Since (or
perhaps even before) opening in September last year, Fair State Brewing
Cooperative has been getting a lot of buzz from Minneapolis beer geeks.
Certainly, the progressive co-op model is somewhat rare among breweries and
offers some cachet, but it’s the beer made here that has locals crowing.
We visited
just around opening time on a Friday afternoon. A long narrow room, with high
ceilings that give it an open feel, and a sort of a clean, bare bones, and understated
décor of scrubbed bricks and an old wooden floor. A large section of one wall
is filled with large photos of the many co-op owners (who will get a hand in
the brewing process); on the other side, there is a space for darts and also a
selection of board games. There are bar seats for around 15 people; tables and
long benches for maybe 40-50.
A very cool set
of three electronic tap list menu boards sit above the bar, offering rotating
descriptions of the beers on tap, as well as upcoming events and even Twitter
feeds.
Weirdly, there was classic rock, soul, and disco on the sound system; this seemed out of character for the place. Ten taps
going, and a good variety of styles were represented. Half-pints for $3; pints
for $5. No sampler sets available, unfortunately.
To be honest, I find the
coop/crowd source brewing plan a bit worrisome. I’m not sure
if it really means that all members will be able to influence the brewing, but
it does not seem like the way you want to have your beer made -- the brewing
design and production should probably be left to the experts. However, I recently read an interview with the
head brewer, in which he said that it would be limited to one brew twice a year
or perhaps quarterly.
Fair State
India Pale Ale (IPA - 6.4%) 3.4 out of 5.0
Mildly dank
hop nose, citrus/pine mix. Light medium straw color, some lace. Chewy malt
initial, good hop blend emerges, and it goes to balance slowly, with some good
hop tracks in the finish. Medium-heavy body. A clean, flavorful, and fairly
well-mannered IPA.
Fair State
LÄCTOBÄC: One (Sour/Wild Ale - 5.9%)
3.3
A sourish
floral aroma, crushed weeds, cat piss, and some nutty notes. Hazy light straw
color with good lace. Very small sour initial flavor, apples, yogurt. Thin
body, with a tiny bit of astringency. Not too bad, but rather thin and
understated.
Fair State
The Winkelman (Imperial/Double IPA - 8.4%)
3.4
A decent
grapefruit nose, in front of the caramel base. Light hazy peachy straw color.
Tangy initial, moderate bittering, rough ripe dates. Lightly vegetal in mid
palate. Moderate hop tracks in the finish. Medium body. Nice enough. Doesn’t
really bomb off in any one direction. It seems less of an imperial than a
simple regular IPA.
Fair State
Vienna (Amber Lager/Vienna 5.2%) 3.5
Creamy malt
nose, light roast, and some mild grassiness. Clear copper/straw color. Solid
malty initial, rich caramel, a bit fizzy. Medium body. Well-balanced and
well-constructed Vienna.
2506A
Central Ave NE
Minneapolis,
Minnesota United States 55418
612 444 3209
Hours:
M/W/Th:
4-11pm
Fri:
4-Midnight
Sat:
Noon-Midnight
Sun:
Noon-9pm
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