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A lot of things happen when you decide to drink local – from helping local businesses/economies to supporting neighborhood revitalization efforts. You also get to enjoy the freshest beer on the market. But, have you ever taken the time to go visit a local brewery? If not, here’s a couple of reasons why you should stop by your favorite local brewery, including a list of Minnesotan craft breweries you should visit. Have you visited a local brewery recently? Tell us about your experience below!
Brewery Tours – Learn more about how your favorite beer is made. Most brewery tours take you through the entire operation. Tour guides (often the brewers themselves) answer your questions and introduce you to unique brewing techniques/brew styles. After your done with your tour, make sure to stick around and try the beers in their taproom.
Taproom-Only Beers – A lot of breweries sometimes brew a special batch of experimental beer, which tend to be taproom-only due to the small size of the batch. These limited beers generally contain unique ingredients – including specially grown hops or uncommon flavors. Ask the bartenders in the taproom about any taproom-only beers they might have available.
New Beer Releases – If you want to full beer experience, you’ll want to attend a beer release party at your favorite brewery. Try their new brew and other beers they have available in the taproom. As an added bonus, you’ll be one of the first to purchase this new beer, while it’s still really fresh.
Local Music – Brewery’s tend to host local or touring musicians during their late-night or weekend afternoon taproom hours. Take a look at their event schedule online. Plan a trip to your favorite brewery and catch a show after your tour.
Food Trucks/Catering – In addition to hosting musicians, breweries sometimes have food trucks drive up on the premise. Enjoy the local food paired with your favorite brew. To catch a food truck, check the breweries website for a food truck schedule.
Minnesotan craft breweries you should visit:
Badger Hill Brewing Company – Shakopee, MN
Excelsior Brewing Company – Excelsior, MN
Lift Bridge Brewing Company – Stillwater, MN
Lucid Brewing – Minnetonka, MN
Mankato Brewery – Mankato, MN
Summit Brewing Company – Saint Paul, MN