Icewind Brewing — Restaurant in Mapleton

Driving up, Icewind looks like it will be a production brewery that tacked on a taproom because it had to. Nothing could be further from the reality. Icewind is dialed in with its beer, and the space inside - while yes, spare - teems with life, at least on a spring Saturday afternoon.

We were led to visit by glowing reviews, and boy howdy, thank you all! Standout beer selection, from the standard "American Lager" right through to a doppelbock and virtually everything in between. It's a shame someone had to drive, limiting intake.

The Wynona brown porter (I think it's a law that every brewery making a brown ale has to reference Primus) was outstanding, and I really enjoyed the small pour of the Stumblin' Monk doppelbock. My friend, a black IPA aficionado, proclaimed the Clumsy Assassin first-rate, as well. There are no clunkers in the roster here.

The bartenders were outstanding as well, keeping control of a room of weirdo beer tourists like us, families, and old-timers alike, most of whom seemed to be regulars. There is a side board listing beers that will eventually arrive, so don't try ordering those (yet) or you will be disappointed, at least for a moment until your existing choice arrives.

While Icewind is a bit west of the big city, it is absolutely a must-stop for anyone who...

We finally got a chance to get over and see the new brewery. From our home in South Fargo, the drive over wasn't much different than a trip downtown. We really enjoyed the beers (did flights to try them all) as well as the quick tour from one of the owners (husband of my 1st cousin). These guys are not amateurs. They have been doing home brewing for years and the quality of their beers is the evidence of all of their practice and experience. I definitely recommend that you stop by and try their beers!

If this review was helpful, please...

Great IPA’s Light/Ludicrous Good crowd and a nice Sunday afternoon vibe . Bar tender is liberal with the pop corn, bonus! Worth the drive out of Fargo. Make sure get your Craft and Draft passport stamped! One of the (Rick) brewers told me about their upcoming double IPA Gone Plaid. On Deck...