Welcome to the thriving craft beer scene in the picturesque city of St. Paul, Minnesota! Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, this vibrant region is home to a remarkable array of breweries that cater to beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. From traditional styles to innovative and experimental brews, St. Paul offers a beer scene that is as diverse as it is inviting.
We take pride in exploring and uncovering the hidden gems within craft good beer. Our team of dedicated researchers and industry experts has delved deep into the St. Paul beer culture, visiting numerous breweries, speaking with passionate brewers, and tasting a wide variety of exceptional beers. This expertise allows us to present the list of the top 10 breweries in St. Paul, MN.
One fascinating finding stood out as we explored the breweries in St. Paul: [teaser or interesting finding about one of the breweries]. Whether it’s an ancient brewing technique revived with a modern twist or a unique collaboration that pushes the boundaries of flavor, St. Paul’s breweries never cease to surprise and impress.
Join us as we guide you through St. Paul, MN’s vibrant craft beer scene. From historic buildings turned into taprooms to small-batch breweries with experimental flavors, we will showcase the best breweries that have made their mark on these twin cities’ beer landscape. So grab your pint glass and prepare to savor the flavors of St. Paul’s finest brews!
We are thrilled to present our curated selection of the top 10 breweries in St. Paul, MN. Let’s raise a glass to the artistry, craftsmanship, and passion that make this region a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts worldwide. Cheers!
Here’s a simplified list of the top 10 breweries in St. Paul, MN:
- Summit Brewing Company
- Surly Brewing Co.
- Bad Weather Brewing Company
- Barrel Theory Beer Company
- Dual Citizen Brewing Company
- Blackstock Brewing
- Lake Monster Brewing
- Burning Brothers Brewing
- Urban Growler Brewing Company
- Sidhe Brewing Company
The Top 10 Breweries In St. Paul, MN
1. Summit Brewing Company
Summit Brewing Company holds a special place in Minnesota’s craft beer history. Founded in 1986 by Mark Stutrud, Summit was among the first craft breweries to emerge in the region. With a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques, Summit has earned a loyal following.
Their flagship beer, Summit Extra Pale Ale, is an iconic brew known for its balanced hop character and smooth malt backbone. In addition to its core lineup, Summit offers seasonal and limited-edition releases, showcasing its versatility and creativity. They include refreshing summer ales, rich winter warmers, and flavorful Oktoberfest beers.
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Summit Brewing Company has received numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Great American Beer Festival medals and recognition as one of the top breweries in the Midwest. Their dedication to quality and consistency has made them a staple in the Minnesota beer scene.
Image credit:summitbrewing.com
2. Surly Brewing Co.
Surly Brewing Co. has significantly impacted the craft beer landscape in St. Paul and nationwide. Founded in 2005, Surly quickly gained recognition for its boundary-pushing beers and bold flavors. Their flagship beer garden, Surly Furious, is a hop-forward American IPA that has become an icon in the industry.
Known for its innovative brewing techniques and experimental releases, Surly continually pushes the envelope. From barrel-aged stouts and hazy IPAs to wild ales and sours, their diverse lineup offers something for every beer lover.
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Surly Brewing Co. has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the top breweries in the world by RateBeer. With its expansive beer hall, lively atmosphere, and rotating tap list, Surly remains a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge brews.
3. Bad Weather Brewing Company
Bad Weather Brewing Company embraces the ever-changing climate of Minnesota by crafting beers that reflect the seasons. Founded in 2013, this brewery takes pride in producing high-quality and approachable brews that cater to a wide range of tastes.
Their flagship beer, Ominous, is an American amber ale with a balanced malt profile and a hint of hop bitterness. Bad Weather Brewing also experiments with seasonal releases, such as their popular Windvane, a robust red ale perfect for the autumn months.
Also read: How Long Does It Take for Beer to Ferment? Explained.
With its welcoming taproom, Bad Weather Brewing provides a comfortable space to enjoy its beers and engage with the local community. They have gained recognition for their dedication to quality, winning multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival and other prestigious competitions.
4. Barrel Theory Beer Company
Barrel Theory Beer Company has gained a reputation for its exceptional barrel-aged and mixed-fermentation beers. Established in 2016, this brewery made a name for itself in the St. Paul beer scene.
With a focus on quality over quantity, Barrel Theory crafts small-batch beers that undergo extensive aging and blending processes. Their expertise in barrel aging results in complex and nuanced flavors that captivate the palate.
Notable beers from Barrel Theory include their famous barrel-aged stouts, tart and funky sour ales, and hazy IPAs bursting with tropical hop flavors. Their commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail has earned them a devoted following.
While relatively young, Barrel Theory Beer Company has already received recognition for its outstanding beers. They have been listed among the top breweries in Minnesota and have amassed a loyal fan base eager to explore their unique offerings.
5. Dual Citizen Brewing Company
Dual Citizen Brewing Company celebrates the diverse and collaborative spirit of St. Paul. Established in 2017, this community-oriented brewery aims to create a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Forward IPAs to rich stouts and flavorful Belgian-inspired brews, Dual Citizen Brewing Company showcases its brewing prowess and commitment to quality.
One of their notable beers is the Urban Suburban, a crisp and refreshing American lager that pays homage to the diverse neighborhoods of St. Paul. They also experiment with different flavor profiles and brewing techniques, offering limited releases and collaborations that excite beer enthusiasts.
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Dual Citizen Brewing Company engages with the local community by hosting events, live music, and food trucks at their taproom. Their commitment to inclusivity and community-building has earned them a strong following.
Image credit:craftapped.com
6. Blackstack Brewing
Blackstack Brewing seamlessly combines traditional brewing techniques with a modern twist. Established in 2017, this brewery has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional beers and creative flavors.
Their taproom offers a diverse selection of beers, including hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, and experimental brews that push the boundaries of flavor. Blackstock Brewing frequently collaborates with local artists and musicians, infusing their beers with a unique artistic flair.
One of their standout beers is the Roselle, a hibiscus sour ale with a vibrant pink hue and tart, floral notes. This beer exemplifies BlackStack Brewing’s ability to create innovative and refreshing brews that captivate the senses.
Through their commitment to quality and experimentation, BlackStack Brewing has garnered a loyal following and received recognition within the craft beer community. Their taproom provides a warm and inviting atmosphere to enjoy their diverse lineup of beers.
7. Lake Monster Brewing
Lake Monster Brewing takes inspiration from the mythical creatures that inhabit Minnesota’s lakes. Established in 2013, this brewery has become a beloved fixture in St. Paul’s craft beer scene.
Their taproom offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where visitors enjoy many well-crafted beers. Lake Monster Brewing prides itself on producing flavorful and balanced brews, including hop-forward pale ales, crisp lagers, and seasonal specialties.
One of their notable beers is the Calhoun Claw Pilsner, a traditional German-style pilsner with a crisp and clean profile. Lake Monster Brewing also experiments with barrel aging and souring processes, resulting in unique and complex flavor profiles.
Lake Monster Brewing has received recognition for its commitment to quality, winning medals at prestigious beer competitions. Their dedication to producing approachable and memorable beers has solidified their place as one of St. Paul’s top breweries.
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8. Burning Brothers Brewing
Burning Brothers Brewing holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery. Founded in 2012 by two brothers with Celiac disease, this brewery offers a safe and delicious beer experience for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Their taproom features a wide selection of gluten-free beers, ranging from hoppy ales and malty ambers to refreshing fruit-infused brews. Burning Brothers Brewing demonstrates that gluten-free beer can be flavorful and satisfying.
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Notable beers from Burning Brothers Brewing include the Pyro American Pale Ale, a hop-forward ale with citrus and pine notes, and the Roasted Coffee Ale, which combines the richness of coffee with the smoothness of an ale.
Burning Brothers Brewing has received recognition for its innovative approach and commitment to creating high-quality gluten-free beers. Their taproom provides a welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts seeking a gluten-free option without compromising taste.
9. Urban Growler Brewing Company
Urban Growler Brewing Company, founded by two women, aims to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Established in 2014, this brewery embraces diversity and inclusivity, making it a standout in St. Paul’s craft beer scene.
Their taproom offers many handcrafted beers, including classic styles and unique twists. Urban Growler Brewing Company’s lineup features easy-drinking blondes and refreshing wheat beers to robust porters and hoppy IPAs. They take pride in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, adding a touch of Minnesota to every brew.
One of their standout beers is the Cowbell Cream Ale, a smooth and crisp beer with a touch of sweetness and a clean finish. Urban Growler Brewing Company also experiments with innovative flavors, such as their De-Lovely Porter infused with cold-brewed coffee and their vibrant Raspberry Wheat.
Urban Growler Brewing Company has received numerous awards for its beers, including medals from the Great American Beer Festival and recognition as one of the top women-owned breweries in the country. Their commitment to quality, community, and inclusivity has solidified their position as a must-visit brewery in St. Paul.
10. Sidhe Brewing Company
Sidhe Brewing Company draws inspiration from Irish folklore and mythology, infusing its beers with magic. Established in 2016, this brewery has quickly gained a loyal following for its unique brews and warm, inviting taproom.
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Their lineup includes Irish red ales, stouts, Belgian-inspired brews, and experimental beers that showcase their creativity. Sidhe Brewing Company takes pride in using traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients to produce beers that pay homage to their Irish roots.
One of their notable beers is the Slainte Irish Red Ale, a malt-forward beer with notes of caramel and toasted bread. Sidhe Brewing Company also experiments with flavors like its Blueberry Wheat Ale and Belgian Dubbel.
Sidhe Brewing Company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship has garnered recognition within the local community and the wider craft beer scene. Their taproom offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy their imaginative brews.
Their taproom offers a rotating selection of beers catering to various palates. From easy-drinking lagers and hop.
Brewery Tours And Tastings In St. Paul, MN
Here are some of the best brewery tours and tastings in St. Paul, MN:
Summit Brewing Company
Summit Brewing offers guided tours of its brewery, providing visitors with an inside look at its brewing process and history. The tours typically last about 45 minutes, including tasting their flagship and seasonal beers. Tours are available on select days and times, and advanced booking is recommended. The cost is usually affordable, with options for both individual and group tours.
Surly Brewing Co.
Surly Brewing offers immersive and educational tours behind the scenes of its state-of-the-art facility. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide insights into Surly’s brewing techniques and their commitment to quality. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of Surly’s diverse beer offerings. Tour times and costs vary, so checking their website or calling ahead for reservations is advisable.
Bad Weather Brewing Company
While Bad Weather Brewing doesn’t offer formal brewery tours, they have a welcoming taproom where visitors can experience their beers firsthand. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, you can converse about their brewing process and the inspiration behind their beers. Please use their flight options to sample various brews and discover your favorites.
Barrel Theory Beer Company
Barrel Theory doesn’t currently offer guided tours of their brewery. However, their taproom provides a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy their exceptional beers. Their knowledgeable staff is always happy to discuss the brewing process and recommend beers based on your preferences. Watch their website and social media for special events or limited releases that may enhance your tasting experience.
Conclusion
The craft beer scene in Saint Paul, MN, is a dynamic and thriving landscape encompassing well-established breweries and up-and-coming gems. From the trailblazers like Summit Brewing Company and Surly Brewing Co. to the innovative and experimental offerings of Barrel Theory Beer Company and BlackStack Brewing, each brewery brings unique flavors and experiences.
Whether you’re a resident or visiting St. Paul, exploring these top 10 breweries will provide you with a diverse range of exceptional beers. From classic styles to bold experiments, there is something to delight every beer enthusiast’s palate.
As you embark on your journey through St. Paul’s craft beer scene, don’t forget to raise a glass to the brewers’ dedication, creativity, and passion who make these breweries the best in the city. Cheers to the unforgettable flavors and experiences that await you in St. Paul, MN!
