Wednesday, February 5, 2020
A Visit to Roets Jordan Brewery
In all my years of beer writing, it’s not too often that I turn my attention to breweries that are some of the most well-known ones. However there are certain breweries that…….well……..keep to themselves for the most part. Meaning that they’re smaller breweries that either don’t have a wide distribution footprint or do most or all of their business out of their taproom. Sure, I’ve covered them on occasion but never to a point where it became a regular thing. One of my resolutions for this new year is to find breweries that fit that description. Some call them “hyper-local” breweries, which is an alright description since I don’t have a better label for them
Which brings us to Roets Jordan Brewery, which is located in Jordan, MN & the story behind Roets Jordan is interesting to say the least. You see, back in 2014, the Roets family had plans to set up shop in an brewery building that, according to the Roets Jordan website, has been in existence since before Minnesota became a state in 1858. This all changed in 2014 when Mother Nature decided to intervene in the form of a rock/mudslide that originated from the hill behind the brewery. The damage sustained was confined mostly to the 3rd floor but it brought into question the structural integrity of the building and safety of the immediate area. So instead, they set up shop inside of a vacant library building in the heart of downtown Jordan, which is where they are today.
The brewery itself fits in perfectly with the storefronts of Jordan, lined with coffee shops, antique stores and even a comic book/arcade place. Coming to downtown Jordan reminds me almost of a quint New England town, with its historic storefronts and hills and snow-covered forests providing the backdrop. Parking, at least when I went, was easily accessible and plentiful.
The taproom in and of itself is a holdover from the previous occupant, with it’s old hardwood floors and green walls. The bar itself is reminiscent of an old-timey saloon that one might find in a photograph from the first half of the 20th century. Compared to other taprooms that have a modern or industrial feel to it, it’s a nice change of scenery.
So how’s the beer? Well, I managed to have a few of their offerings and managed to get a wide variety of styles in during my visit in order to get a good idea of how they are. Without further ado, let’s take a look
Name: Rude Boy
Style: Export Stout
ABV: 7.5%
IBUs: 45
This beer has a nice roasted barley and a strong chocolate malt profile throughout the flavor with some moderate floral & bitter hops showing up in the back. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m also picking up on some light oak notes in the aftertaste as well, though that might have been just my palate playing tricks on me. Overall, it’s a great beer and a perfect one to have on a cold winter day.
Rude Boy - 9/10
Name: Berry
Style: Sour Ale
ABV: 6.5%
IBUs: 6
A sour ale made with berries and black currant. This once had a very fruity flavor with notes of raspberry & light cherries. The aftertaste is where the sour aspect of the flavor shines the most but not necessarily in an overpowering way. Also present in the aftertaste is that light berry sweetness. Sours have grown on me these past couple of years but not all of them have been what I would call palatable. This one most certainly is! The sweet and sour aspects of this beer are nicely balanced and each flavor on display is nice and robust, so this one is easy to recommend!
Berry – 9/10
Name: Jordan Pale
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6%
IBUs: 46
Heading into Pale Ale territory, we have their Jordan Pale, which is described as a “Throwback Pale Ale” that is Gluten-reduced. Upfront, I’m picking up on a strong citra hop profile with some toffee and pale maltiness to back up; The latter of which lingers throughout. In the aftertaste and back end of the palate is where you start to see some mild bitter hoppiness, which is supplemented by the malt backbone. All and all, it’s a solid well-put together pale ale that will please any seasoned fan of the Pale Ale style.
Jordan Pale – 8.5/10
Name: IPA Infusion
Style: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.9%
IBUs: 55
Lastly we have their IPA Infusion, which is an IPA made with Blood Orange. Right off the bat, there’s a strong citrus hop and blood orange flavor, with the blood orange staying with you throughout and into the aftertaste. This is backed up by a strong caramel malt backbone. The second half of the palate opens up to a mild bitter hoppiness, which finds it’s way over into the aftertaste, along with that blood orange sweetness. Overall, all of the ingredients come together to form a nice & vibrant citrusy IPA which makes it very easy to recommend!
IPA Infusion – 9/10
I feel that Roets Jordan has a lot to offer to beer drinkers of all types. Every style that I had was wonderfully crafted and made with care and it shows in each glass of beer. If you find yourself in Jordan, be sure to check these guys out! They’ve got beers for all different palate types and preferences and they do each of these styles justice. You can find them at:
230 Broadway St S
Jordan, MN 55352
As always, thanks for reading!
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