Perhaps no other state captures the American brewing industry in a nutshell as well as Minnesota. From a handful of pioneer breweries that started before statehood, the industry grew to embrace a mix of small family businesses and important regional companies. Many of these faded before prohibition became the law of the land, spearheaded by Minnesota’s own Andrew Volstead.

After the dry years, about two dozen breweries resumed production. The Hamm’s Bear became a national icon, and cans filled by Schmidt and Schell became favorites among collectors. By 1975 the state was down to four breweries, but ten years later the advent of craft beer caused a resurgence that has filled the state with almost two hundred breweries.

Join brewery historian Doug Hoverson as he guides us through the rich history that he captured in his book The Land of Amber Waters.

Be a part of this virtual happy hour over on Zoom or Facebook Live.