re the ones I noticed)
The usual suspects had the best beer but my favorite was Back Channel’s BA Popeye and Barrel Theory’s BA Fifth.
one of the more interesting beers I had was a Lingonberry Sour from a place called Metronome brewing. I’d never hear of them but that much better than I’d have guessed.
The worst thing I tried was some sweet potato beer from Dual Citizen…that was so bad that now I’m on the hook to find a worst craft brew than that for my neighbor to try. Is really too bad Wicked Wort stopped making their 2.8abv stout they made shortly after opening because that would be a good candidate
@the-rube i am pretty surprised they want to do this because they have to be a lot more profitable not being in distro.
maybe they want to grow bigger finally but if they plan to stay the same size this fees weird. I know the owners live out there but it’s still odd
Guessing WAY cheaper rent, and only craft brewery in town, so they'll be fine on that front. Makes the Hwy 55 pub crawl worth a look, though...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
where did you see that announcement? I know the owners bought and live in Clearwater but wasn’t sure.
where did you see that announcement? I know the owners bought and live in Clearwater but wasn’t sure.
I'm in a couple beer groups on a certain social media site... 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Maple lake isn’t exactly a destination. ?
(I grew up in Clearwater and later moved to a rural maple lake address and went to school in Annandale so I may be biased).
@cowgirl if you're going to move to more of a distribution model and not do 98%+ of your revenue out of your taproom (there are a couple places in NE you can get their beer on tap) and Growler Shop then it makes more sense to me. They've got a reputation now around here that they could do well in Distro as long as they don't extend too far away from MN.
@cowgirl if you're going to move to more of a distribution model and not do 98%+ of your revenue out of your taproom (there are a couple places in NE you can get their beer on tap) and Growler Shop then it makes more sense to me. They've got a reputation now around here that they could do well in Distro as long as they don't extend too far away from MN.
And with less people going "into the city" for whatever, plus lease prices...I dunno all the details...could make sense since they are an established brewery with a highly regarded reputation. We'll see what happens, I guess.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The place always packed. Not buying the less people coming in thing. This only makes sense if they’ve done all the math and being primarily distro makes them more money. Obviously more expensive to get that kind in real estate in the city. They won’t have more people in the taproom in maple lake.
They won't have more people, but they would be the only craft beer place in town (think: Enki, Waconia, Lupine, etc). Lower overhead costs. I guess they are selling EVERYTHING (equipment, etc) so a full move. Yes, even the plants are in the deal 😉 .
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I was just making fun of maple lake. I’ve never been to dangerous man. But there’s a great brewery just a little further west. 😉
Honestly I’ve only been to Spilled Grain once. I’m hoping to do the local triathlon next summer. If I do, all are welcome to come cheer me on not to die and then go celebrate at the brewer(ies?!). ?
I would love the Hwy 55 (etc) pub crawl. Spilled Grain in Annandale, DM in Maple Lake, Hayes Public House in Buffalo, cut down to Lupine in Delano, cut back up to Luce Line in Plymouth...
The current DM location is known for their plants and hipsters. 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
About a week ago my wife and I went to Dampfwerk Distillery in SLP. Really cool little space and the cocktails were fantastic. I’m not a huge Aquavit expert but it’s probably the best I’ve had in town.
for Halloween night I cracked a 2021 Darkness. I never tried it until now because I heard it needed to sit and that seems like a good decision. I like it but it’s definitely changed over the years and I miss the older years of it
Cracked a 2022 Darkness over the weekend, and this year's is on point. Not a raisin bomb like the last couple years. Definitely recommend buying a couple cans, and have one now, and the other(s) at some point in the future.
Also, LTD released their Sleepwalker IIIPA this past weekend, in crowlers and on tap. Was talking with Blake (co-owner) on Sat, and he said they couldn't quite get it up to their goal of 11.5% ABV, it's about 11%, but I will say this is one of the best versions they've done. Great balance between the malt and hop taste. Very smooth.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Dragon's Milk Variant 3 for 2022 is out. Smores. It's good. Also, Blackstack's weekly IPA is a DDH: Killer Beers: Shaolin Style. Yeah, had to buy that one. WU TANG! Also good.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
@the-rube That Smores is pretty good. Almost grabbed that one tonight and instead tried a UA Malted Milk Ball Pastry Stout. Sadly there's not a ton of flavor in it compared to many of the other UA stouts.
Happy International Stout day to those who celebrate.
@the-rube That Smores is pretty good. Almost grabbed that one tonight and instead tried a UA Malted Milk Ball Pastry Stout. Sadly there's not a ton of flavor in it compared to many of the other UA stouts.
Happy International Stout day to those who celebrate.
Tried the UA Malted Milk Ball at Northern Taphouse (nee Grizzly's) and I liked it, but also agree it was not up to UA's standards.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Just picked up Assassin Green, Orange, and Silver (2018, 2019, 2020) for a total of $430. That's a steal. Looking forward to cracking those.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Cracked a 2022 Darkness over the weekend, and this year's is on point. Not a raisin bomb like the last couple years. Definitely recommend buying a couple cans, and have one now, and the other(s) at some point in the future.
I bought a can since they’re shelf turds at Princetons right now. This year’s is a hoppy RIS and not really anything like the Darkness of old. This is the 3rd year in a row I’ve been disappointed so I’m done with it I think except for what’s left in the cellar
i might be done with Surly as a whole now. Sixteen was a mess and now that they’ve messed with Darkness there’s really no reason for me to buy their beer anymore. There are too many other places in town making better beer at the moment
Cracked a 2022 Darkness over the weekend, and this year's is on point. Not a raisin bomb like the last couple years. Definitely recommend buying a couple cans, and have one now, and the other(s) at some point in the future.
I bought a can since they’re shelf turds at Princetons right now. This year’s is a hoppy RIS and not really anything like the Darkness of old. This is the 3rd year in a row I’ve been disappointed so I’m done with it I think except for what’s left in the cellar
i might be done with Surly as a whole now. Sixteen was a mess and now that they’ve messed with Darkness there’s really no reason for me to buy their beer anymore. There are too many other places in town making better beer at the moment
As a WHOLE? Never have been impressed with Surly, outside Anniv and Darkness. Not an anti-fanboy statement, it's the availability of other, better beers. They are just churning out beer after beer now, hoping the name carries them. Darkness has become shelf-turds, which I don't mind (see opening statement), and sometimes that's a good thing (one can actually GET the bottles without hunting/etc).
Toppling Goliath has gone the other way with the hoops you have to jump through just to have the CHANCE of buying one of their special releases. Sure, I'll enter the lottery, but for the most part, I'm done with them. They try to squeeze out every penny of yours.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I bought a can since they’re shelf turds at Princetons right now. This year’s is a hoppy RIS and not really anything like the Darkness of old. This is the 3rd year in a row I’ve been disappointed so I’m done with it I think except for what’s left in the cellar
i might be done with Surly as a whole now. Sixteen was a mess and now that they’ve messed with Darkness there’s really no reason for me to buy their beer anymore. There are too many other places in town making better beer at the moment
I still like Axe Man, but thats about it. Ever since Todd left, their beer has been pretty uninspiring. The anniversaries since Eleven I haven't really bothered with. Darkness became too difficult to get several years ago, and was too much of a hassle so I gave up on it too. Now I see a bunch of it at my local stores.
Axe Man, Size 7, and Local 755 are pretty much my go-to beers. At least one, and usually two of them are in my beer fridge.
I have really enjoyed nearly everything Blackstack puts out, but I had to slow down buying it. My local store is charging $18.99 - $23.99 for the Blackstack one-off 4-packs. I cannot do that all the time. Same with the Back Channel 4-packs, those are almost always $20.99 per 4 pack or more. I did pick up Dunzo a few weeks ago, but skipped the most recent one.
I have noticed in my local stores that both Stone and Deschutes are getting less and less shelf space and just one or two flavors. Does anyone know if these brands are reducing their presence in our market? I do know they regularly go on sale, but I also know when I buy them on sale they are usually several months old and Fresh Squeezed that is 6 months old isn't that great.
Non-regional breweries are giving up in this market. Cigar City, Firestone Walker, and even Deschutes. Ballast Point is dead here, after their big splash a few years ago. No shelf room, everything is going hyper-local.
The micro breweries like BlackStack and Back Channel have to cost that much to make it profitable in distro. There is a reason that some breweries don't do distro. Keep it in house, and prices are cheaper.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I know that Ballast Point kind of lost their way after they got acquired. They used to have a local rep here and I talked to her afterwards -- she had some hard feelings about that part.
On the plus side we now have access to Revolution Brewing -- my post game is the Imperial Anti-Hero... it's very solid.
Ever had Even More Jesus by Evil Twin Brewing?
Tried one last weekend before the game, very good, but not $12 good.
Keep your stick on the ice...