New breweries are popping up everywhere in the Twin Cities. One of my favorites is Boom Island Brewing, located just across the river from its namesake island. From the looks of it, the brewery's owner, Kevin Welch, is a Belgian beer fanatic. Prior to opening the brewery, Welch traveled to Belgium to survey the country's great breweries. According to Boom Island's website, he came back with nine stains of yeast from these source breweries. Now he's making Belgian beers right here in Minnesota.

Currently, you can find two of his beers on tap at the Pig & Fiddle (the second location by the Muddy Pig owners). I recently tried Boom Island's Silvius (a copper-colored pale ale) and Thoprock (a very approachable American IPA). Both were great. Boom Island's website says its beers will also be available at the new Eli's East, which is expected to open in the next week.

According to its website, Boom Island will start selling 750ml bottles at its brewery in the near future (2207 N. 2nd St., Mpls. 612-227-9635).

More info: www.boomislandbrewing.com