Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in Minnesota? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in Minnesota so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Minnesota, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of the Land of 10,000 Lakes so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#10 Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Fair State Brewing Cooperative, often simply referred to as Fair State Brewing, is a well-known craft brewery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s an overview:

1. Location: Fair State Brewing is situated in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, which is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and concentration of craft breweries.
2. Founding: Fair State Brewing was founded in 2014 by a group of beer enthusiasts with a shared vision of creating a community-focused brewery. It operates as a cooperative, meaning that it is owned and governed by its members, who have a say in the brewery’s operations and direction.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Fair State Brewing is committed to producing high-quality, innovative beers while also prioritizing sustainability and community engagement. They focus on a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, sours, lagers, and more, often incorporating local ingredients and experimental brewing techniques.
4. Beer Selection: Fair State Brewing offers a diverse and rotating lineup of beers, with a particular emphasis on sour and wild ales. Some of their popular offerings include Roselle Hibiscus Sour Ale, Mirror Universe Hazy IPA, and Pahlay’Ahlay Pineapple Sour Ale. They also produce seasonal releases and limited-edition brews throughout the year.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a modern and cozy interior with communal seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as trivia nights, live music, and food pop-ups.
6. Community Engagement: Fair State Brewing is deeply involved in the local community and actively supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local businesses and organizations to give back to the community.
7. Distribution: In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Fair State Brewing distributes their products to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Minnesota. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts both locally and beyond.

Overall, Fair State Brewing Cooperative has made a significant impact on the craft beer scene in Minnesota, known for its quality beers, cooperative business model, and commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

#9 Wild Mind Artisan Ales

Wild Mind Artisan Ales is a renowned craft brewery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Wild Mind Brewery:

1. Location: Wild Mind Artisan Ales is situated in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis, known for its vibrant arts community, diverse dining options, and craft breweries.
2. Founding: Wild Mind Artisan Ales was founded in 2017 by brothers Mat and Barclay Kruse, along with their childhood friend, Eric Biermann. The brewery quickly gained attention for its focus on Belgian-inspired and mixed-culture fermentation beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Wild Mind Brewery is dedicated to crafting unique and flavorful beers using a combination of traditional and innovative brewing techniques. They specialize in Belgian-style ales, sour beers, and barrel-aged brews, often incorporating locally sourced ingredients and wild fermentation cultures.
4. Beer Selection: Wild Mind Brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, with a focus on sour and wild ales. Some of their popular offerings include saisons, farmhouse ales, fruited sours, and barrel-aged beers. They frequently experiment with different flavor profiles and brewing methods to create distinctive and memorable brews.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a rustic and industrial-inspired design with communal seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as live music, art exhibitions, and food trucks.
6. Community Engagement: Wild Mind Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local artists, musicians, and businesses to promote creativity and cultural enrichment.
7. Distribution: In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Wild Mind Brewery distributes their products to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Minnesota. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their innovative and high-quality brews.

Overall, Wild Mind Artisan Ales has become a prominent fixture in the Minneapolis craft beer scene, known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and exploration of flavor.

#8 Thesis Beer Project

Thesis Beer Project is a craft brewery located in Rochester, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Thesis Beer Project:

1. Location: Thesis Beer Project is situated in Rochester, Minnesota, a city known for its vibrant community and medical industry, being home to the renowned Mayo Clinic.
2. Founding: Thesis Beer Project was founded with the goal of creating a space where beer enthusiasts could gather to enjoy high-quality craft beer in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery opened its doors in recent years, joining the growing craft beer scene in Minnesota.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Thesis Beer Project is committed to brewing innovative and creative beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They focus on experimentation and quality, constantly striving to create unique and memorable brews.
4. Beer Selection: Thesis Beer Project offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. They often feature rotating taps, showcasing new and limited-edition releases alongside their core lineup.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a comfortable and inviting space for patrons to enjoy their beers. It features a modern and industrial-inspired design with ample seating, a bar area, and sometimes hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food trucks.
6. Community Engagement: Thesis Beer Project is actively involved in the local community, participating in events, fundraisers, and collaborations with other businesses. They strive to contribute positively to the community that supports them.
7. Distribution: In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Thesis Beer Project may distribute their products to local bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, allowing a wider audience to enjoy their brews.

Overall, Thesis Beer Project has become a notable addition to the craft beer landscape in Rochester and the greater Minnesota area, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement.

#7 Modist Brewery

Modist Brewery is a well-known craft brewery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here are some key details about Modist Brewery:

1. Location: Modist Brewery is situated in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, a vibrant area known for its cultural attractions, dining scene, and craft breweries.
2. Founding: Modist Brewery was founded in 2015 by four friends with a passion for brewing innovative and unconventional beers. They aimed to challenge traditional brewing methods and push the boundaries of what beer could be.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Modist Brewery is known for its commitment to experimentation and creativity. They embrace non-traditional brewing techniques and ingredients to create unique and memorable beers. One of their most notable innovations is the use of their patented “North Loop BrewCoction” brewing system, which allows for precise control over the brewing process.
4. Beer Selection: Modist Brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, ranging from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to more experimental and avant-garde brews. They often collaborate with local artists, chefs, and businesses to create special releases and limited-edition beers.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a modern and industrial-inspired design with communal seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food pop-ups.
6. Community Engagement: Modist Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with other businesses to give back to the community.

#6 Lupulin Brewing Company

Lupulin Brewing Company is a renowned craft brewery located in Big Lake, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Lupulin Brewery:

1. Location: Lupulin Brewery is situated in Big Lake, a small city in Sherburne County, Minnesota, located northwest of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
2. Founding: Lupulin Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by Matt Schiller and Jeff Zierdt, who shared a passion for brewing exceptional craft beers. The brewery takes its name from lupulin, the yellow resinous powder found in hop cones, which imparts bitterness and aroma to beer.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Lupulin Brewery is dedicated to crafting high-quality, innovative beers using top-quality ingredients and brewing techniques. They focus on hop-forward styles, such as IPAs and pale ales, but also produce a variety of other beer styles, including stouts, porters, and barrel-aged beers.
4. Beer Selection: Lupulin Brewery offers a diverse and rotating lineup of beers, with a particular emphasis on hoppy brews. Some of their popular offerings include Blissful Ignorance Double IPA, Hooey IPA, and Straight Hash Homie IPA. They also produce seasonal and limited-edition releases throughout the year.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a spacious and modern interior with ample seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food truck gatherings.
6. Community Engagement: Lupulin Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local businesses to give back to the community.
7. Expansion: Since its founding, Lupulin Brewery has experienced significant growth and success. In addition to its brewery and taproom in Big Lake, the company has expanded its distribution footprint to reach a wider audience across Minnesota and beyond.

Overall, Lupulin Brewing Company has established itself as a prominent player in the Minnesota craft beer scene, known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and hop-forward flavors.

#5 Falling Knife Brewery

Falling Knife Brewery is a popular craft brewery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Falling Knife Brewery:

1. Location: Falling Knife Brewery is situated in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and dining options.
2. Founding: Falling Knife Brewery was founded in 2019 by four friends with a shared passion for brewing and a desire to create a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts. The brewery quickly gained attention for its high-quality beers and innovative approach to brewing.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Falling Knife Brewery is dedicated to producing a wide range of beer styles, from classic ales and lagers to experimental and barrel-aged brews. They prioritize quality ingredients, precise brewing techniques, and creativity in their beer-making process.
4. Beer Selection: Falling Knife Brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, sour ales, and more. Some of their popular offerings include their flagship IPA, as well as rotating seasonal and limited-edition releases.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features ample seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food pop-ups.
6. Food: Falling Knife Brewery also offers a food menu featuring a variety of elevated pub fare, including sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and more. Their food menu is designed to complement their beer selection and enhance the overall taproom experience.
7. Community Engagement: Falling Knife Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local businesses to give back to the community.

Overall, Falling Knife Brewery has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the Minneapolis craft beer scene, known for its quality beers, inviting taproom, and commitment to creativity and innovation.

#4 Back Channel Brewery

Back Channel Brewery is a craft brewery located in Spring Park, Minnesota. It’s known for its diverse selection of handcrafted beers and a welcoming taproom atmosphere. Here are some key points about Back Channel Brewery:

1. Location: Back Channel Brewery is situated in Spring Park, a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The brewery benefits from its proximity to Lake Minnetonka, drawing locals and visitors alike.
2. Founding: Founded by a group of beer enthusiasts, Back Channel Brewery opened its doors to the public with the goal of providing high-quality, locally brewed beer to the community. They often experiment with different styles and flavors while also offering classic favorites.
3. Beer Selection: The brewery typically offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, lagers, and seasonal brews. They often incorporate local ingredients and collaborate with nearby businesses to create unique flavors.
4. Taproom Experience: Back Channel Brewery’s taproom provides a cozy and laid-back atmosphere where patrons can enjoy freshly brewed beer straight from the source. The brewery occasionally hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food truck gatherings to enhance the overall experience.
5. Community Engagement: Like many craft breweries, Back Channel Brewery is actively involved in the local community. They participate in charity events, fundraisers, and collaborate with other businesses to support various causes.

#3 BlackStack Brewing

BlackStack Brewing is a popular craft brewery located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of BlackStack Brewery:

1. Location: BlackStack Brewing is situated in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul, which is known for its diverse community, cultural attractions, and proximity to the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus.
2. Founding: BlackStack Brewing was founded in 2017 by Scott Johnson, Jon Loss, and Brian Schanzenbach. The brewery quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to brewing high-quality beers and creating a welcoming space for patrons.
3. Brewing Philosophy: BlackStack Brewery is dedicated to producing innovative and flavorful beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They experiment with a wide range of ingredients and brewing techniques to create unique and memorable brews.
4. Beer Selection: BlackStack Brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. Some of their popular offerings include their flagship IPA, as well as rotating seasonal releases and limited-edition brews.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a modern and industrial-inspired design with ample seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as live music, trivia nights, and food trucks.
6. Community Engagement: BlackStack Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local artists, musicians, and businesses to promote cultural enrichment and give back to the community.
7. Distribution: In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, BlackStack Brewery distributes their products to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Minnesota. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts for their quality brews and commitment to innovation.

Overall, BlackStack Brewing has become a prominent player in the St. Paul craft beer scene, known for its diverse beer selection, creative brewing approach, and community engagement efforts.

#2 Barrel Theory Brewing Company

Barrel Theory Brewing Company is a renowned craft brewery located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Barrel Theory Brewing:

1. Location: Barrel Theory Brewing is situated in the Lowertown neighborhood of downtown St. Paul, an area known for its historic charm, cultural attractions, and vibrant dining scene.
2. Founding: Barrel Theory Brewing was founded in 2017 by Brett Splinter, Timmy Johnson, and Todd Tibesar, who shared a passion for brewing exceptional beers. The brewery quickly gained acclaim for its high-quality brews and innovative approach to brewing.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Barrel Theory Brewing is dedicated to producing a wide range of beers, from hoppy IPAs and stouts to sour ales and barrel-aged brews. They focus on quality ingredients, precise brewing techniques, and creativity in their beer-making process.
4. Beer Selection: Barrel Theory Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers, including their flagship IPAs, stouts, sours, and experimental brews. Some of their popular offerings include Rain Drops IPA, Dangeroue Man Crush Sour, and Imperial Oreo Stout. They also produce limited-edition releases and collaborations with other breweries.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. It features a modern and industrial-inspired design with communal seating, a bar area, and often hosts events such as tap takeovers, release parties, and food trucks.
6. Community Engagement: Barrel Theory Brewing is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local artists, musicians, and businesses to promote cultural enrichment and give back to the community.
7. Distribution: In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Barrel Theory Brewing distributes their products to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Minnesota. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts for their quality brews and commitment to innovation.

Overall, Barrel Theory Brewing has become a prominent fixture in the St. Paul craft beer scene, known for its exceptional beers, creative brewing approach, and community engagement efforts.

#1 Forager Brewery

Forager Brewery is a well-known craft brewery located in Rochester, Minnesota. Here’s an overview of Forager Brewery:

1. Location: Forager Brewery is situated in the heart of downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester is known for being home to the renowned Mayo Clinic and has a growing community with diverse cultural offerings.
2. Founding: Forager Brewery was founded in 2015 by Annie Henderson and Austin Jevne. The brewery was born out of a passion for craft beer, culinary arts, and community building.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Forager Brewery is committed to brewing high-quality, innovative beers using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. They emphasize creativity and experimentation in their brewing process, resulting in a diverse range of beer styles and flavor profiles.
4. Beer Selection: Forager Brewery offers an extensive lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, sours, saisons, and barrel-aged brews. They are known for their inventive flavor combinations and unique brewing techniques, which result in beers that are both flavorful and complex.
5. Taproom Experience: The brewery’s taproom provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. It features rustic decor, communal seating, and often hosts events such as live music, art exhibitions, and food pairings.
6. Kitchen and Food: In addition to their beers, Forager Brewery also offers a full-service kitchen that serves locally sourced and seasonally inspired dishes. Their food menu complements their beer selection and emphasizes fresh, flavorful ingredients.
7. Community Engagement: Forager Brewery is actively involved in the local community and supports various charitable causes. They participate in fundraisers, community events, and collaborate with local artists, farmers, and businesses to promote sustainability and community wellness.
8. Distribution: In addition to serving beer and food at their taproom, Forager Brewery distributes their products to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Minnesota. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts for their commitment to quality, creativity, and community involvement.

Overall, Forager Brewery has become a beloved destination in the Rochester area, known for its outstanding beers, culinary offerings, and dedication to supporting the local community.