As if the news of the Surly Brewing Co. finally getting its own cart at Target Field wasn't enough to get beer-loving Twins fans pumped up on Opening Day – perhaps the only thing to get excited about this particular Opening Day – now comes word that the Brooklyn Center-based craft brewer has concocted its own special new brand just for the ballpark.
Just in time for today's game, Surly has unveiled Bandwagon, a West Coast-style I.P.A. that was added to its lineup as a pinch hitter for Furious, the company's flagship beer. Here's how the Surly makers describe Bandwagon, which could be a particularly great name for a Twins-only beer this year (since it's looking like a year many fans will be jumping off):
"This IPA is brewed with pale and crystal malts, centennial and chinook hops, and fermented with English ale yeast. Bandwagon is pale gold in color and has flavors of caramelly biscuits slathered in pineapple-orange marmalade."
Furious will not be available at the games, supposedly because of the ongoing global shortage of hops and the ever-growing waiting list of beer retailers trying to get it in stock. However, many of Surly's other brands will be in rotation in the cart's other taps, including Cynic, Bender, Coffee Bender, Bitter Brewer and Hell. The cost of a Bandwagon pour will be a very reasonable $7.75 for a 20-ounce cup (only $.50 more than a Budweiser).
The Surly cart will be parked just outside Section 124, in the northwest corner near Gate 6 and the big limestone wall (past third base). Please do not go there between 2:50-3:05 p.m. today, however (that's when I personally plan on getting to the game).
Surly's cart is one of several new, localized drinking options at Target Field, also including the new 2 Gingers Pubs and the addition of Fulton beer in the Townball Tavern. The Fulton Brewery, just a couple blocks from the ballpark, also plans to open up its tap room before every ball game, and sometimes after games, too (it has to close by 10 p.m.).
