Photo by Jordan Wipf

We could probably write you a novel about all of the scenic Mississippi views, beautiful fall colors, and mouthwatering barbecue that you’ll be enjoying at Beer Paddler, but we know the real reason you’re here: Beer! (duh.)

While every single one of the 24 breweries and cideries will be pouring something amazing at Beer Paddler this Friday, here are 10 beers and ciders that we think that you’re really going to love—including some festival exclusives only available at our event!

Bad Weather Brewing Co. Helles Lager

With the historically-inspired Padelford Riverboats serving as our venue, it only made sense to feature a historically-inspired beer from our West 7th neighbors at Bad Weather. Their Bavarian-style Helles Lager with a crisp, lightly hoppy flavor and a refreshingly dry finish is the perfect way to start your evening.

Bad Weather Helles Lager • Photo via Bad Weather Brewing Company

Blacklist Brewing Co. Cran Cranberry Belgian Golden Strong

A classy and refined ale for a classy and refined (well, sort of) cruise, Cran from Duluth’s Blacklist Brewing is a golden strong ale infused with cranberries, giving the classic Belgian recipe a tart zing. Plus, it comes in at a sturdy 9.5% ABV, making it a fully-flavored slow-sipper that’s ideal for watching the sunset.

Blacklist Cran • Photo via Blacklist Brewing

Dangerous Man Brewing Company Bru Eagle Hazy DIPA

Nearly as majestic as the bald eagles that have been known to make their homes along the Mississippi River Valley, Dangerous Man’s Bru Eagle positively soars with juicy hop flavor. Featuring a potent combination of Bru1, Styrian Eagle, and Citra hops, Bru Eagle promises loads of stone fruit, pineapple and citrus flavors, plus a sturdy 8.5% ABV.

Dangerous Man Bru Eagle • Photo via Dangerous Man Brewing Company

Elm Creek Brewing Company Miel Blanc Double NEIPA with Local Honey

Full of fresh local ingredients just in time for harvest season, Elm Creek’s Miel Blanc Double NEIPA is based around the unique, white wine-like flavors of Nelson Sauvin and Enigma hops. Elm Creek compliments these crisp, Pinot Grigio-esque notes with a subtle infusion of local honey.

Elm Creek Miel Blanc • Photo via Elm Creek Brewing Company

Falling Knife Brewing Company L-Bombs DDH Hazy DIPA

Boats are a fantastic location for true love to bloom, just look at Jack and Rose in Titanic. In Beer Paddler’s case, you’ll be falling in love with this pungent and tropical IPA from Falling Knife in Northeast Minneapolis. Featuring a swoonworthy mix of Denali, Citra, Mosaic, and Sabro, this handsome hazy is guaranteed to turn the Anson and Betsey into a pair of love boats.

Falling Knife Brewing Company L-Bombs DDH Hazy DIPA Boats are a fantastic location for true love to bloom, just look at Jack and Rose in Titanic. In Beer Paddler’s case, you’ll be falling in love with this pungent and tropical IPA from Falling Knife in Northeast Minneapolis. Featuring a swoonworthy mix of Denali, Citra, Mosaic and Sabro, this handsome hazy is guaranteed to turn the Anson and Betsey into a pair of love boats.

Insight Avant Dry-Hopped Pilsner

Congratulations to Insight Brewing on their brand new recipes and can art! By attending Beer Paddler, you’re going to be some of the first people in the world to try Insight’s new beers. While sales guy Lance’s favorite new one is their equally awesome Drift West Coast IPA, our personal favorite is the crisp, quaffable, and brightly hopped Avant Pilsner.

Insight Avant Pilsner • Photo via Insight Brewing

Inver Grove Brewing Tipsy Squirrel Rye Barrel Aged Baltic Porter

Inspired by a real-life Inver Grove Heights squirrel who got “drunk” by ingesting fermented pears (this really happened, it was all over the news last year), Inver Grove’s dark and rich baltic porter serves as the perfect base for a big hit of rye whiskey flavor. If we were a squirrel, we’d skip the acorns and store a keg of this for the winter.

Inver Grove Tipsy Squirrel (right) • Photo via Inver Grove Brewing Company

Lupulin Brewing CPB Oatmeal Porter

Two great tastes that taste great together. We’re talking about two of nature’s most important food groups: chocolate and peanut butter. Lupulin’s CPB infuses rich chocolate and savory peanut butter into a naturally creamy and sweet oatmeal porter base to create a decadent desert beer that’s perfect for cooler fall temps.

Lupulin CPB • Photo via Lupulin Brewing Company
Soapy Joe's Car Wash

Modist Brewing GRAVITY SUCKS! the beer NEIPA

Think about it: If it weren’t for gravity, we could potentially have next year’s Beer Paddler on one of those cool steampunk airships you see in the movies. Until then, we’re happy to enjoy this brand new NEIPA from Modist Brewing, which the brewery made in collaboration with video game company Wallride Games to help fund Breakroom Pocket Park, a multi-use skatepark near Modist’s North Loop taproom in Minneapolis.

Modist Gravity Sux • Photo via Modist Brewing Company

Number 12 Cider La Route

While the French have historically fared poorly on the water, this French-style semi-dry cider from Minneapolis’ Number 12 Cider is destined for victory at Beer Paddler. With a rustic and tannic flavor derived from semi-sweet French apples, La Route features notes of dried apricot and toffee.

Number 12 La Route • Photo via Number 12 Cider

Like what you see? Click below to see the full beer and cider list available this Friday at Beer Paddler or purchase tickets.