1st EditionSo what are the Articles of Alloy? It’s a way for us to continue to connect with our customers, receive feedback, and be a part of the ever growing brewing community. These monthly articles will showcase new beer releases and upcoming events, as well as share knowledge and thoughts around beer industry-relevant topics. In our first edition, let’s dive into a hotly discussed taproom topic: the difference between a microbrewery and a brewpub. By definition, a microbrewery is: A brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels (17,600 hectoliters) of beer per year with 75 percent or more of its beer sold off-site. Microbreweries sell to the public by one or more of the following methods: the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer); the two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and, directly to the consumer through carry-outs and/or on-site tap-room or restaurant sales. A majority of the breweries in Minnesota fall under this category, however, another style of brewery, the brewpub, is a popular alternative. By definition, a brewpub is: A restaurant-brewery that sells 25 percent or more of its beer on-site. The beer is brewed primarily for sale in the restaurant and bar. The beer is often dispensed directly from the brewery’s storage tanks. Where allowed by law, brewpubs often sell beer “to go” and/or distribute to off-site accounts. Each of these categories has pluses and minuses, however those that want to remain as a microbrewery but have a static food offering on site will more than likely have a restaurant within the building operating as an individual entity. A great local example of this is Invictus Brewing & the Tipsy Steer. (http://invictusbrewingco.com/) Those taprooms that do not have a restaurant on-site (which is the majority of the taprooms in MN) rely on local restaurants who deliver to the taproom, and/or food trucks located on-site. Most microbreweries will have snacks for purchase, however many (including Alloy) welcome you to bring in whatever you like. We’ve seen everything from Arby’s to crockpots in the taproom. A good place to start is to check out your local microbrewery’s FAQ page on their website, and plan ahead if needed. (www.alloybrewingcompany.com/contact/) Have an idea for an upcoming edition of Articles of Alloy? Let us know! Thank you, Alloy Nation. - Prost! |