Insight Brewing Company is open for business!

On Friday, November 21st, Insight Brewing Company officially opened its doors to the masses of avid craft beer drinkers.  They served up their beers and welcomed people to a new great place in the twin cities to enjoy a pint and a laugh.  It is hard to believe that this is the same place where only seven weeks ago, they were pouring samples out of one serving cooler in the back and serving beers on a rough wooden bar.  Amazing is the only way to truly describe what they have turned this space into.

From the unique light fixtures to the artwork on the walls, this taproom has a remarkably cozy feel for being as big as it is.  The bow-shaped bar gives patrons a nice place to belly up and enjoy their drinks and conversations.  The light fixtures have character and have a nice, warm softness to them as opposed to a more sterile fluorescent brightness.  There are a nice mix of high-top and traditional tables depending on what one prefers.  Many people really were impressed with the Insight sign on the red brick wall that separates the taproom from the brewery.  It is a very nice artistic feature that adds a special feel to the taproom.

For the grand opening, despite the fact that there was a huge crowd, people had enough space to feel comfortable and move around.  They had overflow space in the brewery where they set up leather couches for people to sit and watch the owners serving beer from firkins while they mingled with guests.  Several people in our group really appreciated the fact that the taproom did not feel tight.  There are several taprooms in the area that can feel somewhat claustrophobic when they are at capacity and Insight will not have to worry about that.  The high ceilings and different places for groups to congregate make it a very pleasant spatial experience.

The people who decided to join the Insight Passport Club saw the benefits of that decision paying off right away.  The separate line for Passport Club members alleviates a glut of people just standing at the bar and keeps lines moving smoothly.  

The five beers they had on tap included the Chiswick Porter, Curiosity IPA, Saison De Blanc and their flagship, the Lamb and Flag, an English Premium Bitter.  They also have a taproom exclusive Yuzu Pale Ale.  The beers embody the global feel of the brewery and will keep people coming back for more.  The roasted malt character of the Chiswick Porter, the sessionable nature of the Lamb and Flag and the refreshing cleanness of the Yuzu Pale Ale made me really happy that I decided to join the Passport Club.  I will no doubt be drinking more of these two favorites as well to the other beers they have.

It was an incredibly welcoming sensation to have all four of the co-owners out and about throughout the night.  They were shaking hands and chatting about their beer.  They are all affable and approachable individuals and that is something that goes a long way with the customers.  I approached Eric Schmidt and he recognized me from the open house and greeted me with a warm smile and a hearty handshake.  The energy radiating off of him as he reveled in this great evening was inspiring.  I also got a chance to speak briefly with Ilan Klages-Mundt and his passion for beer knows no limits.  He is very passionate about applying the beer knowledge he learned in his travels to crafting unique and thought-provoking beers.  As I continue to frequent the taproom, I hope to meet the other owners and hear their stories and inspirations about craft beer.  One thing is certain, they are all committed to making each person who walks into their space welcome and valued.

They will be open during the week starting Wednesday all the way through the weekend, including Sundays.  They will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.  So, get down to Insight Brewing Company and give their taproom a try.  Their globally inspired beer combined with their warm hospitality and ambiance make it a must try!

Setting Sights on a Taproom: Insight Brewing Company's Open House

A week ago on Friday, September 26, Insight Brewing Company had an open house to show off the brewery space and their beers.  Judging by the huge turnout and immense flavor and variety of what they were pouring, the night was hugely successful.  The event ran from 5-9 and when I got there at 5:25, the place was already packed.  The volunteers were running around feverishly to keep up with the lines for samples of their beer.

There was also a lot of activity at the booth where they were taking memberships for their Passport Club, a program where you get up to 4X credit in their taproom along with perks such as one-off bottle reservations and t-shirts.  The information for the Passport Club is on the brewery's website.  Personally, I think that the Passport Club is a tremendous deal and am planning on enrolling.  There were a lot of happy drinkers there and as I was talking to people about the beer, I did not hear any complaints, but rather a lot of enthusiastic comments about how good the beer was, both in taste and style.

The aesthetics of the place are very pleasing.  As you come in the front doors, you ascend the stairs into the taproom.  The high ceilings and ample tables are inviting and a place where I definitely would feel comfortable hanging out.  The wall separating the taproom from the brewery does not restrict one's view from the brewing kettles and equipment.

I got a chance to talk with Eric Schmidt, one of the co-owners of the brewery about the event and he came across as incredibly passionate about beer.  We chatted about the beers they had on tap and when they would be opening.  Despite being incredibly busy, he valued the opportunity to talk with me about what I thought about the beer and I think that shows a lot about where Insight's values are.  They place a lot of importance on making patrons feel valued and comfortable.  

So, look for them to be opening in about a month and give their beers a try.  The space is located in a prime location and is easily accessible via bus (61 route has a stop right in front of their brewery) and is not away from the heart of Northeast Minneapolis.