Autumn Brew Review 2021 Preview
When the leaves change and the air begins to crisp up like a perfectly brewed pilsner, you know the Autumn Brew Review is close. This year, this amazing fall Minnesota craft beer tradition will take place at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis from 1:30-5:00pm on Saturday, Oct. 16th. Hopefully you have secured your tickets because this festival put on by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a hot commodity.
You Must Provide Proof of Vaccination!
Yes, you read that right. In a move that I wholeheartedly applaud and support, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is having festival goers provide proof of a full Covid-19 vaccination status. This makes a lot of sense given how the Delta variant has really hit Minnesota hard. I saw online that a very small but vocal minority was raising a stink about this. Well, this a privilege and not a right, so if you don’t like it, stay home. The event will sell out for sure and the last thing volunteers, brewery staff members, and fest-goers should have to worry about it getting sick.
The 7 Beers That I Must Try at Autumn Brew Review
Traditionally, brewers have done a fantastic job of punching seasonal creep in the grain bags by bringing some wonderful iterations of Fall beers. What is a Fall beer, you ask? Well, when I think of a perfect beer for Fall, I think of something that showcases malt, the sexiest of the beer ingredients, in a way that highlights aroma, texture, and flavor. Think amber ales, brown ales, porters, stouts, and anything north of 8% that has spent months in a barrel.
So, you aren’t going to find any IPAs on my list. If you think I am going to write about any type of fruit/lactose/kettle sour/seltzer mumbo jumbo, you are also out of luck. This is the Autumn Brew Review! So, here are, in no particular order, 10 beers that I am seeking out for the fest.
Dangerous Man Brewing-Barrel Aged Imperial Pumpkin
Nothing screams fall like a well-made imperial pumpkin ale. If you age that beer in a barrel like the beer alchemists at Dangerous Man Brewing do, then it all goes to 11. I have tried almost every iteration of the DM legacy of imperial pumpkin beers over the years and they always impress me. I cannot wait to try this at ABR!
Lupulin Brewing Whiskey Nuts Pumpkin Spice Latté
Lupulin is doing a pumpkin VS peanut butter contest with their beers for ABR. I know that when the brew crew at Lupulin Brewing Company plays with different flavors in beer, the results are always crowd-pleasing. I absolutely am crazy about Whiskey Nuts on its own, so the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice should add a wonderful fall flavor note to the beer.
Bad Weather 2019 Due Date Port Barrel-Aged Quad w/ Dates
Over the years, Bad Weather Brewing has tickled our fancies with their various versions of Due Date, their anniversary beer. However, this one might be one of my faves. I remember having this in the taproom and regretting not buying a bottle. Well, I am happy to get to try this one again at Autumn Brew Review. I am sure that it has held up well.
Little Thistle Pecan Pie Stout brewed in Collaboration with 9 Mile Brewing
The graphic for this collaboration between Little Thistle Brewing Company and soon-to-be-open 9 Mile Brewing is fantastic. No doubt, this beer will be something precious to try at ABR. I am curious to see how the pecan flavors come through in the beer. Also, this will be the first of anything I have had involving 9 Mile Brewing-so that is definitely icing on the cake!
Falling Knife Tree of Woe Maple Whiskey Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy
I know that Falling Knife Brewing is probably best known for their eclectic array of juicy NE IPAs. However, some of their heftier gravity beers are downright exquisite. I am really excited to try the Tree of Woe because I love Wee Heavy ales. Over the year, I’ve never regretted trying one that was barrel-aged. I am anxious to see how the Maple Whiskey affects the beer.
Junkyard Junktoberfest Lager
I guess at a festival like Autumn Brew Review, an Oktoberfest lager is like a session beer. I am excited to see what shenanigans Junkyard Brewing has in store for us with what I am sure will be a wonderful booth display. They are bringing a festive vibe with their Junktoberfest vibe to ABR, and I am here for it.
Prye’s Brewing 2021 Lost Moon
Lost Moon is a decadent delight from Prye’s Brewing Company. It is brilliantly roasty with the body to support all of the big flavors that lurk beneath the surface of the wonderful stout. Definitely stop by and try a pour of this because it will go fast.
So, there you go! The weather on Saturday is going to be perfect for the Autumn Brew Review. I cannot wait to spend a wonderful day down by the river drinking beer and roasting S’mores with vaccinated fellow craft beer enthusiasts! Prost!
Dan Beaubien has been involved with Beerploma since 2014 although his passion for craft beer dates back to 2006 when he started traveling for beer. He mostly covers craft beer events, festivals, brewery openings/releases, and beer reviews. Dan has a soft spot in his heart for authentic British Style ales, IPAs, and all things barrel-aged. If you have any questions or comments about this article feel free to email Dan at dan.beaubien@beerploma.com .