Surly Mango Axe Man IPA

 Surly Mango Axe Man IPA.

7.2 % ABV, 65 IBU, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Bright orange, mostly clear, lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: bold and vibrant, bright and beautiful. Fresh fruit galore!

In the mouth: Juicy and fruity from the start, with bitterness creeping in. Axe Man is down here, with mango hanging over. Me, I’d like a little Ed’s of the mango and more of the IPA. It’s not too sweet, just getting in the way. 

I think this doesn’t have enough mango, and it would still be too much for me. This bitterness is there, I’d just prefer it without the fruit. 

The already-intense tropical fruit, berry, and citrus profile of Axe Man gets amplified with a mango addition. 

Surly Eighteen

 

Surly Eighteen. Belgian-style Golden Strong Ale Fermented with Brettanomyces.u

11% ABV,  Surly Brewing, Minneapolis / Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. 

Clear, golden, slim white head.

In the nose: funky, sweet, fruity. Stone fruit, citrus, bubblegum. 

In the mouth: sweet and fruity up front, but balanced. Light bodied, easily drinkable, but for the high ABV coming on slowly but surely. Slightly sugary, while never overly sweet. Ending on a drying note. 

I like this, but I want to like it more. That’s just my way. As is, it’s a rarity these days. No one really makes anything like this, at least not around these parts. Wish this was something I could taste more often, rather than a once in a blue moon thing. 

Surly's anniversary beers are all about challenging ourselves, be it with ingredients, processes, styles, or all three at once.

For our 18th anniversary, a sturdy Belgian golden strong ale ferments on two wild yeast strains, allowing a funky/sour process to develop while aging in stainless for months. 

A portion was then removed and aged in virgin oak, before everything was blended back together, dry-hopped, and pasteurized.

The end result is an absolute gem, with notes of white wine, berries, oak, leather, and honey.

The path Eighteen travelled mirrors our 18 years of brewing, instigating, and making something worth seeking out, sharing and savoring. Thank you for taking that journey with us.

Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout

 Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout.

12% ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN.

Utterly and vastly Stygian appearance. Totally opaque. Slim, soon gone head. 

In the nose: richness, bourbon, high char, molasses, anise, chocolate, espresso…all those goodies.

In the mouth: big and thick and viscous. Rich and altogether every kind of perfect. Big time big. All sorts of whoa, and hey, hoo! Slips deliciously upon the tongue. For all that it is, it is wonderfully smooth and delicious. 

I’m going to take a long time to soak this in, well past beddy- bye time. C’est La vie. 

Our legendary Russian imperial stout aged in Parker's Heritage 10-Year Heavy Char bourbon barrels. We really don’t need to say anything else besides, “Drink this.”

Surly Hyper Modern Idaho 7 IPA

Surly Hyper Modern Idaho 7 IPA. Modern. Hop. Flavor. 

7.6% ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Highly hazed, bold orange hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus notes, slight tropical.

In the mouth: just a little juicy at the start, ending dry. Moderate bodied, texture fully flocked with active proteins. Jolts of vibrancy throughout, but too fuzzy for my palate. Another hazy that comes in the door unannounced. Brief flashes of bitterness on the tongue. Some stone fruit mingles with that citrus and twist of tropical. 

I’m not as firm in my acquaintance with Idaho 7 Hop to properly ascertain it’s character. As of this writing, I’m not sure I’m all that keen on it. 

Some people get excited about sneaker drops or digital pictures of apes that are money for some reason. Breweries? They get excited about hops. The Idaho 7® hop, developed by our friends at Jackson Hop Farms, bridges the tropical/citrus divide with striking notes of melon, pineapple, tangerine, and red berries. Hypermodern IPA centers Idaho 7® for a thoroughly unique and drinkable IPA. Believe the hype. 

Surly Mozzofiato Italian-style Pilsner

 Surly Mozzofiato Italian-style Pilsner.

5.9% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The very last can from the previous Surly Variety Pack. I said I couldn’t buy the new one until I finish the old. And pilsners aren’t a favorite style, sorry if that shocks you. So, let’s take a look at this one so I can finally try the Baltic Porter in the new variety pack. 

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: lightly hopped, floral, slight sweetness.

In the mouth: soft, smooth, with negligible bitterness. Clean, crisp, highly drinkable. Light bodied. Lingering, likable finish.

I’ll keep trying out these Italian Pilsners when they come my way, as they are bound to, being such a popular style. I can’t see myself going out of my way for one, though. 

Italian pilsners differ from their German cousins thanks to a pop of dry-hopped flavor, adding a little bit of swagger to an otherwise reserved style. Classic Saaz hops make this “breathtaking” Italian Pils sunny, bright, and lemony. 

Hmmm. I really didn’t taste any swagger. Oh, well…

Surly Battle Vest Strata IPA

 

Surly Battle Vest Strata IPA.

6.7% ABV, Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, Minnesota.

From the recently retired variety pack. I’m still behind.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: bold and expressive citrus notes. Lemon and grapefruit with a splash of pine.

In the mouth: nice bitter bite up front, good and hoppy stuff going down. Bright berries join the citrus crew. Bitterness clings to the palate. Hop flavors bouncing up and down. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Tasty stuff. A little juicy, a little dank, the best of all worlds. 

A headbanger’s vest showcases the fiercest of metal icons. If someone makes a hophead vest, the Strata hop that drives this juicy, tropical IPA gets the Pantera spot. 

Surly Blast Beat Sultana IPA

 Surly Blast Beat Sultana IPA. Fruity. Dank. Percussive. 

6.7% ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

From the latest (and late) Hoppy Pack. One left after this. 

Lightly hazed, golden hue, small white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine, Lemon rind and grapefruit pith.

In the mouth: nice bitter bite up front, good and hoppy. Well-rounded, smooth, juicy. Highly likable IPA. Medium bodied. soft finish. Ending a little dryness. This works for me. 

Blast Beat hammers home the dank, citrusy notes of the Sultana hop. Loud fast rules.

Surly Idol Worship DDH Pale Ale

 Surly Idol Worship DDH Pale Ale. Citrus. Hop. Revelation.

From the recently replaced Hoppy Variety Pack. 

5.6% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, large and lasting cloud-white head.

In the nose: grassy, citrusy, lemon and grapefruit aplenty. Dank and fresh at once.

In the mouth: nice little bitter bite up front, then it’s smooth sailing, easy-going, though the hops never quit. Juicy, malty delights ensue. Light bodied, clean, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Hey, why not a 12-pack of just this one, Surly. I’ll keep drinking it if you keep brewing it. 

Thou shalt have no other pale ales quite like this one. Centering citrusy hops and drinkability, Idol Worship restores your faith in beer.

Surly Shutter Shades DDH Double IPA

 Surly Shutter Shades DDH Double IPA. Citrusy. Intense. Bright. 

9% ABV. Surly Brewing, Mpls/ B.C., MN. 

This beer arrived in the store today. Happy to see it was merely $11.50, a bit low for a double IPA.I looked on line to make sure it wasn’t a hazy, took a six-pack home, and will now review can #1 from the six-pack. Something new I’m trying out.

Lightly hazed (the pictures I saw from the brewery looked positively clear), bright golden/orange hue, slim white head.

In the nose: heavy on the dank, big pine and citrus, with a wee bit of stone fruit on the side. Slight tropical tinges, too. 

In the mouth: begins with bold bitterness clutching the palate, with deep resinous hop flavors along for the ride. Sharply scintillating. Medium bodied, swiftly encroaching high alcohol, thrilling barrage of hop bitterness. Just a little juicy, ending dry. Burnished tangerine and grapefruit continues to blaze the senses.

I’m liking this. It’s no Abrasive Ale, but it’s not too shabby there, nonetheless.

A blinding DDH blend of Vic Secret, Citra, and Mosaic shades this intense, fruit-forward double IPA.

Surly Logic Bomb Juicy Pale Ale

Surly Logic Bomb Juicy Pale Ale.

5.5% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN.

Farewell, Surly X-tra Citra Pale Ale, 2016-2022. For whatever reason, the bosses laid down the law and struck it down from the schedule. And along comes Logic Bomb, because these days it’s all about being juicy. Dry is for the birds. Let’s drink one up and see what it’s all about.

Lights hazy (because that’s how it is these days), bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: bold citrus, grapefruit and orange. Pleasant.

In the mouth: moderate bitterness, just enough to keep my taste buds happy. Medium bodied, light on the palate, breezy and refreshing. Exceptionally drinkable, if not especially memorable. It’s a decent beer and you can drink it.

Hop bitterness stays on the palate for a long span, which is a plus in my book. Not overwhelmingly “juicy”, but enough to check off some marketing boxes. Now, to see how people respond to disembodied, dripping organs on their beer labels. 

You CAN handle the truth: An approachable pale ale can also burst with juicy hop flavor. Start making sense with Logic Bomb. 

Surly Double Furious

 Surly Double Furious. Furious Whiskey Barrel aged IPA. Furious. Times. Two.

13.6% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, MN.

And now that this beer is out, I wish that I had saved some of that Furious whiskey. There are still bottles around, but I’m not dropping sixty bucks on a bottle of whiskey until someone drops a lot of cash on me.

Dark crimson color, near burgundy, clear, with a dark reddish head.

In the nose: rich, malty, sweet, almost barley-wine-ish. Plenty to unpack, many treasures to unfold. 

In the mouth: from the first sip, I have to restrain myself from unleashing superlatives. Whiskey barrel flavors spill out: vanilla, cherry, chocolate, caramel, oak, tobacco, and somehow you can still sense the IPA underneath. Huge, this, meant to be slowly savored before slipping into slumber. A better nightcap from a hophead I couldn’t think of. 

This is a serious concoction. The remainder of my cans will be stashed away for sharing. 

Everything you like about Furious, but twice as much of it. Robust malt, citrusy hops, and aging in Foundry Distilling Furious Whiskey barrels amplify the sweetness and strength of the original. Notes of zesty orange, caramel, and vanilla from the barrel add even more character and depth of flavor to an anniversary worth celebrating.

Surly Gimme S'more Darkness Russian Imperial Stout 2021 Variant

Surly Gimme S'more Darkness Russian Imperial Stout. 2021 Variant. 

12 % ABV, Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Strictly Stygian , completely and utterly opaque, with a brief brown head. 

In the nose: Rich and roasted, caramel, toffee, vanilla. Oncoming cinnamon. Nothing from the barrel. Not much, anyway. 

In the mouth: So, the name suggests  a "s'more stout", as that is a thing. But there are no additions of graham cracker or marshmallow, which makes me respect Surly. Is cinnamon a thing in a 'smore? Or even vanilla? Isn't it just graham crackers, marshmallow, and sometimes chocolate? Are they trying to approximate the flavor without bringing marshmallows into the brewhouse? Again, props. 

Starts out sweet, spicy, hot, smooth, all at once.Cinnamon hot, vanilla cool. Big chocolate and notes of whiskey, lots of oak, big and bountiful. Char, molasses, treacle, slick and syrupy. A sweet, delicious treat that still dwells in the depths of darkness. 

Gather 'round the campfire with this Darkness variant conceived by Surly's Dave McGrath. Aged on vanilla and cinnamon in bourbon barrels, Gimme S'more more than lives up to its name. 

Surly Permanent Echo Double IPA

Surly Permanent Echo Double IPA.

9.2 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I like to try out all the double IPAs, you all know that, if you know me at all. I also still want to give Surly a shake once in a while, especially when it comes to that style. Finally, this 6-pack was only $11.49. Can't pass that up. I've vanquished five of them with no problem, time to take notes on #six.

Slightly hazed, bright golden hue, large, vibrant, ivory head. Looking good.

In the nose: Screaming out citrus. Orange, grapefruit, tangerine. Dankness supreme. Also, candied apricots. Because, sure. 

In the mouth: Big, bold hoppiness coats the palate. Bitterness is moderate for this style. Just a little juicy before the heat comes in. More citrusy/ fruit flavors abound, flanked by layers of dank. Alcohol burbles on the palate and bubbles in the brain. This one hits me right where I want to be hit. Yum a dum dum. 

Like sound waves bouncing back to your ears, Permanent Echo’s aggressive hop flavor resonates and reverberates. Brewed with Strata, Cascade, and Mosaic hops for a citrusy, fruit-forward flavor that’s impossible to isolate, this beer leaves your head ringing.

Surly Midnight Manhattan Darkness Russian Imperial Stout

Surly Midnight Manhattan Darkness Russian Imperial Stout.

12 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, MN. 

There were three Darkness variants this year. I have chosen to review two of them. I tried one of the least popular ones, the Blueberry Crumble, at an event late last month, and it confirmed my decision not to spend $14 on a 16 ounce can I'm not going to like. I regret spending the $8 plus tax on the 10 ounce pour, as it was. (what were they thinking? Lemon shouldn't be any anywhere near an RIS.)

This one seems more promising. Rye Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout with Cherries and Orange Peel added. I remember tasting one of the first Darkness variants at a festival, and it was Manhattan-based. So, let's crack the can and see how it is. 

To the eye: It is dark as dark gets (hence the name), complete opacity, rich, if slim, brown head rings above.

In the nose: Roasted malt, bitter and sweet, well balanced, with cherries slowly emerging. Next comes the orange peel. I see how they are trying to emulate the Manhattan, but is that possible with an Imperial Stout? Most bourbons and whiskeys do not have the actual character of an Imperial Stout. It's asking too much. I am not one to complain that the true character of Darkness is still here. Now, let us drink. 

In the mouth: Rich, sweet, sightly fruity. Chocolate and citrus share top billing, with cherries popping in for a cameo. They keep on playing on the palate, doing a duet fandango on the tongue. Bitterness remains high (for an Imperial Stout), everything is kept in check. Very rich, very full, and full of Russian Imperial delights.

Inspired by the classic cocktail, our legendary Russian imperial stout gets aged on cherries and orange peels in bourbon barrels. First we drink Manhattan. Then we drink again.

Surly Castles In The Sky Hazy IPA

Surly Castles In The Sky Hazy IPA. Soft. Juicy. Billowing. 

7 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, MN. 

I'm not crazy 'bout the hazy. This much is known. But, it was in the Surly variety pack I bought. Why did I buy it? I'm not sure. So, let's see what it's all about, anyway. 

To the eye: Hold on, folks. I don't know if you can tell from the pic, but there are way too many particulates floating around  in this glass. The beer is not old enough to look like this (canned 10/20/21). It's unpleasant. It's also hazy, orange, with a slim white head. 

(Eventually, they settle to the bottom. Did I err in the pouring? I'm awful at following the protocols of the hazies and such.) 

In the nose: Citric and soft, slightly sweet. Fairly loud aromatics. Pleasant. 

In the mouth: More soft and fuzzy, with bright and shiny happiness. Citrus and tropical notes play on the palate. Juicy mouthfeel. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Not the haziest of hazies. Once again, Surly shies away from such. It's okay, if you like that sort of thing. I continue to not. 

Surly Age of Leviathans Stout

Surly Age of Leviathans Stout, with Ruby Chocolate, Lactose, vanilla.

11.9 % ABV. Surly Brewing Company,  Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

This beer crosses two of my lines: lactose and vanilla. I am so sick of lactose and vanilla. I hope that this is just a phase that brewers grow out of and I suspect that I may be right. But, I decided that I had to try it anyway, even though I don't know what Ruby Chocolate is. 

Strictly Stygian, fully opaque, large and lush layer of cocoa-tinged foam above, looking very regal and domineering. 

In the nose: Very berries, or cherries, and very chocolate, too. Fruits and dark malts at play in the aromatics. Hints of caramel, toffee, vanilla, too. Very nice.

In the mouth: Fairly  smooth and effortlessly fruity. Big ol' berries on top of chocolate. Raspberry chocolate truffle in an Imperial Stout. Or, American Double Stout? I can't tell the difference, some days. It's damned tasty, though. Not fully bodied, not too rich, not too full. Just a bit of fruity sweetness countered by a bit of tart. 

In the farthest, deepest fathoms of the ocean, light is but a rumor. That vast, benighted place is where the leviathans hold sway.

Age of Leviathans, Surly’s BC Small Batch offering for September and October, reaches similar depths of flavor, sweetness, and body. Brewed with a new “ruby” chocolate variant—noted for being rich, fruity and just slightly tart—plus raspberry puree, lactose, and vanilla beans, it’s complex, rich, and rules all that it surveys.

Surly Galaxy Gate DDH Galaxy Pale Ale

Surly Galaxy Gate DDH Galaxy Pale Ale. 

5.5 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

I went out and bought another Surly variety pack. I contained Furious, as they always do, as well as Grindcore, which I can also drink. Then two beers I haven't had before, and only one was a hazy IPA. We'll get to that one later. First, the other one, a DDH PA. Twice the dry hopping of your regular pale ale. 

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: big citrus, grapefruit, orange and lemon, splash of berries. Tropical notes come on the scene, hints of pineapple and guava unfold. Highly likable. 

In the mouth: Brief blast of bitterness on the palate starts it off, then fades back. Cool and even. Medium body. Juicy mouthfeel. Bitterness returns to linger on the palate. 

All in all, a satisfactory pale ale, ddh and all. 

BREWED FOR THE STARS ABOVE

Crossing the threshold of what a pale ale can be, Galaxy Gate slips the Surly bonds of earth, boldly going where double dry-hopping carries it. Lit by citrusy character, Galaxy Gate shines.

Surly Ten Ale-- Five Years Later

Surly Ten Ale-- Five Years Later. Old Ale. 

9.5 % ABV, 63 IBU, Surly Brewing, Mpls./BC, MN. 

Maybe I didn't need to open this bottle tonight. After all, an old ale should last even longer than five years. But, you know what, I just felt like it. Why the hell not? I wish I had some party to bring it to, but, alas, ...here we are, with a beer to open and I wish I had someone to share it with. C'est la vie. (Is this a blatant cry for more of my friends, or potential friends, to invite me to their parties? Maybe. But this is still going down tonight.) 

Oh, those days of bomber bottles, and wax-coverings. Ah, nostalgia! So, so...so sweet, the memories! 

Dark burgundy hued, deep and opaque, large, rich, creamy tanned head. Looking great, five years on. 

In the nose: soft, malty, warm, rich. Grapes, dates, raisins, ...leather, tobacco...wer're in barleywine country. Plums, apples, rich malt, so much goodness. 

In the mouth: Mellow. Smooth, Malty. Rich. Just a little indulgent. A panoply of dark fruits, malt-forward, minor hops, much molasses, slightly syrupy, but well-balanced. I feel like I should compare against fresh notes. 

But first...I reviewed this one first in July of 2016, when it was brand new. I checked into it on Untappd nine times before today. The first check-in was from a the first bottle I bought and reviewed in September of 2016, them later, one at the taproom. Next, in October of '16, at Acadia. I must have been sitting on a keg for an event. A few days later, I posted a picture with a slurry of Surly tap handles.  Apparently, I still had it on in November, and then it next appeared at a Surly event at McKenzie's, and something at Jason's farm, and once in a while cracking one open at home, and this is my last one. 

It's still, five years later, huge, rich, powerful, full of flavor. I certainly could have waited several more years, but you never know, do you? Better safe than otherwise. The last thing I want to do is tell everyone: "I waited too long. I's past it's prime." This is not. There is no drop off in flavor, in body, in anything at all. This is brilliant, and I love it. 

Foundry Distiling's Furious Whiskey: when beer becomes spirit

Furious IPA Whiskey, Foundry Distilling, West Des Moines, Iowa.

I did not take these notes with the whiskey on the rocks. This
pic is from my June tasting, and it turned out better than the
pic I took this time. So, I cheated, so sue me.

I've never written about whiskey before. Never even tried. I just drink the stuff. But, now I will make my first attempt. Now that there is Furious Whiskey.

Back in June, Foundry Distilling of West Des Moines released these bottles, made from the wort that would have been fermented into barrels of Furious, an ale with which I've had a long history. It only made sense for me to buy a bottle and try it out, maybe make a blog post. Procrastination got the best of me, and the bottle finished before I sat down to write. All these months later, with supplies dwindling, I felt it was time to drop another sixty bucks (normally my whiskey choices are more budgetary, shall we say) and take notes with a pint of Furious on the side. 

And I'll start without my customary ice. (I like my whiskey cool.)

Amber cast. Hot and peppery in the nose. Caramel and fruit blend for alcohol-charged bouquet of this yet-to-become IPA, made into another spirituous beverage. Complexities abound. 

Picking up the pint, our old standby Furious contains it's usual melange of hoppy flavors, but here less harsh, all is cool and friendly-like. 

To drink, citrus and malt comes across through the heat. Wash it down with sip of the brew. There we have it , the mix of malt and hops, the blend of bitter and sweet, the cool clash and the mellow meld in a cold, smooth format. Back to the dram, and it becomes clear, that, yeah, this is Furious distilled as whiskey, and that's a damned good thing. I wish this wasn't such a rarity, and I didn't have to treat it like dragon's gold.

Let's stop and read the label: "Wort produced to make Surly Brewing Company's iconic Furious IPA was brought south, and fermented and distilled at Foundry Distilling Co. after carefully again for thirty months in new 30-gallon charred American oak barrels. The Furious IPA distillate has matured into this world class Furious Whiskey. We hope you share a dram with friends and enjoy."

Furious Whiskey is an excellent beverage, and I would want to just leisurely drink it down, as I did that first bottle those months ago. But, as it's rare and might soon be gone, I'm going to put this bottle away and invest in another bottle of Knob Creek or something for my leisurely drinking ( I do prefer bourbon over straight American whiskey) and save the rest of this to do just what they urge, have a dram with friends.

Surly Fifteen Blended Barrel-aged Grand Cru

Surly Fifteen Blended Barrel-aged Grand Cru.

10.3 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

I'm not sure what the face on the label represents, or if there's any story behind the illustration, but it's an impressive visage. Is it a god, or a wizard, some elemental force who holds sway over nature, maybe? Someone powerful to signify fifteen years of beer, it seems. 

As the illustrator of the first label for a Surly anniversary beer, I can say that my choice of a punk rock chick with a cranberry on her tongue was indeed intended to send a strong message about the beer and the brewery. How far we've come in fifteen years. 

Enough of my jibber jabber, let's open a box, and crack open a can. 

Dark burgundy hue, near transparency, slim whitish head. 

In the nose: Vanilla, caramel, and bourbon notes come popping out. There's a twist of tart in here, too. Big malt notes, as well, giving off the husky tone of a Belgian quadrupel. A lot going on here.

In the mouth: Intense from the start. Rich and malt-forward, wrapped up in bourbon. Caramel and toffee are chiefly in charge. Dark fruits start charging in, raisins and dates, a fig or two. A bit brandy-ish. Sweetness takes command, and the strength roars up. It's a sipper, for sure. And I'm enjoying it. 

There's a hint of a Flanders Red in this, coupled with a mix between a quad and a dubbel, covered in whiskey barrels. I can't help but wonder how this would taste after a few years. Guess I'll have to pick up a few more ...cans...still getting used to that....

Surly built its reputation on not necessarily brewing to style. Our 15th anniversary beer embraces that ethos. Fifteen is a Belgian strong ale aged for eight months in Parker’s Heritage Heavy Char Bourbon Barrels, then back-blended with a touch of High West Rye barrel-aged wild ale. Expect cocoa, milk chocolate, and dark fruit notes with a hint of tartness beneath, plus honey and vanilla from the barrel, and a little spice from the Belgian yeast for good measure. Unclassifiable and wholly unique, Fifteen is a true celebration.

I'm feeling nostalgic for in-person celebrations. Let's saunter down Memory Lane...

Surly One did not have an official release event, but I did pour it at the Blue Nile back in February of 2007. Surly Two, Three, and Four all had their release parties at the Nile, where I was master of ceremonies, and each event got bigger and busier. So many memories. With Five, a barrel-aged sour that became Pentagram, the honors went to Republic bar in the Seven Corners district. Six. I mean Syx,  got it's debut at Aster Cafe along the Mississippi River. Seven's, I'm sorry, SeVIIn's debut was held at  the Varsity Theater, where plans for the upcoming destination brewery were discussed. Eight was the one anniversary ale release party I missed after all those years. It was on a Sunday night at the Dakota Jazz Club, for some reason, and I was working at the Harriet Brewing taproom that night. I really missed not seeing the brewery crew and my friends. Nein got it's release at the Black Forest Inn, which I thought was odd in that they'd never sold Surly before, but Omar was determined to get in there, and thought that a German restaurant was the best place to debut an imperial smoked wheat ale, whether they'd supported the business before or not. And Ten or Eleven, did they get a release at a bar? (Looking on Untappd, I am seeing a check-in to Nein in an Eleven glass at McKenzie's in 2017. Was that a release party? Probably. Also checked into Ten that day. And a couple of Elevens.)(by the way, Eleven was also the one for which I participated in the wax-dipping. Reminding me of how the original bottling of Two had no wax and my disappointment caused Omar to go back and get them all dipped.)Was that the end of the bar release events? In the days of brewery taprooms, was everything getting their debut in-house? Had they gotten too big? Surly Twelve never saw the light of day, and was the last time the anniversary beers were bottled. Now, we get cans in boxes. And Surly Pizza Upstairs.