The organization is seeking beer entries from Minnesota craft brewers that capture the spirit of the Minnesota wilderness and honor the historic piece of legislation that has protected one of the state’s natural treasures, the Boundary Waters, for the past fifty years.
Friends has invited craft brewers from across the state to dedicate an existing beer or create a new one that connects to Minnesota’s outdoor traditions. The idea is to draw inspiration from the wilderness themes reflected in the Wilderness Act: untrammeled, nature, tranquil, rugged adventure, and camaraderie.
A panel of celebrity judges will name champion beers in several categories:
- Best Northern Lights (light-bodied, light-colored beers including, but not limited to, lagers and pilsners)
- Best Night Skies (heavy-bodied, dark-colored beers including, but not limited to, ales and stouts)
- Fish Fry’s Finest (best beer pairing with a shore lunch)
- Best Campfire Companion (best beer to drink around a campfire with friends)
- Call of the Wild (local, interesting ingredients and flavor profiles)
- Best representation of the Spirit of the Boundary Waters (name, label design, back story)
- Star of the North (best in show)
"We are excited to see and taste how Minnesota’s best breweries capture the spirit of the Minnesota outdoors,” said Paul Danicic, executive director of the Friends. “Brews and Canoes is an easy and fun way for Minnesotans to learn more about the Wilderness Act and take an active role in helping preserve the Boundary Waters for future generations. We hope breweries and outdoor lovers across the state will join us in raising a glass and commemorating this historic anniversary.”
Breweries interested in participating can submit a Brews and Canoes entry form. The entry period is open until June 2, 2014, and beers must be submitted for judging by August 1, 2014.
"We received applications from Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Big Wood Brewery, and NorthGate Brewing in the first week the application was open, and we have verbal commitment from several more,” said Aaron Klemz, Communications Director for the Friends. “We expect around ten breweries to participate, based on our outreach before we opened applications.”
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and its brewery partners will cap off Brews and Canoes at a ticketed tasting event in early September. The event will feature samples of the full commemorative collection. Look for details later this summer!
Photos: Ian Kimmer/Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness