Courtesy Surly Brewing

The real label for Overrated just in time for its real release

In what turned out to be a Kaufman-esque (Andy, not Charlie, though we'd be interested to see that too) publicity stunt, several months ago Surly pranked the surprisingly stuffy beer community by leaking fake label art for its upcoming West Coast IPA called Overrated. After the pastel unicorn-sparkle aftermath died down, the brewery cleared up its intentions and published the real label, complete with the following self-aware explanation:

It's been said, 'It's easier to brew an extremely hoppy beer than an extremely balanced beer.' And you know us, we are always looking for the easy way out, so we jumped on the West Coast IPA bandwagon and brewed this dry and hoppy ale. 'Surly's a little bit of a one-trick pony, they just brew gimmick beers,' and maybe we are OVERRATED, but at the end of the day, it's just a beer. If you like it, great, so do we. If you only liked us when we were small, then leave this one on the shelf. Let one of the fanboys grab it.

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The current craft brewing growth isn't Minnesota's first brewery boom. The mid 1990s also saw an uptick in production of local brews, one that can teach the new startups some lessons--at least from those who survived. Great Waters Brewing Company in downtown St. Paul has seen a lot in its 17 years, working with other Minnesota breweries and watching the growth of the brewpub scene in the rise of Town Hall and Rock Bottom, and the closing of Sherlock's Home. Starting from scratch at 426 St. Peter St., it predates the Xcel Energy Center, the Minnesota Wild, and Kincaid's. In the ensuing years, it has carved a niche that pulls in sports fans, rock concert attendees, and those on their way to the opera or Children's Museum. This variety of customers has helped them survive SPCO and NHL lockouts, and it has provided a community atmosphere where all walks of life are represented while sipping suds in the historic Hamm Building.

The only brewpub in St. Paul prides itself on its well water and cask beers, offering a variety of beers for all seasons, all brewed onsite except in special situations. The Hot Dish had a couple with owner Sean O'Byrne and discussed the growth of the local industry, the distinct circumstances that brewpubs face, both in clientele and legal issues, and what got him interested in "those warm beers."

See also:
Brau Brothers getting ready for move to Marshall
Pour Decisions Brewing: Saying no to "me too" beers

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As the craft beer boom continues to widen the availability of premium suds, the festivals continue to grown and change. Beer geeks can find plenty to get excited about at this weekend's second annual Spring Ale Fest, held at Uppercut Gym in northeast Minneapolis. We spoke with event organizer Connor O'Meara to find out what we can expect and why they decided to hold a beer event in a boxing ring.More »

Farm Girl Saison tallboys will be here just in time for warm weather

By the end of this month, Stillwater's Lift Bridge Brewery will be shipping out its flagship beer, the Belgian-style pale ale Farm Girl Saison, to liquor stores around the Midwest in 16-ounce tallboy cans.

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The three co-owners of Northbound Smokehouse: chef Bryce Strickler; manager Amy Johnson, and brewer Jamie Robinson.

It was an ambitious goal. To raise the final amount needed to open a small brewpub in Minneapolis, the owners of Northbound Smokehouse offered investors of $1,000 or more free beer for life. Did it work? Oh, did it ever.

We talked recently with Northbound brewer and part owner of the new south Minneapolis hot spot, Jamie Robinson, who brought us up to speed on how the unique business model is paying off for the six-month-old brewery, and what's coming next.

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Brau Brothers Brewing Company is clear about its origins, proudly printing "population 220" for all to see on its original logo. However, as the brewery grows, obstacles have risen, and relocation is afoot for the 15-year-old company, now based in tiny Lucan, Minnesota. Brau Brothers started in 1998 as a brewpub and rebranded as a production brewery in 2006, splitting ownership down the middle between three brothers, Brady, Dustin, and Trevor, "33.33333 percent... [which] would make a good name for a beer," notes Dustin. In addition to producing five year-round beers and several rotating varieties, the brewery is also helping Bank Brewery (Hendricks) as it gets set up in the southwestern part of the state by producing some of its beer on site.

It's been a busy 2013 for Brau Brothers, having officially announced relocation to Marshall, Minnesota (population 14,220) earlier this month. Brau Brothers expects to move into its new digs later this month. The Hot Dish recently spoke with CEO/head brewer Dustin Brau before any official declarations were made public. Our discussion focused on the company's growth, its place in the southwest Minnesota market, and the looming elephant in the room, the (at that time unofficial) move.

See also:
Pour Decisions: Saying no to "me too" beers
Lake Superior Brewing on the Duluth brew scene

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Joy Summers

The 612 Brew taproom: Soon to be serving Mary Ann

After the recent opening of its Northeast taproom, 612 Brew has been focusing on adding some new brews to its lineup, and now it's finally ready to unveil its spring/summer seasonal- the Mary Ann.More »

Drew Wood

Kristen England and B.J. Haun have a lot of home-brewing experience between the two of them. When they decided to take the next step, they spent two-plus years drafting a business plan and choosing a location for what became Pour Decisions, the city of Roseville's first brewery. First scheduled to open around State Fair time, the brewery met construction delays and opened its doors fully in early 2013. To find the new startup, simply take Fairview Avenue north from Highway 36, turn off on Terrace Drive, and pull into a nondescript parking lot. At first glance, it looks like just a vacant Saturday lot until you get out of the car and follow the handwritten signs directing you inside the brewery.

The Hot Dish sat down with co-owner England for a lengthy talk about world travel, obscure beers, finding your niche in the marketplace, and beer education and history. The brewery has a well-defined focus on underrepresented global beers, bringing many styles into the Midwest for their first local tastings. Throughout the talk, England reinforced the focus on individuality and avoiding "me too" beers in the local brew scene. England has gathered most of his knowledge from studying abroad during his college years and later through regular visits to his wife's family in Europe.

Pour Decisions' flagship beers are its Pubstitute Dark Scottish Session Ale and Patersbier Monk's Golden Ale, both of which are available at select bars around the metro and at the taproom. The brewery will soon be adding 22-ounce bottles to its production.

See also:
Lake Superior Brewing on the Duluth brew scene: "The place is hopping"
Beer maker Nathan Berndt: Brewing "the Indeed way" in Northeast

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The marriage of food trucks and local breweries is a logical one. Both businesses have boomed in recent years, and great food always tastes better with a perfectly crafted brew. We're confident these two will live happily ever after. For all those who are missing the mobile food vendors in these frigid temperatures, for those looking to get out and taste some stunning beers, and for anyone needing a handy cheap date night option, we give you a roundup of all the local trucks and breweries teaming up for the weekend.More »

Which looks more plausible?

Earlier this month, artwork for Surly's forthcoming project, a West Coast IPA called "Overrated," hit the internet.

Surly responded to the leak in its newsletter, and explained that the image going around wasn't the label the brewery had wanted. Their initial vision, Surly said, had been nixed by regulators for being too, uh, radical.

See also:
Met Council approves $500k grant for Surly's new destination brewery
Surly launches Pentagram at Butcher & the Boar this weekend
Surly founder Omar Ansari on the MN brewing scene and "what makes a Surly"

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