Towards a New Beer City – Garrick van Buren

“I think it’s very real, it’s here to stay. We’re on the cusp of a movement here and I think we’ll probably replicate what Portland or Denver have in terms of 80 or 90 craft breweries.” – Peter Remes, president First & First.

Last week Tom Elko and I went to Stouts Pub for beers. We did a tasting tour of Minnesota craft breweries:

Pour Decisions’ Pubsitute – much more enjoyable than it was at the State Fair, I recommend giving it another shot.
Badger Hill’s Minnesota Special Bitter – a mostly balanced beer that slightly biases hop bitterness.
Harriet Brewing Divine Oculust – definitely Belgian with noticeable alcohol, a slightly heavier body would have made it very enjoyable.
Fulton Brewing’s The Libertine – an English rye that I’d enjoy with a couple more touches of rye (cause I bias rye).

Congrats to Minneapolis and Minnesota for having a so many delicious beer options that aren’t Summit – or even Surly. What a difference a few years and a few legislative changes can make.