Some people say enough or too many breweries have opened up. We disagree. There’s several communities that are chomping at the bit to have their own brewery/taproom to visit. We saw that enthusiasm from communities this year in places like Mineral Spring in Owatonna and Trout City in Preston.
So far in 2019 25 breweries have opened up. We haven’t been to the newly opened Iron Exchange and they don’t have their own beer available at the time of writing this, and neither does Bus Stop Burgers and Brew, and we haven’t made it up to Thousand Lakes Brewing in Parker’s Prairie so those 3 weren’t considered for this list. Otherwise we ranked these the same way we usually do, we each rank 10 and assign points and add them up.
Here’s our top 5 Minnesota breweries that opened up in 2019 and we wish all of them luck and can’t wait to visit the new Minnesota breweries of 2020!
Falling Knife Brewing Co.
Falling Knife has been a very welcome addition to NE Minneapolis, and we definitely can see why after trying it out. We went to an industry soft opening, and even before they had been open to the public, they had some very solid beers on tap. The taproom is also spacious with plenty of seating, some pinball machines in the back, and a jukebox filled with some great music. There are usually plenty of offerings on tap for all kinds of beer drinkers, from Hazy IPA’s to stouts, to pilsners and helles and sours. It has been fun watching them quickly fill up their taps with some delicious beers and flourishing in the community. – Rachael
Favorite Beer – The Joy Fermentable
Drastic Measures Brewing
Probably the most anticipated brewery of 2019. After leaving Disgruntled and announcing intentions of opening Drastic Measures in Wadena, Minnesotans were really waiting for more beer from Brett Doebbeling. The wait was worth it too. The brewing didn’t miss a beat. He was even able to bring some old recipes with him to the new spot, which is gorgeously designed by his wife Ashley by the way. They started distributing to the Twin Cities too in case Wadena is too far of a drive to go check it out! – Jesse
Favorite Beer – Humble Mumble
Thesis Beer Project
Thesis is an addition to the ever-growing Rochester craft beer roster, and they are no exception when I say Rochester keeps getting better and better for any craft beer fan. When we went, they were still pretty new, so there wasn’t a lot on tap but what we had was enough to tell us it would be a popular spot. They also operate a coffee shop out of the same space in the mornings, so you can also get energized before your weekend brewery crawls. We will definitely be making another stop at this one when we are back in the area. – Rachael
Favorite Beer – Hand Equity
Pig Ate My Pizza
Pig Ate My Pizza was already putting out some of the best pizza in the cities as part of the Travail Collective. Then they moved down the street into their new space and added a brew house, part of me was skeptical. Worst case scenario I figure is they keep making killer pizza and the beer isn’t that good. But the beer has turned out great! This is probably a top 5 date spot within the metro area for me. Even if you’re not a beer fan. The cocktail menu is also banging and the non pizza options are also delicious! – Jesse
Favorite Beer – Wish You Were Here
ONE Fermentary & Taproom
As practically neighbors to ONE, we have been really anticipating this opening since we saw any mention of a brewery being put in that space. We were even more excited to learn it would have food, cocktails, and wine as well. However, we are usually the type of people to not let ourselves get too excited about anything or get our hopes up. So, it was quite the relief when we got to try ONE and found out that the beer there was so good! Another brewery that nailed it right off of the bat. Not only that, but the taproom is one of the most nicest looking spaces I have seen in quite awhile, personally. We can’t wait to stop over soon and try the food. It’s always nice to have another place in our neighborhood that we can take visitors too and feel proud of! – Rachael
Favorite Beer – Little Help
Honorable Mention Pantown Brewing Company
Alger Beerventures 