A One Pint Stand’s Favorite Minnesota Craft Breweries of 2023

It is time for the A One Pint Stand’s favorite Minnesota craft breweries of 2023. These are not the best, they are not the most popular, but they are my favorites. My criteria is based on an amalgamation of these factors: beer quality, variety of styles, friendliness of staff, knowledge of staff, and whether or not the space is welcoming to ALL types of people. Every year, it gets harder and harder to narrow it down. The list I wrote from last year (2022) mentioned 37 breweries. Why 37, you ask? Well, I could lie and say it was a number generated from a complex math equation, but it really is just my high score in bowling. I love writing my list, and I know that some of you like reading it. So, here you go!

Do We Really Need Another Beer List?

The other day on some craft beer Facebook group, someone put out a poll that was asking people for their “best brewery” choices in the Twin Cities. This got the muscle below my right eyebrow twitching like a gecko undergoing electro-shock therapy. I knew that I was about to have my sensibilities assaulted. It isn’t that I can’t handle a different of opinion, I actually relish a riveting back and forth on most topics. 

The first glaring issue is that the comments and additions to the poll were all over the place. I hate a best-of list that doesn’t clearly define the criteria the choices. It is so narrowly focused and oftentimes, my best could be your worst. What does “best” mean? It is the highest quality, most popular, highest rated? Those three things are so different from each other. 

Polls Are Problematic if the criteria isn’t clear

This Facebook poll had none of that centering information and so the nominations were all over the place. Someone put Bald Man Brewing forth as the best brewery in the Twin Cities. I mean, come on! That could very well be a favorite of a lot of people, but I am willing to bet that even the owners of Bald Man Brewing would laugh at the notion that they ran the best brewery in the Twin Cities? Speaking of the Twin Cities, how do we define the Twin Cities? To me, it seems like the Twin Cities is Minneapolis and St. Paul and everything within the 494/694 loop. Maybe the poll should have been about how we define the Twin Cities on a map. We had nominations for waypoints that were all over the state! How are you going to get people to agree on the best brewery when they can’t even decide what geographic section of our state defines Twin Cities?!?!? 

Well, that Facebook poll stirred up something primal in my loins. I had to get my favorite brewery list out there to give folks on the Internet another data point for finding decent places to find a beer on tap in Minnesota. I think that person who put that poll out there was trying to get a conversation going. Well, they did just that. Now, their vague brewery poll is being referenced in a piece that at least 14 people will read, so #missionaccomplished. They also showed a huge amount of devotion to craft beer which we need now more than ever. 

Rather than a straight ranking, this list is broken down into categories.  I will also have a “Best in Show” to showcase the places I feel hit all the marks.  This will allow me to give some love to some of the breweries that sometimes don’t make the list and help curtail the amount of hate mail I get from people who think I don’t like IPAs… 

Remember, opinions are like assholes; everybody has one.  If you don’t agree with my list, that is fine.  If you think I don’t know what I am talking about, that is also your right.  Many people in the industry have told me over the years that they appreciate my banging the drum for places that are brewing classic styles along with the hype styles.  So, I am not going to be deterred by naysayers on Beer People when the brewery owners and brewers whose opinions I care about and respect appreciate the work I do.

My Favorite Breweries For A Lager

As my palate has developed and my liver has aged, I find myself craving the clean, crisp, and easy-drinking attributes of a well-brewed lager.  Lagers are beers that are brewed with a bottom-fermenting yeast that takes a long time to ferment at a much colder temperature than an ale.  The result of this is a beer that is clearer and crisper than an ale.  For many of these styles, this also means that flaws are harder to mask with countless dry-hoppings or adjuncts. Lagers are also the best way for a brewmaster to showcase their brewing prowess as there is no place in a lager to hide a flaw. It is like those dreams where I show up to work naked-it is out there for all to see.

Arbeiter Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

If you are looking for quality lagers brewed by quality people, Arbeiter Brewing Company is the place for you.  If there is a time that I am not answering my phone and a letter gets sent back to you, don’t call the police, I just decided to move in with Haha Pils. My god, that beer, the things I could say about the Haha Pils and Sophia Vergara with a Venn Diagram would alarm you. From top to bottom, their tap list is dripping with quality beers. They continue to engage their immediate community and for that I applaud them. The crew there knows how to many you feel welcomed. 

Bad Weather Brewing-St. Paul, MN

Bad Weather showcases many styles well.  However, the brewing team at this St. Paul brewery really distinguishes themselves when it comes to their lager program.  Bad Weather will have the usual suspects that correspond with the appropriate seasonality like Oktoberfest, Maibock, and Doppelbock.  They will usually have their Pilsner available. 

Bad Weather separates themselves from their contemporaries because they showcase some of the historically rare styles.  Their Heritage Lager Series is a special line of beers that really stands out as a fun and educational drinking experience.  I love that they lean into lagers that are brewed with quality and purpose.  My suggested lagers to try are Dortmunder, Keller Pils, and Munich Helles. Of course, if you want to set a course for roasty paradise, the barrel-aged Calamity is what you seek.

Schell’s Brewery-New Ulm, MN

The Minnesota OG and second oldest family-owned brewery in the United States, Schell’s Brewery sets the bar for lagers.  Schell’s has, over the years, been the brewery that has provided me so much beer education with their offerings.  At the top of my list is their Vienna Lager, Firebrick.  No matter what month the calendar says, this fantastic beer is always a go-to for me.  Of course, their Pilsner, Bock, Keller Pils, and Oktoberfest are my favorites.

Utepils Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Utepils Brewing is located in the heart of Bryn Mawr and abuts Bassett Creek.  In fact, if you are craving a classically crisp lager in a bucolic setting, their biergarten is manna from heaven.  Their Helles, Altbier, Kölsch, and Festbier are things to seek out.  However, they have a myriad of other quaffables to put your palate’s wanderlust in a state of perpetual bliss, as well.  Utepils also is home to one of the best bartenders in the state and maybe even the world.  Yes, old “Blue Eyes” himself, Tom Holzinger.  Fun fact, people have commented about how I devote a seemingly odd percentage of words to talk about Tom’s eyes. Well, I think that they are the, as the French say, Ojos de l os Dios, and I will never stop talking about them as long as there is battery left in my laptop!!! 

Venn Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Over the last two years, I have become quite smitten with the crisp and clear lager offerings at Venn Brewing in South Minneapolis. Being a St. Paulite, Venn is a little out of the way for me. However, I find myself more and more willing to venture there to drink thanks to their Venn Pils, Czech Pils, or Vienna Lager. In the summer, their patio is really nice and they will typically have a food truck. In the winter, their taproom has enough room that it never quite feels super-crowded.

Waldmann Brewery-St. Paul, MN

If quaffing beer in a historical setting is what your heart craves, Waldmann Brewery fits the bill.  Established in 1857, Waldmann Brewery is one of the oldest watering holes in the state of Minnesota.  It was reborn in 2017 as a brewery with a kitchen.  Whether you are sitting down in Waldmann’s cozy interior or are seated in the biergarten to enjoy biers in the elements, the selection of what to drink is rooted in European classics.  I am partial to their Maibock, Doppelbock, Dunkel, and Festbier, but I would say that anything you order here is good.

Waldmann also has one of the most festive outdoor winter beer gardens in the Twin Cities. Pro top: go for their tree lighting that coincides with St. Nicholas Day. Not only will you enjoy a festive night of bright lights, but you will also be gently accosted by Krampus, the horned and hairy assistant to St. Nicholas. They typically have Gluhwein, a warmed and spiced wine that was first introduced to me on The Office episode of a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. 

My Favorite Places For An IPA

If you don’t love IPAs, are you even a craft beer fan?  IPAs outsell every other style and it isn’t close.  That is the main reason so many breweries lean heavily into this style and all the iterations under the umbrella of hops.  Hazy IPAs are the most popular styles, by far, but in the last year, I have noticed more West-Coast IPAs available.  Whether you prefer your hoppy ales hazy or clear, there are so many fantastic places to find them in Minnesota.  

One gargantuan misnomer about IPAs is that they are all bitter.  Not true!  In fact, many of the breweries on this list showcase the juicy, fruity, floral, and herbaceous notes that hops can bring to a beer in a masterful way.  However, if you want a tongue-splitting and bitter brew, these breweries will also be a good place to look.

Back Channel Brewing-Spring Park, MN

If you fancy a drive out of the Twin Cities, Back Channel is a fun way to feel like you are in lake country without having to go too far outside the 494/694 loop.  Back Channel does a lot of wonderful things, but it is fair to say their bread is buttered by the beer styles they made popular to consume out of a bowl.  I can’t keep track of all the names of their NEIPA portfolio, all that I know is that they are quite tasty and balanced.  I wish I lived closer to Back Channel because I get a certain amount of FOMO when I see people posting pictures from there. One of my New Year’s Resolution is to get there more in 2024!

Barrel Theory-St. Paul, MN

Since Barrel Theory opened their doors in 2017, they have been the pied piper for haze bombs in Minnesota.  Whether it is Rain Drops or Shooter McGavin, their beers have created a zeitgeist that hasn’t been seen since stuffed-crust pizza seduced my like Farrah Fawcett running in slow-motion towards me on a beach in the mid-eighties.  I like Barrel Theory’s stouts, sours, and lagers when they have them.  However, it is their IPAs where Barrel Theory really shines.

BlackStack Brewing-St. Paul, MN

If you are looking for a variety of hazy IPAs, BlackStack is your beer cathedral.  Their mainstay, Local 755 is one of the best NEIPAs around.  BlackStack releases so many other iterations of DIPA and IIIPA options that I cannot even keep track.  The nice thing about BlackStack is that you might happen upon a really tasty lager on tap to break up the IPA-heavy tap list.  The taproom is spacious and eclectic with plenty of games to keep you busy as you immerse yourself in a hop-haze.

This was a difficult year for BlackStack Brewing. They lost their patriarch. The loss of Scott Johnson was felt far beyond the confines on the taproom. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things that a child can endure. So, I wish the entire Johnson family continued peace as they grieve for Scott. He left a definitive imprint on the craft beer community. He was a passionate, kind, and devoted man to all the things he loved in life. 

Lupulin Brewing-Big Lake, MN

I am often accused of being too much of a fan of Lupulin. I go there a lot. In fact, I have been to Lupulin more than most other breweries in the state.  Lupulin Brewing Company in Big Lake, Minnesota, has, in my humble opinion, the best of the best when it comes to hoppy offerings.  Their trio of Hooey, Blissful Ignorance, and Fashion Mullet are simply the best.  Most breweries would be happy to have even one flagship that matches the quality of any of these.  In addition to the three staples, they are often collaborating with other breweries to create magnificent one-offs that titillate the hopheads to no end.

I think that their IPAs are balanced better than most of the others out there. However, I would be lying if my wonderful friendship with Aaron and Jeff Zierdt wasn’t also a reason I love driving up Highway 10 to the brewery. Lupulin has a feel of family when I walk into their space. No matter who is working, whether I know them or not, I am always welcomed with open arms. You really cannot quantify how wonderful that feels, especially when that is not always the case for a person of color. So, yes, I love their IPAs. However, it is the entire staff at Lupulin that keeps me coming back because they are great people.

Steel Toe Brewing-St. Louis Park, MN

Steel Toe Brewing is a craft beer institution. They brew everything well. However, the Size 7 IPA is a standard that I measure all other IPAs against. Their beers are no-frills, well-made examples of keeping it simple. Want a hoppy beer with a little less punch? Grab a Size 4. Want to get out the dance floor in a hurry? Grab a Size 11 Triple IPA. I don’t visit them nearly as often as I should. Yet, when I do have the occasion to darken their doorstep, I am reminded why they are always talked about in the same breath as brewery excellence in Minnesota. I hope to get in there this year to record a podcast to learn more about their story. Stay tuned!

My Favorite Breweries That Are A Little Bit Of A Drive

I like to get out and about to different places in Minnesota.  This category is for those who want a little bit of a drive, but aren’t ready to commit to more than an hour each way.  These five breweries are all around an hour or less in the car from St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Heavy Rotation-Brooklyn Park, MN

If you are into a brewery that is constantly rotating through well-made beers that run the gamut of craft beer styles, then you need to check out Heavy Rotation if you haven’t already been yet. I find their taproom cozy and their staff incredibly friendly. I think that the Minnesota craft beer scene needs more places like this. They do meat raffles, trivia nights, and if you happen to see their award-winning English Dark Mild on tap, get it! If you want to hear their story, I recorded an episode of A One Pint Stand there last May and we had a great time talking beer.

Giesenbräu Bier Co.-New Prague, MN

Located in New Prague, Minnesota, Giesenbräu Bier Co. has wonderful beer brewed by even better people.  This family-friendly operation leans heavily into the beer culture of the town.  You will find a nice blend of old-school classics and new styles to bring in a multitude of craft beer geeks.  They are now available in cans at liquor stores and their eye-catching labels would look great in your beer fridge.  However, I recommend going to the source and trying all of the things on tap.  My favorite beers are the Dožínky Pils (Czech Pils), Doppel the Hutt(Doppelbock), Hildy’s Helles, and Nová Praha Med (Barrel-aged Imperial Stout made with local honey). Pro tip-their Oktoberfest party is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon in the fall.

After seeing them win several awards at the MN Brewer’s Cup in the spring, Becca Giesen asked, as only she can, “Does this mean you’re finally going to come down and do a fucking podcast?!?!” Well, I am not one to refuse an invitation, so I did record an episode of A One Pint Stand over the summer that can be heard here. 

Forgotten Star Brewing-Fridley, MN

Forgotten Star Brewing is a wonderful place for a beer. The aesthetic is historic and the beers are quality. They have, in their short existence, gathered quite a collection of beer awards for some wonderful classic beer styles. Forgotten Star also knows how how to brew some lagers, which makes them an easy place to want to patronize. They are especially enjoyable in the winter time because they have a lively patio with curling and fire pits.

Montgomery Brewing-Montgomery, MN

In the sleepy hamlet of Montgomery, Minnesota, one can find a quaint little brewery whose beers are absolutely tremendous. I am talking, of course, about Montgomery Brewing Company. The beers at Montgomery are always a treat. They have a wide array of offerings when it comes to beer styles. The taproom reminds me of a pub you might stumble upon in England. Charles, the owner, is a treat to talk beer with. Also, if he happens to be driving his fast car, don’t try to keep up with him on the highway en route to the next brewery stop because he will leave you in a cloud of dust!

It is also important to note that Montgomery Brewing is one of only a handful of Bipoc-owned craft breweries in the state of Minnesota. A lot of us, myself included, who identify as people of color, want to make sure we support businesses where we feel comfortable and welcome. By showcasing and supporting places like Montgomery Brewing, hopefully other people of color with dreams of opening their own places will see that, thanks to brave souls like Charles, there is a path to success in a white-dominated industry like craft beer. Because, in all honesty, the fact that there aren’t more breweries owned by people of color has nothing to do with the idea that underrepresented demographics don’t like craft beer.

Spilled Grain Brewhouse-Annandale, MN

Spilled Grain Brewhouse in Annandale, Minnesota, has something for everyone.  They have won quite a few awards over the years.  Jacob and his brewing crew dedicated themselves to quality and variety.  Their Oktoberfest is one of the best in the state.  I also adore their cream ale, ESB, milk stout, and old ale.  You are hard-pressed to find a nice brewer in Minnesota who will always make time to talk beer and the Minnesota Twins.  If you haven’t been there, yet, I suggest putting their Bockfest on your social calendar and getting a beer or two poked.

Uncommon Loon Brewing-Chisago City, MN

Uncommon Loon Brewing in Chisago City, Minnesota has a huge taproom, 2 different event spaces, and a great patio to enjoy their stellar beers.  If you are lucky enough to find the owner, Brad Klatt, in the taproom, buckle up for a wonderful beer chat.  Their staff is helpful and friendly and will happily pour you a pint.  I suggest starting with the Speckled Loon Cream Ale, Olde Town Nut Brown, and Peanut Gallery (Porter). At a recent bottle share, I cracked a 2021 bottle of Raven’s Cry, their barrel-aged imperial stout, and it held its own amongst other well-known and sought-after iterations of that style. If you see it on tap or available in bottles, I suggest grabbing a few to enjoy!

Unmapped Brewing-Minnetonka, MN

As a beacon of quality and variety, Unmapped Brewing is a craft beer haven. The expansion into coffee provides a double-threat to those who seek wonderful beverages around the clock. For me, it doesn’t get any better than the Purgatory Pils. However, all of their beers are on the table because Derek and his entire brew team know what they are doing.

My Favorite Place That Are A Longer Drive

If you love to get out and feast on some asphalt, then these breweries are perfect.  They are all above an hour away from the Twin Cities.  They are well worth your time.  Maybe consider cueing up some episodes of A One Pint Stand for the drive?

Bent Paddle Brewing Company-Duluth, MN

Bent Paddle Brewing Company is a must-stop in Duluth. Their packaged beers are dynamic and iconic. DSDB is a big stout of legendary lore. Their beers consistently win awards. Their taproom showcases small-batch beers to tickle the fancies of old-school craft beer geeks like myself. In the summer, their patio is a great reminder of why we all love Minnesota.

Forager Brewery-Rochester, MN

If you are looking for food that is on-par with an elevated restaurant experience to go with your fantastic craft beer, then Forager Brewery is the spot.  I fell in love with them via Pudding Goggles, an imperial porter.  Since then, whenever I am in Rochester, I make sure to plan on stopping in for a meal and some beers.  There are so many great options, but they really shine when it comes to their malty offerings.

Hoops Brewing-Duluth, MN

Hoops Brewing in the heart of Canal Park has an astounding number of things to drink.  A popular haunt for pre and post All Pints North fest-goers, Hoops is always a must-stop.  David Hoops really deserves a ton of credit for helping develop Duluth into the craft beer treasure it is, today.  His team makes incredible beer.  Some of my favorites are the Keller Pils, Mexican Lager, Stock Ale, and Munich Lager.

Jack Pine Brewery-Baxter, MN

The north woods motif that is encompassed at Jack Pine Brewery is warm and welcoming. I love visiting the taproom to try so many good things. The tap list is as grandiose as the coastline of Gull Lake. I am a huge fan of what Jack Pine does with IPAs. They always have different versions on tap and it is fun to see hops showcased in the skillful hands of the Jack Pine brew crew. Their Vengeance Jalapeño cream ale is so wonderful. They are one of the few places around where the S’more Pastry Stout is not a cloyingly sweet abomination. Jack Pine has become a great place to bring my dad and enjoy some quality father/son time when I am up there for a visit.

Little Thistle Brewing-Rochester, MN

When Little Thistle Brewing opened their doors, it instantly became a favorite of mine.  The people behind the beer are wonderful humans.  The beers on tap are brewed expertly and the styles span the spectrum of what we all want to drink.  I don’t think that it gets much better than the Brave Woman when it come to a satisfying, yet, sessionable beer.  There are so many great stouts that have food flavors infused into them without tasting out of whack.  They have a spacious outdoor setting to enjoy the best weather our state has to offer. 

Ursa Minor Brewing-Duluth, MN

Ursa Minor Brewing is located in the Lincoln Park area of Duluth.  This is a bustling and reborn section of Duluth that is anchored by Bent Paddle Brewing Company.  Ursa Minor has some wonderful things to drink and also serves wood-fired pizzas.  I gravitate towards their Constellation Cream Ale, Bear-ista (Coffee Stout), and Ewok Cuddles (Belgian Dubbel).  However, you really can’t go wrong with anything there.

My Favorite Places In The Twin Cities (St. Paul & Minneapolis)

As the Minnesota craft beer scene continues to thrive, the bar for what people expect to drink also elevates. Take it from me, the Twin Cities is host to an embarrassment of craft beer riches.

56 Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

If there is a brewery that has more unique things happening in their taproom, I would be surprised. 56 Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis love bringing people into their taproom to build community. They have a great blend of lagers, ales, and some beyond beer THC offerings that are all solid. 

Dangerous Man Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Dangerous Man closed their Northeast taproom in October. I spent the last few nights there and it was an emotional rollercoaster. People often ask me why I bother going to different breweries all the time. Some wonder, “Aren’t they all the same? Doesn’t that just get boring?” Well, Dangerous Man was unique since they opened their doors. They continue to forge their own path. I still love their beer, and I miss the hell out of their taproom. Like all things in life, they made a change. Change is hard. Change is also exciting. While I don’t know for sure what their next steps are, I have some guesses. One concrete certainty is that whatever they do, it will be unique. If you missed my written love letter to Dangerous Man, here it is.

Dual Citizen Brewing Company-Saint Paul, MN

Dual Citizen Brewing Company is a wonderful place to grab a beer before a Loons game. They have such a wide variety of things to drink. However, I really enjoy their sessionable offerings like the Elbow Bender Kölsch-Style beer, and the Essential Industry Pils. When I am in the darker mood, they have a sensational brown ale and the best American Barleywine in the world.

Their Sunday Kölsch Service is a lightning-rod type social event that tends to bring a lot of wonderful people together. This not only helps their taproom staff get their steps in, but further fosters the wonderful community that they are all about as they inclusively bring people together.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative-Minneapolis, MN

Routinely on my short list of must-visits, Fair State Brewing Cooperative is fantastic.  They are always pushing the envelope on styles and flavors.  What I love about them is they continue to showcase a variety of beers that people love.  Their Mirror Universe (Hazy IPA), Pils, and Crankin’ Foamers are all delicious, but they always have something awesome that is new to try.  It would not break my heart if they had Keller Kazbek on their regular tap list, but a guy can’t have everything.

Falling Knife Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Falling Knife Brewing does a lot of things well.  They are able to scratch the itches of both trendy craft beer drinkers and the old curmudgeons like me who enjoy classic styles done well.  I also believe the Tomm’s is a revelation and a way to invite folks who are intimidated by craft beer into the fold.  If I am going to have a pastry stout, it will probably be here because they are brewed masterfully.

I was at Falling Knife recently and there was a Minnesota Timberwolves game on the big screen. It was a raucous atmosphere and I think they are probably the best place to take in a Wolves game if you can’t be at Target Center!

Fulton Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Fulton Brewing has been a mainstay of Minneapolis craft beer since taprooms were a thing. They are an anchor to the North Loop’s craft beer network and a wonderful place to gather for a Twins game. Their tap list has a great mix of old standbys and new things they are brewing. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the beers they pour and that always elevates the experience.

HeadFlyer Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

HeadFlyer Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis does a nice job of straddling the line between trends and classics.  Their hazy IPA game is on-par with other notable breweries mentioned earlier.  Yet, they also give homage to malt, a consistently under-appreciated ingredient in beer.  Their BAMF’D series of barrel-aged imperial stouts are some of the best in the state.  Their taproom is a wonderful place to hang out and they always know how to put on a fun event!

Insight Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

When Insight Brewing opened, I became intrigued by their variety of beers. I purchased a membership and was really excited. Over the years, their brewers have changed and so many of the beers I initially fell in love with faded away. They have revamped the tap list over the last few years and I am back to being a frequent flyer. Give me all the Avant all the time! I absolutely love their new patio because it is so comfortable and fun!

La Doña Cervecería-Minneapolis, MN

La Doña Cerveceria is a bright and beautiful space to try beers that showcase Latino flavors and traditions.  Their Mexican Lager, Doña Fria, is my favorite, but I also enjoy Enmolada (Chili-stout) and Ecēlōtl (Barleywine).  The summer is the best time to go and watch people playing soccer along with some of the food they make in-house. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with their brewers, Dicky and Britt, to talk beer. If you want to listen to that conversation, it can be found here.

“I have a bedside journal where I write my private thoughts about Supra Deluxe, my favorite of their offerings. It reads like a mash-up between The Notebook, The Joy of Cooking, and 50 Shades of Grey.”

Dan Beaubien

Modist Brewing-Minneapolis, MN

Modist Brewing in the North Loop brews wonderful beer. Thanks to their mash filter in the brewhouse, they can brew in ways most breweries can’t. The result is inventing and mind-blowing beers that consistently deliver on flavor and texture. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have an incredible team of brewers to create and brew these incredible beers. Modist is also a great place to go before a Twins game thanks to their close proximity to Target Field. I have a bedside journal where I write my private thoughts about Supra Deluxe, my favorite of their offerings. It reads like a mash-up between The Notebook and 50 Shades of Grey. I absolutely love that beer and I could drink it by the gallon jug. 

Summit Brewing-Saint Paul, MN

Summit Brewing doesn’t chase trends, and they set the bar when it comes to quality and consistency in beer. Their iconic Summit EPA is a revered favorite adored by many. I also love their Twins Pils (Formerly Keller Pils) and find it quite hilarious that it is selling like crazy since it was renamed and associated with the Minnesota Twins. It will be interesting to see how things move forward with the news that founder, Mark Stutrud is retiring after 37 years. 

Town Hall Brewery-Minneapolis, MN

Town Hall Brewery  is deeply embedded in the terroir of the Minnesota craft beer scene.  An incubator and starting point for so many brewers who have gone on to be head brewers elsewhere. Town Hall Brewery remains steadfast in their vision of producing quality beer despite what the trends say they should do.  The beers I love here are too many to list.  With Pete Rifakes and Mike Hoops steadily steering the ship through the turbulent waters of the last few years, it is not outside the realm of possibility that they will continue on as a beacon of quality and hospitality.  Derek Brown is now the Head Brewer and the beers are as excellent as they have always been. Also, just an FYI, their Barrel-Aged Event goes from February 12-24th.

My Best-In-Show

This is my top five favorite places to go. No matter what time of year, what is on tap, and who is working, these breweries are my home-away-from-home places. I am unapologetically smitten with these sensational Minnesota craft breweries.

5-Bad Weather Brewing

4-Arbeiter Brewing

3-Lupulin Brewing

2-Town Hall Brewery

1-Dangerous Man Brewing