Bad Weather Brewing Company is only steps from the Waldmann Brewery, which we featured immediately before this post. Co-founders Joe and Zac had the ultimate vision for Bad Weather back when they were only home brewers in their garage. The early stages of Bad Weather began at Lucid Brewing Company in Minnetonka, where they borrowed some space for making the first few batches of beer. Now, they occupy a building on the corner of West 7th Street and Smith Avenue in Saint Paul.

Head brewer Andy Ruhland maintains an uncompromising approach to his beer. He emphasizes meticulous effort to mainly stick to classic recipes, but venturing out of the box with some frequency. There was a chance for Bad Weather to do a New England IPA, but Andy decided that he was not willing because of his belief in beer clarity. This makes him a bit of a traditionalist with respect for brewing’s past. 

The dramatically changing Minnesota weather inspired the name of Bad Weather Brewing. The unpredictability of the elements inspires the quick changes in their seasonal tap selections. Their staple remains the WINDVANE, which has been the most widely distributed and most profitable. Its American hops give this red IPA a piney, citrusy finish. Beyond just beer, pops are made in house for younger fans of the brewery. Make this a family affair by dropping by with younger children and letting them play on one of the collector-edition pinball machines along the wall inside.

Private parties can be hosted in a separate taproom for larger groups. The property has the taproom and brewery space, the private room, and they have plans to purchase the property next door to expand into a covered patio for summer nights. Food trucks are often parked on the property during peak days as well.

Bad Weather is proudly Minnesotan. Their Coffee Ominous, which uses coffee grounds, is a collaboration with Peace Coffee in Minneapolis. They also use hops from a Foley, Minnesota company along Highway 10 called Mighty Axe Hops. 

SUMMARY:

TOUR PRICE: Varies by group size 

GUIDED TOURS ARE OFFERED: Email events@badweatherbrewery.com to reserve a private tour only. No public tour times are currently offered. 

HISTORY: Opened in October 2015

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS BREWERY: Family, Cooperative, and Unpredictable

MY PERSONAL 3P SCORE (PRICE, POURS, AND PLEASANTNESS): N/A