up to speed – beer happenings
My whirlwind tour of the east coast and sporadic work schedule have left me feeling a bit out of the beer loop lately. If you’ve been less than attentive for a few weeks, let’s catch up on a few news bits together.
New breweries are in the works …no surprise here!
I am particularly excited about Urban Growler, opening in St. Paul this winter. Deb Loch and Jill Pavlach plan to showcase local ingredients with 6+ beers on tap. They recognize that a female duo is rare in brewing circles, and plan to market slightly to that advantage. I’m exceedingly grateful for their plan to offer half pours to that end, but I’m also curious to learn more about their strategy. Urban Growler opens in late 2013.
Visit their website, there are too many unique ideas and plans in the works to name! Join me for their Open House, July 18th and 19th – see Facebook.
I’ve recently heard a muttering among beeries that St Paul needs more breweries, and I too am pleased that the other twin is getting in on the action! Also on the east end will be Tin Whiskers; Roseville will soon play host to the 3 electrical engineers and their budding brew operation.
Homebrewing awards the blue ribbon to a woman, the first in 30 years!
Annie Johnson won for her Lite American Lager. Lagers are not easy to brew, and they are not the typical beer that comes to mind for a homebrewing competition. Brewbound states: “This year, there were 7,756 entries from 2,187 homebrewers located in 49 states and [multiple territories].” Huge congratulations to Annie and to all the homebrew entries.
Town Hall adds another location near 50th St & 34th Ave
As a U of M grad and South Minneapolis-ophile, I have an affinity for Town Hall Brewery and Town Hall Tap. As of Friday, July 19th, there will be another offering from Town Hall, complete with bowling alley! Say hello to Town Hall Lanes! There will be the same excellent food and choice beer list as their other locations, but now you can bet your friends you’ll bowl a turkey and they’ll buy the next round.
Well, that gets you somewhat up to speed! Happy Drinking.
Sources: James Norton of Heavy Table, Brewbound.com, CityPages