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Minnesota: Surly Brewing Company, Hell Lager
Minnesota is known for its many lakes. But, one of its native breweries is making changes to laws and the craft beer scene. Surly Brewing Company is that brewery.
Founded by Omar Ansari, Surly Brewing Company has built quite a name for itself. In the beginning, Surly created a few beers that were only available locally. Once bars and beer fans tasted the complex beers, the company’s popularity grew. In 2007, Surly Brewing Company was named best brewery in America.
One small hiccup almost prevented Surly Brewing Company’s expansion. A Minnesota law prevented breweries from selling pints of beer on premises. The owners of Surly Brewing Company proposed a change to the law. In 2011, Surly Bill was adapted into law. The Minnesota government now allows breweries that produce less than 250,000 barrels a year to sell pints on site.
With the legal problems out of the way, Surly Brewing Company went on to create some outstanding beers. The brewery offers year-round, seasonal and occasional beers. One beer that should be tried is Hell Lager.
Hell is the German word for light (so don’t go to another term when thinking about beer.) This beer by Surly is a pale-golden lager. The beer has a slight bread like quality, but it still enjoyably drinkable. Brewed in a traditional German style, the beer is quite similar to other beers found in German. The brewery say the following about Hell Lager, “It’s fiendishly drinkable, and you don’t have to sell your soul to get another.” Grab one or a few while thawing out from the brutal Minnesota winters.
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