If you love beer like I do, then I have the perfect addition to your summer bucket list. It’s called the Northern Ale Guide, it’s only $25, and it’s your passport to 35 breweries in Minnesota. The first time the book is stamped at a participating taproom, you’ll get a buy-one-get-one-free beer—that’s over $150 worth of free beer. After you’ve visited all 35 partner breweries, send in your passport and you’ll be mailed a beer pioneer t-shirt and certificate for bragging rights.
Not all of Minnesota’s 90 breweries are represented in the guide, but there’s a significant chunk participating—and really, what better excuse to check out different taprooms throughout the state? There are many familiar names participating and some new ones, too, including Stagecoach in Mantorville, Omni Brewing in Maple Grove, and my personal favorite, Fulton right here in Minneapolis (I’m a big fan of the Expat). The Ale Guide categorizes the taprooms into three regions: the Twin Cities, the suburbs, and Greater Minnesota.
Join the creators and supporters of the Northern Ale Guide this evening from 5-9 p.m. at the Community Keg House, 34 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, for the free Official Launch Party. Bring in your guide or purchase one there and receive a beer and food specials throughout the night. National Beer Day may have been yesterday, but I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend!
Created by a group of University of Minnesota students, the Northern Ale Guide serves to show off the craft brewing industry in our favorite state. As a Wisconsinite-turned-Minnesotan and fellow Gopher, I couldn’t be more excited to explore all that Minnesota breweries have to offer.
For more information and to order your own passport (this year’s passport is valid through December 31, 2016), visit northernaleguide.com.
