The Bootlegging Backstory
Oh, how the tables have turned. Picture this: it’s the height of Prohibition, and the good ol’ boys of Stearns County, Minnesota are busy churning out some of the finest moonshine this side of the Mississippi. Meanwhile, the monks at St. John’s Abbey – the very epicenter of this bootlegging operation – are donning their cowls and feigning prayer whenever the feds come sniffing around. According to MinnPost, these so-called “holy bootleggers” were running the biggest moonshine-brewing still in the entire county.
Now, fast-forward a few decades, and we find ourselves at the Up and Under Pub, where the tables have well and truly turned. This historic establishment, nestled right in the heart of Stearns County, has transformed from a hub of illicit activity into a veritable mecca for craft beer enthusiasts. But the pub’s connection to the county’s bootlegging past isn’t just a quirky footnote – it’s an integral part of its DNA, shaping the very essence of what makes this place so special.
From Farm to Foam
You see, the same farmers who once risked it all to keep their families fed during the Great Depression are the ones responsible for The Up and Under’s impressive brew selection. Back in the day, these industrious folks were using their “Minnesota 13” strain of corn to brew up some of the best moonshine around. But now, their descendants are putting that same agricultural know-how to work, cultivating the finest hops and barley to create a truly exceptional beer experience.
It’s a story that’s been passed down through the generations, and one that the pub’s owners are proud to share with their patrons. “Our beer is more than just a drink,” they’ll tell you, “it’s a reflection of the hard-working, resilient spirit that runs through the veins of this community.” And let me tell you, once you take that first sip, you can’t help but feel the weight of that history – the struggle, the triumph, the enduring pride that’s been distilled into every golden droplet.
The Art of the Craft
Of course, it’s not just the pub’s backstory that makes the beer here so special. The brewmasters at The Up and Under have elevated the craft to an art form, meticulously perfecting each and every recipe to bring out the unique flavors and aromas that have become the pub’s signature.
Take, for example, their award-winning Stearns County Stout. This rich, velvety brew is the result of countless hours spent sourcing the finest malts, experimenting with roast levels, and fine-tuning the fermentation process. The result is a beer that’s bursting with notes of chocolate, coffee, and a subtle hint of sweetness – a perfect complement to the pub’s hearty, comforting menu.
Or how about their seasonal Harvest Ale, a crisp and refreshing offering that pays homage to the region’s agricultural heritage? Brewed with locally-sourced hops and a hint of spice, it’s the kind of beer that’s just begging to be enjoyed on the pub’s cozy patio, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Stearns County in all its glory.
A Pub with Purpose
But The Up and Under Pub isn’t just a place to enjoy a great beer – it’s a hub of community, a gathering place where the past and present come together in a unique and inspiring way. From the reclaimed barn wood adorning the walls to the vintage farm equipment scattered throughout the space, every detail has been carefully curated to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the pub’s roots.
And it’s not just the decor that reflects the pub’s commitment to its heritage. The Up and Under is also a proud supporter of local artisans, farmers, and small businesses, sourcing as many of its ingredients and products from within the county as possible. It’s a philosophy that not only ensures the quality and authenticity of the pub’s offerings, but also helps to strengthen the fabric of the community itself.
Raising a Glass to the Future
So, as you sit back and savor that first sip of The Up and Under’s latest creation, take a moment to reflect on the rich history that’s been poured into your glass. From the bootlegging days of Prohibition to the craft beer revolution of the 21st century, this pub has seen it all – and it’s emerged as a shining example of how a community’s past can shape its future.
And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, if you listen closely, you can hear the faint echoes of those long-ago monks, laughing and raising a glass to the new generation of beer-makers who are carrying on their legacy. After all, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Cheers to that!
