Minnesotans' Favorite Beer: A Local Drinking Guide

Minnesota has a rich brewing history, with a craft beer scene that shows no sign of slowing down. The state is home to a wide variety of breweries, from iconic taprooms in the Twin Cities to historic gems in outstate areas. Minnesotans are known for their love of IPAs, but the state also offers a range of other beer styles, including mellow lagers, funky sour ales, and quirky Belgian brews. The diverse selection caters to different preferences, from bold and hoppy IPAs to smooth and sweet cream ales. Minnesota's brewing landscape is characterised by both longstanding breweries and emerging craft breweries, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving beer culture in the state.

Minnesota's top IPAs

Minnesotans love their IPAs, and the state has a rich brewing history dating back to the mid-1800s. Here are some of the top IPAs from Minnesota:

Masala Mama, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

Masala Mama is an American IPA with 6.00% ABV. It was considered the best IPA recipe in the Midwest and is often regarded as the most influential IPA to come out of Minnesota. It has a bready malt base, notes of floral hops, and a nice bitter finish. Even today, it remains a favourite among both younger and older generations of Minnesotans.

Surly Furious, Surly Brewing Company

Surly Furious is an American IPA with 6.70% ABV. It is a hoppy red ale that revolutionised the way people thought about packaging beer in Minnesota. Surly had the foresight to put their boldest beer in larger cans for sale in four-packs.

Dreamyard, Modist Brewing

Dreamyard is a hazy single IPA with a sweet, fruity smell that can only be described as captivating. It has notes of strawberries, apricot, peach, and mango. Its versatility, approachable bitterness, and smooth finish make it an easy-to-drink, enjoyable IPA.

Size 7, Steel Toe Brewing

Size 7 is a beautifully balanced IPA with a rich, floral aroma. It pours a deep amber colour with a thick, bubbly white head. It has a strong, bitter taste followed by a robust earthiness and pine finish. Its fruity, hoppy flavour gives it a West Coast IPA feel, but with a Minnesota twist.

Bent Hop, Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Bent Hop is a Golden IPA and an American IPA with 6.20% ABV.

Summit Brewing Company

Summit Brewing Company offers a range of IPAs, including an American IPA with 6.40% ABV and a Citrus IPA with 7.00% ABV.

Popular lagers

Minnesota has a rich brewing history, with a diverse range of beers on offer, from bold IPAs to mellow lagers and funky sour ales. Here are some of the most popular lagers among Minnesotans:

Grain Belt Premium

This lager has been a staple in the Minnesota drinking scene for decades, dating back to the end of Prohibition. It was originally brewed by the Minneapolis Brewing Company, but the recipe was purchased by Schell's Brewing Company in 2002, which continues to produce this legendary beer. Grain Belt Premium has a distinct hop aroma and luscious malt flavour, leaving a sweetened corn taste on the tongue with a clean and crisp finish. It can be found at any dive bar across the Twin Cities.

Schell's Pils

A classic German Pilsner, this beer was considered one of the better American-made versions in production over the past 30 years. Clean, crisp, and refreshing, it used to be found in most brewers' refrigerators across Minnesota. Although Schell's Brewing Company has since dropped it from their lineup, it is remembered fondly and many hope for its comeback.

Summit EPA

This was the first craft beer that many Minnesotans were introduced to, as anything outside of a standard American Lager was hard to come by in the region. Created by Mark Stutrud in 1986, it remains a popular choice today.

Hamm's

Dating back to 1865, this timeless lager is an American classic. Simple, smooth, and light, it is the perfect thirst-quencher with hints of hops and a fruity deliciousness.

Nordeast

Nordeast is another popular lager produced by the Grain Belt brewery in Minneapolis.

Deer Brand

Brewed by one of the oldest active breweries in America, Schell's Beer, Deer Brand is a Midwest favourite that has been around since before prohibition.

Kato Lager

Brewed by Mankato Brewery, Kato Lager pays homage to the history of the Mankato region.

MN Gold Lager

Produced by Third Street Brewhouse, this lager is made with Minnesota waters.

Summit Extra Pale Ale

Although this entry is technically an English Pale Ale, it is worth mentioning as it is commonly considered one of the best beers in Minnesota. It is a delicate balance of biscuit malt and light hoppy bitterness, with an upbeat flavour profile composed of caramel, grain, honey, and citrus, making it a perfect daytime refreshment.

Sour ales

Minnesota has a rich brewing history, and its craft beer scene is thriving. Sour ales are among the many exceptional brews that the state has to offer. Here is a closer look at some of the popular sour ales in Minnesota:

Fair State Roselle

Fair State Brewing Cooperative is a must-visit destination for sour beer enthusiasts. Their Roselle brew is a perfectly executed kettle sour, ideal for wine drinkers and sour beer aficionados alike. It has a deep rose colour and a strong white head, emitting aromas of raspberry, citrus, grape, lemon, and pineapple. The palate is floral, with hints of yeast and pepper, and it leaves a pleasantly tart aftertaste. Roselle has gained a dedicated following, and it can now be found in cans across the country. However, for the full experience, a visit to the Fair State Coop taproom in Northeast Minneapolis is a must.

Wild Mind Ales

Wild Mind Ales, based in Minneapolis, specialises in wild, farmhouse, saison, and rustic ales, crafted using traditional, old-world brewing methods. Their expansive portfolio includes a diverse range of sour ales, such as the smoothie-style sour ale with blackberry, raspberry, and milk sugar, and the tropical-inspired Morir Sonando, a blend of orange, pineapple, and milk sugar. They also offer innovative creations like the Lime Rickey, a classic sour ale with a twist of tart citrus and sugary cherry, and the Amplify the Absurdity, a decadent treat with raspberry, banana, vanilla, and marshmallow flavours.

Dangerous Man Brewing Co

Dangerous Man Brewing Co. is another popular destination for sour beer lovers in Minneapolis. They offer a diverse range of brews, including a cranberry sour beer that has received positive reviews. Their Peanut Butter Porter is also worth mentioning, as it has converted many non-beer drinkers into craft beer enthusiasts. This semi-sweet, frothy beer with hints of roasted peanut, chocolate, toffee, and coffee, is often likened to the taste of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Barrel Theory Beer Company

Located in Lowertown, Barrel Theory Beer Company is highly acclaimed for its tangy and intense sour beers. Their offerings in this style have been described as "super tangy and just amazing" by patrons.

Lakes & Legends Brewing

Lakes & Legends Brewing is a brewery and event space in downtown Minneapolis that focuses on Belgian-style beers. They offer a range of sour beers that have received positive reviews from locals and visitors alike.

Best breweries

Minnesota's craft beer scene is thriving, with a rich brewing history dating back to the mid-1800s. The state is home to numerous breweries, each offering its unique take on classic styles and innovative new creations. Here are some of the best breweries in Minnesota:

Summit Brewing Company

Summit Brewing Company is a staple in the Minnesota craft beer scene, with its Extra Pale Ale being one of the most well-known and beloved beers in the state. This award-winning English Pale Ale perfectly balances biscuit malt and light hoppy bitterness, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing daytime drink. Summit also offers a range of year-round and seasonal brews, ensuring there's something for every taste.

Dangerous Man Brewing Co.

Dangerous Man Brewing Co. is known for its innovative and unique beers, and its Peanut Butter Porter is a standout. This American Porter combines toffee, peanut butter, chocolate, and hints of coffee, resulting in a flavour that many claim tastes just like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a dark, semi-sweet, and frothy beer.

Steel Toe Brewing

Steel Toe Brewing stays true to its motto of "big dreams of staying small" by focusing on a few core beers, including Size 7 IPA, Provider Ale, Rainmaker Double Red Ale, and Dissent Dark Ale. Size 7 is a beautifully balanced IPA with a rich, floral aroma and a deep amber colour. It offers a strong, bitter taste with robust earthiness and a pine finish, making it a favourite among Minnesotans.

Surly Brewing Co.

Surly Brewing Co. has earned a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans, with its patrons even helping pass the "Surly bill" to allow brewers to sell pints at their breweries. Their beers, including Furious, Bender, Hell, and Overrated, are celebrated for their bold and innovative flavours. Surly's impact on the state's brewing industry cannot be overstated.

Schell's Brewing Company

Schell's Brewing Company is one of the oldest active breweries in America, and its role in the modern-day success of craft brewing in Minnesota cannot be overstated. Their Grain Belt Premium, a decades-old staple, offers a distinct hop aroma and luscious malt flavour. Additionally, their Schell’s Pils, a classic German Pilsner, is clean, crisp, and refreshing—the perfect beer for any occasion.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Fair State Brewing Cooperative is known for its exceptional sour beers, and its Roselle is a fan favourite. This perfectly executed Kettle Sour is an ideal choice for wine drinkers or sour beer enthusiasts. With its tart, fruity, and floral notes, Roselle sets the standard for sour beers in Minnesota and beyond.

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery is home to the iconic Masala Mama India Pale Ale, which was considered the best IPA in Minnesota back in 2006. This American Ale, with its bready malt base, floral hops, and bitter finish, continues to be a favourite among both younger and older generations of beer enthusiasts.

Castle Danger Brewing

Castle Danger Brewing quickly rose to prominence after its opening in 2013, and its Castle Cream Ale is a true Minnesota classic. This cream ale strikes the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, with a buttery smooth finish. It's no wonder that Castle Danger has become the ninth-largest brewery in the state.

Beers with unique ingredients

Minnesota's craft beer scene is thriving, with a rich brewing history dating back to the mid-1800s. The state is known for its diverse range of beers, from bold IPAs to mellow lagers and funky sour ales. While Minnesotans enjoy a variety of beers, let's take a look at some unique beers from around the world that feature intriguing ingredients:

Mamma Mia Pizza Beer:

This beer takes the classic combination of pizza and beer to the next level by combining them in a glass. Homebrewers Tom and Athena Seefurth cooked a full Margarita pizza, wrapped it in cheesecloth, and dunked it into the mash. As a result, the beer has hints of basil, oregano, tomato, garlic, red pepper, and bready pizza dough. It's a unique brew that leaves a lingering pizza impression, best paired with—you guessed it—more pizza!

Beard Beer:

This beer celebrates the symbiotic relationship between beards and beers. Rogue Ales in Ashland, Oregon, created a yeast strain cultivated from the impressive chin fringe of their head brewer, John Maier. With notes of caramel, breadiness, and a hint of citrus, this American wild ale is definitely a unique drinking experience.

Cookie Puss Birthday Beer:

This beer is an adult twist on a childhood favorite. Captain Lawrence brewed this 7.5% ABV Milkshake IPA using Carvel vanilla and milk sugar. The result is a creamy, smooth, and vanilla-flavored beer that takes you back to your childhood with every sip.

Saturday Morning Beer:

Smartmouth Brewing created this 6.6% ABV IPA with a twist of toasted marshmallows, similar to those found in Lucky Charms cereal. While it doesn't taste exactly like a bowl of cereal, it captures the essence of Saturday morning cartoons and nostalgia in a glass.

The End of History:

BrewDog in Ellon, Scotland, created this beer with an unusual presentation. The beer itself is brewed with slightly unusual ingredients like nettles and juniper berries. However, the most unique aspect is its container—it's housed in stuffed squirrels and stoats, some dressed in little tuxedoes and kilts. With only 11 bottles produced, each retailed for a hefty price, blurring the line between beverage and roadkill!

These beers showcase the creativity and experimentation that craft brewers embrace, pushing the boundaries of what we know as beer. While Minnesotans enjoy a wide range of beers, these unique creations from around the world offer a different kind of drinking experience.

Frequently asked questions