I will be hosting a group event in October for between 5 and 50 people who don't know each other. Looking for a few recommendations on breweries within Minneapolis or St. Paul (or close to the city centers), that either have some fun games inside the brewery, or something fun very close by (mini golf, bowling, etc).
I haven't talked to anyone at the brewery yet but I work at both a liquor store and craft brewery and have noticed that they put out a ton of different types of pale ales and IPAs. Anyone have any insight into the brand strategy behind this? I know lots of breweries have a range of pale ales and IPAs, as well as one-off beers, but it just seems like they'd start cannibolizing their own products and not having enough diversity to keep people coming back.
Whatever happened to their taproom expansion project? I haven’t been there in years and just randomly remembered that was a topic a few years ago
Interested to see how it plays out. Beer quality seems roughly like it always was - fine, but nothing to write home about. They have 4 beers on tap at the moment. Each has a full strength option (5-6% ish), a session option (3% ish) and an N/A option (<0.5%). There are also seltzers, cocktails using the seltzer alcohol base (basically the neutral alcohol removed from other drinks), and "wine" (the quotes are on the menu), which I didn't ask about.
There is definitely a market for low and no abv drinks, but I have no idea if this will be the way to reach that market. I would describe it currently as "definitely not crowded" which is probably not the vibe you want on opening Saturday night.
The space is still excellent though.
How many of you still drink Summit XPA? For some reason this summer i have been buying it more and more.
Does anyone know if Gunflint Tavern in Grand Marais still brews their own beer? Untappd indicates they might (one beer has fairly recent ratings) but I cannot find a drink menu on their website.
If so, any good?
I’ve been an avid barrel theory go-er for a few years now and have spent a lot of time there this summer, more than any other summer and I noticed a few things but haven’t seen them post it anywhere, just wondering if anyone has the scoop?
First of all, whatever happened to raindrops in the last few months is so disappointing! I know it’s one of their most popular pours so maybe the over production is hurting them but this beer is not what it used to be! It’s been so bitter and almost mold tasting and it made me switch my beer choice!
Second of all, some of the, what I can only assume were, employees (however they were standing around a table when this was heard so I’m unsure) were mentioning that the barrel theory space is moving to only brewing and the taproom will be in lake monster brewing?? Not only is this seemingly a tell that they aren’t doing well it also seems like keeping the lowertown location is doing a huge disservice to lowertown residents who have seen many businesses close. If they aren’t staying open for patrons, why leave your business there at all? Let something else take over the space instead of contributing to a dying neighborhood that so badly needs more to draw people into it.
Third of all, one of the first few times I went in with my partner a man who I think was named Tom introduced himself to us and we had a lovely conversation about his love for the business he’s created and the passion he has for barrel theory and it was so refreshing to see someone with such joy for the work he does and I was ecstatic to be a part of such a lovely interaction! I have since, however, witnessed him yelling at women in the brewery, and in other parts of lowertown. I hate to let someone’s personality affect my willingness to support their business however in this instance I just don’t feel great about someone who can speak so highly of their business and so low of the women in their personal lives. Truly disappointing and embarrassing for someone so willing to introduce themselves and engage in conversations with their customers then turn around and act that way in said business.
Maybe my beer-enjoyer opinion is unwarranted but this is a brewery I used to love and still want to I just can’t seem to get past the unprofessionalism of these conversations, the carelessness for the beer itself or the light this casts my experience as a woman in. Especially after seeing men that have been 86’d from other lowertown establishments for sexual harassment be so welcomed into this brewery.
Not trying to start a boycott or whatever you all will assume, just want to share some things in hopes people that care about the businesses they give their money to have the transparency their employees seem to want us all to have given their lack of secrecy about these things.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Fulton Brewing today announced it is acquiring Bemidji Brewing Company and launching True North Beverage, a new Minnesota-based collective built to give locally rooted craft beverage brands shared resources for growth. The acquisition, effective October 31, 2026, builds on a production partnership between Fulton and Bemidji Brewing that began roughly three years ago. Financial terms were not disclosed.
That partnership let Bemidji Brewing expand production beyond the capacity of its downtown Bemidji facility and grow distribution into Duluth, the North Shore and other Minnesota markets. Through the acquisition, Bemidji Brewing now joins Fulton Brewing, FINNEGANS and N*RC Sparkling THC Waters in the True North Beverage portfolio, which will provide shared production, sales, marketing, distribution, purchasing and administrative resources, allowing member brands to pursue growth without the capital investment that expansion would otherwise require.
“Our belief is simple: Minnesota has built some incredible beverage brands, and they deserve the opportunity to grow without losing what made them special in the first place,” said Ryan Petz, CEO of Fulton Brewing and True North Beverage. “Our work with Bemidji Brewing showed us what is possible when complementary businesses share resources and expertise. True North Beverage is designed to build on that model.”
Bemidji Brewing’s downtown taproom will remain open, continuing to offer the beers, experience and local engagement for which the brewery is known, and its founders will stay involved in the brand’s evolution through the taproom.
Founded in 2012, Bemidji Brewing has become one of northern Minnesota’s most respected craft breweries, known for its award-winning beers, community involvement and authentic connection to the region. As demand grew beyond what its downtown facility could support, the company explored ways to grow without the significant capital investment that new brewery construction and equipment would require. Its production partnership with Fulton provided that path: over the past three years, Fulton’s available capacity helped Bemidji Brewing increase volume and expand into Duluth and the North Shore, followed by growth toward the Twin Cities.
“When we started Bemidji Brewing, our goal wasn’t simply to make great beer. It was to build something our community could be proud of,” said Justin “Bud” Kaney, co-founder and president of Bemidji Brewing Company. “As we considered how to reach more of Minnesota, it became clear that expanding our own facility would require a level of investment that was difficult to justify in today’s market. Our partnership with Fulton gave us another way forward- they have the facility, experience, and team to bring Bemidji Brewing into markets that have remained beyond our production capacity, while we keep our connection to Bemidji through the taproom.”
Under True North Beverage, Bemidji Brewing will receive expanded production, sales, marketing and distribution support, creating opportunities for broader availability across Minnesota, including a stronger presence in the Twin Cities.
True North Beverage builds on Fulton Brewing’s experience supporting distinct Minnesota beverage brands, including its partnership with FINNEGANS, and intends to preserve the voice, history and customer relationships of each brand while creating greater efficiency and scale behind the scenes.
“This isn’t about reinventing beloved brands,” Petz said. “It’s about pairing strong brands with the infrastructure they need to reach their potential. Bemidji Brewing had opportunities for growth that exceeded its available production capacity, and Fulton had the capacity and expertise to help meet that demand. It is an ideal fit for both organizations.”
True North Beverage also offers a potential model for other established beverage producers navigating rising production costs, changing consumer preferences, increased competition and regulatory uncertainty across emerging beverage categories. The company expects future partnerships to follow a similar approach, giving brands access to production capacity, sales expertise, marketing support, purchasing power and administrative resources while retaining the qualities that distinguish them in the marketplace.
“Our vision is to build a family of Minnesota beverage brands that can use existing resources more effectively, reach new customers and become stronger together,” Petz said.
About True North Beverage
Rooted in Minnesota, True North Beverage is building a stronger future for independent beverage brands. Its growing portfolio includes Fulton Brewing, FINNEGANS, N*RC and Bemidji Brewing Company, each with its own unique story and connection to Minnesota’s craft beverage community. Through shared resources and expertise, True North Beverage helps its brands grow without changing who they are. Learn more at truenorthbeverage.com.
About Fulton Brewing
Founded by four homebrewers in a Southwest Minneapolis garage in 2009, Fulton Brewing began with a simple mantra: “Ordinary Guys Brewing Extraordinary Beer.” When Fulton opened Minneapolis’ first taproom in the North Loop, it helped lay the foundation for a new era of locally made craft beer. Today, Fulton remains one of Minnesota’s most authentic, approachable and community-driven breweries, producing award-winning beers including Sweet Child of Vine, one of Minnesota’s original IPAs; Lonely Blonde, an easy-drinking blonde ale; and Hop Kingdom, a family of Minnesota-inspired IPAs. Its iconic Hop Star represents the creativity, quality and independent spirit behind a local brewery built on the trust, enthusiasm and integrity of its founders. Fulton Brewing is a founding member of True North Beverage, a Minnesota beverage collective created to help locally rooted brands grow through shared resources and expertise while retaining their distinct identities. Learn more at fultonbeer.com.
About Bemidji Brewing Company
Founded in 2012, Bemidji Brewing Company is an award-winning craft brewery and taproom located in downtown Bemidji, Minnesota. Known for its approachable beers and deep community roots, Bemidji Brewing has become a gathering place for locals and visitors while celebrating the culture and character of northern Minnesota. Learn more at bemidjibeer.com.
Cooper Johnson, owner of Bricksworth Beer, passed away unexpectedly on June 19th at the age of 32. I am a friend of the family posting this for visibility.
Cooper was a husband and a father to a young son, so we're throwing An Art Fair to help out with his son Arthur's future college funds.
The Johnson family has been the heart of the North Loop food service community and vital to the Minnesota beer community at large, so, with the help of Bricksworth, Smack Shack, and workers and regulars in the community, we wanted to show our love and support for Franny and Arthur.
Join us Thursday, August 13th from 5-9 pm for a FREE event; we don't just mean free admission; all food and activities will be free!
We'll have a shrimp boil, mac n' cheese bar, salads, flavored lemonade, henna tattoos, cakewalk, painting, friendship bracelets, silent auction, & face painting.
Kiddos and doggos welcome, of course. 100% of donations will go towards Arthur's future college fund.
https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/07/10/cooper-johnson-bricksworth-obituary.html
The Aleluminati guys recently put together a blog highlighting some of the newer, more intriguing beers and drinks at the fair this year. There is some good info about who makes them, and where to find it.
There is a dynamic map built in which is really nice for helping you navigate where to find each beer on the fairgrounds. Could be useful for folks day of as they are seeking out some of these fun drinks!