Sweeney's Abrasive Ale Release Party

Despite the weather forecast, we braved a slight sleet and headed over to Sweeney's Saloon in St Paul not far from where 35E South doesn't meet 94 West for the Abrasive Ale (or two, or three) and to hang out with a few friends.

It was snowing so the bonfires outside, while appealing, were fairly ignored. For 6 bucks a chalice (or wine glass engraved "Vino" when they ran out), the powerful Surly Abrasive Ale was served. We also got bumper stickers and a visit from a well-sloshed member of the Surly sales team who simultaneously greeted us and splashed Abrasive from his glass onto our table to our amusement.

     In general it was a decent turnout for the Surly event, about what you'd expect on a Tuesday night. Abrasive has a great taste and is pretty strong, I actually had not tried it before and now think I prefer it to Furious. The beer and food was great (love their fish and chips at $7.99) and it was fun to be inside, warm with friends, sipping a drink and watching the flurries but was it a party?  Not really. We had a "pint and were waiting for it to all blow over." Good event, very low key also I believe Omar was rumored to show up... although we might have missed him if he had, bummer! Not much to write about, but it was worth the stop on a Tuesday night.