Improved, Improving, Underrated MN Breweries

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by Bravak, Feb 8, 2016.

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  1. Bravak

    Bravak Zealot (587) Sep 9, 2014 Minnesota

    BA'ers - there has been a lot of talk here and elsewhere about quality (or lack of) with newer MN breweries, and rightfully so in many cases. I personally have been taken more critical and negative positions on things versus looking at positives, and I want to change that.

    I thought it would be a nice change of pace, and helpful, to identify newer MN breweries which have made obvious, noticeable strides in improving their product, specifically from a quality standpoint, not "I like the style of beers" standpoint. Something that MN craft beer consumers can be proud of. For the sake of this thread, I am asking that we stay away from the obvious quality stalwarts like Summit, Schell and Surly. Rather, I think it would be good to limit the feedback to breweries which have opened over the last 5-7 years, give or take.

    That being said, I'll start with my thoughts on three (in alphabetical order):
    • Badger Hill - I have always been a fan of their beers, but they once seemed to be inconsistent, and I had a foamer in a bottle a few years back when I moved to the TC. Now, since they moved to their new facility, it seems like they have really hit their stride. They have very clean, very well made beers. They are very consistent and are one of my go-to's. Get to their tap-room if you haven't.
    • Fulton - I am not taking a great leap here, and they have some impressive equipment in their new brewery from what I see. Still, these guys are turning our incredibly solid, well made and consistent beers from my point of view. I really am not a fan of their brews from a style standpoint, but that is irrelevant. Fulton simply make well made beers, a far cry from when they started. ( I used to travel to MSP before I moved here and have tried their brews from the time they launched).
    • LTD - I really didn't like their beers when they opened. They just did not seem well attenuated and had a number of off-flavors, at least my perception was so. However, over the last year, I have been pleasantly surprised every time I have stopped by. I always see the owners there, and they seem to take their product serious, and it is showing. They have a very comfortable, almost cozy environment, simple in the best way.
    The above are just my two-cents. I would love to see what others BA'ers list here.

    Cheers everyone!
     
    #1 Bravak, Feb 8, 2016
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  2. ZAP

    ZAP Grand Pooh-Bah (4,048) Dec 1, 2001 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    For me it's Beaver Island. As long as you're ok with $6 pints at a brewery in St. Cloud that is. A year ago they were ok. Not bad but nothing to get excited about. I have been there twice now in the last month and came away very impressed. They had one of the best IPA's I've had in Minnesota (Revolution 1 with Columbus, El Dorado, Amarillo, Simcoe). All their beers I found to be excellent per style.
     
    #2 ZAP, Feb 8, 2016
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  3. gatornation

    gatornation Grand High Pooh-Bah (10,388) Apr 18, 2007 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Bauhaus, and Sisyphus have been very good for awhile now but they continue to improve and get better and better.
     
    #3 gatornation, Feb 8, 2016
  4. porter_collie

    porter_collie Zealot (699) Mar 30, 2014 Minnesota

    Lift Bridge's stouts and hoppy offerings are among the best in the area. Had the Batch 1300 at the taproom this weekend - damn if that stuff isn't delicious. I think Bad Weather's Hopcromancer is another great IPA (especially on nitro), and they have some other solid offerings, too. Probably the best brewery in the downtown St. Paul area.
     
    #4 porter_collie, Feb 8, 2016
  5. cmannes

    cmannes Pundit (967) Mar 15, 2009 Minnesota

    I think, Omni in Maple Grove is slowly improving.

    Opening day, the beers were pretty meh, actually they were very meh.

    But they've improved since then, and the few additional styles have come out pretty solid.

    I won't call them "one of the best" or anything, but I'm happy to see them improving.
     
    #5 cmannes, Feb 8, 2016
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