Mankato Brewery Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy It

Mankato Brewery, located at 1119 Center Street North Mankato, was the first production brewery in the community since 1967. The brewery was founded by Tim Tupy in 2012 and has since created popular beers such as Mad Butcher, Leaf Raker, MoonDogs SMaSH, and Ruby Rhubarb Sour. In addition to its core offerings, the brewery also released seasonal beers and limited editions. However, as of January 2025, Mankato Brewery has announced its impending closure. With the founder transitioning towards retirement and focusing on his other business, the brewery is up for sale, including its brand, building, land, and equipment.

Mankato Brewery's location and opening hours

Mankato Brewery is located at 1119 Center Street North Mankato, MN 56003. The brewery is housed in a building that was initially constructed as a beer distributorship. It is Mankato's first production brewery since 1967.

The taproom is open from Tuesday to Thursday, between 4 pm and 9 pm, on Fridays from 4 pm to 10 pm, on Saturdays from 12 pm to 10 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm. The taproom remains closed on Mondays.

Mankato Brewery was launched by Tim Tupy 12 years ago, on January 5, 2012. Tupy is also the owner of Liv Aveda Salon in Mankato, which he runs with his wife, Tami. In 2024, Tupy announced that the brewery was up for sale for $3.95 million, and in January 2025, he announced that the brewery would be closing at the end of the month or until the last pint was sold.

Beer curbside pickup

Mankato Brewery offers beer curbside pickup at 1119 Center Street North Mankato, MN 56003. The brewery is open for pickups on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-9 pm, Fridays from 4-10 pm, Saturdays from 12-10 pm, and Sundays from 12-8 pm.

Mankato Brewery is Mankato's first production brewery since 1967. The brewery started producing beers in 2012 and focuses on creating authentic beers that reflect the heritage of the region and its people. The brewery offers a range of beers, from core beers to seasonal options and Nanos. In addition to beer, the brewery also offers light snacks such as popcorn and pretzels, as well as non-alcoholic options like craft soda, Coke products, sparkling water, and hop water.

The brewery has a taproom where customers can enjoy a tasty pint or flight of their delicious brews. Customers can also order meals, play games, relax on the patio, and enjoy tunes from local artists. For those who are short on time, the brewery offers crowlers, growlers, and bombers to go. The brewery also has a merch room with glasses, hats, shirts, and other items for sale.

Mankato Brewery also hosts events in their taproom and offers tours of the brewery. The tours are held every Saturday at 3 pm and last for about an hour. During the tour, visitors can see the entire production process, from brewing to canning.

The brewery's history

Mankato Brewery, located at 1119 Center Street North Mankato, started producing beers in 2012 and is the first production brewery in the community since 1967. The brewery is focused on creating authentic beers that reflect the heritage of the region and its people.

The history of brewing in Mankato dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants brought their brewing culture to the city. In 1842, the lagering technique was crafted in the city of Pilsen, Austria, creating a clear, golden beer that required storage in cold caves for several months. This type of beer appealed to the German immigrants settling in the United States during the latter half of the 19th century.

The first brewery in Mankato was founded by William Bierbauer and his brother, Jacob, who had fled Germany's 1848 revolutions. The Bierbauer Brewing Company was the first brewery built west of St. Paul, Minnesota, and played a significant role in the early history of Mankato. During the Dakota Sioux Uprising, William Bierbauer was appointed captain of the Mankato Militia and helped end the assault on nearby New Ulm, home to Schell's Brewing Company. The Bierbauer Brewing Company bought out other breweries and operated until the Prohibition Amendment in 1919, which made the production, distribution, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages illegal.

After Prohibition, the brewery changed hands and was renamed the Kato Brewery in 1933. However, financial difficulties forced the Kato Brewery, later known as the Mankato Brewing Company, to close its doors in 1967. The site of the brewery was sold at a public auction in 1970, and the buildings were razed, removing a large part of Mankato's brewing history.

Today, Mankato Brewery carries on the brewing tradition in the city, offering a range of craft beers that reflect the local flavour and heritage of the region.

Popular beers

Mankato Brewery is the first production brewery in the community since 1967. It started producing beers in 2012 and is known for its inventive and authentic beers that reflect the heritage of the region.

The brewery has a range of core beers, including the popular Mad Butcher IPA, which features Cryo Citra hops and a crisp, lagered IPA with rounded citrus flavours. The Sorceress Lemon Sour is another signature brew, with a smooth, sour finish and lemon notes. The Rhuby Rhubarb Sour is a delightful, smooth, and incredibly sassy sour beer. The Organ Grinder Amber Ale is a German-inspired beer with a brilliant amber colour, a rich malt base, and a hint of sweetness.

Mankato Brewery also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers, such as the Escencia Mexican Lager, a smooth and sessionable pale lager made with Mexican corn and Australian hops. They also have a SMaSH IPA, a light and refreshing beer with Citra hops, perfect for summer days. The brewery is constantly experimenting with new flavours and ingredients, creating unique and memorable drinking experiences for its customers.

Taproom events

The Mankato Brewery taproom is the place to be for special brews that are only available onsite. With a variety of unique beers on offer, such as the smooth and easy-drinking Cross-Czech Pilsner, the super citrusy SMaSH IPA, and the creamy, malty nut brown Leaf Raker, there's always something new to try.

The taproom is open Tuesday to Thursday from 4-9 pm, Friday from 4-10 pm, Saturday from 12-10 pm, and Sunday from 12-8 pm. If you're interested in booking the taproom for an event, you can contact Andrew, the Tap Room Manager, at andrew@mankatobrewery.com. He's the go-to guy for all things taproom-related and will be happy to help you plan your special occasion.

The taproom is a great place to meet the people behind the beer. You might spot Chip, the assistant brewer, hard at work crafting the perfect pint. Or, catch Cam brewing up a storm on many nights when you stop by. And if you're lucky, you might even get to meet Chris, aka "Grist the Scientist," who runs the lab and loves his yeast like a proud parent.

So, whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to swing by the Mankato Brewery taproom to sample some of the finest craft beers Minnesota has to offer and join in the fun at one of their taproom events. Cheers!

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