This photo doesnt really have anything to do with anything, but it’s funny!

North Dakota has long been a wasteland when it comes to craft beer, but things have changed! What a difference a year can make. When Fargo Brewing started shipping kegs of their beer in 2011 things began to change. People clamored that “yeah Fargo is a North Dakota craft beer brewery, but their beer is brewed in Wisconsin.”  Things are happening.  North Dakota is apparently the home to the second biggest beer drinkers in the nation, but craft beer has been lagging behind.  Not much longer. Here’s what has been brewing  in the Peace Garden State:

• Fargo Brewing has been reported to be searching for a location for a brewery so they can indeed brew their beer in the state. They have also recently started bottling, but I think all those bottles are staying in the city of Fargo.  I could be wrong.
• Edwinton Brewing in Mandan was the “first” craft brewery whose North Dakota brewed beer was on taps.  I say “first” because really, it’s just the first since all the other breweries in the state closed.  They are currently doing kegs only, and as far as I can tell those kegs are staying in the area.  Although they have announced the names of a few of their beer, as far as I can tell from their facebook page they have only been brewing Lou, their Belgian IPA.
• Laughing Sun Brewing in Bismarck has opened their doors and their starting lineup looks pretty solid with an ESB, porter, IPA, APA and a wheat beer with strawberry.
• Souris River Brewing in Minot appears to be making some good progress according to their facebook page, but no signs of what styles they will be serving.  Edit: According to a comment they left on a post on their facebook page they will be offering a porter, pale ale, saison, and IPA
• Buffalo Commons Brewing in Mandan appears to be gathering equipment.  I guess you need that.
• Little Deep Brewing in Minot appears to be on the way, but a ways to go yet (or holding their cards tightly)

What am I missing?

So yeah, thats a lot that has changed since I took a visit to North Dakota a few years ago looking for something local!  I’m thinking of visiting the state over the holidays this year and tracking down a few of these beer.  The craft beer scene has a pulse.  Lets hope to see some of these beer getting distribution in the new year.