By Andrea Busche
Thirsty? Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing Co. has your back.
Bent Paddle is a great place to hang out and enjoy a delicious craft beverage, year-round. The vibe of the taproom is cozy and super chill. And, in the warmer months, the pet-friendly outdoor patio is the place to be.
And, whether you enjoy beer, THC beverages, or non-intoxicating drinks, Bent Paddle has options for you.
Bent Paddle currently offers seven year-round (sometimes referred to as “flagship”) beers, plus seasonal beers, special “pilot beers,” a seltzer option, and eight hemp-derived THC beverages. Guests can also stock up on Bent Paddle’s proprietary brand of canna edibles to enjoy later.
There are also N/A and non-THC drinks available, such as kombucha, root beer, coffee, and Hop Stream, a sparkling “hop water.” All their amazing craft beverages are made with clear, fresh, Lake Superior water.
And, if you’re hungry, there are regular visits from food trucks. There are also partnerships with local eateries to provide “pop ups” right inside the taproom. Guests are also welcome to bring in food from other establishments, too.
Please join us as we quench our thirst … Bent Paddle style!
History
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2013. The business is owned by two married couples: Colin and Laura Mullen, and Bryon and Karen Tonnis.
Bent Paddle’s mission is to brew craft beer and hemp beverages with a concentration on sustainability. This mission extends to its business, employees, the environment, and the greater community – all while “bending traditions” for a more unique and interesting craft beverage experience.
Originally, the brewery and a small taproom were housed under one roof, at 1912 West Michigan Street. The operation quickly outgrew the available space, however, and another adjacent building, at 1832 West Michigan Street, was secured for a larger taproom which opened in 2018, along with a smaller award-winning pilot brewery run by brewer, Neil Caron.
More information on BP’s history can be found here: The Story of Bent Paddle Brewing Co. – Bending Traditions and Making Great Beer Since 2013 – Destination Duluth
Vibe
Bent Paddle’s taproom is vibrant and warm, offering plenty of space for folks to stretch out, listen to live music, order food, and enjoy a delicious beverage. On the evening we visited (a Monday, at about 5 pm), the clientele ranged from couples and groups to families with babies and toddlers. Bent Paddle prides itself on being a family-friendly establishment.
The décor includes exposed ductwork, beautiful distressed hardwood floors, and brick walls. Seating includes high-top and low-top tables, bar stools, and a few padded banquettes.
Plenty of outdoorsy- and beer-themed art adorns the walls, and the gas fireplace keeps patrons warm and cozy. The color scheme features a lot of wood and neutral colors, with bright red chairs for a pop of color.
There is space available at the taproom for semi-private events, called the Enger and Olson room. There is a gift shop to pick up a variety of Bent Paddle-themed merch. Another cool amenity is the brewery’s outdoor heated patio and a green space, called The Yard, which is pet-friendly.
And, from trivia nights to live music, there is always something fun and exciting happening at Bent Paddle. A full list of their events can be found here:
Events – Bent Paddle Brewing Company
Beverages
As noted, there are a ton of creative craft beverages to choose from. So, we decided to do a little sampling.
Mike chose to order a “flight,” featuring four small pours of beer. He selected:
- Christmas Cookie Cream Ale: Cream Ale with Vanilla + Almond + Cardamom
This beer truly tastes like a sweet, nostalgic Christmas cookie! It features notes of vanilla, almond, and cardamom, mingled with a Cream Ale malt profile.
- Cold Press Black (on Nitro): Coffee Ale
Bent Paddle’s Black Ale is mixed with their house-made Cold Press, utilizing beans from Duluth Coffee Company. This delicious beer offers strong, bold flavors of rich chocolate and smooth roast coffee. And, having it served “on nitro” gives the beer a thicker mouth-feel and a creamier texture.
- Cappucin-Ale Cream Ale + Cold Press Coffee
This beer is similar to the Cold Press Black, in that it offers a very coffee-forward flavor profile. But it is lighter in color, and made with different varietals of malts and hops, giving it a unique flavor all its own.
- Very Berry Sour – American Sour Ale made with Blackberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry
This sour beer offers a delightful blend of tartness and fruitiness that will tantalize your taste buds. Packed with a multitude of berries, this refreshing sour balances tart and sweet flavors perfectly.
I chose to sample a canna beverage, the THC+ Berry Stash Sparkling Water.
Featuring zero alcohol, calories, carbs, or sugar, this bubbly beverage is crisp and refreshing. The berry flavor is light and subtle.
With 5 mg Delta-9 THC and 5 mg CBD per 12 oz can, THC+ Berry Stash ensures a delightful, “high-tened” experience. As compared to alcoholic beverages, which can be felt quickly, it takes about 30 minutes or so to notice the elevation from a canna drink.
If you’re new to canna beverages, the motto is “start low, and go slow.” A 5 mg dose is a great place to start. Another pro tip: the addition of CBD tempers some of the effects of the THC, making the buzz much more mellow.
This low-dose THC beverage is a great choice for the “California sober” folks in your group. (IYKYK. And if not, just ask Willie Nelson).
Service
Our beverages were served up by a super friendly and helpful Beertender, Kori Boatman. She cheerfully answered all our questions about the many beverage selections at Bent Paddle, and served them up with a smile.
Unfortunately, by the time we moseyed back up to the bar to ask for a photo of Kori, her shift had ended. But every Beertender we engaged with on the night of our visit was friendly and very pleasant.
Verdict
We love Bent Paddle!
We appreciate the fact that they offer seltzer, canna beverages, and N/A drinks on the menu, alongside their craft beers. This gives choices and flexibility for all, including the sober and “California sober” among us.
And, the taproom is the place to be for year-round entertainment. Serve it all up in a cozy, living-room type setting – by a team of pleasant Beertenders – and you have a winner with Duluth’s Bent Paddle.
For more information, please visit Home – Bent Paddle Brewing Company.
