Winter Beer Dabbler 2025 Teaser
What is Winter Beer Dabbler?
Every year, in the dead of winter, thousands of thirsty, brave, and resilient Minnesotans descend upon the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, but at a time where the cheese curd vendors are gone, the Pronto Pup shacks are shuttered, and the Sweet Marthas booths are empty, what are they there for?
They brave the cold for quality craft beer from all over the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ and beyond, at arguably the best beer festival of the year - the Winter Beer Dabbler.
This year, we want to give you an idea of where our heads are at going into the fest, and show you some highlights of the lineup. You’ll get the perspective of both a native Minnesotan who lives in Minneapolis (Jack), as well as someone who travels to Minnesota from out of state to experience the festival, and drink some good local beer (Lucas & Cody).
Let’s quit beating around the bush, and get into it!
What returning brewery are we excited for?
Jack: There are so many that could go here, but one brewery I always enjoy at this festival specifically is Lupulin Brewing, out of Big Lake, MN. Not only are they a great crew, but they always bring such a wide variety of beers. One variety of which is their mixed culture sours, out of their Scribbled Lines program. Those really tart, sharp sours are great at cutting through the typical IPAs and stouts I am usually drinking at this fest. Speaking of stouts, they typically also bring some of their barrel aged offerings, which are absolutely NOT to be missed!
Lucas: As a seasoned veteran of the Beer Dabbler festival a favorite of mine has always been Portage Brewing Company, from Walker, MN. In my first year of going to Beer Dabbler, I fell in love with the Coffee Cake blonde ale. It is a delicious lighter option with a pleasant sweetness and coffee flavor backbone. I understand that this is a regular option from this brewery and can be found in many retail locations. But if you are from out of state as I am, be sure to at least try it then save some room in your suitcase for a four pack or two to have at home.
Cody: 56 Brewing always hits, and last year they came in hot…. literally… with Dad’s Spicy Basement Beer. That red pepper-infused lager was straight-up killer, just the right amount of heat without wrecking your palate. After hammering through a bunch of big barrel-aged stouts, it was the perfect reset. No clue if they’re bringing it back this year, but if they do, I’m making a beeline for that tent.
What newcomer are we looking forward to trying?
Jack: For me, this one is easy: Pizza Port Brewing, out of sunny CA. Did anyone tell them how cold it gets here? I hope not, because I am happy to see them participating! As a lover of West Coast IPAs, Pizza Port is as OG as it gets. We have recently started to get distro here in the MN market, but I am always looking forward to trying more of their IPAs. It’s like a little slice of Cali, right here in Minneapolis!
Lucas: I agree with Jack on this, Pizza Port Brewing is one that I am looking forward to as well. But for my pick I would have to say, Klockow Brewing Company. This is not a brewery I am familiar with, but just from checking out their site, it looks like a place that I would like to actually go to. I am a fan of smoked beers, and I do hope that they bring at least one of the smoked options to the festival that I could try.
Cody: Jack and Lucas made solid picks, but for me, Haggard Barrel Brewing Co. out of St. Louis Park, MN is the move. They’re new, they’re local, and they’re already turning heads. Plain Vanilla Stout just dropped, and if it’s pouring at Dabbler, that’s an automatic first stop.
Which tent is going to get sick of us camping out in their line?
Jack: Consider this a warning Back Channel Brewing Company. You are going to be seeing a lot of this ugly mug. Back Channel is a favorite of mine every Winter Dabbler. Everything they make is fantastic, from IPAs, to Lagers, to Pastry Stouts, and the best part is, they usually have all of them on hand. I love running the gambit, and trying everything they have to offer. Also, in the past, they have been a brewery that brings more beer than others, so when the sun starts to set, and the tents start to come down, Back Channel keeps the party going with stout pours, and a DJ. They really know how to have a good time, and I am all in for that!
Lucas: The brewery that is going to get tired of seeing me is Fair State Brewing Cooperative. Due to the recent news about them having to minimize production, I will be hopping in line as much as I can. They make some really great beer, and I was upset to hear that they are reducing production. My goal for this trip is to have as much of their beer as possible, either at the festival, taproom, or coming back home with me to Ohio.
Cody: Yeah, BlackStack, just go ahead and reserve a spot in line for me now. Every style they put out is absolutely dialed in. Mixed ferm, hazies, thiccc stouts, or crispy boyssss, they crush it across the board. I cannot wait to see what crazy concoctions they decide to bring with them this year!
If we could give one piece of advice to first time fest goers, what would it be?
Jack: Do not, under any circumstances, underestimate mother nature. You will be cold, no matter what you think. When the sun starts to go down, so does the temperature, so be prepared for that. One thing I always make sure to bring is hand and foot warmers, for example Hot Hands. Bring multiple of them as well, because they don’t always last as long as you would like. Aside from the weather piece, just be sure to drink plenty of water in between samples, and eat before, during, and after. This is a fun event, but it won’t be very fun if you overdo it, and feel like garbage an hour in. The beer isn’t going anywhere!
Lucas: My tip to first timers is to enjoy the Twin Cities. Make a weekend of it. This will be my fourth year making the trip with my friend Nate, and each year we take a few days to really enjoy and explore the Twin Cities area. This city is a great place and has a ton of great options for food, drink, and entertainment. Each year, when we plan this trip, we always schedule a dinner at Manny’s steakhouse, and set up a whole Minneapolis ale trail for us to explore.
Cody: Be smart about it. Getting wrecked before the fest is halfway over isn’t a flex. Hydrate before, during, and after, and pace yourself. Three and a half hours is a long time if you’re ripping through samples nonstop, and it catches up fast. If you’re VIP, listen up, hit the breweries you’re most hyped about first. Once GA rolls in, lines for the heavy hitters get brutal, and suddenly, you’re spending more time waiting than drinking. If there’s something you need to try, don’t wait. Get in, grab your pour, and keep the momentum going.
There you have it! Just a little teaser in advance of the Winter Beer Dabbler. Keep an eye out for Lucas, Jack, and Cody! Say ‘Hi” if you see us! If you are interested in going, there are still tickets available on the Beer Dabbler Website. We highly recommend VIP - it is a great value, however, GA is too, so you cannot go wrong!
Let’s get Dabblin’!