Spring is finally upon us. After the late onset of Winter and the cold that just didn’t seem to quit, it feels like we’re almost out of it. Fingers crossed that we don’t get another April blizzard like last year, but hey, this is Minnesota. We knew what we signed up for. Snow and cold are most certainly not in the fine print of the Minnesotan Contract. Thankfully, sun and lakes and summer fun aren’t in the fine print either. But before we get there, we need to get through the huge snow meltage, which will hopefully not result in too much flooding and too many potholes… those were maybe things that were in the fine print.
Anyhow, the best way to keep plugging away to get through the weather is obviously drinking beer. This week I’ve chosen to feature a couple beers that are Spring exclusives, and one that is making it into the market just in time to stock up.
– Will
And Now, the Brews
| Founders Brewing Co. | Kentucky Breakfast Stout | American Imperial Stout | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| K-B-S! K-B-S! K-B-S! Finally. One of the limited releases that beer fanatics country-wide look forward to each year. Commonly known in the craft beer community as one of the best beers in the country, this beast of a stout is brewed with chocolate and coffee and then cave-aged in bourbon barrels for an entire year. The result is an extremely rich and complex treat that unveils more layers with every sip. It claims to be “Good for Everything a Flavored Stout Ought to be Good For,” which is one of the most accurate claims that can be made. Is it for dessert? Is it for breakfast? The only way to find out is to pick some up while it lasts! | |
| 4 pk btls | 12.2% ABV | 70 IBUs | |
| WeldWerks Brewing Co. | Juicy Bits | New England IPA | |
|---|---|
 |
“Oh, dude, you’re going to Colorado? Could you bring me back some… WeldWerks?” said every beer geek with any friend going to Colorado, ever. At last, we no longer need to sneak this commodity out of Colorado, as WeldWerks has started ramping up their distro and has officially entered the Miraculous Minnesota Market of craft beer. Juicy Bits is just one of WeldWerks, fantastic NEIPA’s, and is currently the most available here. It features huge citrus and tropical fruit hop characteristics from Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops. Adjusted water chemistry, higher protein malts, and lower attenuation provide a crazy smooth, crazy soft mouthfeel that is reminiscent of citrus juice with extra pulp. |
| 4 pk 16 oz cans | 6.5% ABV | 45 IBUs | |
| Lagunitas Brewing Co. | Dark Swan | Sour Ale | |
|---|---|
 |
There are a few reasons why I am choosing to feature Dark Swan in the blog this week. First off and most honestly, I needed something a bit different from my usual MO of barrel aged stouts and dank IPAs. Second, when I reached out for advice, my Chanhassen beer homie and resident Top Ten expert, Andrew suggested it. Third, it’s always nice to acknowledge our partnership with Lagunitas with a nice shout-out. Last, but not least, it’s a solid ale. This would be an excellent beer for a wine drinker to try, as it is brewed with a ton of Petite Syrah grapes, which gives it a nice purple hue and wonderful aromas of dark, jammy fruits and some yeasty funk. As a very light sour, this would be a great introductory beer to the world of sours. Smooth, slightly sour, and superbly strange, this is one of Lagunitas’ One Hitter Series that is worth a shot. |
| 6 pk btls | 7.9% ABV | 23 IBUs | |