Went to Arbiter and Venm brewing this afternoon. I really liked the beers at Arbiter…all their lagers were very well made and the Roggenbier with Rye was excellent
I wasn’t that impressed with Venm. Tried a couple of their sours and the watermelon goose but they were just fine
Now we are at La Dona Cerveceria.
I had a crowler of the Roggen Stickum last week -- wish more breweries made this style as I loved it too.
I remember Modist made a rye style once, Wasteland... also was very tasty.
Went to Arbiter and Venm brewing this afternoon. I really liked the beers at Arbiter…all their lagers were very well made and the Roggenbier with Rye was excellent
I wasn’t that impressed with Venm. Tried a couple of their sours and the watermelon goose but they were just fine
Now we are at La Dona Cerveceria.
I was at Venn a couple weeks ago and really liked the beers I tried. But I never drink sours or watermelon flavored beers, so that might have something to do with it. ?
Went to Arbiter and Venm brewing this afternoon. I really liked the beers at Arbiter…all their lagers were very well made and the Roggenbier with Rye was excellent
I wasn’t that impressed with Venm. Tried a couple of their sours and the watermelon goose but they were just fine
Now we are at La Dona Cerveceria.
I was at Venn a couple weeks ago and really liked the beers I tried. But I never drink sours or watermelon flavored beers, so that might have something to do with it. ?
I probably should have gotten something other than two fruit forward beers there. I got drawn into Cherry-Lime and Peach which happen to be two of my favorite flavors in beer.
I thought La Dona was pretty solid. Their Mescal BA Imperial Stout was quite good and even my wife really liked it
I probably should have gotten something other than two fruit forward beers there. I got drawn into Cherry-Lime and Peach which happen to be two of my favorite flavors in beer.
Those sound yummy!
I love fruit beers, especially fruit sours and the smoothie beers. It’s exciting as someone who doesn’t like regular beer at all, to have so much more available options at (most) breweries.
Tonight I’m working on a couple lactose sours (Tan Lines, a mango/peach/lemonade mix pastry sour, and next up will be Pillow Talk, a raspberry sour) from Pulpit Rock (Decorah, IA). Interestingly we road trip to breweries (usually coinciding with hockey trips) but there are so many locally I still have not visited.
Out of curiosity, what’s the difference between a kettle sour and a pastry sour?
I'm guessing the adjuncts.
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 process is probably the same but the pastry sour will have more sweetness
If you only knew someone who brews beer that could give you a better answer 
The process is probably the same but the pastry sour will have more sweetness
If you only knew someone who brews beer that could give you a better answer
???
Edit: “I don’t know” was the official answer. Some research is required. ?
Speaking of Pastry Sours, Jack Pine just released a Key Lime Pastry Sour, supposed to hit stores next week. I'll prob give it a shot, as I love Key Lime anything, and JP has not made a beer I don't like...
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.
Speaking of Pastry Sours, Jack Pine just released a Key Lime Pastry Sour, supposed to hit stores next week. I'll prob give it a shot, as I love Key Lime anything, and JP has not made a beer I don't like...
We are going to be headed through Baxter is a few weeks so we may stop in there again. We may stop at Portage Brewing as well
I wouldn’t put Jack Pine in my list of Top 10 breweries but I’m with you in that I’ve enjoyed nearly everything I’ve had from JP
The process is probably the same but the pastry sour will have more sweetness
If you only knew someone who brews beer that could give you a better answer
???
Edit: “I don’t know” was the official answer. Some research is required. ?
Is this your first time here? Our answers are always 100% well reasoned and factually correct
Speaking of Pastry Sours, Jack Pine just released a Key Lime Pastry Sour, supposed to hit stores next week. I'll prob give it a shot, as I love Key Lime anything, and JP has not made a beer I don't like...
We are going to be headed through Baxter is a few weeks so we may stop in there again. We may stop at Portage Brewing as well
I wouldn’t put Jack Pine in my list of Top 10 breweries but I’m with you in that I’ve enjoyed nearly everything I’ve had from JP
Agreed on that. They don't even crack the top 15 in MN...off the top of my head, no particular order (groups of 5, simply for spacing/easy reading):
Barrel Theory
Back Channel
Modist
Bent Paddle
Forager
Junkyard
Drastic Measures
Lupulin
LTD
Stacked Deck (although this could change, since their head brewer left recently)
Ineffable
Portage
Blackstack
Schells
Summit
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.
An often forgotten but top for me is Dangerous Man
Went to Bauhaus again yesterday, given it was our wedding anniversary. We were married there (for the great space and great price) and the beer was drinkable at the time. It really isn't now. I couldn't finish my beer. Rube can tell you, it has to be absolutely terrible if I don't finish it. Looking around, it seemed most people there were drinking the hard seltzers. I'll admit those are pretty good if you're into them.
A friend is out in CA for a job, got a case of Bottle Logic (Imperial Stout w/Orange), so I'll be splitting that with him and one other. I am a happy camper.
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 friend is out in CA for a job, got a case of Bottle Logic (Imperial Stout w/Orange), so I'll be splitting that with him and one other. I am a happy camper.
My neighbor brought back a bottle of their imperial with vanilla from a few months ago. He didn’t like it but I loved it
Went out for dinner with friends tonight and they gave me a bottle of Dinner from Maine Brewing to try, I’m super excited to crack that open
I loved their Imp vanilla.
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.
Friend brought in a 1st Anniversary LTD Night Falls (so, 7 years old) today to share.
It. Held. Up.
We were very surprised, but also in total agreement that in another month, this beer is dunzo, and would taste like soy sauce or cardboard. We caught it in time. Given our experiences with verticals and such, we just knew.
Yay, science!
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.
Opened my bottle of Dinner. Pliny the Elder has always been my gold standard for DIPAs and this was even better. It was just incredibly delicious
Anyone been to Cuyuna Brewing? Thinking of stopping by on my way up North tomorrow.
Just want to make sure it isn't a Kinney Creek or something...
We were there a few years ago. I think I had a fruit beer of some sort that was good. I don’t drink much beer so probably can’t say much about the normal fare. But as Brent said, you don’t know til you try!
If you went, how was it?
Stopped by on our way up North for the weekend.
Did a flight of the Crusher IPA, Yawkey Red Ale, Hazy Hopricot IPA and Ranger Strong Pale Ale. All were fine any perfectly drinkable. The Crusher was most enjoyable - hoppy yet crisp and clean - very refreshing for the warm day it was. A nice "standard" IPA and departure from the haze craze. I didn't care for their hazy IPA, it was a little too fruity for me, I think I read they added apricot puree or something, but still wasn't a drain pour.
I wouldn't make the trek up there just for the beer, but certainly worth stopping by if in the area.
Back Channel Empress (mango-raspberry fruited wheat beer).
This really hit the spot given the weather yesterday. Normally, their Empress line (which varies flavors) isn't up my alley, depending on the fruits used, but this one, I actually ordered a second one.
Arclight Brewing BA Hail To The Darkness (double/imperial porter, aged in Heaven Hill barrels).
Got this one from Diesel on here, as a random gift. Pretty solid sipper, and light on the ABV at about 9%, given the style.
Falling Knife Dark Ritual (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate-Covered Cherry Stout with Ghanian & Honduran Cacao and Cherries):
Visited FK a couple weeks ago, it's in the old Northgate Brewing spot. Saw this, and um, YES PLEASE, I WILL BUY A BOTTLE. Sounded amazing, and it lives up to the hype. You get ALL the flavors, very nicely balanced. A little strong at 13.6% ABV, so I think this will be a 4-pour bottle, maybe a 5-pour. Definitely an afternoon commitment.
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 guy in the beer group(s) that I am in found this at Brickside Brewery in Copper Harbor MI, and is really confused as to who put that sticker there. I owned up. Too funny!:
<img class="go2wpf-bbcode" src=" https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5fE64bX0Asu2my?format=jpg&name=larg e" alt="">
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.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
The first pour, pour backwards (the opposite side of the mouth of the can). That's the trick.
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.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
The first pour, pour backwards (the opposite side of the mouth of the can). That's the trick.
I’m usually doing at home so just do in the sink. But slow or fast it still likes to dribble!
Depends on carbonation. I have found some NE IPAs or Hefes still foam up a bit. It's rare, 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.
Depends on carbonation. I have found some NE IPAs or Hefes still foam up a bit. It's rare, though.
Most of the fruit sours I’ve had lately like to foam. Pouring fast reduces spillage but certainly increases foamage!
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
The first pour, pour backwards (the opposite side of the mouth of the can). That's the trick.
Doesn’t even need to be a full pour. A few ounces backwards is usually enough to minimize spillage
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
Use a church key and put a second hole in the can.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
Use a church key and put a second hole in the can.
Never thought of that. Nice!
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.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
Use a church key and put a second hole in the can.
I stab it as well on the other side. The pouring backwards thing seems to make even more of a mess when I do it.
Sunday regulars at LTD Brewing, one of the crew and the owner each brought something to share today. 2015 bottles. They held up over time, although the RIS had about 2-3 months before it was going to turn. You could tell.
<img class="go2wpf-bbcode" src=" https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6DJ-ZwWEAU0aEE?format=jpg&name=larg e" alt="">
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.
Sunday regulars at LTD Brewing, one of the crew and the owner each brought something to share today. 2015 bottles. They held up over time, although the RIS had about 2-3 months before it was going to turn. You could tell.
<img class="go2wpf-bbcode" src=" https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6DJ-ZwWEAU0aEE?format=jpg&name=larg e" alt="">
When you say at LTD and at Ansari's, etc. I didn't think you could drink off-sale things on-site... Especially off-sale from another brewery.
I get the owner was there, so he is probably fine with it. Just wondering if there is any legal ramifications to these, or just places not wanting people doing "Growler races" or something stupid on site.
I am not trying to be a jerk, honestly curious. I've been hassled enough times for a post-game cooler of beers in the parking lot of some local rinks with staff threatening to call the police (STA Arena in particular does not like this it seems, even after 10:00pm men's league games).
It's legal. Think: corking fees, or set-ups, where you bring your own booze in. MOST places don't allow it, b/c they want you to spend your money at their place.
Some places, the owners don't care, b/c they know you are spending your money there to begin with.
Edit: for arenas and stuff, that is liability issues. See also: tailgating. We can't just crack these in the parking lot at random, for instance.
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.
Great day of boozing.
Started at Toppling Goliath. Out of the good stuff (I like) but still a great stop. Worth the drive if you haven’t been. The food is pretty good too.
Next up was Pulpit Rock. They had a strawberrry banana several liked, my faves were guests ciders from Jefferson County.
Harmony Distillery - awesome place if you ever find yourself in southern MN.
Trout City Brewing. I don’t like beer so I tried some guest mead; jalapeño lime was good.
Karst Brewing - I had a good cherry sour.
Forager. Nothing I had I didn’t like. Except by the time we were done I was so full it hurt, luckily that made me not in the mood to spend more money to bring anything home. ?
These lists are always fun to argue about. There’s some very good choices on here as well as horrible ones as well. The MN choice falls into the latter
I’ve actually had 21 of the ones on the list. I’m a little surprised by that
I clicked on that link and so many pop-ups covered my screen I couldn’t even read the story :ddown:
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
I clicked on that link and so many pop-ups covered my screen I couldn’t even read the story :ddown:
Try this one.
Have had Superstition Meadery (excellent; they are in this market now)
Lagunitas: hit or miss
Great Divide: meh
Dogfish Head: gold or crap. Depending on the beer.
Funky Buddha used to be top notch, has fallen over the past couple years
Grand Teton: yawn
Allagash: solid brew
Treehouse: solid brew
Bell's: meh to awesome (depends on the specific brew)
Bent Paddle: best brewery from top to bottom, IMO. They. Don't. Miss.
KC Bier: decent (so a rat's d-hair below solid )
Boiler: Awesome
Drekker: if you like their styles, they are tremendous. If not, they are crap. Depends on your palate. I'm 50-50 on them, just due to flavors....
Lakefront: not hyped, but still overrated a little.
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.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
Use a church key and put a second hole in the can.
Never thought of that. Nice!
Tried this tonight. Never looking back. Changed my life. Thank you, Viking.
Remembering this, I do know that some crowlers are filled to the brim, others have the standard "space" between the lid (so to speak) and the beer itself. Depends on how they can it. If there is a space, pour like normal. No biggie. The brim-filled are the problem children in how to pour. 
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.
This may be better as a dumb question. Am I the only one who finds crowlers (cans) impossible to pour without making a mess??!
Use a church key and put a second hole in the can.
The church key is a beer vendors best friend.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Remembering this, I do know that some crowlers are filled to the brim, others have the standard "space" between the lid (so to speak) and the beer itself. Depends on how they can it. If there is a space, pour like normal. No biggie. The brim-filled are the problem children in how to pour.
The less space the better for keeping it fresh.
A big thanks to melmac and Mr melmac for muling this fine MI beer, and to Viking for holding it for a couple hours until I picked it up. Note: missing from pic is another 5yr vertical + Malted Milk Ball No Rules that I traded for a 2021 Toppling Goliath Assassin. 
<img class="go2wpf-bbcode" src=" https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6h1gQLXEAMT9zJ?format=jpg&name=larg e" alt="">
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.
Had Insight Brewing's Hop Spin tonight per recommendation from a friend. Their beer has always struck me as decent, but not something I would seek out.
Hop Spin is a rotating series according to the text on the can. This one was a triple IPA (second in the series) and was outstanding. Rivals many of Blackstacks TIPA offerings, and that's saying something (to me anyway). I might have to start giving more of their beers a better chance.
Had Insight Brewing's Hop Spin tonight per recommendation from a friend. Their beer has always struck me as decent, but not something I would seek out.
Hop Spin is a rotating series according to the text on the can. This one was a triple IPA (second in the series) and was outstanding. Rivals many of Blackstacks TIPA offerings, and that's saying something (to me anyway). I might have to start giving more of their beers a better chance.
Insight is solid. I'll have to look for that one.
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.
Had Insight Brewing's Hop Spin tonight per recommendation from a friend. Their beer has always struck me as decent, but not something I would seek out.
Hop Spin is a rotating series according to the text on the can. This one was a triple IPA (second in the series) and was outstanding. Rivals many of Blackstacks TIPA offerings, and that's saying something (to me anyway). I might have to start giving more of their beers a better chance.
Insight is solid. I'll have to look for that one.
You know their new head brewer was the head one at Blackstack?
I know there has been a flurry of head brewers going elsewhere, hard to keep track of who went where. Stacked Deck's head brewer went south somewhere, for example....
Thank you for the heads up.
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 there has been a flurry of head brewers going elsewhere, hard to keep track of who went where. Stacked Deck's head brewer went south somewhere, for example....
Thank you for the heads up.
I believe Stacked Deck’s head brewer moved to Blackstack. After that I have no idea who has gone where.
The only reason I know any of this is because people on the one FB beer group I’m in have been complaining about the quality of SD’s IPAs lately