Brau Bros. Update

[Drtanglebones]

I guess I don't have time to bottle from the keg tonight. No worries. Go ahead and put something in yourself though!

[Dave M.]

We are in SD at the moment, but Sarah and I stopped in on our way back yesterday. Dustin and his wife were frantically picking fresh hops to go into the kettle for a fresh hop beer they were making. Had a pint of thier Purple Sting....pretty dang good. This is a light beer, make with buckwheat honey from SD...I guess buckwheat honey has kind of a purple hue to it, hence the name. The beer was golden, a nice honey sweetnesss and clean finish. Barely any hops. Kind of hybrid beer/mead. Very tasty...draft only, I think he said the only places in the metro getting it were Ngon and Muddy Pig. If you come across it, I highly recommend it. Saw two full bright tanks labled "Unnamed DIPA".....

[Dave M.]

Latest update....I wish I could have entered something in their contest, it would be cool to have one of my beers brewed by them. Oh well, maybe next year....

Hey Everyone,

Well, this is it – tonight someone’s homebrew will be crowned best of show for this year’s South Dakota Homebrew Challenge. The winner will be brewed here at Brau Bros and available on tap at all participating bars and restaurants. Meet us at Sully’s in Brookings tonight, where the champ will be announced! I’ve got a firkin of Fresh Hopped Sheephead for the event as well. A big thank you to all that participated and helped judge.

A couple other quick notes…

This year’s fresh hop has been brewed. It’s the first time we’ve done a fresh hopped Lager. Think Munich Dunkel – type lager. Should be interesting, I’ve tried it while fermenting and it should rock. Also, we’ve begun brewing Ring Neck for this fall. Ring Neck’s official release date is Oct 10, look for it in stores around then. Speaking of October 10…

HopFest is back and better than ever. October 10th is the date. Chris Laumb will be back with his band, Cannery Row. They did a fantastic job last year, you couldn’t ask for better beer drinking music. So far on tap we’ll have our usual year-rounds as well as – Fresh Hop Lager 2009 on cask and tap, Fresh hopped Sheephead (FreshHead) on cask, Lemongrass infused Purple Sting on cask, and lots and lots of RingNeck! Come check out the new pond, and as always, plenty of free parking. I’ll send out more detailed info in the very near future.

If you haven’t been out to see the hops, time is running out. We’ve already begun to harvest some of the falling vines (note for next year, heavier twine) and we plan to harvest en masse sometime in the next two weeks or so. Waiting for the Sterling and Liberty to catch up. Drop me a line or give a call and set up your tour of beautiful Southwest MN.

I better get back to the brewery, that Peaches For Free song is on…

Take care,

Dustin

Dustin Brau
Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
Lucan, MN Pop 220
Dustin@BrauBeer.com
1-507-747-BEER

[Dave M.]

Latest update:

Hey everyone,

Just thought I’d drop a quick email to keep everybody informed.

Tying a bow on hop harvest for 2009. Wow, what a marathon two weeks! Thanks to all the hop picker help we’ve had; we literally couldn’t have done it without you. Yield was terrific for second year plants. It looks like we’ll net more than 1200lbs of hops, not counting all the stuff we used wet. Most are dried, sealed, and in storage. We’ll blow through that fairly quickly, and wait for next year. We can’t wait to celebrate the end of hop harvest at HopFest.

HopFest is October 10th, 11 am – 8 pm. After that, the BrauHaus is having karaoke until Ken kicks us out. Planning for HopFest is going well as we try our best to pretty the place up. We added six additional tap lines to accommodate Purple Sting, Fresh Hop, Ring Neck, etc. We will not have on-site camping this year due to the pond construction project. The pond is dug, full of water, and looks great. However, the area around it will be landscaped next spring and is a bit messy. On-site camping will return next year! That’s a highlight and we look forward to bringing it back. Plenty of hotel space is available in Marshall and Redwood Falls, including Jackpot Junction. We have toyed with the idea of running a shuttle to Jackpot, if you have any interest let me know. I’ve got a local kickball team that will take on any challengers that afternoon. Email me if you’ve got a team and if you’ve got the guts. Obviously, beer-in-hand rule will apply.

SheepHead will be available year-round! Because of the tremendous response to this ale, we would be dumb to retire it. It will have its own six pack; bear with us while we move it from a Single Batch sixer to a SheepHead sixer. If someone tells you that it’s a seasonal, tell them they’re wrong. On a related note, Ring Neck Braun Ale is creeping into stores. Check out the website for a full description, it’s a great fall beer.

We’ve got something special in the fermenter. A big stout over 9% ABV. It’s aging as we speak on Madeira Oak. Love for this ale to be out for Christmas; it will depend on how well it matures. More details to follow…

I almost forgot - The BrauHaus is hosting a beer dinner on Friday, October 9th, starting at 6:30pm. A four course dinner prepared by Chef Jay Rechtzigel paired with beers brewed down the block. I’ll be presenting, and it should be a blast! This is a great way to kick off HopFest and the best part is the price - $25 for food and beer! Very limited seating, call for reservations (507) 747-2796.

Finally, we really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to drive out and visit the brewery. We encourage you to tour the brewery if you haven’t already. We do not charge a penny for tours; however we are going to start something new. We are asking for a $3 /person donation, 100% of which will go to local Lions Clubs for community projects. We are Lions ourselves, and the Lions organization is a huge asset for area small towns; almost every community project around here is supported by Lions dollars. The donation is not mandatory; it’s just a great way to support the small towns that support Brau Beer! Give us a call or email Mary mary@braubeer.com to book your tour.

I guess I lied about this being quick.

Take care,
Dustin

Dustin Brau
Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
Lucan, MN Pop 220
Dustin@BrauBeer.com
1-507-747-BEER

Good news on the Sheephead going year round, and the stout sounds yummy. And a beer dinner for $25....that's a deal! I love going out to that place, I just wish it wasn't such a drive out there. They're always so friendly, and the beer is usually cheap or free.

[Drtanglebones]

We really need to do a group trip over there...

[Dave M.]

New beer coming from Brau...sounds really good, can't wait to try it. I remember Dustin telling me about it when I was there numerous times this summer.

Also very cool about the group brew...brewing the winning beer from the SD contest...man, now I really wished I had gotten something into that comp.

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick update from the Brewery...

We're getting ready to release Brau Bros. Rainwater Stout. Definitely one of our bigger beers. Clocks in at just under 10% ABV. Brewed late this summer, this ale spent months on Madeira Oak for added complexity. Something a bit new for us, it will be bottled in 750mL bottles. Look for a release early in December. If I remember to attach it, I'll include a label in this email.

Hopyard is properly winterized, and we'll turn our attention back to the brewery. Another great year for barley means we'll have about five tons available for malting here in Lucan. Just like last year, it will make its way into specialty and estate beers throughout the year.

We didn't want to stop drinking Sheephead, so we will continue to brew it. Ring Neck is also out so drink some up if you haven't already. What do you think about the new labels for Ring Neck? Our fancy brand new 1970 automated labeler allows us to apply neck labels, just like a real brewery!

December 5th, a group-brew here at the brewery. We'll be brewing Elisha's Old Ale. For those not in the know, a terrific homebrewer submitted this beer for the South Dakota Homebrewers Challenge and it was a unanimous winner. We'll brew and age a single batch which will go on tap at all the participating bars and restaurants in South Dakota. Just guessing it will be ready to be tapped later this winter. Everyone is welcome to help brew, however please email me an rsvp so I have a rough idea of turnout. We'll supply lunch and maybe we'll have a beer, who knows.

As always, feel free to email, call, or visit us here at the brewery!

I better go, my Ramen is ready,

Take care,

Dustin

Dustin Brau
Head Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
507.747.BEER
dustin@braubeer.com
http://www.BrauBeer.com

[Dave M.]

In case you missed it,

http://kstp.com/news/stories/s1323930.shtml

Take care, and Merry Christmas!
Trevor, Dustin, and Brady

[Dave M.]

I stopped in at the Brau Haus in Lucan on my way back from SD last weekend. (didn't see anyone at the brewery, so I didn't stop in there). They had the Rainwater Imp. Stout on draft, served in 8 oz. snifters. Wow, that's a very good beer, I'd put it up against a new Darkness anytime. We'll see how aging does with it. They had 750 ml corked bottles for sale there at $14, so I bought 2. Manager said the bottles would be hitting the metro this week, but would go fast. I'll share one of my bottles, sometime....

[Drtanglebones]

If anyone sees one of these in a store...please buy me one, I'm good for it!

[Drtanglebones]

Just opened up one of those stouts. Really nice beer. SJ liked it too. Not quite as complex as Darkness, but a darn good local beer!

[beerhaus]

Four Firkins will have a brau Bros. tasting next Wednesday night

[Dave M.]

Latest email from Dustin:

Hey Everyone,

Another quick update from the town of 220.

Rainwater Stout is off and running! It’s all gone here at the brewery, but we couldn’t be happier with the response. There are a few kegs floating around the twin cities, but that’s about it. Maybe bring Rainwater back next winter?

Elisha’s Olde Ale is an ale we brewed with Minnesota and South Dakota Homebrewers here in Lucan. It’s an excellent olde ale cracking 10%, brewed with molasses, and aged on lightly toasted oak. This is the winner of the 2009 Brau Bros SD Homebrewers Challenge. We’ll release about 100 cases sometime in February. Look for it on draft as well. Maybe even a few firkins.

Both Elisha’s Olde and Rainwater will be poured at Winterfest on February 5th. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Our first shipment of Old 56 Light Beer shipped yesterday!! We’re going to keep this one fairly local for a bit, to make sure we can keep up. It’s southwest Minnesota’s first ever locally-brewed light beer! It’s all-malt, including estate grown barley and hops. We had to brew this one in order to get more work out of Dad. He’s worthless on Sheephead all day.

Tonight from 6pm-8pm Mary and I will be at Four Firkins in St Louis Park pouring Rainwater, Scotch Ale, and Cream Stout. Great winter beers - stop in and say hi! I’ve been there before, it’s a blast!

Take care,

Dustin

Dustin Brau
Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
dustin@braubeer.com
www.braubeer.com
507.747.BEER

[Dave M.]

Had this beer at the brewery, it's a really good warm weather beer. Looking forward to the Old Elisah too.

Hey Everyone,

It’s official, Old 56 Light Beer is out and about! I know, I know, it’s not Rainwater Stout or even Sheephead, however it’s very exciting to open our doors to a new group of beer drinkers.

Old 56 is currently available in south central MN, with territory to be added soon. Baby-steps with this one, as things have really been hopping (no pun intended) here at the brewery. Old 56 is ALL MALT, no adjuncts whatsoever. Flavor may creep into the beer, for which we do not apologize.

I promise I’ll update the website soon. I know I’ve been saying that since 2007, but this time I mean it.

On March 1st I’ll be in Windom, MN talking about homebrewing with some very basic demonstrations. We’ll discuss ingredients, techniques, and maybe even sample some beer! I’ll answer all questions as honestly as I can. 6:30pm at the Business Arts and Recreation Center in Windom, email Kris with any questions.

Also, Saturday, March 5 is the first annual Fish House Chili Cook-Off here in Lucan. Park your fish house right on the street and cook your masterpiece chili. Prizes for the winners! For everyone else like me, you can go from house to house and eat chili (and drink beer). Fish houses can stay till Sunday. Good deal, no driving. Saturday night head next door to the BrauHaus for karaoke and beer. Info is here.

I hope to get Elisha’s Olde Ale out the door sometime next week. I’ll send details then as well. Similar to Rainwater, only one batch to go around. About a dozen kegs and 100 cases is all we brewed.

Finally working on a new Single Batch Beer for release late spring. Hammering out the details, suffice it to say we are very excited about this one. We hope to announce it sometime mid March. Which for me means mid April.

That’s all my brain can hold. Till next time…

Dustin

Dustin Brau
Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
dustin@braubeer.com
www.braubeer.com
507.747.BEER

[Sixpack]

US Liquors has Rainwater Stout - $13.99

[Dave M.]

Latest update. Beer dinner in Glencoe - Jon, are you going?

Hey Everyone,
Just thought I’d drop a quick note while mashing a batch of SheepHead. Speaking of SheepHead, we played all day Sunday for Easter. I came away up over $2.00, which is a huge score when playing for nickels and dimes.

Anywho,
Looking to put this year’s barley in the ground in the next couple days. We have used quite a bit of last year’s harvest already, and as always, we’re saving a bunch for some 100% estate beers, like Fresh Hop. The hops are up, and I’ve found shoots from each of our eleven varieties. The highest is probably about four to six inches high. If the paths are dry enough, we may start stringing the hopyard as early as tomorrow. It’s always a good feeling when that job is done for the year. I’ll get some hopyard pics this weekend and post them. If you haven’t already visited, make sure to plan a trip out here this summer to see the brewery, hopyard, and barley patch. You really get a sense of where your beer comes from, and what it’s made of.

We shipped our first Old 56 Light Beer to South Dakota last week. So far, the feedback has been terrific, and I’d appreciate any thoughts on the beer. Old 56 is a light beer we brewed for years at the BrauHaus in Lucan for the local crowd. After numerous requests for a package suitable for “export”, we began bottling Old 56 a couple months ago. It is now available in 12 packs at insanely reasonable prices. For the record, it is not a 56 calorie beer. Old 56, The Fire Truck, is safely parked in the brewery’s parking lot, undergoing extensive restoration. It will someday soon become our “tapster on wheels”, available for events. We’re still searching for a talented artist willing to give it a killer custom paint job for beer.

Save the date, June 5-6 is BrauFest in Lucan! Ball tourney, Bean Bag Toss, City-wide street dance, brewery open-house, and most importantly, beer. I’ll send out a flyer as the date gets closer. The Brewery’s Beer Garden is still under construction, so on premise camping and bonfire will probably have to wait a year, however we strongly recommend coming out and drinking some beer with us as well as check out the town.

Also, April 15th, I’ll be in Glencoe for a Brau Bros Beer Dinner at Gert & Erma’s. Dinner starts at 6pm, smart talk starts soon after. If you’re in the area, and never been to a beer dinner, I highly recommend it. They’re great intimate settings for learning about beer and food, and it’s always a laid back affair where you will feel comfortable asking questions.

Congrats to Iowa on their new beer laws! We’re already looking forward to sending RainWater down there next winter. We also have something in the fermenters for later this spring – big, juicy, and dark. Details to follow…

Have you tried a Black Sheep yet? Cream Stout layered on SheepHead. It’s my new favorite thang.

Am I forgetting anything? I’m sure I am.

Take care,

Dustin

Dustin Brau
Brewer, CEO
Brau Brothers Brewing Co, LLC
dustin@braubeer.com
www.braubeer.com
507.747.BEER