Get ready: Small Brewery Sunday is November 28! 22 Northmen Brewing Co. is proud to be a small brewery with a mission of using unique, premium, worldly ingredients to achieve the perfect brew. Sitting in the heart of Minnesota lake country, the brewery will be celebrating its third birthday this summer.
The journey
22 Northmen Brewing Co. was established in June 2019, but the idea to open a brewery had been on the minds of the Bredeson family for years. The Bredesons purchased Carlos Creek Winery in 2008. They worked to update the property and expand winery operations. After the remodel of the wine production building and the tasting room, they decided it was the right time to add a brewery to the property. Then in 2017 they started the process of making their vision a reality.
The name
The Bredesons set out to create a brewery that tied in their heritage and that of the region. They wanted the experience rooted in tradition and embracing the vikings’ adventurous nature. It was winemaker Brett Murphy who came up with the name. A nod to a local legend, the name comes from the Kensington Runstone which describes 22 Northmen who journeyed to the area in 1362.
The taproom
Viking architecture from around the 12th century inspired the The Longhouse Taproom. The building incorporates unique architectural elements common in old Scandinavian buildings such as steep roof pitch and extended eaves. As you walk in, a large stone two-sided wood-burning fireplace greets you. Interior walls covered in reclaimed wood from a 200 year-old church surround you. As you look up, you see 6’ round chandeliers upcycled by Kim Bredeson himself. The taproom not only serves as a place to enjoy great beer, but also allows visitors to experience Viking living.
The community
The creation of 22 Northmen Brewing Co. would not have been possible without support from the community. In fact, a Kickstarter campaign was set up to help make the taproom what it is today. The 22 Northmen Club also includes 22 local residents who provided support. Small Brewery Sunday is a time to celebrate living and supporting local. Cheers to community!
Visit our website to find our hours and current tap list.
