In the small town of Rollingstone, Minnesota, is a brewery creating some big, rich tastes. Small? We’re talking last count of 658 people in the town (which is a few miles northwest of Winona). The brewery? That’s Olvalde, owned by brewer Joe Pond. Since 2011, some mighty fine traditional ale has been brewing at what the Star Tribune called “the state’s most interesting brewery.”
The Olvalde Farm and Brewing Company is crafting ale in honor of ancient traditions. All of their ales are warm conditioned on their lees, unfiltered, and refermented in the bottle. The rolling hills of the small farm town and brewery not far from the Mississippi River may have lent a hand in the romance and poetry of their ales. These are some hefty names that match beautifully with their namesake.
What’s brewing at Olvalde? Here’s a rundown of what Joe Pond has been crafting over in Rollingstone:
Brewed with barley, wheat, and honey, the brewer recommends serving at cellar temperatures – 50-55 degrees F. This one has a distinctly honey with complementing yeast, fruit, and alcohol notes. Well balanced. Thick, frothy white foam.
The Auroch’s Horn Aged on Rhubarb
Just what the title says – Minnesota rhubarb tartness in a bottle of seasonal ale.
The Rollingstoner
Ale brewed with elderflowers, unfiltered, lightly hopped and fermented in the bottle. You’ll find this in a 22 ounce “bomber.” Light with fruit, floral, spice, and white pepper notes.
An Imperial Stout brewed strong enough for a c Minnesota winter. You may want to get one to drink and one to cellar. The brewer says it keeps getting better. A winter seasonal.
Brewed with pale malt, rye, and juniper berries. Malty, spicy with lower carbonation. It comes with a recommendation to cellar this ale. (Spring offering)
Rise of the Burghers and the all of the feudal lords
Yes, that’s the complete name of this lightly hopped, herbed ale with a medium body. It’s a lighter ale, perfect for a summer day. Unfortunately, though, we’ll have to wait a while for summer – and this seasonal ale.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to find Rollingstone on a map to enjoy these great Minnesota made ales. They don’t have a tap house but we have their brews. Stop by and see all the beers and ales that are made in Minnesota and in our cooler, ready for your enjoyment.
Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have several wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.