Saint Paul, Minnesota boasts a thriving craft beer scene that has become a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. The capital city of the North Star State has embraced the craft beer revolution with open arms, offering a diverse range of breweries and taprooms that cater to all tastes. From classic American lagers to innovative sour ales, Saint Paul’s breweries showcase the creativity and passion of local brewers.
The city’s craft beer landscape is a testament to its rich brewing history and forward-thinking approach to beer making. Saint Paul’s breweries are not just places to grab a pint; they’re community hubs where beer enthusiasts can connect, learn about brewing processes, and enjoy unique flavors that capture the essence of Minnesota.
Exploring Saint Paul’s craft beer scene is an adventure in itself, with each brewery offering its own distinct atmosphere and signature brews. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the world of craft brewing, Saint Paul’s local beer guide promises an exciting journey through the Twin Cities’ vibrant beer culture.
History of Craft Beer in Saint Paul
Saint Paul’s craft beer scene has deep roots stretching back to the 19th century. German immigrants played a crucial role in establishing the city’s brewing traditions.
One of the earliest craft breweries was Yoerg Brewing, founded in 1848. It gained a reputation for producing quality lagers using traditional German methods.
The Prohibition era dealt a blow to Saint Paul’s breweries, forcing many to close. However, the craft beer spirit endured.
In 1986, Summit Brewing Company opened its doors, marking a new chapter for craft beer in Saint Paul. This pioneering brewery helped revitalize the local beer scene.
The passage of the “Surly Bill” in 2011 was a game-changer. It allowed breweries to sell beer on-site, sparking a craft beer renaissance in Saint Paul.
Since 2015, over 10 new breweries have opened in the city. Each brings unique flavors and brewing styles to Saint Paul’s diverse craft beer landscape.
Today, Saint Paul’s craft breweries continue to innovate while honoring the city’s rich brewing heritage. They offer a wide range of styles, from traditional lagers to experimental ales.
Key Breweries in Saint Paul
Saint Paul boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer unique flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and welcoming taproom experiences for beer enthusiasts.
Summit Brewing Company
Summit Brewing Company, founded in 1986, is a pioneer in the Saint Paul craft beer landscape. The brewery produces a wide range of year-round and seasonal beers, with their flagship Summit Extra Pale Ale being a local favorite.
Summit’s taproom, the Summit Ratskeller, offers visitors a chance to sample their latest brews and enjoy brewery tours. The company is known for its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods.
Summit has won numerous awards for its beers, including recognition at the Great American Beer Festival. Their seasonal releases, like the Winter Ale and Oktoberfest, are eagerly anticipated by local beer lovers.
Urban Growler Brewing Company
Urban Growler Brewing Company, Minnesota’s first women-owned microbrewery, opened its doors in 2014. The brewery focuses on creating approachable craft beers and fostering a sense of community.
Their taproom features a diverse selection of beers, including their popular Cowbell Cream Ale and seasonal Plow to Pint series, which uses locally sourced ingredients. Urban Growler also offers a full food menu, making it a great spot for a meal and a pint.
The brewery hosts regular events, such as trivia nights and live music performances. Urban Growler’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their practices, including donating spent grain to local farms.
Bad Weather Brewing Company
Bad Weather Brewing Company, established in 2013, is known for its bold and adventurous beer offerings. The brewery’s name reflects Minnesota’s unpredictable weather and their approach to brewing.
Their taproom, located in a renovated warehouse, features a rotating selection of unique beers. Popular choices include the Hopcromancer IPA and Windvane Red Ale.
Bad Weather hosts food trucks regularly, allowing visitors to pair their beers with diverse culinary options. The brewery’s outdoor patio is a popular spot during warmer months.
Lake Monster Brewing Company
Lake Monster Brewing Company, founded in 2013, draws inspiration from Minnesota’s lakes and mythical creatures. The brewery offers a mix of traditional and experimental beer styles.
Their spacious taproom in an old railroad exchange building features a rotating selection of beers. Favorites include the Empty Rowboat IPA and Murmur Milk Stout.
Lake Monster’s large outdoor patio is a draw for visitors, especially during summer. The brewery often collaborates with local artists and businesses for special events and beer releases.
Barrel Theory Beer Company
Barrel Theory Beer Company, opened in 2017, has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and high-quality beers. The brewery specializes in New England-style IPAs, stouts, and barrel-aged beers.
Their cozy taproom in Lowertown Saint Paul offers a rotating selection of unique brews. Popular choices include the Rain Drops IPA and Barrel-Aged Key Lime Pie.
Barrel Theory’s limited-release beers often draw long lines of eager fans. The brewery has gained national recognition, being named one of the top new breweries in the country by USA Today in 2018.
Popular Beer Types in Saint Paul
Saint Paul’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles to suit every palate. Local breweries excel in producing flavorful ales, rich stouts, and hop-forward IPAs that have gained popularity among beer enthusiasts.
Ales in Saint Paul
Saint Paul breweries craft a variety of ales that showcase the city’s brewing expertise. Amber ales and red ales are common offerings, featuring caramel notes and balanced hop profiles. Many local brewpubs serve cream ales, known for their smooth, easy-drinking characteristics.
Belgian-style ales have also found a home in Saint Paul. These complex beers often incorporate fruity esters and spicy phenols, appealing to drinkers seeking unique flavor experiences. Some breweries produce saisons, farmhouse-style ales with a dry finish and subtle spiciness.
Wheat beers, including hefeweizens and American wheat ales, are popular choices during warmer months. These refreshing brews often display notes of banana and clove, making them perfect for patio sipping.
Stouts and Barrel-Aged Varieties
Saint Paul’s breweries have embraced the dark side with an array of stouts and barrel-aged offerings. Oatmeal stouts are common, providing a silky mouthfeel and roasted coffee notes. Imperial stouts push the boundaries with higher alcohol content and intense flavors of chocolate and dark fruits.
Barrel-aged beers have gained traction in recent years. Local brewers age their stouts in bourbon barrels, imparting vanilla and oak characteristics. Some experiment with wine barrels or spirits casks to create unique flavor profiles.
Milk stouts, also known as sweet stouts, offer a creamy texture and subtle sweetness from added lactose. These beers often feature coffee or chocolate additions, enhancing their dessert-like qualities.
IPAs and Their Local Impact
India Pale Ales (IPAs) have made a significant impact on Saint Paul’s craft beer landscape. West Coast IPAs, known for their aggressive bitterness and citrus hop flavors, remain popular among hop enthusiasts.
New England-style IPAs, or hazy IPAs, have surged in popularity. These juicy, less bitter versions showcase tropical fruit flavors and a smooth mouthfeel. Many local breweries now offer rotating selections of hazy IPAs.
Session IPAs have found their niche, providing hop-forward flavors in a lower-alcohol package. These beers allow drinkers to enjoy multiple pints without compromising on taste.
Double and Triple IPAs push hop levels to the extreme, offering intense bitterness and alcohol content. These bold beers have become sought-after releases among craft beer aficionados in Saint Paul.
The Craft Beer Scene Explored
St. Paul’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of taprooms, brewpubs, and experiences for beer enthusiasts. From innovative breweries to historic establishments, the city boasts a vibrant beer culture with unique flavors and styles.
Taprooms and Brewpubs
St. Paul’s taprooms and brewpubs showcase the city’s brewing talent. Clutch Brewing Company, located in the historic Schmidt Brewery, offers a cozy atmosphere and rotating taps. Dual Citizen Brewing Company focuses on community-minded beers with a sleek, modern taproom.
Bad Weather Brewing serves up bold flavors in their spacious facility, while Lake Monster Brewing offers scenic patio views. Wabasha Brewing Company provides a neighborhood feel with their small-batch creations.
Bang Brewing stands out with its distinctive round building and organic beers. Blackstack Brewing impresses with its innovative styles and collaborations. For gluten-free options, Burning Brothers Brewing caters to those with dietary restrictions.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
Many St. Paul breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours. Summit Brewing Company, a pioneer in the local craft scene, provides educational tours showcasing their brewing process. Visitors can learn about beer history and production methods.
Some breweries offer hands-on experiences. Bad Weather Brewing occasionally hosts brewing classes where participants can create their own beer. Lake Monster Brewing offers guided tastings to help patrons develop their palates.
Knowledgeable staff at taprooms often provide impromptu tours or beer education sessions. These experiences allow visitors to deepen their understanding of craft brewing techniques and flavor profiles.
Events and Beer Releases
St. Paul’s craft beer scene comes alive with regular events and special releases. Many breweries host trivia nights, live music, and food truck partnerships to enhance the taproom experience.
seasonal beer releases are highly anticipated. Bad Weather Brewing’s annual Firefly Rye release marks the start of summer for many locals. Blackstack Brewing frequently collaborates with other breweries for limited edition beers.
CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, features local craft beers during games. The stadium hosts occasional beer festivals, bringing together multiple breweries for sampling events.
Several citywide beer events occur throughout the year, such as St. Paul Summer Beer Fest and Autumn Brew Review, showcasing the best of local and regional craft beers.
Navigating the Local Craft Beer Market
St. Paul’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of options for enthusiasts. The city boasts numerous microbreweries, each with its unique flavors and styles.
Many local breweries have taprooms where visitors can sample fresh beers directly from the source. These venues often provide a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy craft brews and learn about the brewing process.
Beer lovers can explore the Twin Cities’ craft beer offerings through organized tours or self-guided excursions. Some popular stops include:
- Craft beer bars with extensive local selections
- Bottle shops specializing in regional brews
- Brewpubs combining great beer with tasty food
Seasonal and limited-edition releases are common in St. Paul’s craft beer market. Keeping an eye on local brewery social media accounts can help beer enthusiasts stay informed about new offerings.
Many St. Paul breweries distribute their products to local liquor stores and restaurants. This allows craft beer fans to enjoy their favorites at home or while dining out.
Beer festivals and tasting events occur regularly in the Twin Cities, providing opportunities to sample a wide range of local craft beers in one location. These gatherings often feature both established and up-and-coming breweries.
Sustainability and Community in Brewing
Saint Paul’s craft beer scene embraces sustainability and community engagement. Several local breweries implement eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact.
Bang Brewing stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The brewery uses organic ingredients and operates in a repurposed grain bin, minimizing waste and energy use. Their beer garden features native prairie plants, supporting local ecosystems.
Urban Growler Brewing Company focuses on community involvement. They source ingredients locally when possible and collaborate with area businesses. This approach strengthens the local economy and fosters a sense of neighborhood pride.
Many Saint Paul breweries participate in community events and fundraisers. These activities help build connections between brewers and residents while supporting local causes.
Sustainable brewing practices in Saint Paul include:
- Water conservation techniques
- Solar panel installations
- Recycling and composting programs
- Use of locally sourced ingredients
These efforts demonstrate the craft beer industry’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community support in Saint Paul.
Maps and Resources for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Saint Paul’s craft beer scene offers numerous resources for enthusiasts to explore local breweries. The Visit Saint Paul website provides an official Insider’s Guide with information on breweries, places to stay, and things to do in the city.
Several online maps highlight Saint Paul’s craft beer destinations. These interactive tools allow users to locate breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Beer lovers can find curated lists of top breweries in Saint Paul from various sources. These guides often include details about each establishment’s signature brews, taproom atmospheres, and food offerings.
For those seeking rare or limited-edition beers, specialty liquor stores like the one at 1787 Saint Clair Ave offer extensive selections of hard-to-find craft brews from local and regional producers.
Mobile apps dedicated to craft beer can help enthusiasts discover new releases, check-in at breweries, and share their experiences with other beer aficionados in the Twin Cities area.
Local beer festivals and events provide opportunities to sample a wide range of Saint Paul’s craft offerings in one location. These gatherings often feature collaborations between breweries and showcase the city’s vibrant beer culture.
