Mom Visiting , what should she bring back?

in before todd, pseudosue, and all of the other overrated stuff.

so, what do you like?

 

Drinking a Bent Paddle Cold Press right now, I would recommend it.

Steel Toe's Lunker should still be at the brewery and stores, if you like BA barleywines, it would be a good one to get.

If you are interested in Surly Pentagram, that is still on the shelves. With a little searching, probably can still find Eight and Smoke.

 

if you are looking for a more regional approach, i might search out some of the limited bottles that are out right now. Steel Toe's Lunker and Sticker Fight. Surly's Todd the Axe Man can be found with some searching. don't know if we have a date yet, but Surly's Wet should be soon I believe. and as stated above, Pentagram and Eight are available with a little hunting. would also suggest Bent Paddle's Cold Press. another favorite of mine is Paylay'Ahlay by Fair State.

 

I work in the area and know what is available. Doubt they will find Lunker, But they can find a lot of Crooked Stave and Paradox beer if they venture into Chanhassen. EP is municipal stores only so their selection is less beer geeky. Pentagram is everywhere as it is an overpriced shelf turd. Some Schell's Cyprus Blanc and Dawn of Aurora are around and I highly recommend those beers. If they go to Chanhassen I also highly recommend Waconia Gin-barrel aged Honey Ale. Skip Enki and Excelsior Brewing beers despite what the salesperson will tell them.

 

Pentagram is still available in Iowa.

 

for good reason

 

^this^

 

You will not know until you drink it yourself. Might be the best beer ever.

 

Are they driving, or flying?

 

Ok. I recommend stuff from Bank Brewing. Their Smoke Bomb is awesome, and Into The Black is also very good.

 

Lunker and Sticker Fight bottles are still listed on Steel Toe's website for sale at the brewery...

 

I would go with these 2 as well. I just saw Lunker at the Liquor Barrel in St Louis Park as well.
I'm a fan of Fulton's IPA as well as Indeed Daytripper. Double Daytripper can still be found as well. All in cans, weight-wise.
Most Surly is good, as well as most Bent Paddle from Duluth all cans as well.

If they look around (Bloomington Liquor store really close to Eden Prairie) they will find a good selection including some local RIS.

Strongly disagree with Bank Smoke, I couldn't choke it down, but that is my opinion. Also, save weight and skip the Gin Barrel aged from Waconia.

Pentagram is about $17 at Total Wine in Bloomington and a great BA sour for that price, maybe not $25-30 like some places.

 

I think Surly Overrated is Underrated, and you can find it anywhere

 

Take the 15 minute drive to Princeton's since they are on that side of the city anyway. Ask for Bill, he will point them in the right direction. I saw Pentagram for $16 a few days ago...still passed it by.

 

Agree with @nograz Cold Press Black is fantastic. Highly recommend if you like coffee beers.

 

Are you looking primarily for special release or year-round beers?

In addition to those already mentioned, Toppling Goliath pseudoSue (if you can still find it).

I endorse the suggestions of Bent Paddle Cold Press & Fair State Pahlay'Ahlay

If you at all like ESBs, grab the Summit Unchained #19 Make it So ESB as an unusual take on the style. It is a one-time release, so you won't have a second chance.