Beer Snob

UnPillage Happy Hour

August 26th, 2015

In recent weeks Drekker Brewing Company has been kicking off their UnPillage Program with a special weekly happy hour. From 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday one dollar from every pint is given to a local charity to help the community, and so far the turnout has been great! About two weeks ago 4 Luv of Dog Rescue brought in volunteers for information about their rescue program. It brought out lovers of dogs and supporters of the cause. It was wonderful to witness strangers and friends get…

Now in Moorhead: Bent Paddle beers

July 22nd, 2015

If you weren’t able to make it to the Rare Beer Picnic last weekend there is still a chance to try Bent Paddle Brewing’s beer. Beginning in late July, Bent Paddle will be distributing beer in Moorhead. 99 Bottles and JL Beers in Moorhead will be hosting a special meet and greet with the owners of Bent Paddle and supplying their beer with a tap takeover!

I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Tonnis and Colin Mullen, two of the four owners, over the phone, and here is what they had…

Rare Beer Picnic

July 15th, 2015

If you plan on attending the Fargo Street Fair, then don’t skimp on the last day. Enjoy the fair and then shimmy over to the other side of the river into Moorhead’s Davy Park, near Ushers, for the Rare Beer Picnic on Saturday, July 18. The beer will be flowing from 4 to 8 p.m. with special events and food for you to snack on.

Rare Beer Picnic is an event put on by Junkyard Brewing, Bottle Barn in Moorhead and Ushers that focuses on aged, sour and infused beer. Bigger name Minnesotan…

A look at Kilstone Brewery

July 15th, 2015

Photo by Megan Redfield Two months ago Kilstone Brewery opened in Fargo. Located on Seventh Street in north Fargo, this brewery is tucked among the many warehouse buildings in an industrial area. The owners of Kilstone Brewery started their business among family and close friends.

As a resident of the Fargo-Moorhead area, I think it is a great thing to see in our community. Actually, my first thought about Kilstone was, “No, it is not a sheep farm!” (If you Google Kilstone as of right now you will be lead…

American Craft Beer Week

May 20th, 2015

Photo by Mike Kniec This past week was American Craft Beer Week, and the whole country was talking about it. From taprooms to Twitter, people were ranting and raving about exclusive new beers, some of which sold out within hours of their releases.

Barrel Aged 2014 Surly Darkness (ABV 10.3% IBU 85, Minnesota)

This highly sought after Russian Imperial Stout scored a 99 (out of 100) on BeerAdvocate and 100 on RateBeer. I was fortunate enough to try this beer on tap and in bottle condition. On tap, this beer…

Pints & Pumps celebrated beer in style

May 13th, 2015

Fargo’s first ever beer-fueled fashion show took place last Monday, May 4. Pints & Pumps was held at Drekker Brewing Company and put together by Michelle Durenksy, a sibling of Darin Montplaisir, co-founder and head brewer of the brewery. It featured unique clothing, spring fashion and lingerie from local boutiques in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

I spoke with Michelle about the inspiration and idea behind Pints & Pumps, and in one sentence she summed it up: “It makes zero sense.”…

99 Bottles expands its location

April 23rd, 2015

April 30 is going to be a good day for the beer and wine community.

99 Bottles will unveil a new addition to its 100-year-old liquor store with two times more square footage for beer and almost double the amount of space for its wine selection.

In addition to more storage and coolers for its vast collection of liquor, wine and beer, 99 Bottles will also add a 20-person tasting bar, new selection of barware and monthly wine and beer classes.

On top of its wine tasting, which is held…

Meat Sweats at Fargo Brewing Co.

April 8th, 2015

Krissy Ness

Fargo Brewing Company had yet another celebration for the people who sell and distribute their beer in late March.

“Meat Sweats,” properly named for the massive amounts of grilled and smoked meat, so much so that it induced sweating, was an opportunity to thank the restaurant and bar community and beyond for the great support of locally brewed beer and their great success.

I had a wonderful time people watching, enjoying a pint and catching up with new and old friends about life and,…

Barrel-aged beers

March 25th, 2015

Whiskey and bourbon and oak, oh my!

This week we will dive headfirst into some pretty heavy barrel-aged beers. They will keep you warm on those chilly spring days.

Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout (2014)(ABV 9.5 percent)

This Wisconsin beer has a decent head that sits atop the deep-dark imperial stout, which is aged in oak bourbon barrels and smells as potent as it tastes.

Large notes of vanilla attack your tongue while the not-so-subtle aftertaste of bourbon warms your belly. A…

BEER-thoven Drekker Brewing Co. retrospect

March 4th, 2015

The band wasted no time kicking off the final BEER-thoven fest event as the music bounced off the walls in an excited manner, while guests bellied up to the bar to get one of Drekker’s delicious beers. During the event I was able to speak with a number of people in the crowd and get their perspective on the event and the beer as well.

I spoke with a group of ladies who were laughing and having a good time while sharing a pint. They each had something great to say about the event.

“A…