minnesota craft beer events

It's a fine time to be a fan of locally crafted beer and to live in Minnesota. Of the nearly 50 Minnesotan breweries listed on MNBeer.com, 26 have opened in the past two years alone (with several more slated to open in the next 18 months). Everywhere you go, people with a pint in their hand are voicing the same idea on the subject: “Can you believe how much new and delicious beer there is here?” This is inevitably followed by, “We're so lucky,” and then, the caveat, “But, wow, is it getting difficult to keep up.”

Recently, I was a grateful attendee at the second annual Brew Master’s Dinner, hosted at the Republic in Seven Corners. Several craft brewers were in town for the Autumn Brew Review Craft Beer Festival and the dinner was a chance to indulge in offerings from limited edition kegs showcasing regional ingredients. Matty O’Reilly and Chef George Finn of the Republic created five courses sourced from local farm produce to match the distinct beer choices that ranged from a light, Egyptian hop-less to heavy black smoke in a glass. Savoring the offerings, it was apparent that these brewers’ talents if redirected, could rival a chef at Chez Pannisse. Let me introduce five craft beers made by some really talented artisans that have made it hard for beer to not be on my list of all things food+art+local.