Micro Beer From Minnesota: Where To Buy?

Minnesota is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 100 breweries and brewpubs scattered across the state. For those looking to sample the local brew, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, or exploring further afield. From well-known spots like Surly Brewing Co. and Summit Brewing Co. to smaller taprooms and brewpubs, Minnesota's craft beer culture is diverse and vibrant. And for those who can't make it to a brewery, many local stores and delivery services offer a wide range of craft beers to enjoy at home.

Microbreweries in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a wide range of breweries—from small nanobreweries and microbreweries to large macrobreweries. The state's breweries produce a diverse selection of beers, marketed locally, regionally, and nationally across the United States.

One well-known microbrewery in Minnesota is the August Schell Brewing Company, the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the country. Founded in 1860, August Schell has a long history of brewing traditional German-style beers. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their signature Firebrick Vienna-style Lager and Goosetown Gose, a sour ale with a hint of coriander and salt.

Another notable microbrewery in Minnesota is the Surly Brewing Company, which has become a source of state pride. Surly Brewing offers a range of innovative and experimental beers, and their taproom and brewery in the heart of Minneapolis are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Their best-selling beers include the citrusy and hoppy Furious, a popular American IPA, and the dark and robust Axe Man, a robust American stout.

For those seeking a more intimate and quirky experience, the Dangerous Man Brewing Company in Minneapolis is worth a visit. With a strong focus on community and unique, small-batch beers, Dangerous Man offers a rotating selection of creative brews, such as the Chocolate Milk Stout and the Peanut Butter Porter. Their taproom, with its industrial-chic decor, provides a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Additionally, the Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Minnesota's first brewery cooperative, is a must-visit. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community ownership, Fair State offers a range of classic and experimental beers, including their year-round Pilsner and seasonal favorites like the Miraculum Foeder Wild Ale. Their taproom, located in a converted warehouse, provides a unique setting for enjoying their brews.

Beer delivery services in Minnesota

There are several beer delivery services in Minnesota, each with its own unique offerings and features. Here is a list of some popular options:

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, liquor, and beer. They partner with local stores to provide a variety of options for customers to choose from. The ordering process is simple: you provide your location, browse the available products, select your favourites, and checkout through their website or app. The delivery fee is typically $5 per order, and the delivery time can be as quick as 30-60 minutes, depending on various factors.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats provides a convenient platform for ordering alcohol for delivery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have a diverse selection of stores available, such as Minnehaha Liquor Store, Cub Beer, Wine & Spirits, and Jerry's Wine and Spirits. The app allows you to browse the menu of different stores, select your desired items, and place your order with ease.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers alcohol delivery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They deliver wine, beer, and spirits directly to your doorstep. Their website provides a list of the most popular beer options available for delivery, including White Claw Hard Seltzer, Corona Extra, Guinness Draught, and Stella Artois.

DoorDash

DoorDash is another popular option for alcohol delivery in Minneapolis. They have a wide range of restaurants and stores available for delivery, including some that offer alcohol. You can filter your search by ratings, price, and availability to find the best options near you. DoorDash also offers a subscription service called DashPass, which provides free delivery on eligible orders from participating restaurants.

Instacart

Instacart is a delivery service that allows you to shop for beer, wine, liquor, and mixers from stores near you in Minnesota. The app connects you with a personal shopper who will purchase and deliver your order. Instacart offers same-day delivery, with fees starting at $3.99 for orders over $35. They also have a feature called "Leave at my door" for contactless delivery.

Liquor stores in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to a plethora of liquor stores, each with its own unique selection of wines, spirits, and beers. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the state, you'll be able to find your favourite drinks and discover new ones at these fine establishments.

One notable liquor store in Minnesota is Elevated Beer Wine & Spirits, conveniently located at 4135 Hiawatha Ave in Minneapolis and 2141 4th Street in White Bear Lake. They proudly offer a vast collection of liquor, fine wines, and craft beer, supporting both local and international brands. With their passion for liquor, they strive to provide the best selection at the most affordable prices, ensuring an exceptional buying experience for their customers.

For those seeking a diverse bourbon and whiskey selection in the Minneapolis area, Ace Spirits in Hopkins is a popular choice. South Lyndale Liquors is also renowned for its extensive selection, while France 44, although a bit pricier, offers a solid range of options. Haskell's, with locations in Plymouth and Maple Grove, is another go-to for whiskey enthusiasts.

If you're looking for something unique, Blue Max Liquors in Burnsville might be your haven. They offer a range of whiskeys, craft beer, and other unique options that you may not find elsewhere. Total Wine & More in Bloomington provides a wide array of options for liquor, wine, and beer, and they deliver!

Whether you're stocking up for a party or simply enjoying a quiet drink at home, Minnesota's liquor stores have something for everyone. Remember to drink responsibly and always follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Minnesota's craft beer scene

One of the notable aspects of Minnesota's craft beer culture is the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of its breweries. These establishments cater to a diverse range of patrons, including families with babies, dog owners, and even non-drinkers, creating a come-as-you-are environment that is accessible to all. This reflects the laid-back and community-oriented nature of the state's beer culture.

In addition to craft beer, Minnesota is also home to a growing number of cideries, distilleries, and wineries. Cideries like Sociable Cider Werks in Minneapolis source local ingredients, such as fresh-pressed apples, to create unique ciders and beers. The state boasts more than two dozen distilleries, including Tattersall Distilling in Minneapolis, that offer tours, samples, and on-site cocktail rooms. Minnesota's wineries, such as Four Daughters Winery in Spring Valley, also contribute to the state's vibrant craft beverage scene, with over 50 wineries open for tours, tastings, and special events.

The state's brewing history is deeply rooted, with pioneers like Wolf Brewing in Stillwater, Minneapolis Brewing Company, Schell's Brewing, and Hamm's in St. Paul laying the foundation for the diverse and vibrant craft beer culture that Minnesota enjoys today. The state's brewing scene has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting the passion and creativity of local brewers.

Minnesota's alcohol laws

Minnesota has a variety of laws and regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. Here is some information regarding the state's alcohol laws, specifically pertaining to the purchase of microbrews or craft beer in Minnesota:

Age Requirements:

To buy alcohol in Minnesota, you must be 21 or older, and to serve alcohol, you must be at least 18 years old.

Retail Sale Hours:

Beer, wine, and spirits can be sold for off-premise consumption from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays. On-premise alcohol sales, such as those in bars and restaurants, are permitted seven days a week from 8 am to 2 am.

It is important to note that the sale of intoxicating liquor for on-premise consumption is prohibited between 2 am and 8 am, Monday through Saturday, and after 2 am on Sundays. Additionally, no sales of 3.2% malt liquor are allowed during specific hours on weekdays and weekends.

Retailer Types and Locations:

In Minnesota, the type of alcohol sold varies depending on the retailer. Grocery stores sell beer, but only those with an ABV of up to 3.2%. Wine and distilled spirits, on the other hand, are sold exclusively at municipal liquor stores or municipal-controlled stores. These stores are typically open from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Open Container Law:

Minnesota has a strict open container law, prohibiting open containers of alcohol in vehicles. Any open bottles of alcohol must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle.

Intoxication Laws:

The state has a "per se intoxicated" rule, which means that anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08% can be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).

Alcohol Taxes:

Minnesota imposes excise taxes on alcohol, which are relatively low compared to other states. The taxes are as follows:

• Beer Tax: $0.15/gallon
• Wine Tax: $0.30/gallon
• Distilled Spirits Tax: $5.03/gallon

Additionally, the Federal alcohol excise tax is included in the price of alcoholic beverages sold in Minnesota.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping:

Minnesota permits the direct-to-consumer sale and delivery of wine, beer, and distilled spirits, provided the purchaser can verify their age.

Alcohol Availability in Gas Stations:

Gas stations with retail outlets in Minnesota can only sell beer with an ABV of up to 3.2%.

Popular Beer Stores in Minnesota:

• Grand Avenue Liquors (St. Paul)
• 99 Bottles (Moorhead, Sartell)
• The Ale Jail (St. Paul)
• Andy’s Liquor (Rochester)
• Apple Valley Liquor (Apple Valley)
• Apollo Wine & Spirits (Rochester)
• Beehive Liquor (Bemidji)
• Big Top Wines and Spirits (St. Paul)
• Blue Max Liquors (Burnsville)
• Booze Mart (St. Paul)
• Bridgeview Liquors (Moorhead)
• Broadway Liquor Outlet (Minneapolis)
• Brooklyn Center Liquor (Brooklyn Center)
• Cellars Wines & Spirits (Roseville, Eagan, Plymouth, Woodbury, Forest Lake, Excelsior)
• Chicago Lake Liquors (Minneapolis)
• D & L Liquors (Vadnais Heights)
• Dennis Brothers Liquor (Cottage Grove)
• Edina Liquor (Edina)
• Fitger’s Wine Cellars (Duluth)
• France 44 Wines and Spirits (Minneapolis)
• Hanover Wine & Spirits (Hanover)
• Haskell’s (Bloomington, Excelsior, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Burnsville, St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Faribault, Stillwater, Chanhassen)
• Heritage Liquor (Maplewood)
• Lake Wine and Spirits (Minneapolis)
• Liberty Village Wines & Spirits (Stillwater)
• Liquor Barrel (Golden Valley, St. Louis Park)
• Liquor Boy (St. Louis Park)
• Northgate Liquors (Andover, Blaine)
• North Loop Wine & Spirits (Minneapolis)
• Princeton’s Liquors (Maple Grove)
• Rogers Wines & Spirits (Rogers)
• Rum River Wines & Spirits (Ramsey)
• Sharrett’s Liquor Store (St. Paul)
• Sorella Wine & Spirits (Minneapolis)
• South Lyndale Liquors (Minneapolis)
• Summit Liquor (White Bear Lake)
• Sunfish Cellars (Lilydale)
• Thomas Liquors (St. Paul)
• Tournament Liquors (Blaine)
• Trailside Liquor (New Prague)
• US Wines & Spirits (Minnetonka)
• Vinfera Wines & Ales (Plymouth)
• Warehouse Liquor Store (Duluth)
• Westside Liquor (Waite Park)
• Yarmo Liquors (St. Paul)
• Zipp’s Liquor Store (Minneapolis)

Frequently asked questions