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)