The Minnesota brewery scene is not only known for being robust, it is has a reputation for giving back to the community-in a big way. Perhaps no brewery embodies this more than Finnegans, which donates 100 percent of their profits back to feeding the hungry. In fact, they claim to be the first beer company in the world to donate 100 percent of its profits to charity.
Expanded Beer Selection Applauded
For years Finnegans served a limited number of beer styles. That has changed. After opening its new downtown Minneapolis taproom in 2018, the brewery has grown its footprint with a 6,000 sq. ft. taproom (adjacent to a 4,000 sq. ft. dog-friendly patio) and expanded its beer selection. On my recent visit, there were 16 beers available at the taproom.
My sampler included the following:
- Cluster Truck: An American IPA with an ABV of 6.5 percent.
- Crimson Howler: A red IPA aged in bourbon barrels, coming in at a relatively low 7.3 ABV (at least for barrel-aged).
- Aronia: An American wild ale aged on Aronia berries. Offers a tart flavor and an ABV of 6.7 percent.
- Tile Factory: A mosaic IPA coming in at 7.0 percent ABV.
My beer palate has been leaning toward barrel-aged brews of late, even during the hot, humid days of summer—and my visit to Finnegans was no exception. After the tasting samples, my top beer choice was the Crimson Howler. The Tile Factory was a fantastic second.
The taproom has a limited menu served by the Tavola Italian Kitchen + Bar housed in the Elliot Park Hotel next door. The Irish Ploughman’s Platter was pretty darn good, with meats, cheese and hard-boiled eggs. Although I didn’t taste them, the Potato Kegs Tots looked very tempting! Food from local restaurants is also welcome at Finnegans.
Tastes Good; Feels Good
According to its website, Finnegans’ brews are currently distributed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. With a mission statement of, “Turning beer into food,” the brewery has food shelf partners that correspond with each territory: The Food Group (Minnesota, Hunger Task Force Free & Local (Wisconsin), Great Plains Food Bank (North Dakota), Feeding South Dakota and Food Bank of Iowa.
Finnegans has come a long way in recent years. Their ongoing commitment to give back has surpassed the $1 million mark. The tastes good, feels good vibe lives on!
Abbreviation Key:
- IPA: India Pale Ale
- ABV: Alcohol By Volume
