Sip in Style: Storm Creek Winter Wear for Twin Cities Breweries

We Minnesotans are a tough bunch who aren’t afraid to head out in the elements, including during our famous winters. We also love our beer and ales.

Being a locally-owned business ourselves, we thought we’d highlight just a few of the dozens of establishments in the Twin Cities’ thriving craft brewery scene. 

With Storm Creek apparel you can seamlessly transition from your outdoor winter activities to the cozy interiors of these local taprooms. Whether it’s ice skating, winter hiking, snowshoeing or just a quick walk around the block with your furry pal—any outdoor activity can end with your friends, good drinks and great food.

 

10 Unique Craft Breweries in Minneapolis and Saint Paul

Here are ten local breweries that are unique in some way—completely gluten-free to women-owned to eco-friendly to avid non-profit sponsors:

 

1. Indeed Brewing Company is located in the Logan Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. Their space includes a production brewery and taproom. They’re a company after our own heart with 100% of their Wednesday profits going to employee-chosen local nonprofits.

2. Fulton Brewing Company has two locations in Minneapolis—their production and warehouse space in one and their taproom in the other. In fact, their taproom was the first one to (legally) open in the city, back in 2012. They help other local entrepreneurs with their Ful10 Fund which invests 10% of their profits into others’ new business ventures.

3. Urban Growler Brewing Company has the distinction of being the first women-owned microbrewery in Minnesota, opening in 2014. Their Saint Paul taproom uses ingredients from local farmers in some of their brews, and they place a heavy emphasis on community.

4. Finnegans in the Elliot Park neighborhood of Minneapolis is dedicated to doing good. Their building houses several organizations geared to such ventures as training social entrepreneurs as well as their production area and taproom. They have a “Reverse” food truck that collects food donations for those in need. And their November/December profits go to filling up local food shelves.

5. Bang Brewing in Saint Paul not only crafts tasty beers but practices sustainability at every level of its business. This includes paperless receipts, Saint Paul’s first on-street bike parking corral, using reclaimed/reused materials in their space, partnering with a recycling company for zero-waste events—and the list goes on. They’re serious about sustainability!

6. Inbound BrewCo is located in Minneapolis’ North Loop with a massive German-style taproom. Local food trucks frequently stop by to offer great food. Inbound hosts #PourItBack events once a month where a dollar from every pint sold goes to selected nonprofits.

7. Summit Brewing Co in Saint Paul is the Twin Cities’ original craft beer company, opening in 1986 before craft beers were cool. Besides remaining independently owned and operated ever since, they have a high commitment to sustainable practices like reducing water use, energy use and waste. Food trucks and other food options (including bring your own) are available.

8. La Doña Cervecería celebrates Latino/Minnesota culture while doing social good. They’re a registered Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) that focuses on helping their employees, the local community and the environment. You’ll find their taproom and delicious Latino food on Fremont Avenue North in Minneapolis.

9. Waldmann Brewery operates in a restored Saint Paul building that was first opened as a saloon before the Civil War. The building was completed shortly before Minnesota achieved statehood. With German-inspired lager beers and hearty food, this brewery is named after and retains the atmosphere of its original 19th Century owners. 

10. Burning Brothers offers gluten-free beers “from grain to glass.” They use grains that don’t contain gluten in their own gluten-free recipes. Their taproom is furnished with locally made, repurposed and traded items. You’ll find it on Thomas Avenue West in Saint Paul.

 

Storm Creek Apparel from the Trail to the Taproom

Layering apparel is everyone’s best-practice for Minnesota winters, and layering is a Storm Creek specialty. Not only that, our color choices always coordinate across garment styles so it’s easy to grab and go.

Here are some of your options for apparel that performs out in the elements while looking stylish when you head indoors afterward:

Sidekick Quarter Zip—A combo of your favorite sweatshirt with that country club chic look. This quarter zip is luxuriously soft and snuggly with a high-stretch fabric that moves with you on all your activities. Made with 44% recycled polyester, you’re upcycling 11-12 plastic bottles when you wear it. The Sidekick is heavy enough to keep you warm underneath one of our jackets, but not too warm for post-activity drinks. The men’s version comes in five color options and the women’s in three. 

Trailblazer Vest—Perfect for layering over the Sidekick, our Trailblazer Vest is amazingly versatile for outdoor use with its waterproof shell and fleece-lined interior. High-stretch and breathable, this vest won’t cramp your style during your ski or snowshoe excursions. Its trim shape fits well underneath a warmer jacket when you need more insulation. You can also feel great about helping our environment as the Trailblazer is made from 94% (the shell) and 100% (the inner layer) recycled polyester, using 20-22 recycled bottles each.

Aviator Bomber Jacket—This modern take on the classic bomber style is ideal for mild winter days or high-adrenaline outdoor activities. And it adapts perfectly from the trail to a night out with friends or your spouse at the local brewery. You’re supporting the environment at the same time as making a fashion statement with its 100% recycled poly shell and 35% recycled Thermolite insulation. The Aviator uses 14-18 upcycled bottles in each jacket.

Defender Jacket—When you need to conquer serious cold, you can’t go wrong with our Defender Jacket. Below zero weather? No problem. The waterproof yet breathable shell has sealed seams to keep the wet out. The Thermolite insulation keeps the warmth in, and we add a lining of microsuede for one more layer of warmth and softness. The Defender layers easily over the Sidekick Quarter Zip, even if you add the Trailblazer Vest. Each jacket uses 16-19 upcycled plastic bottles in its poly/recycled poly fabrics.

Catalyst Mittens and Beanie • Show-Off Pom Hat—Keep your head and hands toasty during your winter hikes and ice skating outings. Our Catalyst products feature 50% recycled and snuggly sweater fleece with a lofty fleece interior. The super-cute Pom Hat for women is 100% acrylic with a faux fur pom that’s available in three colors. When you’re ready to move indoors for a brew, the mittens snap together and hey, everyone wears hats indoors these days!

Don’t let winter cramp your style—in more ways than one! Let Storm Creek outfit you for your outdoor adventures then take you into one of the many local craft breweries for drinks, food and fun.