Not too long ago we met some new friends, the members of the band Pictures of Then. As is typical with Shawn and myself, the conversations held revolved around beer, technology, and music. As our podcast grows, we are looking for new ways to uniquely identify ourselves. Our podcast introduction music has evolved with us on this journey. After listening to Pictures of Then, of Minneapolis, through and through, the decision was made to partner with our friends as they graciously allow us to utilize some of their music for our podcast. Episode 28 was the first episode to feature music from Pictures of Then – their “When It Stings” leads us in. Stay tuned, as Casey and other band members will likely record with us in future episodes. Cheers to Pictures of Then for lending their talent to our project. read more…

Brought kicking and screaming into the world of sours? No way – we dive right in! I feel a bit ashamed that it had taken me this long to hear about Captain Lawrence Brewing, but I have been properly introduced thanks to Shawn and our friend Tyler. In this episode, Shawn and I take a crack at 375mL bottle of Cuvee De Castleton from Captain Lawrence. Any sort of reading before the tasting revealed the rarity of this beer, as well as how highly regarded it remains in the craft beer community. This was a shorter episode, focusing on the one beer, but it is all based around the idea of sour ales. Thanks for listening everyone, cheers! read more…

It must be spring, because the timing of this release couldn’t have been better. I have the evenings off all week, and I am going to try and visit as many of the special releases and tastings across the Twin Cities as possible. This is part one of my adventures in Odell’s Minnesota Welcome Week.

Last night, Leslie and I decided to begin our adventure in exploring Odell beers at Stub & Herb’s. We arrived a few hours after the release and special cask tapping of Woodcut #4, but I was happily surprised that the members of the Odell crew were still hanging out, chatting with craft beer folks, excited to see 7 different Odell beers available.
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Over the weekend, Rock Bottom Brewery of Des Moines, Iowa played host to the Iowa Farmhouse Ale Fest. The goal of the event was to “showcase beers that originated in the farmlands of Europe” as interpreted by Iowa brewers as well as various international renditions of the styles. Primarily, beers in the style of Saison, Bière de Garde, and Witbier, otherwise known as farmhouse ales, were on-hand. read more…

I hope all you Minnesotans are as excited to have the fabled Odell available in Minnesota as I am. I’ve gotten ahold of the calendar of events for Odell’s inaugural week in Minnesota. I hope to see many of you out at these tastings and release parties!

Monday, May 3

Zipps Liquors: Be the first to try the fine Odell Brews in Minnesota!  Beer tasting with Brewery Founder Doug Odell!  3:30pm-4:30pm

Mackenzie: Minneapolis Kickoff for Odell Brewing Company. Meet Doug Odell and the brewery team for the first official tapping of a 90 Shilling for the city of Minneapolis. There will be 3 Odell beers on draft and some fun “Scottish Flair” to go with the festivities.  Starts at 5:00pm

Sweeney’s Saloon: St. Paul’s Kickoff for Odell Brewing Company. Meet Doug Odell and the brewery team for the first official tapping of a 90 Shilling for the city of St. Paul. There will be 3 Odell beers on draft and some fun “Scottish Flair” to go with the festivities. Starts at 6:30pm

Stub & Herb’s: Minneapolis Kickoff for Odell Brewing Company. Meet Doug Odell and the brewery team for the first official tapping of an Odell Firkin for the city of Minneapolis. Stub & Herb’s will also feature 6 other Odell beers on tap including 90 Shilling, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, IPA, St. Lupulin, Bourbon Barrel Stout, and the new Saboteur. Starts at 7:00pm

The Happy Gnome: St. Paul’s Kickoff for Odell Brewing Company. Meet Doug Odell and the brewery team for the first official tapping of an Odell Firkin for the city of St. Paul. The Happy Gnome will also feature 6 other Odell beers on tap including 90 Shilling, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, IPA, St. Lupulin, Bourbon Barrel Stout, and the new Saboteur.
Starts at 7:30pm read more…