In the heart of Minnesota’s North Shore, Duluth boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that has earned it the title of the craft beer capital of the state. Beer enthusiasts from all corners have made pilgrimages to experience the array of flavors offered by Duluth’s breweries.
Drink in Duluth Card: Rewarding Exploration
To make the brewery-hopping experience even more enticing, Visit Duluth offers the Drink in Duluth card. This rewards program encourages visitors to explore the city’s breweries by offering a free drink after collecting stamps from participating establishments. With renowned breweries like Bent Paddle Brewing and Fitgers Brewhouse on the list, beer lovers are in for a treat.
Beyond Breweries: A Diverse Drinking Experience
While breweries take center stage, Duluth’s drinking scene extends far beyond beer. Cideries, pubs, and distilleries also participate in the Drink in Duluth program, providing a diverse range of libations to suit every taste.
Bent Paddle Brewing
Bent Paddle Brewing is a microbrewery located in Duluth, Minnesota . They are known for their balanced and delicious beers with an edge of inventiveness, and their taproom features their current marketplace offerings as well as some experimental versions. In addition to beers, they also sell merchandise and growlers to go.
Bent Paddle Brewing was founded in 2013, and their brewery and taproom opened to the public in May of that year. They have since won a number of awards for their beers, business practices, and community service.
Lake Superior Brewing
Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Superior Brewing embodies the spirit of Duluth’s brewing heritage. With a focus on time-honored recipes and a commitment to quality, this iconic brewery offers a taste of tradition with every sip.
- Honoring Duluth’s Brewing Legacy. As one of Duluth’s oldest craft breweries, Lake Superior Brewing holds a special place in the city’s brewing history. Since its founding, the brewery has remained steadfast in its dedication to producing exceptional beer inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the region. With each pint, patrons can taste the legacy of generations of brewers who have called Duluth home;
- Craftsmanship in Every Batch. At Lake Superior Brewing, craftsmanship is paramount. From selecting the finest ingredients to employing time-tested brewing techniques, every batch is crafted with care and precision. The result is a lineup of beers that showcase the brewery’s commitment to quality and consistency, earning accolades from beer enthusiasts near and far;
- Embracing the Spirit of the North Shore. Situated on the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Lake Superior Brewing draws inspiration from its breathtaking surroundings. Whether it’s the crisp bite of a pale ale or the robust flavors of a stout, each beer reflects the natural beauty and rugged character of the North Shore. With every sip, patrons are transported to the wild and untamed landscape that has shaped Duluth’s identity.
More than just a brewery, Lake Superior Brewing serves as a gathering place for beer lovers from all walks of life. Whether enjoying a pint in the cozy taproom or soaking in the sunshine on the outdoor patio, patrons come together to share stories, forge friendships, and celebrate their shared love of great beer. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, Lake Superior Brewing invites visitors to become part of its extended family.
Ursa Minor Brewing
Ursa Minor Brewing appears to be running two breweries, one in Duluth, Minnesota, USA and another in Canada.
This brewery focuses on creating a welcoming destination and community space. Their mission is to “unite people through incredible craft beer and give people genuine experiences, meaningful connections, and a chance to give back to the community around them
Blacklist Brewing Co.
Blacklist Brewing Co. is a Duluth, Minnesota-based brewery founded in 2012 by longtime friends and collaborators Brian Schanzenbach and Jon Loss . They started with a Kickstarter campaign and have grown steadily since then, welcoming TJ Estabrook as a partner in mid-2015.
Blacklist Brewing Co. specializes in Belgian-style artisan ales, known for their bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques . They offer a variety of unique, artfully-crafted ales in small batches, honoring traditional brewing techniques while infusing creativity and passion into their beers .
Fitgers Brewhouse
Fitger’s Brewhouse traces its roots back to the late 19th century when it served as a hub of brewing activity in Duluth. Today, the Brewhouse continues this proud tradition, crafting a diverse array of beers that pay homage to the brewery’s storied past while embracing innovation and creativity. From traditional ales to experimental brews, every pint reflects the Brewhouse’s commitment to quality and heritage.
- At Fitger’s Brewhouse, brewing is both an art and a science. With a team of passionate brewers at the helm, the Brewhouse continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of craft beer;
- Whether experimenting with unique ingredients or refining classic recipes, each batch is brewed with care and precision, resulting in beers that are as bold and distinctive as the North Shore itself.
Beyond crafting great beer, Fitger’s Brewhouse is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From sourcing local ingredients to implementing energy-efficient brewing practices, the Brewhouse strives to minimize its ecological footprint while maximizing flavor. By supporting the Brewhouse, patrons can raise a glass knowing that they’re also supporting a company dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Lake Superior and its surrounding landscape
Canal Park Brewing Company
Canal Park Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated brewpub located in Duluth, Minnesota, right on the shores of Lake Superior . They were founded with the goal of creating a place where people could come together to enjoy delicious craft beer, good food, and the beautiful views of Lake Superior.
Canal Park Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers, brewed on-site using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They also have a full menu of pub fare, perfect for satisfying your hunger after a day of exploring Duluth.
Hoops Brewing
Hoops Brewing is a brewer-owned and operated destination brewery in Duluth, Minnesota . Veteran Master Brewer Dave Hoops opened the doors in June 2017 [1]. Their Beer Hall features seating for 250+ and up to 30 different selections of quality hand-crafted beer, all brewed with the pristine water of Lake Superior [1]. Their talented brewers are committed to offering a crazy huge and continually evolving selection of beer styles – from the essential basics to creative, Hoops-centric innovations
Earth Rider Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District, Earth Rider Brewery stands as a beacon of community, sustainability, and exceptional craft beer. With a dedication to both environmental stewardship and brewing excellence, Earth Rider invites patrons to savor great beer while supporting local initiatives and preserving the natural beauty of the North Shore.
At Earth Rider Brewery, brewing isn’t just about making great beer – it’s about making a positive impact on the community and the environment. From sourcing local ingredients to implementing eco-friendly brewing practices, every step of the brewing process is guided by a commitment to sustainability. By supporting Earth Rider, patrons can feel good knowing that they’re not just enjoying great beer – they’re also supporting a company dedicated to making a difference.
Thirsty Pagan Brewing
Thirsty Pagan Brewing is a brewpub located in Superior, Wisconsin, just across the bay from Duluth, Minnesota . They offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy their house-brewed beers, delicious food, and sometimes even live music
Here’s a breakdown of what Thirsty Pagan Brewing offers:
- House-made Brews: They have a selection of their own craft beers brewed on-site, including some popular options like North Coast Amber, Derailed Ale, Burntwood Black, India Pagan Ale, and Lawn Chair;
- Gourmet Pizzas: Their pizzas are a big draw, known for using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible . They also offer vegetarian and vegan options;
- Diverse Menu: In addition to pizza, they have a menu with other delicious items like sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and even homemade desserts .
They frequently host live music events, adding to the fun and vibrant atmosphere .
Whether it’s savoring a pint of craft beer, enjoying live music, or exploring local distilleries, Duluth offers a nightlife experience like no other. With the Drink in Duluth program, visitors can embark on a rewarding journey through the city’s vibrant drinking establishments, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Cheers to Duluth – where every sip tells a story.
Conclusion
As we raise our glasses to toast the vibrant craft beer scene of Duluth, it becomes clear that these breweries are more than just places to enjoy a pint – they are pillars of community, sustainability, and creativity. From Bent Paddle Brewing’s commitment to environmental stewardship to Earth Rider Brewery’s dedication to local conservation efforts, each brewery embodies the values and spirit of the North Shore.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to Duluth’s breweries offers not only great beer but also a glimpse into the heart and soul of this remarkable city. So here’s to Duluth – may its breweries continue to thrive, its beer continue to delight, and its spirit continue to inspire. Cheers!