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MPR News with Angela Davis
Chris Farrell and Susan Davis

Beer, wine and spirits in Minnesota

A woman pours a beer.
Bartender Torrie Nyberg fills up a glass of beer for a customer in November 2020 at Searles on Fifth Ave in St. Cloud, Minn.
Paul Middlestaedt for MPR News file

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The ongoing pandemic made us cope with the new normal of doing everything at home — working, our kids going to school, entertaining ourselves and escaping home while at home.  So it’s not a big surprise that, according to the office of the Minnesota state auditor, liquor store profits went up 29 percent in 2020. 

So what are we drinking? Minnesota has more than 35 craft distilleries, 106 craft breweries and seven wineries. It’s a good place to drink local.

As we gear up for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, we checked in with two drink writers and two distillers about what to pour, what to listen to while you’re pouring and what to eat with your drink choice. 

Guests: 

  • James Norton is the editor of the Heavy Table and a freelance writer about food, drinks and music.

  • Loren Green is a freelance writer specializing in the arts and culture.

  • Rick Schneider runs Isanti Spirits in Isanti, Minn. 

  • Heather Manley runs Crooked Water Spirits in the Twin Cities.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.