This week I spent three days in Minneapolis for work. Not sure who schedules a work meeting in Minnesota during the winter, but we were lucky. A warm front went through keeping temperatures just above freezing.
Of course the first thing I thought about when the meeting was announced is trying out midwest beers that don't make it to the east coast. So I packed an empty suitcase with towels with the hopes to return to Philly with it full of tasty beers.
I was not disappointed.
On Tuesday evening I started my search for a beer store. Not knowing where to look a co-worker suggested that I go to the Zipp's Liquor for the simple reason that it was around the corner from the office. They had a pretty good selection for being the convenient choice. After walking through the snow and into the store I transformed into a kid in a candy store. I immediately sought out the New Belgium Brewing selections. After making that easy decision I tracked down one of the beer guides because I had no clue what else to bring home. I wanted a good representation of beers from Minneapolis and the midwest. They thought it was funny that I was bringing beer home in a suitcase, but they were very helpful with their suggestions. They were IPA guys so I had to remind them to suggest other styles. In the end I walked away with a total of 13 beers and am excited to try them all.
Surly Furious (an IPA with no relation to the bike company)
Goose Island Bourbon Stout (its 13% APV)
Dark Horse Brewing Company Scotty Karate Scotch Ale
Lakfront Brewery Eastside Dark (Lager)
Rush River "The Unforgiven" (Amber Ale)
New Holland Brewing Company Dragon's Milk
Two Brothers Bonfire (Dunkle Weiss)
New Belgium Brewing Sunshine (Wheat)
New Belgium Brewing Tripple
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire (Amber Ale)
New Belgium Brewing 1554 (Black Ale)
I've returned home and laid out my beer bounty on the kitchen table. The dilemma is when to drink them. The bottle opener is in hand but I'm torn between exploring new beers and knowing that when the bottles are empty there are no seconds...in Philadelphia. What to do, what to do....
