USA, MN: Jack Pine Brewery readies for a May opening

What started with a small online Kickstarter campaign in 2012 has now become something much bigger as Jack Pine Brewery readies for a May opening, the Brainer Dispatch reported on March 4.

"I'm just amazed at how this has grown over the years. When I started, I expected to be drinking beer with the same twelve people every Friday night in the taproom," said Patrick Sundberg, Jack Pine Brewery's owner, founder and brewer, in a news release. "I never thought my beer would be so widely accepted ... but I'm ecstatic that it is."

Sundberg said he never dreamed that his operation would grow this quickly but thanks to loyal customers, a solid demand for wholesale, and the continued production of award-winning beer, Jack Pine Brewery is growing ahead of his projections.

Not only are his goals growing, but his team is as well. Kevin Clark will become Jack Pine Brewery's head brewer when the new location opens this spring on Edgewood Drive in Baxter.

Clark first spent five years as head brewer at Peter B's Brewpub in Monterey, Calif. After moving to Minnesota with his wife and young son, he helped build Urban Lodge Brewery and Restaurant in Sauk Rapids while living in Pequot Lakes. The shorter commute and opportunity to be part of the growing team at Jack Pine Brewery provided inspiration for Clark.

"I saw the vision Patrick has for the community and brewery and I'm thrilled to say that I will be part of his crew," Clark said. "My expertise is in Lagers, Belgian Ales and India Pale Ales but I also love a good raspberry ale. I have started two successful barrel programs. One of my favorites was a barley wine aged in tequila barrels. I love the production of beer and sense of community that it creates."

Located just south of Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, the new 7,400-square-foot brewery will allow for an increase in annual production from 900 barrels to 2,000—the equivalent of 27,600 cases of beer. When Jack Pine Brewery originally opened it had four taplines; the new taproom will have 26.

Food will not be provided by the brewery, but Sundberg hasn't ruled out the possibility of having various food trucks in the parking lot. And customers will be invited to bring in their own food, not unlike the current taproom. The new building will also have outdoor seating and a meeting room—available for overflow or to rent. Nor-Son's local construction team broke ground last October.

"We are on schedule for a spring opening," said Nor-Son's project manager Nathan Norton. "The project has been a real success thanks to Patrick's involvement and personal commitment to the business."

"There are some very unique aspects to the building; things that will make it easier to see from Highway 371," said Jesse Hopkins, Nor-Son's lead architect for the project. "Our team is proud to be a part of the project and look forward to joining Patrick and his team at the grand opening."

Jack Pine Brewery's grand opening is slated for Memorial Day weekend.

05 March, 2017