(Minnetonka, MN) – Badger Hill Brewing, the newest upstart brewery in the Twin Cities, is excited to formally announce its launch beers, including the first unveil of a unique rye ale called Three Tree American Rye.

Badger Hill Brewing’s first beer and flagship, MSB (Minnesota Special Bitter), is in the style of an ESB (extra special bitter) and promises balance that both hop heads and malt lovers will enjoy. In the fall, they will roll out Foundation, an American stout, that blends coffee, chocolate and roast malts to a drinkable finish.

They are also excited to announce that in July they will debut Three Tree American Rye, in the vein of a traditional German Roggenbier, this brew combines seven malts with a hybrid German yeast and American hops to create a truly unique beer. “Three Tree is heavily influenced by the founders’ German and Belgian heritage and their love of American ales” says President Brittany Krekelberg. “This beer will surprise many, with its mix of spicy rye, crisp malt flavor and tantalizing aroma of banana and cloves.”

Krekelberg states the overriding theme of Badger Hill’s first three beers is balance. “We set out to brew beers that are complex but very drinkable. Our first three beers all toe the line between malty and bitter and will be full of flavor with great aroma.”

Look for Badger Hill to brew a limited release specialty beer this fall. They will age part of the beer in wine barrels acquired from a favorite winery of theirs in Door County, Wisconsin. They also are planning on launching a fourth year round beer in early 2013. More details on each to come closer to the beers launch.

Releases and Events
The public will get their first chance to sample MSB and Three Tree American Rye at the Beer Dabbler at Twin Cities Pride on Friday, June 22nd where they will be paired with Fork in The Road food truck. The MSB will be available all event and with a special tapping of Three Tree American Rye at 7pm.

MSB will be available in bars and restaurants the week of June 25th. Badger Hill Brewing will be officially launching their MSB at Senior Wong Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown St. Paul on June 28th. More details upcoming.

Beer Details
MSB (Minnesota Special Bitter): Style – ESB, Extra Special Bitter
A brew made in the tradition of English Special Bitters. The use of English malts such as Marris Otter and Crystal 60 provide a smooth malt backbone with small caramel undertones, medium mouthfeel and hints of biscuit flavors. The traditional ESB yeast adds complexity to the beer yet allows great clarity. The use of 4 English and American hops throughout the brewing process, including dry-hopping, provides traditional excellent hop flavor and aroma, with a bitterness that is evident but balanced. Finishes slightly dry. (ABV 5.8%)

Three Tree American Rye: Style – American Rye (Roggenbier/Pale Ale hybrid)
Extremely complex, yet dry and refreshing. The blend of seven Belgian, American and German grains gives this beer a profile that is hard to match. The bready, spiciness of Rye is complimented by subtle saison and sweet caramel malt flavors, and true balance is achieved by the use of one unique American hop throughout the brewing process. A hybrid German yeast finishes the beer very dry yet with subtle hints of banana and clove. (ABV 5.2%)

Foundation Stout: Style – American Stout
An incredibly flavorful and complex stout that belies its easy drinking nature. Although classified as an American Stout, this beer’s ancestry is rooted in the traditional English Stouts and Porters of yesteryear, where drinkability and robust flavor went hand-in-hand. The initial flavors that come through are a moderate caramel presence with slight chocolate and coffee essence in the background. Medium-high mouthfeel is evident but not lingering as the beer finishes surprisingly dry, complimented with citrusy bitterness of American Hops. (ABV 6.3%)

About Badger Hill Brewing
Located in Minnetonka, Minn., Badger Hill Brewing was founded two brothers united by a hankering for travel and craft beer. Their first beer, MSB (Minnesota Special Bitter) launches in late June in bars and restaurants with 12oz bottles available in July. More information on our beers and upcoming events can be found here.