LynLake Brewery: A Great New Place to Grab A Craft Beer!

On what turned out to be the last Friday in October when one could go without a jacket, I met a friend for some beers at the newly-opened LynLake brewery.  I had been excited to try their beers because they are advertised as having "bold flavors and aromas."  I also wanted to see how a brewery could replace the old historic Lyndale theater.  I was pleasantly surprised on both fronts because the beers are distinct and memorable and the space is incredibly unique and provides the perfect backdrop for grabbing a beer with friends.

Let's start with the beers.  In the interest of research, I tried samples of everything that they currently had on tap.  The first flight that I got included the Ponyboy Gold, Take 6 IPA, Rubbish Oat Amber Ale, Yea-Yea Pale Ale.  Then I moved on to samples of their Take 6 IPA cask with Cascade hops, the Y2K 2014 Hoppy Dark Ale, and the Sideburns Milk Stout.  One thing is for sure, they are right about bold favors and aromas.  None of these were run-of-the-mill style representations.  I also appreciated the unique titles for their beers, as they will go a long way in helping them build and grow their brand.  The Ponyboy Gold is a very approachable and drinkable offering.  This will probably be a gateway beer for a lot of people.  The Take 6 had a very pleasing piney and resinous quality that comes from a very nice hop presence.  I liked how the Rubbish Oat Amber Ale had nice touch of roast and caramel to the malty sweetness.

My favorite offering, by far, was the Sideburns Milk Stout.  This beer showcases dynamic flavor and mouthfeel.  When you sip this beer, it feels like your tongue is spooning with greatness.  I love how velvety and smooth the mouthfeel is on this beer.  There are so many stouts on the market that neglect this element of the sensory experience, and I am so grateful to the brewer that the Sideburns hit this nail on the head.  I ordered another pint of this beer and my companion, who doesn't usually like stouts, tasted it, and declared it a win because it didn't taste too much like coffee.

The atmosphere of this place is extremely relaxed and friendly.  The beer-tenders are cordial and willing to chat and answer questions about the beers.  The brewing equipment is visible from anywhere in the main bar.  There are Edison light fixtures hanging from the ceiling casting a warm glow on patrons as they enjoy their craft beers.  The presence of the old theatre is still there as one can see the moldings up on the high ceilings and I thought this was very cool.  As I sat at the bar, I saw patrons heading up the stairs to the rooftop and I immediately began looking forward to next spring, when I could enjoy a delicious pint out in the sun for happy hour.  This neighborhood already has tremendous offerings for food and drink, and LynLake is going to fit in tremendously.  So, get out there and try some of their wonderfully unique beers that will make you think and smile.  Go there to meet up with a friend or coworker, or simply fly solo and chat up one of the beer-tenders or a complete stranger next to you; either way you will walk away already looking forward to your next visit.

Gull Dam, what a great time!

On Saturday, October 11th, a new era for craft beer began in Nisswa, MN.  The weather was perfectly crisp and the sun was shining bright in the northern Minnesota sky.  Outside of Gull Dam Brewing Inc., the waterwheel stood still as the slight breeze whispered through the air and the sun radiated off of the water in the pond.  That serene image was the first thing I saw as I pulled up to the brewery.  I remember thinking that this scenic perfection is probably why people come up here.  How ironic, that just feet from this image of solace and serenity, a polka band was kicking out wonderful music and the taps were opening for the first time at Gull Dam, keeping patrons smiling after each sip of wonderful beer.

Barb and Mark Anderson were all smiles as they greeted the steady stream of thirsty and enthusiastic craft beer fans entering the big tent out back of their newly opened brewery.  As folks bellied up to the bar to partake in the selections that included a Honey Wheat Ale, a Scotch Ale, Amber Ale and Abita Root Beer, the energy in the taproom grew.  At 1:00 pm, the The Jolly Zuk Brothers kicked up the polka music with "In Heaven There Is No Beer."  Like clockwork, a couple sitting at a big table in the tent got up to kick up their heels with an array of polka steps that would have made Deney Terrio change careers.   Just like that, we were all aboard the party train to Funville, USA.

Inside the taproom, Jr's No. 19 BBQ was serving up some amazing ribs and brisket.  Their great recipe for slow roasting the meat paired with their signature sauces made it a great accompaniment to the Scotch Ale that I ordered.  I had a hunch the flavor of toasted malt in the beer might play nicely with the ribs and brisket.  Well, I don't want to say that I transcended to a different plane of existence, but I did speak in tongues for about 3 minutes.  The BBQ went brilliantly with the Scotch Ale and as I wiped the sauce from my face and tears of joy from my eyes, I thought that this is what it is all about.  If the food wasn't enough, Gull Dam Brewing Inc. has a great selection of merchandise.  From beer cozies to sweatshirts, there is something for every season to keep you equipped to enjoy the outdoors while representing Gull Dam Brewing Inc.

Looking around the brewery I saw so many people talking beer and having a good time.  There was a time, not too long ago, that all one could find to drink up in these parts was domestic mainstream beer.  The energy and fervor that was on display centered around the opening of a new craft brewery made me happy for the people of Nisswa and the surrounding area.  For Barb and Mark Anderson, this vision has been years in the making.  According to Gull Dam's Facebook page, there were nearly 4,000 people who attended this event.  Lining up live music like the Jolly Zuk Brothers and The Lamont Cranston Blues Band is a good way to get people in the door, but in order to keep them coming back, a brewery
need to have something special in the kegs.

The architect behind crafting these delicious and zymurgically deft beers is Luke Steadman, perhaps better known as "Brew Man Luke."  Luke is 26 years old and the head brewmaster of Gull Dam Brewing Inc.  What were you doing when you were 26 years old?  I can only speak for myself when I say I wasn't that good at anything at age 26.  Luke understands that beer isn't just something you drink; it is an art form.  Luke's passion for beer is evident in chatting with him about what he likes to brew, the way he brews and the ingredients that he uses to brew.  Luke does not use typical ingredients and always wants to find the new thing to make his beers better.  One of Luke's greatest assets is his effervescent personality.  When I told him that his Scotch Ale was one of the best representations of that style I have ever tasted, his smile lit up the room.  He cares immensely about the quality of the beer they serve at Gull Dam.  I got to smell some of the Empire hops from Michigan that he uses in his beer.  He seeks out ingredients that are not yet mainstream and uses them to make his beers stand out from the crowd.  With about 8 million things to do on this day, he chatted with me and was even kind enough to show me around the place.  This is not just the way he believes that people should be treated, it is also a culture at this place.  They want people to feel comfortable coming in for a pint of beer and having a Gull Dam good time doing it.

So, next time you are headed due north to go slay your limit of Walleyes on Gull Lake, make it a point to add in some time to stop in at Gull Dam Brewing Inc.   Everyone on staff at Gull Dam will greet you with a warm smile and a beer to quench your thirst and amaze your palate.  If the grand opening was any indication, this place will be the gathering place for a lot of happy beer drinkers for years to come.

A Night Out at Urban Growler

Last week I finally had some free time to check out someplace on my brewery list, someplace I’ve been eagerly waiting to have a beer at. A free night from chores and work, out at the newest brewery in St. Paul? Add in the historical aspect of this being the first women owned and brewed microbrewery in Minnesota and my interest is peaked.  After work I headed right over to Urban Growler without delay to get a look at this highly talked about brewery for myself.

First impressions are one of the most important pieces of any first meeting, even when that meeting is between you and a new brewery. I like a taproom where I feel comfortable, where I can sit and have beer with a friend or on my own while working. I want to be treated like I’m welcome and walking into Urban Growler felt like I was being welcomed into a friends home. Not only was Urban Growler clean and comfortably lit, but its exposed brick walls and local photography gave the taproom a cozy feel. I found a seat and settled in when something caught my eye. On a chalkboard, near the center of the room, boasted a message. ‘Kill the keg’ it begged of me. If I could kill the keg of Rhubarb Wit I could be the proud winner of a pint glass.  I knew then what my first beer would be.

It was only moments before my server came by to take my order and I almost fell off my chair when he handed me a food menu. Dear Gods of beer, thank you for the tap rooms with food. As someone who regularly suffers from the dreaded drunken munchies (there was that time the hubby had to step in and abort my after festival Dominoes order before it reached the triple digits), I am grateful for even a frozen pizza. But a full, fresh, hot menu of options? For not the first time in my life I regretted that snack before leaving work. Believe me though when I tell you, that I caught myself staring at my fellow patrons, perhaps somewhat creepily, as they devoured delicious looking food. Next time food menu, I will come for you.

But I did have the beer (poor review this would be if I didn’t). I did start with the Rhubarb Wit and if they have any left (spoiler alert: I did not kill the keg. I tried.) you should make it a priority to try before we are fully in the grasp of fall. Summery and fresh, the rhubarb was not overpowering, more of a sweet tangy after taste. I was pleasantly surprised to taste that the coriander in the beer wasn’t overdone, but just right. I don’t mind spices in my beer but often times I find that they are overpowering to the other flavors and my palate. The balance in this was perfect. I had two.

Rhubarb Wit (left) and Blueberry Wheat (right)

Next up was the Blueberry Wheat, the menu boasting that this was the second in their Plow to Pint™ series. Plow to Pint™…my farm girl roots were intrigued. What Urban Growler is doing is partnering with local farms for some of their ingredients, literally from the farm plow to the pint in your hand. As I continued reading I found that the Rhubarb Wit was the first beer in this series. I love the fact that the brewery is sourcing local ingredients and supporting their farm community. The concept isn’t new to the restaurant world but this is the first time I’ve noticed a brewery taking up the model. Genius. And it shows in the beer. The Blueberry Wheat, also fresh and fruity, yet not overly sweet. I find most wheat beers to be very drinkable and this beer was right on in that aspect.  Hopefully this one stays around a little into the fall so I can give it a second go around.

For my next beer (don’t worry, I wasn’t driving) I went for the Cowbell Cream Ale. For my ‘quantity’ drinking I like a good cream ale and this is a good cream ale. Trust me, you’ll like it if you’re a fan of cream ales. Light and fresh, it’ll quench your thirst a couple times over without knocking you on your butt. I wish I’d gotten a growler.

I probably should have left after that one, but since I wasn’t driving, I decided to have one more…a little one though! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, at Urban Growler you can get a half pint! I love it! Sometimes, I want a little less beer. Usually because in the long run I’d like to drink a little more beer, but different beers. There’s nothing worse than staring at a lovely beer menu, knowing that with that slightly full feeling, you’ll have to cut your sampling short.  But the half pint gave me room to explore! Which I did with the Amber Skyline, a gorgeous amber ale. This was perhaps my favorite of the night, which surprised me. While I like ambers, they aren’t usually my first selection. I will be going back for this one though. It was a smooth, caramel beer with that wonderful sweet maltiness to it. This one will have its place in my fall beer rotation.

With work coming early in the morning I had to bring the night to a close. I thanked my servers, who were beyond friendly and fun. On the way out I checked out the beer garden and was a little sad that it had been too blustery out, and I too summerly dressed, to have enjoyed a beer outdoors. It was beautiful though and as soon as the weather permits, I plan going back to enjoy it with my pup. It’s always a plus to sit enjoy a great beer with your best friend. Even if next time I’ll have to drive because, well, he’s a dog. There will be a next time though, and a time after that. So check out Urban Growler if you haven’t already. I for one can’t wait to see what they have in store for St. Paul.

http://www.urbangrowlerbrewing.com/

Brews and Reviews: Lucid Brewery's ORA

It's fall, which means it's time for Pumpkin in just about any beer that isn't labeled as a Oktoberfest. However, that doesn't mean that those are the only types of beer that exist in the "good" section of the beer aisle.  There's also the sometimes-ignored, but quite plentiful Amber Ale.

ORA, a fall seasonal variety from Lucid Brewery, found my lips after a recent stop to JL Beers in NE Minneapolis.  The beer was a nice darkish red brew that went perfect with my burger and fries, but would've been even better suited for a Minnesota fall night with friends.  It's a great beer that tastes of fall, and feels of hearty warmth.  In other words, it is the Midwest in a glass.

People drinking this will notice it goes down quite smooth.  Some other reviews have even compared the drinkability of ORA to that of a soda, which I can to a point agree with.  It tastes a bit on the sweet side, but smooth enough to not be over powering to the casual beer drinker.  Consumers will find hints of caramel, cherry, herbs and smoky flavor; tastes perfect for the fall days to come. There's even a Pumpkin flavored variety, though the pint I had wasn't christened with the aroma found in Lattes or store-made cookies.

God my webcam sucks.

ORA is not a particularly potent beer; a 6.5% ABV with a 30 IBU.  It was still surprising to me that JL Beers listed it in the "Lighter" beers section of their beer menu.  It definitely drinks on the lighter side, though when taking into account mouth feel and appearance, hardly seemed comparable to a Coors Light or Surly Hell, which were also in the same section.

This particular brew has probably one of the smoothest feels I've ever had with an Amber Ale. It goes down like a lighter beer would, but still boasts a flavorful taste.  ORA does lack a bit on the carbonation, however.  As you can see from the picture above, the head on this brew doesn't stick around for long. After getting through much of the drink, it begins to lose its carbonation altogether.  Nursing this beer may lead to an entirely different taste altogether.

It's easy to write off ORA as just another un-impressive Amber Ale. But it's almost silky smooth mouth feel coupled with just enough smoky flavor gives this beer enough individuality, that ignoring it for at least a pint would be a sin. If your empty hand needs a nice cold brew to accompany you by that fall bonfire, Lucid's ORA would be a great choice. You can save the Pumpkin flavoring for that Thanksgiving pie.