Craft Beer Shopping: Minnesota's Best Breweries And Stores

Minnesota has long been home to some of America's best-kept craft brewery secrets, but the past decade has seen a boom in beer production in the state. In 2020, Minnesota ranked 13th among US states in the number of craft breweries per capita, with 5.2 breweries per 100,000 adults. The state's breweries have become a significant economic driver, with the craft brewing industry's overall economic impact of $2.2 billion ranking 12th among US states. Minnesota's craft beer scene includes big names like St. Paul's Summit Brewing Company, up-and-coming breweries like Bent Paddle in Duluth, and hidden gems like family-owned BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul.

Minnesota's craft beer scene

In the early days, small breweries like Hamm's, Grain Belt, and Heileman struggled to compete with the marketing power of mega-brewers. However, the success of craft beers like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Adams Boston Lager indicated a shift in consumer preferences. The first meeting of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild in 2000 was a pivotal moment for the state's craft beer industry. The Guild's efforts to promote Minnesota's craft beer industry included establishing the state's first beer festivals, such as All Pints North in Duluth and the Land of 10,000 Beers craft beer exhibit during the State Fair.

The state is home to a diverse range of craft breweries, from small nanobreweries and microbreweries to larger operations. Notable breweries include Surly Brewing Co., which revolutionized the craft beer scene with its bold and hoppy red ale, Furious; Dangerous Man Brewing Company, known for their unique beers like the Peanut Butter Porter; and Summit Brewing Co., whose Summit Extra Pale Ale is a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.

Local restaurants with craft beer

Minnesota is known for its craft beer scene, with breweries and taprooms scattered across the state. Many local restaurants in Minnesota also serve craft beer, often sourced from local breweries.

BoatHouse Brewpub & Restaurant in Ely is a brewpub that serves its own beer alongside a menu of classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. They have a range of flagship and seasonal beers on tap, and their lakeside location makes them a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Bemidji Brewing Co. in Bemidji offers a taproom experience with four or more beers on tap, as well as craft soda. Visitors can order 5-ounce tasters, pints, or "sample paddles" to try a variety of their beers. They also have a range of events, including live music and trivia nights, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere.

Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter has a taproom open Wednesday through Saturday, offering four year-round beers and at least one seasonal offering. They also provide tours on select Saturdays, which can be reserved in advance. Their beers can be found in restaurants and resorts in the popular lakes area, so you may be able to find their craft beer on the menu at local eateries.

Sociable Cider Werks in Minneapolis is a unique taproom that serves its own ciders and beers, made with fresh-pressed apples sourced locally. In the summer, the windows open onto an outdoor patio with a food truck and a game of bocce ball, creating a lively and social atmosphere.

Minnewaska House Brewing Co. + Grill in Glenwood is another brewpub that serves its own beer, likely featuring a range of flagship and seasonal offerings. Their menu likely includes classic pub fare, and they may have special events or promotions, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

These are just a few examples of local restaurants in Minnesota that serve craft beer, showcasing the state's thriving craft beverage scene. Whether you're looking for a cozy brewpub or a lively taproom, Minnesota has something to offer, often with a local and welcoming vibe.

Taprooms and breweries

Minnesota is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of taprooms and breweries to explore. In 2020, the state ranked 13th in the US for the number of craft breweries per capita, and the economic impact of its craft brewing industry was $2.2 billion, ranking 12th in the country.

One popular taproom in Minnesota is Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter. Open Wednesday to Saturday, with additional tours on select Saturdays, Jack Pine offers four beers on tap year-round, as well as seasonal offerings and special recipes. Another well-known taproom is Bemidji Brewing Co., which offers four or more beers on tap, along with craft soda. Visitors can order 5-ounce tasters, pints, or "sample paddles" to get a taste of everything. For those looking for entertainment with their craft beer, Two Fathoms Brewing in Winona offers a variety of special events, from live music to trivia nights, alongside their independently crafted brews.

In addition to traditional breweries, Minnesota is also home to several cideries. Sociable Cider Werks in Minneapolis, for example, offers ciders and beers by the pint, swifty (10-ounce glass), or flight. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy their drinks on the outdoor patio, complete with bocce ball and a food truck. Number 12 Cider House in Minneapolis and Sweetland Orchard in Webster are also popular destinations, offering tours and tastings of their cider selections.

For those interested in spirits, Minnesota has over two dozen distilleries, many of which provide tours, samples, and on-site cocktail rooms. Panther Distillery in Osakis, for example, offers tours six days a week, where visitors can learn about the local ingredients in their gin, bourbon, and whiskeys before sampling the products in the tasting room. Far North Spirits in Hallock, the northernmost distillery in the contiguous United States, offers tours on Saturday afternoons by reservation, where visitors can taste their spiced rum, rye whiskey, vodka, and gins, all crafted from grain grown on their property.

Whether you're looking for craft beer, cider, or spirits, Minnesota's taprooms and breweries offer a diverse and vibrant selection to explore and enjoy.

Beer and spirits in the same facility

Minnesota is known for its craft beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. While the state has some of the most restrictive liquor laws in the country, there are still plenty of options for purchasing craft beer and spirits.

Minnesota's liquor laws have been a topic of debate in recent years, with some advocating for more relaxed regulations and others expressing concern about the potential impact on small businesses and alcohol consumption patterns. One of the key points of discussion is the sale of 3.2% beer, also known as "near beer," which was previously the only type of beer sold in grocery stores and gas stations in Minnesota. While the laws have evolved to allow for the sale of beer on-site in taprooms and for private and municipal liquor stores to open on Sundays, grocery stores are still prohibited from selling strong beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption.

However, there are some locations in Minnesota where beer and spirits are made and sold in the same facility. For example, Bent Brewstillery in Roseville and Schram Vineyards in Waconia offer both spirits and beer, or beer and wine, respectively. These locations provide a unique opportunity to taste and experience craft beverages made on-site.

In addition to these craft beverage destinations, Minnesota is home to numerous breweries, distilleries, and cideries. The largest concentrations of breweries can be found in Minneapolis and Duluth, but the craft beer scene is expanding throughout the state. Minnesota also has over two dozen distilleries, many of which offer tours, samples, and on-site cocktail rooms. For those interested in cider, there are several cideries offering tours and tastings, such as Sociable Cider Werks and Sweetland Orchard.

When it comes to purchasing craft beer and spirits in Minnesota, consumers have various options, including visiting dedicated facilities, exploring craft beverage trails, or taking advantage of delivery services that bring their favourite drinks directly to their doorsteps.

Beer festivals and events

Minnesota is home to a multitude of beer festivals and events, with something for every beer lover. From unique winter festivals to top-tier cider festivals, Minnesota's beer scene is vibrant and diverse.

One of the quintessential Minnesota beer festivals is the Polar Vortex festival, where you can experience the classic winter vibes of the state. With snowy surroundings, trashcan fires to warm up near, and a silent disco, this festival offers a unique and memorable experience.

For those who enjoy their beer with a side of music, the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival in April is a great choice. This festival features limited-release beers, world-class breweries, and unlimited pours, all accompanied by live music.

The St. Cloud Craft Beer & Ciderfest is another popular event, offering a mix of hard cider and beer. This fall festival includes unlimited samples, a collectible beer sample glass, and even a people's choice award for the favourite beer. Located in St. Cloud, it provides the perfect opportunity to explore noteworthy breweries like Pantown, Beaver Island, and Bad Habit.

If you're looking for a more laid-back setting, the Rare Beer Picnic, hosted by Junkyard, is an excellent option. This festival takes place in a park, with picnic tables inviting you to sit down and savour a wide variety of beers from select breweries like Modist, Forager, and BlackStack.

Additionally, the Beer Dabbler hosts several top-tier festivals throughout the year, including the Pride Beer Dabbler in June, where you can expect unique beers with surprises like edible glitter.

With so many beer festivals and events to choose from, Minnesota offers a rich and vibrant craft beer culture that is sure to delight and connect enthusiasts from all walks of life.

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