Minnesota Beers – Volume One – A Top 5 List
Minnesota has a lot of lakes. 10,000 give or take a few. There are a few rivers too. Living in the land of water and ice makes me thirsty and that’s why i like to kick back and let the craft beer explosion explode all over my taste buds. Sounds awesome? It is. Here are a few of my favorites.
#5 | Pilsener Lager - Bent Paddle
Brewing out of the North Shore harbor town of Duluth, Bent Paddle has focused on putting their goods in cans so that they can be readily portaged in a bike pannier, canoe cooler, or a tackle box. Pop open a can and further enjoy lake country. Check out Bent Paddle’s outstanding line-up. It’s worth it to try the whole bouquet. Though, the Pilsener is a touch above the rest for sessions deep in the woods. Enjoy responsibly before ripping through the rest of the single-track.
$9.99/sixer
#4 | Big Jim IPA - Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub
This one is a little harder to get your hands on. A visit to Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub right down the block West from the 38th Street light rail station gets you into reach though of dumping down a big one. The Big Jim is the standout go-to when ordering up food. Actually, it’s pretty easy to quaff down while waiting for the 23 Bus to take you to Uptown. If you flew into town, then i laid down the hot track for you to get at it via public transit. (LRT->38th Street)
$5/pint
#3 | Hop Dish - Lift Bridge Brewery
Lift Bridge is brewing out of Stillwater and has lent the essence of seven different hops and then melded into a uniquely pleasant drinkable beer (really what beer isn’t?). With the norm of overpowered IPAs out there this is a pleasantly drinkable IPA that isn’t trying to over power your taste buds. It’s just trying to play well with pork chops and apricots.
$9.99/sixer
#2 | Overated - Surly Brewing
Surly’s West Coast style IPA is a shocker. Overrated and in a can one of these bad boys will light you up! This is my favorite beer to put in my backpack for mid ride break time and down by the river enjoyment. Surly as a whole is a destination brewery. Their beer hall is something in itself. Stop by and enjoy all their brews.
$11.99/4 pack
#1 | WET - Surly Brewing
Surly makes this beer and it’s gone. That pretty much sums up how good it is and also how hard it is to come by. Hop forward…very much so. It’s also worth the wait every year to get it. Line up by the door at your local liquor store and wait for the truck.
$doesn't matter just buy it.