Cowbell Cream Ale
Urban Growler
Few things are as quintessentially Minnesotan as mowing the lawn on a hot summer day, which makes this pitch-perfect take on the classic “lawnmower” beer all the more refreshing. St Paul’s Urban Growler has been making this flagship American Cream Ale (often a cleanly-fermented ale conditioned to mimic the smooth flavors of a lager) since the day they opened in 2014. A sweet, doughy aroma laced with just a touch of flaked corn yields a wonderfully soft sip balanced by just the right amount of bitterness. Feel free to reach for another, the leaves will be falling soon after all.
Urban Growler
Few things are as quintessentially Minnesotan as mowing the lawn on a hot summer day, which makes this pitch-perfect take on the classic “lawnmower” beer all the more refreshing. St Paul’s Urban Growler has been making this flagship American Cream Ale (often a cleanly-fermented ale conditioned to mimic the smooth flavors of a lager) since the day they opened in 2014. A sweet, doughy aroma laced with just a touch of flaked corn yields a wonderfully soft sip balanced by just the right amount of bitterness. Feel free to reach for another, the leaves will be falling soon after all.
14 Degree ESB
Bent Paddle Brewing
Bent Paddle’s 14 Degree Amber Ale (or ESB as we affectionately like to refer to it) is the Queen’s biscuit with a touch of marmalade. Toasted sweet bread and toffee are rounded out with pine and orange citrus flavors. This dry-hopped ESB has won numerous GABF awards and for good reason. Bent Paddle has been producing consistent and high-quality beers since 2013. We feel this earthy beer is a welcomed companion to the end of summer and a nod to the cooler temps ahead. Please enjoy.
Bent Paddle Brewing
Bent Paddle’s 14 Degree Amber Ale (or ESB as we affectionately like to refer to it) is the Queen’s biscuit with a touch of marmalade. Toasted sweet bread and toffee are rounded out with pine and orange citrus flavors. This dry-hopped ESB has won numerous GABF awards and for good reason. Bent Paddle has been producing consistent and high-quality beers since 2013. We feel this earthy beer is a welcomed companion to the end of summer and a nod to the cooler temps ahead. Please enjoy.
300
Fulton Brewing
This “West-Coast” inspired American IPA is heavily brewed with “Mosaic” hops, named after the complexity of their tropical (mango, stone fruit, lime) and berry-like (blueberry) flavors. In our opinion, this is a shining example of a well made American IPA showcasing this darling hop. The aroma alone could win awards. It is balanced beautifully with Pilsner malt helping to lend a certain depth and a touch of honey character to the beer. Fulton Brewery has been creating since 2009, but this may just be their Mosaic masterpiece.
Fulton Brewing
This “West-Coast” inspired American IPA is heavily brewed with “Mosaic” hops, named after the complexity of their tropical (mango, stone fruit, lime) and berry-like (blueberry) flavors. In our opinion, this is a shining example of a well made American IPA showcasing this darling hop. The aroma alone could win awards. It is balanced beautifully with Pilsner malt helping to lend a certain depth and a touch of honey character to the beer. Fulton Brewery has been creating since 2009, but this may just be their Mosaic masterpiece.
B-Side Pils
Indeed Brewing
Your parents may have grown up drinking mass market “pilsners” but boy have the times changed. The delicate, simple nature of authentic German-style Pils leaves little margin for error for any brewer, but makes successes like this straw golden beauty from Indeed Brewing in NE Minneapolis even more rewarding. Decisive bitterness from spicy, hay-like Noble German hops mix with just a touch of American-influenced citrus character. The crackery maltiness lends just enough balance to even out your sip. Just like your favorite beers in Munich, B-Side is naturally carbonated to lend a soft, delicate mouthfeel. Prost!
Indeed Brewing
Your parents may have grown up drinking mass market “pilsners” but boy have the times changed. The delicate, simple nature of authentic German-style Pils leaves little margin for error for any brewer, but makes successes like this straw golden beauty from Indeed Brewing in NE Minneapolis even more rewarding. Decisive bitterness from spicy, hay-like Noble German hops mix with just a touch of American-influenced citrus character. The crackery maltiness lends just enough balance to even out your sip. Just like your favorite beers in Munich, B-Side is naturally carbonated to lend a soft, delicate mouthfeel. Prost!
Sun Pillar
Bad Weather Brewing
Oftentimes the best beers in Minnesota are a showcase for the broad spectrum of hop and malt flavors, but the folks at Bad Weather Brewing in St. Paul are happy to let yeast be the star of the show in this beautiful rendition of an underappreciated style. Belgian Blonde ales are dominated by the full-range of complex yeast esters and phenols, with this one lending notes of spicy cardamom and bubble-gum. A beer this complex could easily come in a high-alcohol format, but at just 5 percent ABV, you can have a second.
Bad Weather Brewing
Oftentimes the best beers in Minnesota are a showcase for the broad spectrum of hop and malt flavors, but the folks at Bad Weather Brewing in St. Paul are happy to let yeast be the star of the show in this beautiful rendition of an underappreciated style. Belgian Blonde ales are dominated by the full-range of complex yeast esters and phenols, with this one lending notes of spicy cardamom and bubble-gum. A beer this complex could easily come in a high-alcohol format, but at just 5 percent ABV, you can have a second.
Size 7
Steel Toe Size Brewing
Steel Toe Brewing in St. Louis Park has been turning out consistently high-quality beers in modest, blue-collar fashion since they opened their doors in 2011. The Size 7 American IPA was the first beer they ever made, and it’s become an icon of Minnesota’s well-regarded hoppy beer scene. Bursting with classic Northwest American hops, bright flavors of floral citrus zest and grapefruit fill your nose before the assertive grip of bitterness takes hold on your palate and lingers through the dry finish. A beer this bold stands up to all your fried State Fair favorites—time for another pronto pup!
Steel Toe Size Brewing
Steel Toe Brewing in St. Louis Park has been turning out consistently high-quality beers in modest, blue-collar fashion since they opened their doors in 2011. The Size 7 American IPA was the first beer they ever made, and it’s become an icon of Minnesota’s well-regarded hoppy beer scene. Bursting with classic Northwest American hops, bright flavors of floral citrus zest and grapefruit fill your nose before the assertive grip of bitterness takes hold on your palate and lingers through the dry finish. A beer this bold stands up to all your fried State Fair favorites—time for another pronto pup!
Peanut Butter Porter
Dangerous Man Brewing Co.
You can’t have a discussion about craft beer in Minnesota without including Dangerous Man Brewing in NE Minneapolis. And you can’t discuss Dangerous Man beer without including their Peanut Butter Porter. This beer encompasses the spirit of the craft beer renaissance in the US, taking a classic old-world style and reimagining it with a fusion of new flavors. Few flavors marry as well as peanut butter and chocolate. Take that recipe, add a hint of toasted wafer, bitter cacao and roasty coffee, and put it into a beer with an impressively-dry finish and you have a recipe for one of the best beers made in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Dangerous Man Brewing Co.
You can’t have a discussion about craft beer in Minnesota without including Dangerous Man Brewing in NE Minneapolis. And you can’t discuss Dangerous Man beer without including their Peanut Butter Porter. This beer encompasses the spirit of the craft beer renaissance in the US, taking a classic old-world style and reimagining it with a fusion of new flavors. Few flavors marry as well as peanut butter and chocolate. Take that recipe, add a hint of toasted wafer, bitter cacao and roasty coffee, and put it into a beer with an impressively-dry finish and you have a recipe for one of the best beers made in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Roselle
Fair State Brewing
It’s tart. It’s refreshing. It’s pink! This Fair State fave has become one of the new classics for sour beers in Minnesota. Lactobacillus (the probiotic found in yogurt) takes a very nice golden ale and builds a canvas of tart lemon and soft cream flavors upon which an addition of hibiscus paints a complex picture of soft fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Perfect afternoon sipper by the lake or to pair with lighter fare, such as an arugula salad with strawberries and feta. Drink pink!
Fair State Brewing
It’s tart. It’s refreshing. It’s pink! This Fair State fave has become one of the new classics for sour beers in Minnesota. Lactobacillus (the probiotic found in yogurt) takes a very nice golden ale and builds a canvas of tart lemon and soft cream flavors upon which an addition of hibiscus paints a complex picture of soft fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Perfect afternoon sipper by the lake or to pair with lighter fare, such as an arugula salad with strawberries and feta. Drink pink!
Firebrick
August Schell Brewing
When you’ve been brewing since before prohibition, you tend to get some things right. Schell’s is no stranger to world-class beers and Firebrick is a perfect example of their. Built on generations of German tradition right here in Minnesota, Firebrick embodies the class and art of lager brewing. This multi-award-winning Vienna-style amber lager features a complex toasted malt backbone, subtle use of herbal hops, and perfectly-clean fermentation. Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason.
August Schell Brewing
When you’ve been brewing since before prohibition, you tend to get some things right. Schell’s is no stranger to world-class beers and Firebrick is a perfect example of their. Built on generations of German tradition right here in Minnesota, Firebrick embodies the class and art of lager brewing. This multi-award-winning Vienna-style amber lager features a complex toasted malt backbone, subtle use of herbal hops, and perfectly-clean fermentation. Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason.
Lucy
Indeed Brewing
While this beer may not be floating in the sky with diamonds, it’s perfect for floating down the river with friends or as a nice addition to your off-hand in a game of corn hole. With citrus and soft fruit flavors, a light body, and only 4.2% abv, it’s a no-brainer to pick up on the way to the lake. Lucy pairs great with barbecue, hot dogs, and anything else you cook outdoors. Lucy, I’m home!
Indeed Brewing
While this beer may not be floating in the sky with diamonds, it’s perfect for floating down the river with friends or as a nice addition to your off-hand in a game of corn hole. With citrus and soft fruit flavors, a light body, and only 4.2% abv, it’s a no-brainer to pick up on the way to the lake. Lucy pairs great with barbecue, hot dogs, and anything else you cook outdoors. Lucy, I’m home!
Hefeweizen
Utepils Brewing
Finding the perfectly-balanced hefeweizen is somewhat of an odyssey for true fans of this German wheat style. It’s a true art to create balanced subtle and delicate flavors of banana and clove while also putting the complex malt flavors of both barley and wheat on display. In Utepils’ freshmen year, they have created their version which hits a homerun out of the gates. With an ethereal balance between malt and fermentation combined with a clean, biscuity finish, you’ll find you reach the bottom of your glass faster than you’d expected.
Utepils Brewing
Finding the perfectly-balanced hefeweizen is somewhat of an odyssey for true fans of this German wheat style. It’s a true art to create balanced subtle and delicate flavors of banana and clove while also putting the complex malt flavors of both barley and wheat on display. In Utepils’ freshmen year, they have created their version which hits a homerun out of the gates. With an ethereal balance between malt and fermentation combined with a clean, biscuity finish, you’ll find you reach the bottom of your glass faster than you’d expected.
Sunken City
Insight Brewing
The suggestion of putting wine and beer in the same glass and then drinking it may sound absurd, but that’s exactly what makes this beer unique. This fusion is a classic farmhouse saison brewed with Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the synergy of which creates a wonderful beer. The beer features soft, grassy malt flavors with lemon, tart apple, and pear notes from the yeast. The complexity and light profile make it a great food pairing for almost anything!
Insight Brewing
The suggestion of putting wine and beer in the same glass and then drinking it may sound absurd, but that’s exactly what makes this beer unique. This fusion is a classic farmhouse saison brewed with Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the synergy of which creates a wonderful beer. The beer features soft, grassy malt flavors with lemon, tart apple, and pear notes from the yeast. The complexity and light profile make it a great food pairing for almost anything!
Oktoberfest
Summit Brewing
The summer is almost in the rear-view mirror, but your consolation prize is the release of autumn beers. Thanks to Summit Brewing, you don’t need a plane ticket and translation book to experience the historic Märzen style for yourself. While you’re having cheese curds and pretzels right here in Minnesota, don’t forget your Oktoberfest. Summit Oktoberfest features a rich and malty backbone with flavors of toasted bread and bread crust. Delicate use of German hops season the beer with herbal aromas before the dry finish. (Lederhosen optional)
Summit Brewing
The summer is almost in the rear-view mirror, but your consolation prize is the release of autumn beers. Thanks to Summit Brewing, you don’t need a plane ticket and translation book to experience the historic Märzen style for yourself. While you’re having cheese curds and pretzels right here in Minnesota, don’t forget your Oktoberfest. Summit Oktoberfest features a rich and malty backbone with flavors of toasted bread and bread crust. Delicate use of German hops season the beer with herbal aromas before the dry finish. (Lederhosen optional)
Cold Press Black
Bent Paddle Brewing
Few things are as satisfying in the Northland as a morning by the lake in an adirondack chair and a mug full of your favorite coffee—but why stop there? This ridiculously creamy black ale (courtesy of a hefty addition of oats) from Duluth’s Bent Paddle is comfortable at your campsite or your brunch table. It’s bursting with smooth, chocolatey roasted flavors that serve as the perfect bridge to the cold press coffee from Duluth Coffee Company that gets blended in. The ultimate pick me up for State Fair early birds who are up with the roosters!
Bent Paddle Brewing
Few things are as satisfying in the Northland as a morning by the lake in an adirondack chair and a mug full of your favorite coffee—but why stop there? This ridiculously creamy black ale (courtesy of a hefty addition of oats) from Duluth’s Bent Paddle is comfortable at your campsite or your brunch table. It’s bursting with smooth, chocolatey roasted flavors that serve as the perfect bridge to the cold press coffee from Duluth Coffee Company that gets blended in. The ultimate pick me up for State Fair early birds who are up with the roosters!
Xtra-Citra
Surly Brewing
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the “Citra” hop is an absolute favorite among hop heads in America. With fresh grapefruit and melon zest, as well as some slight muskiness, lime, and tropical fruit flavors…it’s no wonder this hop gets used so often, which to be fair, can grow tiresome…unless, of course, that beer is Xtra-Citra from Surly Brewing Co. Their unique blend of honey malt and oats give this beer just enough balance at a sessionable 4.5%, and my friends, this is one delicious thirst-quencher you’ll immediately want another of.
Surly Brewing
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the “Citra” hop is an absolute favorite among hop heads in America. With fresh grapefruit and melon zest, as well as some slight muskiness, lime, and tropical fruit flavors…it’s no wonder this hop gets used so often, which to be fair, can grow tiresome…unless, of course, that beer is Xtra-Citra from Surly Brewing Co. Their unique blend of honey malt and oats give this beer just enough balance at a sessionable 4.5%, and my friends, this is one delicious thirst-quencher you’ll immediately want another of.
Heliotropic
Indeed Brewing
In 5 short years, Indeed Brewing Co. has become a respected powerhouse in the MN beer scene, especially with its patient and thoughtful Wooden Soul barrel program. Heliotrope was their first offering (of many) in this terrific series. This Brett Saison has been aged in oak barrels with 3 unique yeast strains imparting soft black pepper notes along with pineapple, lemon peel, white grape and a musky/earthiness that plays so well with its grassy and herbal hop character that you’ll probably want some alone time to explore this beer. Pro Tip: Ye Old Mill is right around the corner.
Indeed Brewing
In 5 short years, Indeed Brewing Co. has become a respected powerhouse in the MN beer scene, especially with its patient and thoughtful Wooden Soul barrel program. Heliotrope was their first offering (of many) in this terrific series. This Brett Saison has been aged in oak barrels with 3 unique yeast strains imparting soft black pepper notes along with pineapple, lemon peel, white grape and a musky/earthiness that plays so well with its grassy and herbal hop character that you’ll probably want some alone time to explore this beer. Pro Tip: Ye Old Mill is right around the corner.
Three Hour Tour
Town Hall Brewery
If there was ever a walking tour of the Minnesota’s beer renaissance, Town Hall Brewery would be the meet up point. Since 1997, this West Bank institution has cranked out more award-winning beer—and launched more brewing careers—than any other brewery in the state. One of their most sought after seasonal releases, Three Hour Tour is a unique spin on a traditional English-style milk stout. The addition of unfermentable lactose sugar gives this otherwise light-bodied stout an extra shot of weight in your mouth—just the thing needed to let the star of the show—toasted coconut—shine through. You’ll swear you just landed at the Fair’s coolest new dessert booth.
Town Hall Brewery
If there was ever a walking tour of the Minnesota’s beer renaissance, Town Hall Brewery would be the meet up point. Since 1997, this West Bank institution has cranked out more award-winning beer—and launched more brewing careers—than any other brewery in the state. One of their most sought after seasonal releases, Three Hour Tour is a unique spin on a traditional English-style milk stout. The addition of unfermentable lactose sugar gives this otherwise light-bodied stout an extra shot of weight in your mouth—just the thing needed to let the star of the show—toasted coconut—shine through. You’ll swear you just landed at the Fair’s coolest new dessert booth.
White IPA
Badger Hill Brewing
Minnesota has gained a reputation for innovation in brewery models, which thankfully has given us Badger Hill Brewing. Now based in Shakopee, Badger Hill got their start sharing space and equipment with Lucid Brewing and Bad Weather Brewing as part of a unique alternating-proprietorship arrangement in Minnetonka. Our favorite is this uniquely American take on a Belgian witbier. The award-winning White IPA is loaded with wheat, coriander and orange zest—but also loads of tropical hops and spicy bitterness. The interplay of yeast and hop flavors are perfect.
Badger Hill Brewing
Minnesota has gained a reputation for innovation in brewery models, which thankfully has given us Badger Hill Brewing. Now based in Shakopee, Badger Hill got their start sharing space and equipment with Lucid Brewing and Bad Weather Brewing as part of a unique alternating-proprietorship arrangement in Minnetonka. Our favorite is this uniquely American take on a Belgian witbier. The award-winning White IPA is loaded with wheat, coriander and orange zest—but also loads of tropical hops and spicy bitterness. The interplay of yeast and hop flavors are perfect.
Hooey
Lupulin Brewing
For hopheads, it’s pretty easy to wander around places like NE Minneapolis and not have to worry about ordering a good IPA, but when it turns out that some of the very best hoppy beer in the state is getting cranked out of a strip mall near Big Lake, that’s the kind of thing that opens up that ride-sharing app on your phone really quick. In just two short years, Lupulin Brewing has staked its claim as a leader in the new school of hazy, “juicy” IPAs that showcase tropical and stone fruit flavors. If you’re lucky enough to find Hooey at your local store, well, celebrate with a Hooey.
Lupulin Brewing
For hopheads, it’s pretty easy to wander around places like NE Minneapolis and not have to worry about ordering a good IPA, but when it turns out that some of the very best hoppy beer in the state is getting cranked out of a strip mall near Big Lake, that’s the kind of thing that opens up that ride-sharing app on your phone really quick. In just two short years, Lupulin Brewing has staked its claim as a leader in the new school of hazy, “juicy” IPAs that showcase tropical and stone fruit flavors. If you’re lucky enough to find Hooey at your local store, well, celebrate with a Hooey.
Fort Road Helles
August Schell Brewing
As we celebrate agriculture and local farming at this year’s State Fair, there might not be a beer (or brewery) more deeply rooted in Minnesota than August Schell Brewing Co. and this Helles-style German pale lager. Over three years in the making, this beer uses 100% locally grown barley 15 miles from the nation’s 2nd oldest brewery, you can expect a mildly-sweet, bready and grainy malt character upfront with a soft/delicate mouthfeel, alongside a hint of spicy herbal hops to accompany. Raise a glass and cheers to local barley. We’re lucky to have August Schell’s in our backyard.
August Schell Brewing
As we celebrate agriculture and local farming at this year’s State Fair, there might not be a beer (or brewery) more deeply rooted in Minnesota than August Schell Brewing Co. and this Helles-style German pale lager. Over three years in the making, this beer uses 100% locally grown barley 15 miles from the nation’s 2nd oldest brewery, you can expect a mildly-sweet, bready and grainy malt character upfront with a soft/delicate mouthfeel, alongside a hint of spicy herbal hops to accompany. Raise a glass and cheers to local barley. We’re lucky to have August Schell’s in our backyard.
Keller Pils
Summit Brewing
Ahh, yes, Keller Pils. Perhaps the most widely acclaimed beer release from Summit Brewing Co. in years, this German-style pilsener is a beauty. Grassy, spicy, and melon-like fruity hop character dance around specialty malts that give this beer an exceptional honey-sweet malt character and a mouthfeel rounder than most Minnesotans will feel once they leave the fair. Our hats off to an exceptional pioneer brewery in Minnesota, who made one hell of a beer. #SKOL
Summit Brewing
Ahh, yes, Keller Pils. Perhaps the most widely acclaimed beer release from Summit Brewing Co. in years, this German-style pilsener is a beauty. Grassy, spicy, and melon-like fruity hop character dance around specialty malts that give this beer an exceptional honey-sweet malt character and a mouthfeel rounder than most Minnesotans will feel once they leave the fair. Our hats off to an exceptional pioneer brewery in Minnesota, who made one hell of a beer. #SKOL
Leaf Raker Nut Brown Ale
Mankato Brewery
There’s that moment every year sometime between the mosquito-infested dog days of summer and yet another short, grey winter afternoon where you realize that fall is the best season in Minnesota. The air is crisp and the leaves are colorful, and the only thing between you and an evening fire pit is a rake. Fortunately, Mankato Brewing has crafted your perfect companion, this robust take on a traditional nut brown ale is a powerhouse of toasted, caramel, nutty and roasted malt flavors. There’s even a whiff of smoke fit for the always too short season we take for granted.
Mankato Brewery
There’s that moment every year sometime between the mosquito-infested dog days of summer and yet another short, grey winter afternoon where you realize that fall is the best season in Minnesota. The air is crisp and the leaves are colorful, and the only thing between you and an evening fire pit is a rake. Fortunately, Mankato Brewing has crafted your perfect companion, this robust take on a traditional nut brown ale is a powerhouse of toasted, caramel, nutty and roasted malt flavors. There’s even a whiff of smoke fit for the always too short season we take for granted.
Hoops Stout # 88
Hoops Brewing
Dave Hoops has been an institution in North Shore brewing for more than 20 years. Now, with his own beautiful space in Canal Park in Duluth, Hoops has assembled a team of seasoned brewing pros who are turning an eye to executing classic styles with finesse. Hoops Stout (#88) is a great example of an American-style stout with prominent roast and baking chocolate character. Unlike breweries that like to package these flavors in high ABV beers, Hoops Stout is eminently drinkable.
Hoops Brewing
Dave Hoops has been an institution in North Shore brewing for more than 20 years. Now, with his own beautiful space in Canal Park in Duluth, Hoops has assembled a team of seasoned brewing pros who are turning an eye to executing classic styles with finesse. Hoops Stout (#88) is a great example of an American-style stout with prominent roast and baking chocolate character. Unlike breweries that like to package these flavors in high ABV beers, Hoops Stout is eminently drinkable.
Country Mile Kolsch
Take 16 Brewing Company
The session beer craze that has swept the beer market in the last few years has seemed like a breath of fresh air in a world of IPAs and barrel-aged beers, but the Germans have been brewing session styles like Kolsch for hundreds of years. Take 16 Brewing in Luverne has shown a deft hand in producing their Country Mile Kolsch, a delicate take on a style that requires skillfulness to produce a crisp beer that evenly favors malt and hop character. A subtle fruit note from the fermentation transports you straight to Cologne.
Take 16 Brewing Company
The session beer craze that has swept the beer market in the last few years has seemed like a breath of fresh air in a world of IPAs and barrel-aged beers, but the Germans have been brewing session styles like Kolsch for hundreds of years. Take 16 Brewing in Luverne has shown a deft hand in producing their Country Mile Kolsch, a delicate take on a style that requires skillfulness to produce a crisp beer that evenly favors malt and hop character. A subtle fruit note from the fermentation transports you straight to Cologne.
Ripple
Beaver Island Brewing
Beaver Island Brewing has been taking St. Cloud’s beer scene by storm by producing a variety of well-crafted ales and lagers across a range of classic styles. Our favorite is their year-round Ripple, which is a deliciously well-balanced blonde ale that rides a fine line between malt and hop character. A crackery malt base works in tandem with floral German hops to yield a beer that’s so drinkable it should always be in your fridge–if you live close enough to get it!
Beaver Island Brewing
Beaver Island Brewing has been taking St. Cloud’s beer scene by storm by producing a variety of well-crafted ales and lagers across a range of classic styles. Our favorite is their year-round Ripple, which is a deliciously well-balanced blonde ale that rides a fine line between malt and hop character. A crackery malt base works in tandem with floral German hops to yield a beer that’s so drinkable it should always be in your fridge–if you live close enough to get it!