Well, my goodness, Twin Cities brewers! We leave a taproom directory alone for two months and a host of new operations decide to open their doors. Sorry about that, dear readers. Head on over to our updated Heavy Table Taproom Directory. We’ve updated all the hours and beer recommendations, and you may notice a few other things have changed:
• It’s now organized by neighborhood (or city), and we’ve added more links to restaurants we’ve reviewed in close proximity.
• We’ve included more beer in the suburbs. Since craft beer is expanding its geographic reach around here, and will only continue to do so, the directory is following suit. We’ve also added some quick sips from Western Wisconsin and will update those more regularly as we head across the border for our Sunday beer runs.
• We’ve begun adding brewpubs. We recognize that a pint brewed on site is the same, regardless of whether there’s a kitchen near the mash tun.
Here are just a few of the newest suds on the scene that you might want to be aware of:
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Head brewer Niko Tonks has hit the ground running after his multi-month stint at Sociable Cider Werks. During our most recent visit, they had nine wide-ranging beers on tap, mostly in the sessionable 4.2 to 5.5 percent ABV range. Count us as huge fans of their Festbier — with just a touch of caramel sweetness up front before waves of comforting malt cascade to a clean finish. Props as well to their schwarzbier. It’s intensely flavored (think gamy, almost savory) but also light enough on its feet to make it wonderfully accommodating for a pint or two.
LynLake Brewery Opens
The Lyndale and Lake intersection finally has the urban, laid back brewery it deserves. LynLake sure brews up a tasty milk stout (though, to be fair, who doesn’t? Does lactose cover up brewing sins like nothing else?) But we also dig their IPA, and appreciate their nascent cask program. Get there before the flurries begin, because they have one of the nicest rooftops in the neighborhood.
Sunday Taproom Hours
Since the passing of the last liquor omnibus bill, brewery taprooms have been allowed to host Sunday hours with the consent of their municipality. Scan the directory for Sun in bold red to know where you can get a fresh pint before the workweek is over.
Insight Brewing Announces Grand Opening
Head down to East Hennepin Avenue on Nov. 21 to get your taste of Ilan Klages-Mundt’s globally-inspired brews. His Lamb & Flag, an English-style bitter, is one we’ll return to all winter long.