Published on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The blooming breweries of Bloomington, Minnesota

Whether your taste is for lagers, ales or IPAs, you'll find them all in Bloomington, Minnesota. Here are the best spots within a 20 minute drive of Bloomington to get a taste of the real American micro beers:

Fulton Brewing

It's best to start at the beginning; Fulton Brewing was the first taproom to open in the Twin Cities and began its days as a home brewing project with four friends and a garage. You can taste their year-round, seasonal or garage series blends in the taproom, as well as their famous 'Sweet Child of Vine' Indian Pale Ale, blended with American hops and an English balance which will bring music to your taste buds. www.fultonbeer.com

Surly Brewing Co

A home brewing success, Surly Brewing Co, opened a 'destination brewery' at the end of 2014, which features a 300 person beer hall and garden and restaurant serving delicious food and even better beers. Surly Brews include popular blends like Furious, Bender, Cynic and Hell, but don't worry you don't have to choose just one; you can give them all a taste. www.surlybrewing.com

Bloom Island Brewing Company

At Bloom Island Brewing Company it is all about the Belgian beer, from the brewer's first sip, he was hooked. Give the classic Silvius Belgium pale ale, Witness a taste, followed by a pint of the Witbier and finish it off with the Hoodoo Dubbel, a dark beer with rich and complex malt flavours and low hop bitterness. www.bloomislandbrewing.com

Sociable Cider Werks

If beer isn't your thing, don't worry. Sociable Cider Werks Cidery and taproom produces ciders made from a specific selection of Minnesota's apples, including Haralson, Honeywell and SweeTango. The ciders are dry to taste and can be enjoyed just like a good draught beer. And for those who need it, many of the ciders are gluten free. www.sociablecider.com

Dangerous Man Brewing Co

Live life on the edge at Dangerous Man Brewing Co. In their taproom there is a focus on small batch beers, with the taps changing regularly. You can choose from the pints of beer, handmade soft drinks and growlers. At Dangerous Man Brewing Co you'll find a variety of beers to choose from, as there will always be one dark, one light, one hoppy and one strong beer being poured each day. www.dangerousmanbrewing.com

Steel Toe Brewing

Last but by no means least we have the World Beer Cup award winning Steel Toe Brewing. The producers of the award winning Wee Heavy, began with one man in his bedroom, which led to a stint as a cellarman, before moving on to become assistant and then head brewer, followed by a degree from the World Brewing Academy. The Steel Toe Brewing opened its bedroom doors in 2011 and hasn't looked back since. In the taproom you will find four year-round offerings and six seasonal favourites, and not to forget the most famous of all the Wee Heavy. www.steeltoebrewing.com