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10 Beers Any Self Respecting Midwesterner Should Try

Aug 25, 2015

If you know me, you may know that I consider myself to be a craft beer enthusiast (not quite an expert or connoisseur... yet). Life is too short to be spent drinking Bud Light, and trying all the different beers by many different microbreweries has become a sort of hobby for me. Wishing to pass on my hobby to others, I am going to list 10 beers here that I think everyone should at least try, in no particular order (assuming you're of age, of course). Due to my upbringing in Minnesota, this list is a tad biased, but I'll try to diversify. Also, for the sake of not looking repetitive, I'll try to include different styles and a variety of breweries.

10. Summit Brewing, Extra Pale Ale (English Pale Ale)

A staple in Minnesota, the Summit EPA is a great gateway beer for those looking to get into craft beer. Considered their flagship beer, this is the one that put Summit on the map.

9. New Glarus Brewing, Spotted Cow (Farmhouse Ale)

Sold only in Wisconsin, this beer has become somewhat of a delicacy in surrounding states due to the lack of availability. Recently, a bar in Minnesota was busted for illegally selling Spotted Cow under the counter. So yeah, people really like it.

8. Bell's Brewing, Two Hearted Ale (American IPA)

A world class IPA from Bell's in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Two Hearted brings a strong hop presence and a very floral aroma. Definitely a must try.

7. Surly Brewing, Furious (American IPA)

Known for consistently creating fantastic beer, Surly's Furious is probably their most notable. Strong citrus, pine, and caramel notes deliver a very strong, flavor-first IPA.

6. Fargo Brewing, O'Fest (Oktoberfest/Marzen)

As relative newcomers to the craft brewing world, Fargo Brewing's first attempt at an Oktoberfest hits it out of the park. An Oktoberfest beer my German ancestors would be proud of.

5. Summit Saga IPA (American IPA)

The last American IPA on this list (I promise), Saga is a great beer with notes of tropical fruit and a strong bitterness.

4. Big Wood Brewing, Morning Wood (Coffee Stout)

I have a personal preference for dark beers, and this is one of my favorites. Barely beating out Surly's Coffee Bender for a spot on this list, it predictably comes with a strong coffee flavor, with notes of chocolate as well.

3. Surly Brewing, Darkness (Imperial Russian Stout)

Of all the beers on this list, this may be the hardest to find. Hands down the most complex beer I've ever had, this Autumn seasonal has rich chocolate, coffee, caramel, and oat flavors, with milky notes as well. At a staggering 10.30% ABV, this is available on tap, or limited release bottles.

2. Third Street Brew House, Lost Trout (Brown Ale)

With hints of roasted grain, and very lightly hopped, this brown ale is, in my opinion, a great example of the style. A must try.

1. Small Town Brewery, Not Your Father's Root Beer (Hard Root Beer)

This tastes exactly like root beer. A little sweet as root beers go, but it's easier to compare it to root beers than actual beers. It's a very, VERY unique beer, and definitely worth giving a shot if you see it, as it's been extremely popular and hard to get in many places.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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