ISO: Exceptional breweries that opened in 2017

Barrel Theory in St. Paul, MN. St. Paul has traditionally been an "older generation" city, while Minneapolis has been for the younger, more adventerous crowd. The fantastic beers and modern/industrial atmosphere here will continue the complete revamping of the St. Paul beverage and restaurant scene. This will be the first truly high end brewery in St. Paul to go along with the multiple new cocktail bars and eateries.

 

Ha.. was just about to mention Barrel Theory and see someone beat me to it.

This is a brewery that was formed by Ex-Surly Brewing employees . They took what they learned and elevated the beer scene in Minnesota . Their sours and IPA's are probably the highest rated of any brewery in Minnesota despite been open less than a year .

Fair State Brewing a previous world best brewery still knock it out of the park in Minneapolis but now Barrel Theory have added something seriously new to the other side of the Twin Cities . People line up out the door to get into this place and they don't distribute yet so you have go there to try their beers.

I would say most buzzed about new Minnesota Brewery in 2017 but for a change the hype is worth it.

 

Barrel Theory

 

Outer Range Brewing in Frisco, CO. I know my Mountain Forum homies will back this one up, as they have become one of the most talked-about IPA producers in the region.

They've had people driving up to the mountains from all over CO over the past few months to taste their beer, and now that they are doing can releases I think their star is even further on the rise.

 

Outer Range.

 

Equilibrium brewing in NY state. I haven't had any dark beers from them yet ( though I hear they are coming soon ) but they are putting out really good IPA's/Pale ale's as well as superb Sours.

 

Remedy Brewing in Sioux Falls, SD opened July 21st in an old but modernized warehouse in what has become the Sioux Falls beer district. The brewery and taproom are professional, modern, inviting, and well run. They offer crowlers of their own beers, and several other craft selections. They support charities, host zumba/yoga fitness classes, participate in or host local beer events with their competitors, collaborate with local restaurants, and they bring in local musicians.

Their beer lineup includes a variety of styles instead of obsessing on IPA's as many upstarts seem to. So far, styles have included common, cream ale, hefeweizen, pale wheat ale, mexican lager, milk stout, saison/farmhouse, scotch ale, and an IPA. Several new ones are coming soon, including a couple of fall beer styles (oktoberfest and pumpkin). The hefeweizen is incredible. Shown below is their Split-shift Dakota Common, 5.5% ABV, 28 IBU.

 

Natchez Brewing Co in Natchez, Ms. Their year round beers are solid but their sour beers are some of the best I have had from across the country. Solid stuff and very much worthy of recognition. Also the only brewery in Ms that has seriously taken the plunge into mix culture fermentation sours.

 

Funk Factory Geuzeria in Wisconsin is gaining a lot of attention. Was at their opening, I believe that was Spring of 2017.

 

Hourglass Brewing in Longwood, Florida.
Also their Sourglass Brewing.

 

Green Cheek Beer Co!! may have to wait 30 minutes to order on can release days, but well worth it!

 

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Co, Framingham, MA
Goody Two Shoes for everyone!

 

I'd say people have to look more for California Wild Ales, great up and coming sour brewery from SD!

 

Barrel Culture Brewing and Blending in Durham, NC. Just opened with a big splash.

 

Thanks for tipping me. Will make sure to stop by when in town next month for Augie's homecoming. Have not visited the city in nearly twenty years.
Excited to see what's happening in Sioux Falls and to see the art walk one of cousins has been a part of putting together.

 

HOMES Brewery in Ann Arbor. They have put out quite a few excellent hops and kettle-soured ales.

And as delicious as their beer is, their food might be even better. Definitely worth the time for anyone who happens to be in Ann Arbor. They are pretty much always buzzing and busy.

 

They are set to open soon this fall, I'd take a look at Hidden Sands Brewing in South Jersey. Looks like it's going to be really good.

 

Another former Tired Hands brewer, so certainly potential. However, might be better for 2018, as the opening could get pushed out + will need some time to get established. For instance, Equilibrium (NY) was distributing kegs in the later part of 2016, but weren’t really established until 2017, when the brewery was fully operative.