Sip along with us!

1. Farm Girl, Lift Bridge Brewing, Stillwater

Notes: Light and refreshing with a bready/cracker malt character, spicy hop bitterness and a crisp dry finish. It displays the typical clove, pepper and citrus notes from Belgian Saison yeast.

2. Ewald the Golden, Utepils Brewing, Minneapolis

Notes:  This mouth-filling, bready brew favors the spicy side of the style’s characteristic clove and banana profile. But underneath the clove is a basket full of fruit. Bright lemon pairs with ripe banana and subtle stone fruit, making this a juicy treat.

3. Castle Cream Ale, Castle Danger Brewing, Two Harbors, Minn.

Notes: Lightly sweet and eminently quaffable, with notes of grainy malt, biscuit and corn. Bitterness and alcohol are both low, so it won’t tax the palate. A hint of spicy and citrus hops complete the picture.

4. Lucy, Indeed Brewing Company, Minneapolis

Notes: This wheat-based beer is flavored with lemongrass, bitter orange peel, passion fruit and hop oils. The bitterness is sturdier than many kettle-soured beers, giving it a strong impression of dryness in the finish. A touch of bready malt balances the sourness. It’s a bit like a lightly sour American pale ale.

5. Fort Road Blonde, August Schell Brewing Co., New Ulm, Minn. (Apr – Sept) - Lauren Highland lhighland@schellsbrewery.com

Notes: It’s an excellent example of the German kölsch-style ale. A delicate base of crackery malt is perfectly balanced by the floral and citrus-zest flavor of hops from Germany. The special kölsch yeast adds subtle fermentation-derived notes of apple and pear.

6. Size 4, Steel Toe Brewing Company, St. Louis Park

Notes: Bitterness is moderate, making for an overall balanced beer. They don’t skimp on hop character, though. Pineapple, passionfruit and citrus dominate the flavor and aroma. It’s sure to keep even the most hardcore hop fan happy.

Sip along with us!

1. Oktoberfest, Beaver Island Brewing, St. Cloud, Minn.

Notes: This classic Märzen style lager is rich and malty, but not overly sweet. Toasty caramel and bread crust are the dominant flavor notes. The spicy character of German hops gives some low-level balance. It goes out dry and mildly bitter.

2. Windvane, Bad Weather Brewing Co., St. Paul

Notes: Citrus and pine hops lead the way, with a hefty backing of caramel malt enhanced by the spicy flavors of rye malt. Bitterness is moderate, but still high enough to cut through the malt.

3.  Maroon and Bold, Bent Brewstillery, Roseville (not available until September)

Notes: This is a malty double IPA, making it an apt choice as the weather gets cooler. But it’s not sweet. There is plenty of hop character to brighten it up creating a mingling of citrus, hay, and sweet toasted marshmallows. And it packs a bitter punch to counter the malt. The hops change from year to year, so it’s a different experience with each batch.

4. Lost Fathom Dark Lager, Lake Monster Brewing, Saint Paul

Notes: A classic Munich-style dark lager with a Minnesota twist. Toasty, bread-crust malt flavor leads the way, joined by the warm, nutty tones of wild rice. Secondary touches of caramel and light chocolate add subtle intrigue. Hop bitterness is low and accompanied by low, spicy flavors of continental hop varieties. Goes out with lager-like crispness.

5. Stargrazer, Bauhaus Brewlabs, Minneapolis

Notes: This Bavarian schwarzbier leans on roasted malts some, giving dark chocolate impressions balanced by moderate to medium-low bitterness. Spicy Saaz hops offer a counterpoint to the gentle sweetness. The finish is just off dry and lingers on malt with subtle bitterness.

6. Bitteschlappe, Excelsior Brewing Company, Excelsior, MN

Notes: Although Excelsior calls this a “Munich-style brown ale,” it drinks like an American brown. Malt leads the way with a touch of caramel, a bit of biscuit and a measure of bittersweet chocolate roast. Bitterness is moderate, as is the spicy hop character.