Get our free mobile app

If you're a fan of craft beer and craft brewing, it's a good time to be living in Minnesota.

I've been on record often as saying that Minnesota's local craft breweries produce some of the best beers in the country. Ever since Minnesota changed the law back in 2011 that allowed brewers to sell their different brews in the taprooms, the craft beer scene has exploded here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

In fact, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild notes that as of 2019, there were 183 different craft breweries operating here in the North Star State. And, in May, there will be even MORE craft brewers here in Minnesota-- because the Bold North is hosting the 2022 Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America.

Billed as a conference that offers 'concentrated, affordable brewing education and idea sharing to improve brewery quality and performance,' the 2022 Craft Brewers Conference is put on every year by Brewers Association and is set for May 2nd through 5th at the Convention Center in Minneapolis.

The conference also includes the 2022 World Beer Cup Awards Ceremony. The Brewers Association developed the World Beer Cup Competition in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing. Often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions,” it's also called the 'Most Prestigious Beer Competition in the World.' It's set to take place on Saturday, May 5th.

Here's the thing, though-- unless you, yourself, are an actual craft beer brewer, these various seminars and classes probably won't be of too much interest to you. (And, of course, you have to register for the conference in order to attend.)

You can get more information about the 2022 Craft Brewers Conference HERE. And, if you're looking to TRY some great craft brews, keep scrolling to check out some amazing craft breweries and taprooms, all within an hour of Rochester!

Listen to Curt St. John in the Morning
Weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5

Delicious Beers Await at These 22 Breweries Within an Hour of Rochester

Craft breweries are incredibly popular right now and it doesn't seem like they'll be going anywhere. Right here in southeast Minnesota, there are 22 breweries all within an hour for Rochester and more are being added!

More From 106.9 KROC-FM