Got Beer?

And yet somehow, Bald Man survives… :conf2:

Someday I’ll get to the southern metro breweries. That’s one part of town we haven’t been to much of

Someday I’ll get to the southern metro breweries. That’s one part of town we haven’t been to much of

I grew up down that way so I’m pretty familiar with them. Giesenbrau in New Prague I am NOT a fan of. Boathouse Brothers in PL started off rough, but they’ve really improved over the last year. Badger Hill I feel has gone downhill lately. I believe they got a new head brewer and their stuff just hasn’t vibed with me lately.

If you can make it all the way down to Montgomery, that one is kind of a gem. Super small taproom, their stouts and porters are really solid.

I will have to check out Boathouse Brothers again. The first time I went a couple of years ago, I wasn’t that impressed. Shakopee Brewhall has some good selections.

Steve nailed it. Barrel and Bad Weather had better beers and locations. Tin didn’t have food options either and will hit up Waldmann on occasion for their beer garden and german food.

Clutch Brewing in Keg and Case in St Paul is thriving due to location, but the beer isn’t mind blowing. Lots of great food options and good location.

Exactly, you can get by with good but not great beer, but your location has to have something else going for it to bring people in. Really good food can easily be that thing.

That didn’t work well for Wayzata Brewworks.

Oh wait, you said they needed to have good beer…

But the boat theme!!!!

Montgomery is solid. Baldman sucks. Dunno about Ineffable (their head brewer is now at Unmapped, which means their beer probably improved, he was an LTD brewer before Ineffable). Only time I ever had Tin Whiskers was at beer fests, and total meh. Never actively bought anything.

Barrel Theory and Bad Weather are very good. I did like Angry Inch (Lakeville?) when I went a couple years ago. Lakeville Brewing was ok, too, but not outstanding.

Someday I’ll get to the southern metro breweries. That’s one part of town we haven’t been to much of

Sounds like a good idea for a GPL outing. We just need a bus to haul us around. @Armadillo – side gig?? GPL brewery tours?

Anybody got a bus they want to donate to the cause? :mrgreen:

We could start with a good base at Ansari’s…..just saying.

Someday I’ll get to the southern metro breweries. That’s one part of town we haven’t been to much of

Sounds like a good idea for a GPL outing. We just need a bus to haul us around. @Armadillo – side gig?? GPL brewery tours?

Anybody got a bus they want to donate to the cause? :mrgreen:

Knowing this gang of misfits he’s require us to ride in a short bus

You fine gentlemen have given me an excuse to swing by Bad Weather on the way home today

Glad to help :beerchug:

Bad Wearher is a great stop if you’re going to something at the X

Boulevard brewery in Kansas City worth stopping at?

I haven’t been to the brewery but their beer is very good

You fine gentlemen have given me an excuse to swing by Bad Weather on the way home today

Glad to help :beerchug:

Bad Wearher is a great stop if you’re going to something at the X

It’s on my way home from work. I should see if I can open an account

Far From the Tree cider tap house in Salem, Mass. If you like cider and have a vehicle while out in Boston, highly recommend.

We also hit up Backbeat brewing in Beverly. The Cuban and pulled pork sandwiches we had were great. Reports are the beer was good; I had their hard “tonics” which were way too syrupy sweet and not what you expect for seltzer.

Also some music – two old dudes playing drums and keyboard. (When I say old, I mean 60 ish. )

Had a Citrus Got Real from 56 Brewing. I found it very good. If you like citrus and blood orange in particular this one works.

Also had a Mating Ritual which is a Blackstack/Ology double or triple IPA. It was 10% but did not drink like 10%. Felt like it an hour later though.

Nine Mile ran out of one of their IPAs opening weekend. It was THAT crowded.

Picked up a 2016 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy (silo can) this past weekend. It is so much in the sweet spot it’s sick. It was a 3 hour pour (to riff Gilligan’s Island).

I’ve heard good things.

STILL no opening date on Bear Cave in Hopkins. Not a surprise.

LTD is re-doing their bar, so closed for about 4 days starting Easter Sunday (will be open for to-go orders).

For those familiar with Perrin Brewing’s No Rules BA Vietnamese Porter, today was their release date. I’m loaded for bear. (They allow proxies and thanks to Mr And Mrs Melmac…)

4 x No Rules 2022 Orange Chocolate

4 x No Rules 2020 Mango Chili Variant

4 x No Rules 2022

3 x No Rules 5-Bottle Suitcase (5 year vertical)

Dad was kind enough to bring me home a few different stouts from Trillium while at the FF. Looking forward to trying them

As a group, we had three of those stouts, two barrel aged, one Collab.

All three were phenomenal

Dad was kind enough to bring me home a few different stouts from Trillium while at the FF. Looking forward to trying them

As a group, we had three of those stouts, two barrel aged, one Collab.

All three were phenomenal

Interestingly enough none of the 3 you had were available to go. Dad picked up a bottle of one of their ‘Endless’ series (vanilla variant), Night and Day (a coffee imperial) and the Barrel Aged Almond Cake.

@The Rube – do you have any idea how busy the Forager bottle releases are now that they’ve gone back away from their lottery drawings? My neighbor and I are going to try and get some Nillerzzz on the 30th and I’m trying to figure out how early in the morning we’ll need to leave. We’re thinking about trying to get there by 8am.

I just saw that announcement. From what I HEAR, the flippers are basically gone, but 8am might still be too late. I think my target time will be 5am. So I either get up WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY early, or just leave after work Fri and sleep a little in my car after establishing my place in line,

(which I have done before). IIRC, 5-6am was about the cutoff time for the last “line ride” they had, to be guaranteed all the bottles. Don’t quote me, though.

This vanilla bean-based release? I’m so in.

I like to drink about 4-6oz of that Hammerheart beer, and that’s it. I agree it’s way over the top. They need to can the Dublin Raid again. That beer is phenomenal.

And undecided about Forager, I’ve been having second thoughts. I bought 29 bottles from Perrin’s No Rules release for about twice the cost that Forager is charging for 6 bottles…while I LOVE Forager (and this particular release is really appealing to me)…do I really want to drop that dough (and time) for it?

The Rube wrote:

https://beerdabbler.com/bear-cave-brewing-adds-an-upscale-self-pour-brewpub-to-downtown-hopkins/ And they expect tips? LOLOLOLOL. I’m not setting a foot into that place, nor spending a single cent to support this hogwash. From the sounds of it, I can’t even order food (unless I maybe call in an order, and I don’t know if that’s even an option).

I’m not sure where you are seeing in that linked article that you can’t order food.   It looks like a lot of other restaurants around town where you can order via a QR code and have food delivered to your table.   I’ll bet they even have people that will give people with older phones a real menu.

I’ll give them a shot at some point since it’s close by but I’ll wait until they have something other than IPAs on tap.

davescharf wrote:

I went down to the Nillerzzz release at Forager today. Ended up getting there about 6:30am and there were only about 30 people in line. I don’t know if the rain kept people away or if it’s “big beer release fatigue” but the line never even left the Forager parking lot. A few people in line by us commented they’ve never seen it that short. Once the rain stopped around 8:30 there was a lot more beer sharing and socialization going on. Once we got our bottles I ordered a Nillerzzz and one of the other stouts they sold today. Nillerzzz is still one of the best beers made in MN (in my opinion) and the other was excellent.

1. I can’t order food at Bear Cave, b/c no smart phone.
2. I skipped Forager, I have another big beer deal in the works, plus didn’t know when I had to get to Forager, etc.
3. 30? Jesus. I know the Flippers are pretty much gone, but wow. That is an incredibly short line. The big beer prices could be a factor, also.

davescharf wrote:

The Rube wrote:

davescharf wrote:

I went down to the Nillerzzz release at Forager today. Ended up getting there about 6:30am and there were only about 30 people in line. I don’t know if the rain kept people away or if it’s “big beer release fatigue” but the line never even left the Forager parking lot. A few people in line by us commented they’ve never seen it that short. Once the rain stopped around 8:30 there was a lot more beer sharing and socialization going on. Once we got our bottles I ordered a Nillerzzz and one of the other stouts they sold today. Nillerzzz is still one of the best beers made in MN (in my opinion) and the other was excellent.

1. I can’t order food at Bear Cave, b/c no smart phone.
2. I skipped Forager, I have another big beer deal in the works, plus didn’t know when I had to get to Forager, etc.
3. 30? Jesus. I know the Flippers are pretty much gone, but wow. That is an incredibly short line. The big beer prices could be a factor, also.

Yeah, those bottles weren’t cheap so that could be part of it too. The guys in front of me were buying Lord Humungous while in line then going to the NB Liquor Barrel for their bourbon raffle. That had to be a really expensive day for them.

I’ll wait a year or two, and watch as the “Need To Clean Out My Cellar” sales pop up (which is actually the reason for the big beer deal I’m working on). :D Or, most likely, those Foragers and LH will show up at a bottle share. :)

Chill Kessel wrote:

Water Pipes by BlackStack is pretty good if you’re an IPA fan. If you aren’t, stay away from BlackStack. They make a ton of good IPAs.

Was just there yesterday (along with Barrel Theory). Water Pipes is indeed a DANK IPA, so not really to my taste. Quality, but too much bitterness for me. I like me some hazies, though.

Note: BT still has a ton of their Nocturnal Empire, a barrel aged stout w/Pistachio, Peanut Butter, Marshmallow, and Cacao. It was on tap and in bottles, had the short pour and bought a bottle. Excellent beer.

Chill Kessel wrote:

BlackStack is a definite niche brewery in my eyes. They do a good job in their wheelhouse, but I totally get that many people won’t like it

Before it burned, the liquor store I was at always got the new BlackStack IPAs in, and we’d crack a can to test it out. More often than not, they were darn good. They rock the hazys, whether it be single, double, or triple. Always smooth.

Yes, when it comes to Barrel Theory or BlackStack, get ready for IPAs or sours. BT does do stouts well, but that is not their focus. Definitely not BlackStack’s.

Hit up Ansari’s today, met up with a guy for a beer sale. They had Junkyard’s Nilla Beast (Imperial Stout) on tap. Holy hannah was that delicious. A decent price, too: 10 oz at $7/pour. They also had Toppling Goliath 2021 Assassin on tap, 4oz for $15 (which is smack dab in the middle of retail/secondary pricing; I have a bottle of that, so I passed), and Forager 2021 Nillerzzzz,  8oz for $14 (IIRC, just checked the menu, and apparently it’s tapped out since I was there today, lol).

davescharf wrote:

The Rube wrote:

Hit up Ansari’s today, met up with a guy for a beer sale. They had Junkyard’s Nilla Beast (Imperial Stout) on tap. Holy hannah was that delicious. A decent price, too: 10 oz at $7/pour. They also had Toppling Goliath 2021 Assassin on tap, 4oz for $15 (which is smack dab in the middle of retail/secondary pricing; I have a bottle of that, so I passed), and Forager 2021 Nillerzzzz, 8oz for $14 (IIRC, just checked the menu, and apparently it’s tapped out since I was there today, lol).

nillerzzz was gone by the time we got there. I nearly got the Nilla Beast but opted for something easier drinking since we’d been out all afternoon in the sun

The Nillerzzzz was a narrow window, then, I left at about 3ish. I guess that follows the pattern of the big beers there. Blink, and it could disappear.

It’s still got to pass the Senate which is a much iffier proposition.

Bigbeer wrote:

Gopherguy05 wrote:

It’s still got to pass the Senate which is a much iffier proposition.

But a similar version already passed the Senate and they are early in the session, there’s plenty of time

Have you watched the Minnesota legislature recently?

I’ll be happy if it happens but cooperation and common sense from anyone over there is not a common trait.

Bigbeer wrote:

Gopherguy05 wrote:

It’s still got to pass the Senate which is a much iffier proposition.

But a similar version already passed the Senate and they are early in the session, there’s plenty of time

Like I said…

NEW: #mnleg negotiators have struck a deal on liquor law changes.

It allows small breweries and distillers to sell more product at taprooms.

At first reading, a House provision allowing growler sales at large brewers isn’t included.https://t.co/LPjayGnoyW

— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) May 19, 2022

In: Town Team Baseball teams can get licenses to sell strong beer

In: bars can be open extended hours for World Cup games

Out: an industry council that would decide future changes

— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) May 19, 2022

• This reply was modified 3 days, 14 hours ago by Gopherguy05.

Gopherguy05 wrote:

Bigbeer wrote:

Gopherguy05 wrote:

It’s still got to pass the Senate which is a much iffier proposition.

But a similar version already passed the Senate and they are early in the session, there’s plenty of time

Like I said…

<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>NEW: #mnleg negotiators have struck a deal on liquor law changes. It allows small breweries and distillers to sell more product at taprooms. At first reading, a House provision allowing growler sales at large brewers isn’t included.https://t.co/LPjayGnoyW — Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) May 19, 2022</p>

<script async=”” src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js&#8221; charset=”utf-8″></script>

<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>In: Town Team Baseball teams can get licenses to sell strong beer In: bars can be open extended hours for World Cup games Out: an industry council that would decide future changes — Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) May 19, 2022</p>

<script async=”” src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js&#8221; charset=”utf-8″></script>

I said it would pass, I didn’t say what would be in it. Leave it to MN to take out the most important stuff for no reason but hey everyone can drink in bars at 5AM every 4 years.

It’s 50K barrels, though, so I think that would still omit Surly/Schell’s/Summit, but would let Castle Danger/Fulton proceed.

The formerly mentioned 3 don’t really need that option, IMO. I don’t think they are worried about it. The other on-site selling options might be enticing to them, though.

davescharf wrote:

The Rube wrote:

It’s 50K barrels, though, so I think that would still omit Surly/Schell’s/Summit, but would let Castle Danger/Fulton proceed. The formerly mentioned 3 don’t really need that option, IMO. I don’t think they are worried about it. The other on-site selling options might be enticing to them, though.

the agreed upon bill is 150k, not 50K

150? Damn!

I still stand by my statement. I think Surly/Summit/Schell’s distro swagger is too strong to worry about growlers. That’s a lot of pre-filling. None of them would do it “on-demand” like some breweries still do.

• This reply was modified 3 days, 6 hours ago by The Rube.

davescharf wrote:

The Rube wrote:

davescharf wrote:

The Rube wrote:

It’s 50K barrels, though, so I think that would still omit Surly/Schell’s/Summit, but would let Castle Danger/Fulton proceed. The formerly mentioned 3 don’t really need that option, IMO. I don’t think they are worried about it. The other on-site selling options might be enticing to them, though.

the agreed upon bill is 150k, not 50K

150? Damn! I still stand by my statement. I think Surly/Summit/Schell’s distro swagger is too strong to worry about growlers. That’s a lot of pre-filling. None of them would do it “on-demand” like some breweries still do.

Maybe not but the fact they can if they want is a good thing. I’m happier about buying smaller packaging direct at breweries. It’s nice you can buy 750ml spirits now but I kind of like the 375s. We don’t drink a ton of spirits so the smaller bottles are nice

The 4pks/6pks? The MN “S” breweries will be all about that.

How many places even sell actual “growlers” anymore?  The hubby always tries to collect them when we travel and go to breweries – out in Maine and Boston at the FF we struck out everywhere we went.

Can crowlers are pretty much the only option in many places nowadays.

(although it’s not a huge travesty seeing as there are already several hundred growlers on the property).  😂

Had our annual Bottle Share Day today. Lots of good ribs, and when the first bottle cracked is a Forager Nillerzzzz…yeah, that’s a good day.

Just learned last night of Bricksworth brewing in Burnsville.  Grabbed some pizzas from there for dinner and am having one of their fruit sours.  All very good.  It is a neat and pretty big space, tucked in a business strip mall type area.

I could almost walk there from my work….