After about six months in wait, we've finally gotten our federal approval for the brewery. It probably could have been shortened to three months if everything went perfectly, but as life happens, we managed to hit a few snags, with each one taking a few weeks to a month to get sorted out, reset, and moving forward again. When actually working with them, talking/emailing, they were very helpful and things moved forward when we provided what's needed, it's just the processing/evaluating about ~30-40 pages of online documents with 5-10 variables on each takes some time.

Anyway, that's done, next up is:

1. Getting approved/licensed by the State of Minnesota.
2. Getting approved/licensed by the City of Ranier.

In tandem:

1. Installing the vent hood and plumbing,
2. Ordering ingredients and kegs.
3. Start brewing a test batch or two.
4. Installing keg cooler and tap system.

Getting closer...

Cheers,
​Matt

With the upcoming holiday season, if anyone is looking for a place to have their own private party, whether for work or with a group a friends, Loony's Brew would be happy to accommodate and make the place available for your group.

Some of the highlights:

• Broad selection of beers, wine, liquor, can highlight/promote your favorites.
• Appetizer snack plates can be customized for your group.
• Have your own music selection.
• Stage available for a band, open mic, or karaoke.
• Nice view of the lake.
• Plenty of local lodging available if inviting guests from afar.

To book an event, you can either come down to Loony's or fill out the event contact form.

Cheers,
Matt

Wines and tunes, hanging out with the loons!

Wine Tasting
This is now a monthly event to introduce and try out new wines, held on the first Saturday of every month. While we may try to do a certain theme for this or that month, in general we'll be making available most if not all the wines available for tasting. The details are it's from 4-8pm, is $10, and includes complimentary cheese/salami/cracker offerings.

Live Music
Following the wine tasting, E-Sharp Harp Blues Band will be rocking the stage through the evening, always a treat.

Cheers,
Matt

On Friday, December 2, from noon to 4pm, we'll be having a holiday lights decorating party! This is not in the Loony's Brew pub, but is in agreement with the city for lighting up the city pier. If we can provide the lights, they'll help with installation and energy costs.

Why are doing this? 
Brighten the place up a bit during the long winter months. We see many people stopping by to visit and walk out on the city pier, it's a great view, but no lighting.

What's being planned?
So far, and this could change with feedback, includes:

• Adding lights in series winding through the side rails up and down the pier.
• We might have access to add a 20 foot high tree onto the pier which could be lit up and decorated as well.
• Depending on how many lights we end up getting, this could be extended to some trees and, Loony'Brew deck, dock, and other suggestions.

What we need from you:

1. Lights, preferably in series and LED, so we can have one connection going up and down the pier. If you have any extra lights from over the years and not planning on using this year, we'd greatly appreciate the donation or borrowing from which we'll be happy to return once done. You can drop them off at the pub between now and next Thursday, Dec 1st.
2. Help out with installing all the lights, from noon to 4pm on Friday, from which we'll have a lighting party that evening.

What you'll get from helping:
To show our appreciation, we're happy to provide a complimentary beverage token, for both the lights donation and the installation.

Happy Thanksgiving and drive safe!

Starting a couple weeks ago, we merged the Open Mic night and Karaoke night into one, making for a full-on music evening on Wednesdays. With an added bonus of Fireball specials to assist getting the necessary courage for stepping on the stage.

What's included:

• If the crowd is light, can go nuts with whatever you want. If busier, will restrict to 2-3 songs per person.
• For musicians, house instruments include acoustic guitars, electric, bass, mandolin, banjo, drums, bongos, a tambourine, maracas, cow bell, and piano.
• Karaoke includes a number of karaoke CDs as well as option to hook up to a phone or tablet for a more diverse selection.
• The only real rules are to respective of others while they're playing.

Why to check it out?

1. It's fun.
2. A great stress reliever to sing a few songs on stage and let it out.
3. Practice a new song you've written with others.
4. Meet other musicians.
5. Can sing your favorite song of the day.
6. Sing with others, a great bonding experience.
7. Everyone can be a performer, can participate, whether through singing on stage or playing an instrument.
8. Celebrate making it past hump day.
9. Learn how to play with other musicians or singers.
10. Be entertained from hours of unexpected moments.

See you tonight!
​Matt

A day to celebrate the creative side of our humanity, otherwise known as the right side of the brain. Since it can be a big, scary thing doing anything different or new (which usually are completely valid reasons not to be trifled with), most artists don't mind a little courage to help kick start the process, jump in and see what happens.

What's Included:

• Music playlists with a creative twist.
• 25% off all featured books: The book selection includes new and used, with genres ranging from liquor/wine/beer making, painting, mythology,  sci-fi, eccentric fiction, local, poetry, philosophy, and a few others. The features are a collection of books from a specific genre, will be displayed on the shelf by the window.
• Painting supplies: We have different sized canvases that are reasonably priced, starting at $10, and we'll supply the easels, paints, floor tarp, and basic instructions.
• Wine Specials: 50% off all wines, for the courage of course. Plus a good way to try out a few different ones while on special.

Come down and check it out, open at 4pm.

Cheers,
Matt
​

It's finally happening, thanks to Dennis Wagner for pushing it through, the city of Ranier will be silencing the train horns!!! And what better way to celebrate than with a party. After all, here's what to expect from the change:

1. More uninterrupted sleep, getting woken up at 3, 4, 5 am is never fun.
2. Sammy wins one! In case you're not familiar, Sammy is the local dog that gives a lesson in howling every time the train screeches by. While no doubt Sammy will still be paying attention, will be a little more relaxed for everyone.
3. Able to have a conversation outside, much better for punchlines without the horn.
4. No more frightened babies during strolls in Ranier. Take one in a stroller sometime when they're blasting away and see what happens.
5. Better chances for big foot sightings, so I've been told.
6. Better fishing, I'm sure this is the reason for my lack of fishing success this year. 
7. Improved quality of living with less noise pollution, similar to pollution with air, water, food, affected by anything in our environment. 
8. Less droppings from startled birds, especially in spring, millions of birds migrating through and getting the crap scared out of them.
9. Massive savings from no more ear plug expenses, it adds up.
10. Another excuse to have a party/celebration in Ranier!

And of course, the flip side:

1. Might have to buy an alarm clock.
2. Going to have to start preparing for Sasquatch.

Come down to Loony's Brew on Saturday and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Cheers,
Matt
​