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Grab a beer and settle in for an unexpected journey across the Midwest's brewing landscape as we recount our recent brewery-hopping adventure that took some surprising turns.
What began as a simple trip to claim my winning lottery draw for Toppling Goliath's coveted Assassin Imperial Stout transformed into a multi-brewery expedition revealing hidden gems tucked away in picturesque small towns. When faced with overwhelming crowds at Toppling Goliath, we pivoted to explore Fat Pat's Brewery in Spring Grove, where their "Juice is Loose" Hazy IPA showcased brilliant citrus notes without overwhelming bitterness, while their "Bit O' Fuzz" IPA delivered an intensely dank experience that divided our opinions.
The true revelation came at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro, housed in a magnificent converted mill. Their exceptional fruited sours rivaled established breweries like Barntown, delivering authentic fruit flavors without artificial sweetness. The owner's warm hospitality enhanced our experience as he shared insights into his brewing process. Meanwhile, Karst Brewing in Fountain impressed with their 17-beer lineup, particularly their perfectly balanced smoked red ale that offered gentle smoke character without overwhelming the palate.
Between brewery visits, we subjected ourselves to sampling some questionable canned cocktails that proved to be sugary nightmares despite their 10% ABV. The stark contrast between these mass-produced drinks and the craft excellence we found in small-town breweries couldn't have been more pronounced. We wrapped up our journey by finally tasting the prized 2023 Assassin (15.9% ABV), with its complex chocolate fudge notes and surprising smoothness.
Join us for this flavor-packed episode where we celebrate craft brewing excellence, compare notes on surprising finds, and remind ourselves why supporting local breweries yields such rewarding experiences. What's your favorite hidden gem brewery? Let us know, and don't forget to subscribe for more beer adventures!

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