Arbeiter Sucker Punch India Pale Lager

Arbeiter Sucker Punch India Pale Lager.

Today I spent a small part of my day off visiting the newest brewery in Minneapolis, Arbeiter Brewing Company, which has taken over the building that used to house Harriet Brewing, at 3038 Minnehaha Avenue S., lo, those many years ago. (It's only been four. That's not so many. But, it feels like forever.) It was also my first time in that neighborhood since February or March, and as the world knows, many things happened to that space in Minneapolis after the events of May 25, 2020. The blank spaces that were Hennepin-Lake Liquors, and Midori's Floating World, the Autozone that burnt to a crisp. That new apartment building that burned down is now on it's way back up. Target's back in business. The 5th Precinct, still closed down. 

And Arbeiter is open for business, but take-out only. I don't think they have ever been open for on-site consumption, yet, but I am looking forward to that day. The space has been completely reimagined, rebuilt, repurposed. There's an upstairs seating level, even, something I wouldn't even have pictured. It's hard to even think of the old taproom, compared to this one. I sure will continue to miss that spot, flaws and charms and all, but I also welcome the new, guided by new owners, managers, and brewers that will keep the beer flowing for years to come.

And I brought back seven crowlers to take notes on, first up, the India Pale Lager. I've often said here that I don't go for lagers that much (and I suspect that we'll see our share from this facility), but if they're hoppy enough, I might change my tune. Let's just see about this one, shall we? 

6.4 % ABV. 50 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head, slowly drifting down. 

In the nose: lightly hoppy, slightly citric. 

In the mouth: Minor bitterness graces the palate at first sip. Orange, lemon and grapefruit flavors bless the tongue. Crisp, clean mouthfeel. Light bodied, long, hoppy finish, quite refreshing and with an excellent ease of consumability. This drinks down like a doggone treat. Liking this a lot. 

You won’t know what hit you after a Sucker Punch IPL. A dry-hopped lager exclusively using experimental New Zealand hops and showcases the new North Star Pils™ from Rahr Malting.

The experimental hop, HORT9099, from New Zealand exhibits strong Meyer lemon (think lemon but sweeter) as well as soft woody/piney notes. North Star Pils™ has a rich, honey and nutty sweetness for a pilsner malt. It perfectly balances with the aggressive New Zealand hop additions in the kettle.