Blog
Asking questions can lead you to new places. Writing helps bring you to answers. And more questions.
Here, I’ve collected writings on a number of topics. Sometimes they’ve been published elsewhere, and other times they’re just for this blog.
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What is a pumpkin ale really? They often get lumped into the PSL trend, but should it be? Let’s talk to the brewer at Saint Paul Brewing. maker of the Mummy Train pumpkin ale, to find out.
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To understand the love-hate relationship with Hefeweizen, I spoke with Dave Berg of August Schell Brewing Co. about all things weissbier.
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One piece of brewing alchemy you can do, even after bottling, is beer poking. This involves taking a red-hot iron and plunging it into a glass of malty beer. Here’s how to poke beer and why.
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Engineered to Refreshment
Why do so many involved in making beer come from engineering backgrounds? I tracked down some Minnesota brewers with engineering backgrounds to find out.
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The basics aren’t basic: Pilsner
Pilsner is too often as a macro style that breweries carry as a gateway to more exciting styles. But Niko Tonks, founding brewer at Fair State Brewing Cooperative, explains what the beer was and what it might become again.
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How to read poetry
I reached out to some poets and writers who are working today to get some suggestions on how to read poetry for enjoyment, not for a book report.
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At the State Theatre, Hozier reminds us to have fun because we’re all about to die
Originally published on City Pages: June 3, 2019 The end is nigh and Hozier doesn’t want anyone to forget it. At last night’s sold-out State Theatre show, the Irish singer-songwriter led the audience through a packed set list, spanning sounds from heavy blues-rock to folky acoustic tracks. He spoke between songs only to remind everyone to enjoy themselves…
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Ever wonder what a band from Mankato sounds like? Meet Good Night Gold Dust.
Originally published on City Pages: Thursday, October 4, 2018 Good Night Gold Dust couldn’t see where they were going. Barely outside of Mankato, they were driving through a snowstorm on the way to a January 2016 show at Icehouse. Colin Scharf (guitar and vocals) had grown excitable about a defective wiper blade that left a…
James Figy 