The Twin Cities craft brewery scene continues to thrive and grow in popularity amongst Minnesotans across the state. One company, known as The Beer Dabbler, capitalized on this interest in craft brew awhile back and continues to host one of the biggest beer gatherings in the Twin Cities to date. Known as one of the top dogs in Twin Cities beer festival production, The Beer Dabbler hosts three sampling exhibitions a year that connect breweries with consumers. Over the weekend, The Beer Dabbler and The Current put on the 11th annual Summer Beer Dabbler at CHS Field in St. Paul. It was an immense success and a great way for consumers and businesses to connect in a fun and engaging way.
The 2019 Summer Beer Dabbler proved to be the perfect way for craft breweries in the local Twin Cities area and beyond to promote their latest beers and promotional attire to returning supporters and potential new fans. Over 140 breweries were on-site pouring samples of over 450 unique brews and networking with the local community of craft beer enthusiasts. Attendees could sample all kinds of beer, from IPA’s to ciders, all while enjoying the tunes provided by The Current (the event’s media partner).
There were appearances from breweries all across Minnesota and a few from out of state, such as Elysian Brewing from Seattle and Millstream Brewing from Iowa (one of the oldest operating breweries in the nation). Some of the local Twin cities renowned breweries that had a major presence at the Summer Beer Dabbler included Bauhaus Brew Labs (famous for their Wonderstuff Pilsner), Indeed Brewing Company, Fulton Brewing (known for their Lonely Blonde, a Blonde Ale), Insight Brewing, Sociable Cider Werks (known for their infamous block parties) and Inbound BrewCo. Festival attendees also enjoyed various brews from breweries in the surrounding suburbs and in northern Minnesota such as Shakopee Brewhall, Badger Hill Brewing Company, Bald Man Brewing (known for their blondie and brown ales), Angry Inch Brewing, Beaver Island Brewing Company (known for their Coast to Coast IPA), and Castle Danger Brewery (renowed for their Castle Cream Ale).
The Summer Beer Dabbler also attracted other nationally renowned breweries beyond the Minnesota state lines, including Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, Clown Shoes Beer brewed in Massachusetts, and Coronado Brewing Co. of Coronado, California. Those who preferred beverages other than beer were also able to enjoy Press alcoholic seltzer, Truly Spiked & Sparkling seltzers, Wild Leaf Hard Tea, and ciders by popular labels like Angry Orchard and Argus Cidery.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to partake in onsite booth activations and educate themselves on lifestyle companies such as DDi – Drink and Drive Intelligently (the event’s designated driver sponsor) and Minneapolis’s glassware sponsor Bridgewater Bank (provided the Beer Dabbler sampling cups). Other must-see booths were for Top Golf Minneapolis (locally known vendor sponsor), Hammer-Schlagen (onsite activity sponsor) and the official pre-sale party sponsor, Dark Horse Bar & Eatery. The event also featured a riveting fireworks display courtesy of Clear River Beverage (which introduces quality craft beers and ciders to the Twin Cities).
Beer lovers also got to participate with an onsite soccer activation and browse through apparel by Minnesota’s beloved soccer team Minnesota United FC (stage sponsor and premium vendor) and learn more about CBD products by Stigma Hemp Company. They also got to increase their awareness about the Metro Transit Twin Cities transportation resource, the Northern Taphouse (wristband sponsor), the Craft Notes Guide (a step-by-step guide to explore MN’s craft drink scene), All Energy Solar (sunglass sponsor), Continental Diamond (family-owned jewelry store) and Craftapped, a local craft beer club that is partnered with 70+ breweries and bars.
Other sponsors that participated in the overall success of the event were Dakota County Technical College, Greco Properties (property management company), Renewal by Andersen, Saints Coast Barber Studio (located in St. Paul), and The Growler Magazine (Media Partner and monthly magazine about craft beer, food, spirits, arts, the outdoors, markers and more).
The 2019 Summer Beer Dabbler was an exciting way for Twin Cities beer fanatics to discover new brews from both their regular local spots and newly discovered favorite establishments. Companies and sponsors were able to effectively market their products and services to a mass amount of consumers to raise brand awareness. In all, the 2019 Summer Beer Dabbler proved to be a reputable and successful brand marketing opportunity for businesses in the Twin Cities region and beyond.
