Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild and Hop Law

Oct. 25, 2014

By Hop Law posted on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Big Hop Law news to share!  Hop Law is proud to be a member of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (http://www.mncraftbrew.org/)! Our application to join as an allied trade member was recently approved.  We look forward to getting involved with the Guild, attending events, and working […]

Learn More

Blacklist Brewing Imperial Hefe

Oct. 10, 2014

This complex brew started off a bit tart, quickly transitioned to a deep yeasty flavor, and finished off with just a hint of the grapefruit promised in its name. I’ve been a big fan of Blacklist Brewing (Duluth, MN) since a sampling at a beer festival a year or two ago, and so I was […]

Learn More

TTB Issues New Rule for Small Brewers

Sep. 30, 2014

The new rule is intended to reduce the regulatory burdens on smaller brewers, reduce their administrative costs, and create administrative efficiencies for the TTB. Today, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) announced that it has issued a final rule, titled “Small Brewers Bond Reduction and Requirement to File Tax Returns, Remit Tax […]

Learn More

Another Trademark Dispute

Sep. 15, 2014

Trademark rights are at issue in a dispute between a brewery in Vermont and a brewery in Minnesota On August 29, 2014 , Vermont-based Long Trail Brewing Company filed a lawsuit against Duluth, Minnesota-based Bent Paddle Brewing Company for trademark infringement. The logo at issue is Long Trail’s silhouette of a hiker. Long Trail uses […]

Learn More

Beer Review: Pliny the Elder

Sep. 02, 2014

Pliny the Elder is an incredibly well-balanced double IPA and does not disappoint! Well, I’ve had my first taste of Pliny the Elder (thanks, Chad!) and it did not disappoint. It was hoppy without being over-the-top – the hops had heavy citrus and grassy notes. The malt gave it a hint of sweetness, again, without […]

Learn More

Gin Review: Far North Spirits Solveig Gin

Aug. 13, 2014

Even if you don’t generally go for gin, give Solveig a chance to change your mind. Solveig Gin from Far North Spirits distillery (aptly named for its location in Hallock, MN) is just as delicate as its beautiful packaging. Solveig is subtle, soft, with floral notes, hints of vanilla, and a light juniper flavor. This […]

Learn More

Pre-Trademark Label Approval

Aug. 08, 2014

Label approval is not only important for regulatory purposes, but also for trademark registration. Brewers and distillers tend to be creative in their naming and packaging of products and to make sure that creativity is properly protected, label approval is essential. In order to apply for registration of a trademark (unless filed on an intent […]

Learn More

Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout

Aug. 07, 2014

If this isn’t the perfect after dinner during a snowstorm beer, I don’t know what is. Last week, a few of the great folks from Goose Island Beer migrated to St. Paul from Chicago, and brought with them some lovely surprises. We got to try the Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout, and it certainly […]

Learn More

I Get By with a Little Hops from My Friends – Part 3: Alternating Proprietorships

Aug. 01, 2014

In Part 3 of our series exploring brewing partnership relationships, we delve into alternating proprietorships. For new brewers looking to break into the craft beer market without the full up-front cost of establishing a new brewing facility, or for existing breweries looking to begin expanding operations without expanding their physical space, alternating proprietorship arrangements can […]

Learn More

Cider Review: Sociable Cider Werks Freewheeler

Jul. 21, 2014

Freewheeler is a dry, crisp cider; not too sweet, right amount of tart. Sociable Cider Werks’ Freewheeler is a dry, crisp cider; not too sweet, right amount of tart. Perfect summer cider. After you try Freewheeler, take it up a notch with Sociable’s cucumber habanero Freewheeler. Cucumber up front with heat at the back of […]

Learn More