Unimpressed by the variety and quality of Northern Brewer’s selection, we set off to search for a source of fresh grain and wild hops. With nothing more than a cooler of cold-cuts we arrived in the Badlands of South Dakota. Dr. Steve, a naturalist and Native to the midwest, led us to our source, guided only by his superlative sense of smell.

    We spent the next four days trying to find our way back to the car, as it turns out Dr. Steve’s nose is only capable of smelling beer and its ingredients.

    Suffice it to say we have since done all our shopping at Northern Brewer in Saint Paul, Minnesota. We grind the grain on location, and as a rule, try to mash within the following 24 hours.