The Most Popular Beer in Minnesota, Ranked

Choose the beer you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:30
In a land known for its love of craft brews and a vibrant local beer culture, keeping tabs on the top beers can often feel like a festive community event. Whether huddled in cozy taprooms during chilly winters or celebrating under the summer sun, Minnesotans share a common bond over their favorite brews. A comprehensive, community-driven ranking provides clarity and consensus from the myriad of choices available, simplifying the decision of what to sip next. Engaging in this collective selection process not only enhances one's understanding of local preferences but also supports the breweries that call Minnesota home. As users cast their votes and adjust the live rankings, they partake in shaping a dynamic guide that mirrors current tastes and trends. This ongoing input ensures that the list remains timely and relevant, serving as an invaluable resource for beer lovers and newcomers eager to experience the best Minnesota has to offer.

What Is the Most Popular Beer in Minnesota?

  1. 1
    23
    votes

    Grain Belt Premium

    August Schell Brewing Company
    A classic Minnesota beer that has been around since 1893. It's a light and refreshing lager that's easy to drink and has a loyal following.
    Grain Belt Premium is a renowned beer brand in Minnesota. It is a traditional American lager known for its smooth and refreshing taste, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. Brewed using a blend of American-grown barley, corn, and hops, it delivers a light and balanced flavor profile.
    • ABV: 4.6%
    • Color: Pale golden
    • Calories: 150 per 12 oz serving
    • Bitterness (IBU): 16
    • Style: American lager
  2. 2
    48
    votes

    Surly Furious

    Surly Brewing Company
    A hoppy and bold IPA that has become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts in Minnesota. It's known for its intense flavor and high alcohol content.
    Surly Furious is a hop-forward American India Pale Ale (IPA) that offers a balanced blend of bold flavors and aromas. It boasts a rich amber color with a moderate malt backbone that perfectly complements its strong hop profile. This beer has gained recognition as one of the most popular craft beers in Minnesota, known for its intense hop bitterness and citrusy, piney hop character.
    • ABV: 6.7%
    • IBU: 100
    • SRM: 12
    • Hops: Simcoe, Warrior, Amarillo, Ahtanum
    • Malts: 2-Row, Aromatic, Medium Crystal, Carapils
  3. 3
    33
    votes

    Summit Extra Pale Ale

    Summit Brewing Company
    An American Pale Ale that's brewed in St. Paul. It's a well-balanced beer that's not too hoppy or too malty, making it a great choice for any occasion.
    Summit Extra Pale Ale is a hop-forward American Pale Ale with a balanced combination of bitterness and maltiness. It is brewed by Summit Brewing Company, a well-known craft brewery located in St. Paul, Minnesota.
    • Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.3%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 45
    • Color: Amber
    • Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and more
    • Malts: 2-Row Pale, Munich, and Caramel 60
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    A hoppy and floral IPA that's brewed in Minneapolis. It's a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
    Fulton Sweet Child of Vine is an American IPA craft beer known for its bold and balanced flavors. It is brewed by Fulton Beer, a popular brewery based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
    • Style: American IPA
    • ABV: 6.4%
    • IBU: 58
    • Color: Amber
    • Hops: Cascade, Columbus, Centennial
  5. 5
    21
    votes

    Schell's Pils

    August Schell Brewing Company
    A German-style pilsner that's been brewed in New Ulm since 1860. It's a crisp and refreshing beer that's perfect for hot summer days.
    Schell's Pils is a popular beer in Minnesota known for its refreshing and crisp taste. It is a classic German-style pilsner that offers a delicate balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. The beer has a brilliant golden color and a light, frothy head that enhances the drinking experience. With an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of around 5%, it is enjoyable and sessionable in any social setting. Schell's Pils is brewed using traditional techniques and features a distinct noble hop character that provides a floral and slightly spiced aroma. It is a well-rounded beer with a smooth mouthfeel and a clean, dry finish.
    • Beer style: German-style pilsner
    • Color: Golden
    • ABV: Approximately 5%
    • Taste profile: Refreshing, crisp
    • Hop aroma: Floral, slightly spiced
  6. 6
    15
    votes

    Indeed Day Tripper

    Indeed Brewing Company
    A hoppy and citrusy American Pale Ale that's brewed in Minneapolis. It's a great choice for those who love hoppy beers but don't want anything too overwhelming.
    Indeed Day Tripper is an American Pale Ale (APA) that offers a balanced and refreshing drinking experience. It is known for its citrusy and floral hop aroma combined with a caramel malt backbone.
    • Type: American Pale Ale (APA)
    • ABV: 5.4%
    • IBU: 45
    • Color: Amber
    • Hops: Centennial, Citra, Columbus
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Bent Paddle Black Ale

    Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
    A dark and roasty beer that's brewed in Duluth. It's a smooth and drinkable beer that's perfect for cooler weather.
    Bent Paddle Black Ale is a popular beer in Minnesota known for its rich and smooth flavor. It is a robust black ale with a perfect balance of malty sweetness and hop bitterness. This beer is medium-bodied, dark in color, and has a creamy tan head. It offers a complex aroma characterized by roasted coffee, caramel, and chocolate notes.
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 6.0%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 45
    • Color: Black
    • Malt Profile: Roasted Barley, Chocolate Malt, Crystal Malt
    • Hop Varieties: Cascade, Centennial, Amarillo
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    A Belgian-style saison that's brewed in Minneapolis. It's a light and fruity beer that's perfect for warm summer days.
    Lakes & Legends Farmhouse Ale is a popular beer in Minnesota, characterized by its refreshing, yet complex flavor profile. It is an artisanal farmhouse-style ale that embodies the essence of the Minnesota landscape, offering a harmonious blend of fruity, spicy, and earthy notes.
    • Beer Style: Farmhouse Ale
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 5.5%
    • Color: Golden
    • Hops: Noble hops
    • Malt: Pilsner malt
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    Lift Bridge Farm Girl

    Lift Bridge Brewing Company
    A Belgian-style saison that's brewed in Stillwater. It's a light and refreshing beer that's perfect for any occasion.
    Lift Bridge Farm Girl is a popular beer in Minnesota known for its refreshing taste and smooth finish. It is a Belgian-style farmhouse ale that offers a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This beer is brewed with a combination of barley, wheat, and oats, resulting in a light and hazy golden appearance. The aroma is characterized by hints of citrus, clove, and banana, which add to its inviting and tropical character. Lift Bridge Farm Girl is a favorite choice among beer enthusiasts for its easy-drinking nature and versatility with various food pairings.
    • Beer Style: Belgian-style farmhouse ale
    • ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 5.5%
    • IBU (International Bitterness Units): 15
    • Appearance: Hazy golden
    • Ingredients: Barley, wheat, oats
  10. 10
    4
    votes

    Dangerous Man Chocolate Milk Stout

    Dangerous Man Brewing Company
    A sweet and creamy stout that's brewed in Minneapolis. It's a dessert beer that's perfect for those who love chocolate.
    Dangerous Man Chocolate Milk Stout is a rich and indulgent beer that offers a unique combination of flavors. It is a velvety smooth stout infused with luxurious chocolate notes, delivering a delightful drinking experience.
    • ABV: 6.6%
    • IBU: 30
    • SRM: 40
    • Style: Milk Stout
    • Malts: Pale, Carafa Special III, Chocolate Malt, Roasted Barley, and Flaked Oats

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Ranking factors for popular beer

  1. Consumer Ratings
    Online reviews and ratings by consumers on platforms like Untappd, RateBeer, and BeerAdvocate indicate the preferences and opinions of beer enthusiasts. A beer with high ratings and positive reviews is more likely to be considered popular.
  2. Awards and Honors
    Many beer competitions and festivals feature regional and national beer categories. Beers that win awards or accolades in these contests gain credibility and popularity among drinkers.
  3. Distribution and Availability
    A beer that is widely distributed and easily accessible across the state indicates a strong demand and consequently, popularity.
  4. Brand Recognition
    A well-established brewery with a strong local following and reputation in Minnesota could contribute to the popularity of its products, as brand loyalty plays a significant role in consumer preferences.
  5. Community Engagement
    Breweries that engage with their local communities through events and collaborations, and give back to charities and organizations, tend to garner a loyal following and support from their customers.
  6. Social Media Presence
    A strong social media presence of the beer or brewery can indicate popularity, as it demonstrates the level of interest and discussion among consumers.
  7. Media Coverage
    Local, regional, and even national media coverage of a beer or brewery can boost its popularity and awareness among drinkers.
  8. Style Preference
    Understanding the taste preferences of beer drinkers in Minnesota and the popularity of certain styles (e.g., IPAs, lagers, stouts) can also help determine popular beers.
  9. Seasonal Trends
    Seasonality plays a vital role as well, with certain beer styles enjoying popularity during particular seasons, such as summer ales or winter stouts.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beer in Minnesota. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3390 views
  • 184 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beer once every 24 hours. The rank of each beer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular beer in minnesota

Minnesota is known for many things, including its beautiful lakes, vibrant music scene, and unique cuisine. However, one thing that many Minnesotans hold dear to their hearts is their love for beer. With a rich history in brewing, it's no wonder that Minnesota is home to some of the best breweries and most popular beer brands in the country. When it comes to the most popular beer in Minnesota, opinions can vary depending on who you ask. Some may argue that Surly Brewing Co.'s Furious IPA is the top choice, while others may swear by the classic Grain Belt Premium Lager. However, one thing is for sure – Minnesotans take their beer seriously, and there's no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a smooth lager, or something in between, there's a beer for everyone in Minnesota. So sit back, crack open a cold one, and enjoy all that this great state has to offer. Cheers!

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