Last minute updates on local beers for the RNC in the Twin City area.

It’s worth taking note that the word “Republican” has the word “publican” embedded in it.  There’s no excuse for slacking off beer enjoyment during the Republican National Convention – there’s plenty of locally brewed beer in the area.

Vine Park Brewing Company has been brewing under unique circumstances for 13 years.  It’s one of those places referred to as a “Brew On Premise (BOP),” where anyone can drop by and use their equipment to brew their own homebrew.   Last March, they were permitted to brew their own beers AND be able to sell them to the public.  They’ve brewed up a RNC (Republican National Convention) commemorative beer called “Patriot Pilsner.”  You’ll have to drop by their place at 1254 West 7th Street, St. Paul and pick up your half gallon take away container of local brewed beer.  Brewer Andy Grage says it’s “an attractive option for Delegates, Protesters, and the general public who are trying to keep calm with all the commotion going on.”

            Another place to make as your destination is Barley John’s Brewpub at 781 Old Highway 8 SW, New Brighton (just north of Minneapolis).  Beers they are aligning for the RNC include Little Barley Bitter ( a British style session beer, light malt and hop

Profile; 3.5%), Stockyard IPA (a British style IPA brewed with English Challenger hops and dry hopped;  6.8%), Wild Brunette (a brown ale made with wild rice; 7.2%), Old 8 Porter (a big dark porter; 8%) and Belgian Enkle (a Belgian style table beer - light with a hint of sweetness and spiciness from the yeast; 6%).