Gary M.
Yelp
Went for a walk, got bent.
I went for a walk after my physical therapy appointment in the light industrial / warehouse area near the clinic. These kind of areas always seem to hold hidden gems and man did I stumble on one.
Okay boys and girls, just go to this place now - and I do mean now. They open Friday at 2:30 and this weekend is a special weekend because they will be able to sell both their spirits and their brewed beverages.
Simply outstanding beer and cider selection with the incredible addition of award-winning spirits.
I sampled the Maroon and Bold (I think that's the name...probably could easily been called Marooned and Fold at 9.5%!)...a wonderfully smooth, hop-headed beer.
I also sampled the extraordinary, International Double Gold award-winning, Navy Strength, Gunner Ghost Gin. Holy Crow, what a gin. No juniper berries here, just botanicals, unlike anything you've ever tasted...almost needs to be done straight up, maybe with a bit of ice or a splash of soda water. The taste us so smooth that your just not going to want to mix it.
In addition, I tried the Bent Anchor Poitin (pronounced, I believe, Poocheen). It is an Irish vodka-type spirit made from potato scraps. And where do the potato scraps come from? Tada, our friends at Anchor Fish and Chips where so many potatoes are slain every day that, well, we had to do something with it! This spirit is like a very light vodka with a slight hint of potato. Very lovely.
But, from talking with the Master Distiller (Bartley if I remember correct) and the front office man, Jake, the absolute best is yet to come tomorrow, 10/29, when they unleash their spiced rum and a new brewed item (I think it was a Stout?) about which all the folks there were raving.
In terms of atmosphere, I think they are going for a Wisconsin bar-type look which probably suits them well now (I'll talk to Jake about that later ;-)).
You might think you're in the wrong neighborhood when you come here...just persevere and you will, indeed, find it ironically located behind the renovation of a warehouse into the Twin Cities Chinese Christian Church. The pub is toward the very end of the warehouses on the left side.
Well, I know where I'll be watching my beloved Cubbies in the World Series this weekend! Special cocktails available only this weekend (a special permit was pulled so brewed and distilled items could both be dispensed). A food truck is said to be on hand.
Two last things: 1) try the Mule they have on tap...yummy, 2) gotta love a place that has pinball machines, Heggies pizza, and a staff who, during their break, were discussing determinism.
Enough said, see you there.