Winter Beer Dabbler 2025 Preview
I was chatting with a friend of mine about how excited she was that the temperature on Saturday, February 22nd was going to be 34 degrees. There really is nothing more Minnesotan than that. Oh, wait. I guess a huge outdoor craft beer festival at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in the dead of winter is pretty Minnesotan as well. The Winter Beer Dabbler is a yearly wonder put on by the Beer Dabbler. As the weather forecast looks sexy, you’re going to want to get tickets before they are gone.
A beer festival outdoors? Yes, that is right. You haven’t lived until you have traversed a snow-covered midway that just 6 months earlier was glutted with mullets, double-wide strollers, and kids on leashes. I know this might be blasphemous, but I prefer pretzel necklaces and beer glasses.
One thing that I like to try to do is provide my fellow craft beer and winter-loving friends a little bit of guidance when it comes to beers to keep an eye out for. So, here are 11 beers that I think will elevate your Winter Beer Dabbler experience on Saturday.
Winter Beer Dabbler Beers To Try
56 Brewing-Deadpan rye stout
There is something about rye in a stout that I really like. The dark chocolate notes of the dark malt combine with the nuttiness of the rye to create a really nice flavor. I cannot wait to try this one from 56 Brewing.
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative-Belgian Quad
On a day where the temps are just a hair above freezing, I will need a big beer to keep me warm. A Belgian Quad should fit the bill thanks to its high ABV and nice dark fruit flavors. I have really enjoyed the beers that Shaun Lill has brewed at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative. I can’t wait to try this one.
Hackamore brewing-Saturday Morning Cartoons BA Stout
This is Hackamore Brewing’s award-winning breakfast stout base that was put into a J. Carver whiskey barrel. Why is it called Saturday Morning Cartoons? Well, it was conditioned on a butt-ton of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, that’s why! I cant wait to try it. Don’t worry, I’ll leave the Yoda underoos at home…
Headflyer brewing-coconut Dulce de leche BAMF’d
The BAMF’D series of imperial stouts at HeadFlyer Brewing have always provided a light when all other things are dark. I like the concept of coconut in a big stout because it adds a nice brightness. When it comes to Dulce de Leche, I think that will add a nice sweetness to really join all the flavors together. The base beer is nice and roasty so this one will be a balanced sipper.
luce line brewing-BA gales of november
I love a good barleywine. I have enjoyed the beers at Luce Line Brewing. Of course, when I am there, I tend to gravitate towards their lagers and IPAs. On a wintery day outdoors, I think that a hefty barleywine will taste really nice. Oh, did I mention that this beer spend 12 months resting in a Willett Bourbon barrel? Can you say yummy???
Lupulin brewing company-doppelbock
Lupulin Brewing Company brews so many styles incredibly well. Their Doppelbock is not exception. This rich and malty lager is an absolute treat. The wonderful combination of chocolate, caramel, and roasty malt is going to wow your palate.
modist brewing Company-supra deluxe japanese rice lager
While a lot of beers I am recommending are bigger ones, I do suggest mixing it up with some sessionable, crispy lagers. This is where the Modist Brewing Company Supra Deluxe comes in. A very thirst-quenching beer that is simple and yet complex. I love to crush can after can of this no matter what the temperature is.
Padraigs brewing-paddy’s premium irish lager
I visited Padraigs Brewing with much consternation, afraid that the bad juju left behind by 612 Brewing would still be haunting the beer quality. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed every beer I tried. So, I am ready to dive headfirst into a lager from Padraigs. My hope is that is along the lines of what Harp tastes and drinks like.
schell’s brewery-bock
Schell’s Brewery makes such a great version of a bock that they devote an entire festival to it. This beer is malty and delicious. It is perfect when enjoyed outdoors. If the stars align, there will be a firepit and you might be able to get it poked.
trove brewing-The in-between cherry porter
I think that cherry and roasted malt that presents as dark chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. Some might even say they treasure it. Thankfully, Trove Brewing will be bring the exact thing that I love in liquid form. This beer is fantastic and I hope you stop by to try it.
Wandering Leaf Brewing-feral female porter
This beer from Wandering Leaf Brewing is absolutely fabulous. It has a great roasted malt character that straddles the line on bitter in the best way possible. This is quite quaffable and I suggest you try it.
Wooden ship brewing-Lady of the brewhouse helles
This is an award winning Helles should definitely be on your Winter Beer Dabbler radar. I love a good Helles because it has such a satisfying cracker flavor thanks to the malt. I cannot wait to have several pours and dream about enjoying a full pint on the patio at Wooden Ship Brewing once it warms up.
Like I mentioned above, if there was a time to venture outside on a Saturday, this weekend is it. The Winter Beer Dabbler will provide a nice way to embrace the cold before we are all complaining of the August heat and lack of personal space as we wait in line for a Pronto Pup. See you at the Winter Beer Dabbler!
