Minnesota Monthly magazine's November issue features a "Minnesota Drinking Guide" to the state's best breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries, so I thought it would be fun to talk about each of those categories over the coming weeks.
Let's start with the brewery scene, which has positively exploded since brewery legislation changed in 2011 to allow breweries to sell their own beer on-site in a taproom. A decade ago, there were only a handful of craft brewers. I once tried to sample every local craft brew available in cans/bottles and was actually able to fit the whole supply in the trunk of my car. There's no way I could do that now.
I'm still a big fan of some of our longtime breweries — Schell's in New Ulm, Summit in St. Paul, Fitger's and Lake Superior Brewing in Duluth have proven they can make beers that stand the test of time — but there are also so many newcomers to check out.
Just in Duluth alone, Bent Paddle in Lincoln Park has been racking up a lot of awards, and the former head brewer from Fitger's just opened Hoops in Canal Park, not too far from Canal Park Brewing.
The variety of taprooms and beers in the Twin Cities offers something for everyone, from the laid-back Northeast Dangerous Man, serving a great chocolate milk stout, to Lakes & Legends, tucked into a luxury apartment building near downtown with a lovely raspberry honey ale.
Audio produced by Mike Pengra.
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