Oakdale’s Cork & Barrel Holiday Sale

You can find these beer specials at Cork & Barrel in Oakdale through December 22nd:

Source: 12/15/07 Pioneer Press ad.

December 15, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Craft/Speciality, Domestic, Hard To Find Beer, Imports, Local Brew, Northern Suburbs | 1 Comment 

Schell’s Rolls Out 1 Millionth Case

I’m a few days late on this one, but the good folks at August Schell Brewery celebrated a significant milestone this week with the boxing and shipping of their 1 millionth case of beer.  Check out the nice feature of the event from the Mankato Free Press.

Think about that for a moment. One million. A million cases of beer from a small brewery with a 153-year history, a history that spans the Great Depression, the Dakota Conflict that burned down the town, Prohibition, and other hurdles to economic prosperity.

“This means a lot,” Ted Marti said. “We’ve had some tough times over the years.”

December 15, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Craft/Speciality, Local Brew | Leave a Comment 

Miller Lite Crafts Coming To The Twin Cities

Miller’s Brewers CollectionAs you’ve likely heard already, Miller Lite is looking to tap into the growing craft beer industry by releasing three craft versions of their flagship brand, Miller Lite.  The crafts - a blond ale, an amber beer, and a wheat beer - will be test marketed in the Twin Cities and 3 other markets starting in February.   Rather than trying to take on the whole craft industry, Miller’s focus will be to create light beer options for consumers who are interested in drinking beers that have more flavor than a typical light beer.

From Miller’s Brew Blog:

“With Miller Lite Brewers Collection, we’re seeking to establish a whole new category for the industry — craft-style light,” says Miller Chief Marketing Officer Randy Ransom. “Miller Lite is the perfect beer to introduce this innovative product because only Miller Lite provides the ideal balance of real beer taste and refreshment. And so it makes sense that we use our expertise to brew a brand with great craft-style taste and the refreshment and drinkability American beer drinkers prefer.”

Read the full story at TwinCities.com.

Give us your take:  Is this an aggressive move by a big brewer to stomp out small craft brewers, or is this just another case of the big guys not getting it?

December 15, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Craft/Speciality, Domestic, Twin Cities Metro | 1 Comment 

MGM Beer Specials

This MGM special runs through December 15.

December 8, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Craft/Speciality, Domestic, Eastern Suburbs, Local Brew, Minneapolis, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, St. Paul, Twin Cities Metro, Western Suburbs | Leave a Comment 

December Specials At Lakeville Liquors

St. Pauli Girl

I’m a little late this month in posting the December beer specials for my local liquor store, Lakeville Liquors. Nevertheless, here they are:

This month, they’re also featuring weekly beer specials:

December 7, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Domestic, Imports, Southern Suburbs | Leave a Comment 

The Brewing History Of Fergus Falls

It seems that Doug Hoverson’s book, “Land of Amber Waters:  The History of Brewing in Minnesota,” is inspiring others from around the state to take a local at their local brewing history.  Check out this story by Jeff Hage of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal for a historical take on brewing in that city.

Premier was reorganized in 1935 as the Fergus Brewing Co. Heinies was renamed Heinrich’s. Six Horse, Staat’s and Lord Chumleys were also being brewed in Fergus Falls — as well as brews for the Armed Forces, according to “Land of Amber Waters”. And to what should be no surprise in these neck of the woods, the company also brewed Viking Lager from 1935-1948.

After a 1948 reorganization the brewery saw its greatest success when the product line was simply Falls Pilsner and Falls Velvet. The Falls brands was being sold in both cans and bottles. Financial troubles and a failed expansion as far west as Montana were eventually the brewery’s doom in 1951.

December 7, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Local Brew | Leave a Comment 

Eden Prairie Liquor’s Holiday Sale

Get these beer specials at Eden Prairie Liquors through December 15:

Eden Prairie Liquor
Beer Qty Price
Sam Adams 12 Pack Bottles $10.99
Leine’s - All Crafts 12 Pack Bottles $10.99
Grolsch 12 Pack Bottles $11.99
Moosehead 12 Pack Bottles $9.99

December 1, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Western Suburbs | Leave a Comment 

Richfield Liquor’s Beer Of The Month: Stella Artois

stella.jpgStella Artois is the featured beer for the month of December at Richfield Liquor stores.  You’ll pay $11.98 for a 12 pack of this Belguim-born lager.

Learn more about Stella Artois at Wikipedia.

December 1, 2007 | Filed Under Beer, Imports | Leave a Comment