Minneapolis, MN Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Map
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a burgeoning epicenter for craft beer enthusiasts, reflecting a deep-rooted appreciation for locally brewed beer. In a city famed for its vibrant arts scene and frigid winters, the craft beer culture has emerged as a warm community gathering point and a hub of innovation. From robust stouts to refreshing ales, Minneapolis breweries are known for their dedication to quality and an eagerness to experiment with a diverse range of flavors and brewing techniques.
Amidst the urban backdrop, each Minneapolis brewery tells its own story through unique brews that often utilize local ingredients, mirroring the spirit and character of the region. The collaboration between these breweries fosters a dynamic craft beer scene that caters to a wide variety of tastes. This not only entices the local populace but also draws visitors from across the nation who are eager to sample Minneapolis' unique craft beer offerings.
As the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul continue to embrace and expand their craft beer reputation, the assortment of craft breweries and their creative spaces stand as testament to the area's passion for quality beer and community. Whether it's a cozy taproom or a larger establishment with regular food truck visits, beer enthusiasts are bound to find a place that feels like home, with a pint that tastes of the local culture.
History of Minneapolis Craft Beer
Minneapolis, with its rich brewing tradition dating back to the 1800s, has witnessed the rise and transformation of its local beer scene into a vibrant craft beer movement.
Pioneering Breweries
In the earliest days, Minneapolis's brewing industry was represented by prominent entities such as Gluek Brewing Company and the Minneapolis Brewing Company, which became synonymous with the state's brewing heritage. The latter, also known for its well-known Grain Belt Beer, showcased the city's brewing capabilities. It was John Orth, standing in front of his brewery circa 1880, who laid the foundation for the industry in the city.
Growth of Craft Beer Movement
The 1980s marked a turning point with August Schell Brewing Co. producing what is believed to be the first wheat beer in the United States, signaling the inception of contemporary craft brewing in Minnesota. The momentum continued as Minneapolis became home to a plethora of craft breweries such as Surly Brewing Co., Fulton Brewing Co., and Dangerous Man Brewing Co., among others, contributing to the city's dynamic craft beer landscape and positioning Minneapolis as a significant player in the craft beer revolution.
Breweries and Taprooms
Exploring the Minneapolis craft beer scene reveals an array of breweries and taprooms, each offering unique flavors and experiences. The North Loop, Northeast Minneapolis, Downtown, South Minneapolis, and the broader Twin Cities area showcase the region's passion for innovative and quality brews.
North Loop Scene
In the trendy North Loop, Modist Brewing Co. stands out with its forward-thinking approach to brewing and its spacious taproom. Nearby, Fulton Beer is renowned for its pioneering spirit and diverse selection. Both establishments are a testament to the area's flourishing beer culture.
Northeast Minneapolis Staples
Northeast Minneapolis is rich with craft beer tradition, encapsulated by Indeed Brewing Co. and Bauhaus Brew Labs. Both taprooms feature a signature lineup of core and seasonal beers. Dangerous Man Brewing Co. adds to the charm of the neighborhood with its cozy taproom and bold beer selections.
Downtown and South Minneapolis Highlights
Downtown, Clockwerks Brewing offers meticulously crafted ales in a steampunk-themed environment. Moving south, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery delivers award-winning ales and lagers near the university campus. Pryes Brewing Company contributes with riverside views and mainstay beers.
Expansion to the Twin Cities Area
The craft beer scene extends well into the Twin Cities, where Surly Brewing Company boasts a sprawling beer hall and garden. Wild Mind Artisan Ales showcases wild, sour, and farmhouse ales in a lively taproom. Finnegans Brew Co. balances social entrepreneurship with its taproom experience, emphasizing community involvement alongside beer enjoyment.
Beer Styles and Specialties
Minneapolis' craft beer scene is as diverse as it is innovative, offering a rich tapestry of styles that cater to both traditional palates and those seeking something daring. The city boasts a myriad of local brews that tap into the heart of Minnesotan flavors, alongside adventurous seasonal and one-off beers that push the boundaries of brewing.
Local Favorites
In the constellation of Minneapolis' signature beers, certain stars shine brightly. Sweet Child of Vine IPA stands out with its balanced use of hops and malt, delivering a fresh, piney flavor that's become a local staple. Similarly, The Lonely Blonde from Fulton Brewery offers a crisp and refreshing taste that's a go-to for many beer lovers. Recognized for its smoothness, Day Tripper Pale Ale is another fixture in the Minneapolis beer community, notable for its bold American hops and silver-flecked clarity that embodies the spirit of an easy-going pale ale.
Innovative Brews
Adventurers in the Minneapolis craft beer landscape often find themselves at the door of Sisyphus Brewing, where the ethos of innovation is palpable in each pour. From beers accentuated with wild yeast strains that introduce complex, earthy profiles to the ever-evolving tap list, creativity is key. Wild Mind Ales also contributes to the scene with its wild-fermented brews, producing unexpected and tantalizing flavor experiences that challenge even the most seasoned palates.
Seasonal Brews and One-offs
Seasonally, Minneapolis breweries embrace the changing Minnesota climate to craft limited-time offerings that capture the essence of the season. Spring and summer invite a surge of lighter ales, like the Mexican Honey Light—a sweet, light-bodied lager infused with local honey. As autumn rolls in, so do the robust, spiced ales that define the city's harvest celebrations. Winter's chill is warded off with rich, hearty stouts and barrel-aged wonders, limited-run brews that often feature hints of chocolate or coffee, making each fleeting sip a treasure to be savored.
Brewery Tours and Beer Tastings
Minneapolis is a treasure trove for beer enthusiasts, offering an array of brewery tours and beer tastings that showcase the best of local craft beer culture. The Twin Cities area provides beer lovers with both guided and self-guided experiences to explore the vibrant community of brewers and taprooms.
Guided Experiences
Guided brewery tours are a popular option for those looking to gain insight into the local brewing scene. Through these tours, participants have the opportunity to visit several breweries in a single outing, often with transportation provided, making for a safe and educational experience.
Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tours: Highly rated for their seamless and engaging tours spanning about 3 hours, including visits to three standout breweries in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Hoppy Trolley Brewery Tours: Offers customizable tours that cater to various group sizes, ensuring a fun and informative journey through the city's brewery landscape.
Self-Guided Itineraries
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided brewery tours allow individuals to create personalized itineraries. This approach gives beer lovers autonomy to select which taprooms and breweries they wish to visit, spending as much time as desired at each location.
Twin Cities Brewery Map: Utilize resources such as a brewery map to plan an itinerary that can include the most vibrant taprooms and breweries in Minneapolis.
Local Online Listings: Check the latest opening hours and special events, to ensure you visit the best Minneapolis has to offer.
Throughout both guided and self-guided tours, visitors will find a strong sense of community as Minnesotans take pride in their local craft beer offerings. Brewery staff are typically eager to share their knowledge, making these tours both fun and educational for people looking to delve deeper into the world of craft beer.
Community and Events
Minneapolis has carved out a reputation as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, heavily influenced by its sense of community and the various events that knit local brewers and patrons together.
Local Brew Festivals
The Minnesota Craft Beer Festival is a standout event, marking the calendar of every craft beer aficionado. It's typically held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, bringing together over 100 breweries. These events allow attendees to taste a vast array of brews, accentuating the creativity and skill of local brewing talents.
Event Name Venue Features
Minnesota Craft Beer Festival Minneapolis Convention Center 100+ breweries, local and rare beers, tasting sessions
Brewery Sponsored Community Events
Fair State Brewing Cooperative exemplifies the fusion of craft beer with community. As a cooperative, it isn't just another brewery; it's a collective where members contribute to the brewing process, forging a genuine connection between the beer and those who enjoy it. They sponsor events that often foster collaboration and serve as an inspiration for other community-centric breweries.
Events Types:
Member meet-ups
Collaboration launches
Key Themes:
Community involvement
Celebrating local culture
Dining with Brews
In Minneapolis, the burgeoning craft beer scene is complemented by a variety of dining experiences that pair savory eats with local brews. From full-service restaurants attached to breweries to eclectic food menus designed to enhance the flavor of the beers, patrons can enjoy the depth of gastronomic richness along with their pints.
Pairing Food and Beer
Minneapolis's craft beer enthusiasts can indulge in well-curated food and beer pairings across the city. Brewpubs like Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery master the art of matching robust flavors in dishes with their house-made beers, ensuring a complementary dining experience. Diversity in flavor profiles is key, and options such as The Anchor Fish & Chips bring together traditional pub fare with a selection of local ales and lagers, elevating the simple pleasure of a good meal with a crisp brew.
Day Block Brewing Co. is another local favorite, offering a harmony between craft pizzas and their handcrafted beers.
Patrons looking for seasonal patio seating will find that many of these establishments provide outdoor settings to enjoy their food and beer with a dash of fresh air, a feature at Freehouse which showcases both variety in food options and beers.
Brewpubs and Restaurants with Craft Selections
Brewpubs and restaurants in Minneapolis often boast a full-service bar with an array of craft beer selections. The aim is to provide flavorful pairings for customers, regardless of whether they're in the mood for a light snack or a full meal.
Freehouse features an expansive list of beers on tap, including those brewed on-site, alongside comfort food that satisfies a range of palates.
Many places also ensure that patrons who prefer dining al fresco can do so, with establishments like Day Block Brewing Co. offering patio seating when the weather permits.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the local craft beer culture, Minneapolis presents an inviting array of brews paired with delectable bites, catering to both the connoisseur and the casual diner.
Purchasing Minneapolis Craft Beer
When looking to purchase Minneapolis craft beer, aficionados will find an impressive selection that showcases a strong representation of local flavors and ingredients. Enthusiasts of the vibrant craft beer scene have multiple avenues, from local stores to direct brewery sales.
Local Stores and Distribution
Minneapolis is home to several specialty stores with a focus on craft beer from local and regional breweries. These stores prioritize a varied inventory that highlights the distinct profiles derived from Minnesota's local ingredients. For instance, Ombibulous in Northeast Minneapolis stands out for its commitment to exclusively offering Minnesota's craft beers, providing a platform for the state's abundant brewing talent.
Highly-rated Local Craft Beer Stores:
Ombibulous (Northeast)
Elevated Beer Wine & Spirits (various locations)
Local craft beers can also be found in larger distribution chains, yet independent stores are where one might find limited releases and exclusive local brews.
Growler and Crowler Sales
Numerous breweries in Minneapolis offer growlers and crowlers, allowing beer enthusiasts to take home fresh beer straight from the taproom. This practice serves as a testament to the community's support for local breweries and the desire to enjoy taproom-quality beer in their own homes.
Popular Options for Growler and Crowler Sales:
56 Brewing: Known for their growler sales and selection.
Indeed Brewing Company: Offers a rotating selection of crowlers.
It is important to note that both growler and crowler sales come with specific regulations regarding sealing and transportation, which patrons are encouraged to follow to maintain quality and enjoy the brewery-fresh experience.
Craft Beer and the Environment
In Minneapolis's craft beer scene, sustainability and sourcing local ingredients are central to producing high-quality, eco-conscious brews.
Sustainable Practices
Minneapolis breweries adopt various sustainable practices to minimize their environmental footprint. These practices include:
Energy Efficiency: Breweries often invest in energy-efficient equipment and lighting to reduce electricity use.
Water Conservation: Water reclamation systems and practices are implemented to limit water waste during brewing.
Waste Reduction: Spent grains and other byproducts are repurposed as livestock feed or compost, reducing landfill contributions.
Local Ingredient Sourcing
The commitment to local ingredients is twofold: it supports area farmers and reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Minnesota grains and hops: Breweries source from local growers wherever possible.
Seasonal offerings: Limited releases often feature ingredients at their peak from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and quality.
By embracing these principles, Minneapolis craft breweries are not only crafting unique and flavorful beers but also contributing positively to environmental stewardship and the community.
The Home Brewing Scene
Minneapolis's local craft beer scene extends beyond the numerous breweries and into a vibrant community of home brewers who embody creativity and a commitment to quality in their beer-making endeavors.
Home Brewing Clubs
Twin Cities Home Brewers Association and the Nordeast Brewers Alliance serve as prominent home brewing clubs in Minneapolis. These organizations offer support and camaraderie for homebrew enthusiasts across skill levels. Members share knowledge, participate in competitions, and collaborate, fostering a strong sense of community while enhancing their craft.
Resources and Supplies
Home brewers in Minneapolis can find a wealth of resources and supplies at local homebrew shops like Midwest Supplies and Northern Brewer Homebrew Supply. These stores not only offer ingredients like hops, malts, and yeasts but also provide equipment ranging from starter kits to sophisticated brewing systems. They also host classes and demonstrations, helping both novice and experienced brewers achieve higher quality in their homemade batches.
Ingredients: Grains, hops, yeast, water additives
Equipment: Brew kettles, fermenters, bottling and kegging gear
Education: Brewing classes, recipe formulation advice, troubleshooting
Future of Craft Beer in Minneapolis
In the bustling beer scene of Minneapolis, aficionados and casual drinkers alike can look forward to a future rich with innovation and guided by sustainability. The city's craft beer industry, despite facing challenges, is pivoting towards inventive brewing techniques and eco-friendly practices.
Emerging Breweries
New players in the Minneapolis craft beer scene are entering the market with a strong emphasis on creativity and uniqueness. They are making a mark with bold flavors and experimental brews. Seasonal releases and limited-edition batches remain a viable strategy for attracting enthusiast attention and keeping the beer lineup fresh and exciting.
Mana Brewing Co: A notable entrant into the market, distinguishing itself with its inventive takes on traditional recipes.
Pipeworks Brewing Company: Although not new to the industry, they continue to push the envelope with adventurous and non-conventional brews.
Trends to Watch
Sustainability: Minneapolis breweries are increasingly integrating sustainable practices into their operations, from sourcing local ingredients to minimizing waste.
Materials: The use of biodegradable packaging and recycled materials is climbing as a trend, reflecting consumer values.
Hard Seltzer: The popularity of hard seltzer continues to grow, and Minneapolis breweries are responding by adding these lighter, often fruit-infused options to their repertoire.
Innovation in Flavors and Techniques:
Experimentation: Breweries are experimenting with new hop varieties and brewing techniques to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Collaborations: There's a rise in collaborative efforts both within and outside the community, merging diverse perspectives and skills to create unique brew experiences.
Technology: Advancements in brewing technology are enabling more precise control over the beer-making process, leading to higher quality and consistency. This adoption of tech is helping Minneapolis breweries stay at the forefront of the industry.
