Big news is coming from one of Minnesota’s biggest brewers!
Summit Brewing Company, located off St. Paul’s West 7th Street, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2021. In addition to this momentous occasion, the brewery recently made an announcement that after 17 years one of its most beloved brews previously only available on draught will finally be available in packaged form.
Summit Brewing Co. started as a tiny operation along University Avenue in 1986, growing to a multifaced business on a six-acre campus in an industrial park off of West 7th Street by the early 2000s. Now, it is the 21st best-selling craft brewer in the nation, the first-best in Minnesota, according to the Brewer’s Association trade group.
The brewery produces seven year-round beers, as well as variety of seasonal and limited release beers. While most all of these have been available to purchase in draught and packaged form, only one has never been bottled or canned – Summit Oatmeal Stout.
Since its release in 2004, this beloved brew has only been served on nitro draught. People have long asked, even begged, for a version to be available in package. Now, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, it will be.
Rich and balanced, this dark beer will have flavors of caramel and chocolate. While still retaining a roasted sweetness, bottled version will offer a wonderfully different experience with notes of hazelnut instead of coffee and a sharper, crisper finish.
“I’ve wanted for years to have a packaged stout in our portfolio. It’s a great style overall. Oatmeal Stout is a great beer on draught, but we really thought we could do it justice by putting it into glass and showcasing some of the differences that the packaged CO2 route provides from the nitro/mixed gas draught form,” head brewer Damian McConn said in a recent press release. “Oatmeal Stouts tend to not be as acidic as Irish Stouts, so on or off a nitro tap this beer will still retain a sweetness and full body. The elevated carbon dioxide levels for the bottled version adds a sharpness to the aromas, really bringing forth the hazelnut notes and even added a hint of florals. It’s a bit fuller, a bit sharper, but just as delicious.”
Summit Oatmeal Stout is now available in 12-packs of 12oz bottles. Those seeking the nitro component can still find it on draught anywhere Oatmeal Stout is poured. Find Summit products near you using their online beer finder