Brewery historian visiting April 19

For The Journal

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2008

For centuries, brew masters have pursued the perfect pour — a delectable combination of barley, yeast, water and hops — and few states can claim as devoted a relationship to beer as Minnesota.

Join the Otter Tail County Historical Society in welcoming Doug Hoverson, author of “The Land of Amber Waters: A History of Brewing in Minnesota,” at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Barringer's Coffee House in downtown Fergus Falls, to learn about the state's rich brewing traditions.

Dedicated home brewers and casual beer drinkers alike will be amazed by the tales of Minnesota beers and breweries featured in The Land of Amber Waters. Starting with the first brewery in 1849, Hoverson tells the story of the state's beer industry from the small-town breweries that gave way to larger companies to the vibrant beer culture of today, led by a new wave of brewers such as Summit, Gluek's and Lake Superior Brewing Company.

“Land of Amber Waters” also tells the story of Otter Tail County breweries in Fergus Falls, Perham and New York Mills, where Glacial Lakes beer was made in a former drug store from 1997 to 2001.

Hoverson's program includes a tasting in which people can sample a variety of beer styles from at least half a dozen Minnesota breweries and brewpubs. Appetizers provided by Barringer's will also be available.

Admission to the Amber Waters program is $12. Seating at Barringer's is limited. To reserve a spot, call the Historical Society at 736-6038 or e-mail cschuelke@otchs.org.