Grrr. Surly 16 Grit Release Party

At the end of last year, Surly Brewing was forced to end sales of growlers - half-gallon jugs of beer - from their Brooklyn Park brewery. Surly brewed a special beer just for the occasion, 16 Grit. I trucked out to Brooklyn Park, stood in line, bought a pair of growlers and a pair of Surly beer glasses, I am a sucker for merchandising, and by gum, it was good beer. Possibly made even better because it was mine and mine alone (not counting the couple of hundred other people who also got there in time for their growlers.)

And now, to my chagrin, Surly is releasing 16 Grit to the public. How could they?

Just kidding. It's great beer and beer lovers of the Twin Cities deserve it. Grumpy's in Downtown Minneapolis is hosting the 16 Grit release party on March 16, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., then it will be available at Surly bars in the Twin Cities.

A couple of days after the release, the Second Annual Firkin Fest at the Happy Gnome in St. Paul will have several Surly beers: 16 Grit, plus Bitter Brewer, award winning Tea-Bagged Furious and Oak-Aged Bender. The Happy Gnome is still working on the details of the event as I write, but there will be a $5 entry charge, a tent, and lots and lots of great beer.