Bent Brewstillery

Beer is not as good as other local breweries. The beers that are close to comparable cost $ 8 a pint, which is very steep when other breweries serve them for $ 5. They leave the garage doors open to a small patio, where smokers’ smoke drifts into the building. I’ve seen people stand literally with one foot out the door and smoke a cigarette half inside. Management should not allow this and it’s certainly not cool for those of us who have grown to love the MN indoor clean air act.

Really great place, great beer nice people and liquor to go. And food truck!
Location is tough on the first time or if it’s dark. But after you find it…

Bent didn’t leave quite as much of an impression as I was hoping for. I wanted to love this place, I really did!
I love the location, out in the middle of an industrial park (it just feels so genuine to the nature of brewing) and I love the taproom! It’s s beautiful space with ample parking and pinball machines!
The tap-​tender just didn’t seem to have any passion for the beer or job. I expressed some indecision and where ordinarily a server would make some recommendations or offer a taste or tell you what their favorite is, I got a, «okay, I’m going to go change a keg.» Which I get! It seemed like he was alone and he needed to take care of that right away! But when he came back it was just, «ok have you decided?» Yeah, I guess so. Hopefully just an off day and not representative of a normal experience here.
I don’t think that I necessarily disliked the beer… I think what really got me was how straight up wrong the descriptions of those beers were… Pay more attention to the IBU than the description. The highest IBU across the board was 83, yet half the beers were described as hoppy or very hoppy. The «sour» was a little fruity, but definitely not sour. Overall just fell flat a little.

Bent Brewstillery is almost a «speakeasy» of sorts. It’s nestled in a multi tenant warehouse without any large or obvious signs. The patio and food trucks are usually your GPS marker. Once you find it, however, you will fall in love. It is a very warm and inviting brewery that has a lot of locals. Unlike many other breweries, the staff is very polite and no one is pushy, you can get your beverage when your ready. Bent has a very diverse clientele, from hipsters, to jocks, to beer nerds, to dog walkers. .. even some of the geriatric population can get mixed in. The owners are almost always hanging around, which is always a nice touch to an establishment. As far is beer goes, they have some great ones that are always one tap, but also do more experimenting than the average micro brewery, especially with sours and meads. Most times I go, I find myself enjoying a sour or mead of some sort. Of course, what really sets them apart is that Bent is dual purpose, brewery and distillery. I am a huge fans of beers, sours, meads and spirits, so having it all in one place is very cool. Their poitin and navy strength gin are both very clean and flavorful, I like them neat but they mix well also! I was lucky enough to be on a tour there when Bartley (distiller/​owner) was checking on how the whiskey was coming along. He climbed to the top barrel and thieved a sample for tasting. Even though the whiskey was very young, I was thoroughly impressed. It has a ways to go before the white oak infuses its beautiful flavors, but already I could tell the quality of spirit it will become. As someone not impressed with the MN whiskey market, this whiskey topped my MN whiskey list right away, even though it’s not even ready. After trying it, I anxiously asked Bartley when it will be released. . he replied «when its ready», just as a good distiller should!

I really enjoyed the selection and while I am not a fan of all beer, most of what I tasted was quite good. In fact, the experience opened me up to purchasing/​drinking different brews. Ones that I would not have been open to trying in the past.
Being a taproom it is all about the beer and I think that Bent Brewstillery did well to preserve the honor of the brews they serve. Good people, friendly and informative staff. Give it a try.

The margarita mead was amazing — should definitely be continued. They ran out when we were there. Grape mead was not as impressive. Even if there wasn’t mead on tap, I’d come just for the bidet in the women’s bathroom. Warm toilet seat and a cleansing warm water cleanse, yes please!

NOTE: If you’re taking an Über here, the directions take you to some truck warehouse. We had to direct the driver there with Google Maps.
The beers were very good and they had some interesting choices, especially the sours, which I’m a big fan of. The taproom was nice, with outdoor seating and a large garage door that could be opened on nice days. We talked with one of the owners for a bit, and he was a really nice guy. We’ll definitely be going back the next time we’re up there!

Amazing atmosphere! The staff is excellent and the owner, Bartley, is a very kind and caring host. The beer is interesting and over all very good!

A lot of fun: I’ve only gone during off hours (mid-​day Sunday, etc.) but I’ve always enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. No snobbery here, just lots of good beer. Also, they seem to really like sour styles and don’t mess around with the sourness. The location isn’t terribly convenient and it’s not hip like what you’ll find in Northeast, but they offer 10 – 12 taps at any given time, which seems to be on the higher end for taprooms around town. Still confused about the distillery operation and think they only have gin available now – everything else is aging, I think? Correct me if I’m wrong. Worth a visit just for the beer.

I never made it to the taproom when it was Pour Decisions, but I was certainly a fan of their beer. Fortunately, the same can be said now that the brewing and distilling operations are under the same banner, which isn’t surprising because it’s still the same man doing unique things with barley, hops and many other uncommon ingredients.
The taproom might not be in an ideal location, but it’s still a good place to hang out over a few pints or to pick up a growler or bottle for the road. Bent has a few staple beers on tap which don’t disappoint, however, it’s the one-​off and experimental beers where Bent really differentiates itself. Whether they’re playing around with wild yeast, making sneaky strong meads or running an uncommon style on nitro, you’re very likely to find something novel on each visit.
The Twin Cities brewery scene is seemingly growing at a fever pitch, but Bent’s unique offerings, the fact that they also have their own line of spirits and the laid back atmosphere of the taproom certainly carve out an enjoyable niche for themselves.

I am so glad I purchased this deal from LivingSocial!!! Went on a Wednesday evening, the place was quiet and there were a few patrons around. The server was quite pleasant as she chatted happily about beer. I actually loved all the beers on the flight! Although it was a deal that brought me to Bent, I shall return to buy a growler or 5.

Definitely one of my new favorite breweries /​taprooms! Maybe it’s because I’m partial to Roseville and it’s a quick drive from home. We met up with some friends here on a lovely warm and breezy Friday afternoon at the end of July. It was the first time for everyone in our group and we all had a super good time. I loved the Raspberry Ginger Orange Blossom mead beverage (seasonal experimentals menu). It was sweet and spicy with a nice kick of honey. We also got flights and it was great to be able to try all the different beers. I liked the London stout the best — nice and dark! Husband and friends enjoyed their Nordic Blonde the most and ended up getting Growlers to go.
We sat inside but had an amazing breeze from the patio. Service was fast and very friendly. Bathrooms nice and large and everything looks clean and new! They have a large space here — the potential is enormous. Would like to see what awesome seasonals they have for Autumn. I’ll be out here, sitting on the patio enjoying something new every once in awhile. A great spot that’s close to Byerly’s, Caribou, Brueggers, Walgreens and Osaka Sushi and Hibachi. Don’t let the otherwise empty industrial back roads in this part of Roseville scare you away… Bent Brewstillery is worth a try!

Came here with a LivingSocial coupon. It is is a great, relaxing atmosphere with seating inside and outside. It is kind of hidden in a warehouse park but it is nice and quiet. Their staff is very friendly and will answer any question. It’s clean and the beer is good. They had a food stand that was a little over priced but it’s up to your heart whether you want to get some or not. We’ll make our way back here for sure!

Bent is worth the extra few minutes in the car if you’re coming from mpls/​stp.
Bored with the plethora of average beer at the taprooms scattered across the cities? Then this is your spot. They’ve got your standard IPAs like the Nordic Blonde, but also are experimenting with unique flavors more than any other brewery in MN (besides Surly). I think they are on the 5^th or 6^th beer in their Funked-​Up series of sours. Someone below gave a bad review for their beer being sour. That person should stick to Summit. Sour beers are infected with bacteria to make them taste funky and tart. It’s a tedious and time consuming process to make sours; that’s why most other breweries don’t do it.
Bent has balls. Barrel aged double stout, gose, imperial souts, real heady stuff. The Über Lupin is a tasty seasonal beer that all snobs and newbs alike can enjoy. I’ve refilled my growler several times with the Über.
Ive seen a few cover bands play on the weekends in their intimate space, music was too loud to converse. We did not go there to hear this mediocre band, don’t shove it down our throat. The woman serving me the last time didn’t really know beer, I had to show her how to pour a nitro. There is no food but it sounds like they will be having more cookouts during the summer in the huge parking lot.
Even though they’re a brewstillery they can only serve beer, MN law.
Overall, I like Bent and will be going back to try beers as they release.

4 stars for the awesome bartender, 2 taps, use of space and the toilet warmers! This is off the beaten industrial path and would not have known about it if I didn’t have a Groupon. First we had a flight, a pint and a growler-​AWESOME deal!
In the flight was Nordic Blonde, Moar IPA, Belgian Berlin Ur-​Block and Nourishing Stout-​Nitro. I really did not like it, but truthfully, I have yet to find one I do like. I loved the Nitro the best. It obviously is a crowd favorite, so we were not allowed to get a growler of it. I also had to try the Gewürztraminer (12.5%), It was my second favorite, as it was almost a wine.
The bartender was very informative regarding the space and how they came about as a distillery. He also shared about the sodas on tap and cold press coffee. We did not try these, but witnessed many people buying them. It’s pretty small inside, but they used up the space with high top and low picnic tables well. The entire wall rolls up and is connected to a large patio. It would be a perfect place to have music in the parking lot, because there is no other businesses near by. Maybe they already to this.

This place has a long way to go when it comes to generating good PR and marketing. I tried a flight of beers for starters and liked them all. Then I ordered a glass of bock to go with my pizza (had to have it delivered because the food truck didn’t show up).
Now, I have never had a bock I didn’t like, but this one was AWFUL! It was just plain sour! I thought something was wrong with it so I took it back to the lady bartender. She said that was their «sour» beer, that’s the way it was and essentially I was stuck with it. Really? They can’t pour one down the drain to keep a customer happy? This beer should come with a warning or something. It didn’t even say «sour» on the menu board.
We were also interested in their distilled products, but due to some state law they can’t sell both spirits and beer in the same place. How about a small free taste? Nope– you can only get a taste with the distillery tour– and you have to pay for that! Pay for a tour– really? How about a free tour with a free tasting that sends you home feeling all warm and fuzzy about this neat local distillery so you can go out and buy some of their wonderful product?
Given all the new brew pubs out there now I see no need to ever go back to this one again.

This place is a big «Meh» for me. I do think the place has improved since it was Pour Decisions but the space is still just odd. Beers were decent and flights were not too expensive. The vibe just doesn’t speak to me and didn’t make sense at all.
Other things to note, I am really curious about their distilling– this may lure me back again. Also, avoid sitting at the bar near the dish washing sink. The woman washing kept splashing suds into my beer and I was too much of a wuss to say anything.

Beers all taste to me like a gluten-​free brewery I know — like they are each missing some key portion of a quality flavor profile. They’re thin. Nordic Blonde is their staple and is the best of the bunch.
I’m glad there’s a brewery in Roseville, but the original décor of Pour Decisions and vibe was far more interesting and friendly and welcoming and fun than the current setup. It all feels bland and suburban like the beer.

I was here for an event. Noir at the bar, and what a great venue. Someone actually filmed a short film here. I would love this event at this location every year, lots of space. It’s drinks only but you can order food in, and have it delivered. Lots of Jimmy John’s and pizza, that’s advertized on the wall by the bar. Not sure of the brand. They feature 3 specialty sodas. I got the least weird sounding, blueberry lemonade. It was different, quenched my thirst for the evening. A lot of people are regulars, and the patio looks fun to hang out on.

Read the good reviews so decided to give it a shot. I was leery because of Suburbia location and should have followed my instincts. Dumb, dumb me! They poured our beers out of warm cans on the counter & topped them off with the tap. My husband asked why the cans and snotty female ‘tender said they save the taps for growlers. We are never customers to complain but I was pretty disgusted so I asked the woman clearing tables what the deal was, she got a bit defensive and said, «hey I only clean tables». We noticed her walk up to the bar and talk to ‘tenders, then brought us a one new ‘cold’ tap beer without any explanation. Super white bread clientele and zero vibe. Never again.

Old Pour Decisions
Like what they’ve done with the place
Some food would be nice
I was at Pour Decisions once a couple years ago. Not sure why I never went back. I was a big fan of their Maroon and Gold. Have to say the merger is a smashing success.
The taproom area has been completely renovated. What was once a hastily thrown-​together afterthought has been turned into a cozy, trendy drinking hole. The bar is still kinda small, but it is on the opposite side of the establishment and they have added a new big screen TV which they had on ESPN. Score!
The Maroon and Gold is making a comeback next Saturday, but the seasonal dark beers here are even better in my humble opinion. My tastes have changed completely on beer — I used to hate dark beer, now I love it. Both the El Guerrero and the Dark Fatha hit the spot. Strange that I hate coffee, but coffee flavored beer — not so bad. The El Guerrero is described as follows on their website: «powerful foreign stout that balances the richness of strong espresso, depth of smokey peppers, and sweetness of local honey.» At 8.3 ABV, i was digging it. The Dark Fatha checks in even higher at 11.7 ABV. That is the stuff, alright: «distinctive hybrid beer style combines the crisp, clean feel of a light ale with the dark, cocoa, roasted smoothness of a stout. Big and booming with a delicately light soul. A deep, rich and velvety stout, Dark Fatha is like drinking a whiskey-​soaked chocolate cake.» Bartender suggested putting a pepper in it and you will feel it at the end. Said sure why not. Didn’t really add anything one way or the other for me. Think that my spice tolerance is off the charts compared to most people.
I will not wait nearly as long to return next time. Next Friday is a strong possibility.

Best selection of sour beers!

Bent is the closest tap room to where I live so I’ve stopped in a few times now. The remodeled tab room opened in August and I’ve a fan. Location is a bit hard to find, it’s literally in an office/​warehouse park so check your route before you go.
They have a wide selection of interesting beer — everything from ales to sours. My favorite is Moar, a Scottish Session IPA. But I also like the Nordic Blond. Nice patio with a hodgepodge of picnic tables, metal mesh rounds and barrel high-​tops. I’d give them 5 stars if they had a food truck more often. Can’t wait to see what the ‘stillery’ part of their name brings.

Bent Brewstillery brings more variety to the previous Pour Decisions brewing after the merger. I’ve been here a few times and I’m loving the taproom. The amount of space here is awesome and has a modern look to it. But of course a taproom is nothing without the beer to truly define it.
The merger between Pour Decisions and Bent Brewstillery just made sense. Pour decisions was know for their sours and barrel aged brews. Since Bent is a distillery as well, they get the best of both worlds. Barrels that can be used and reused as often as they want. A perpetual cycle of delicous beers and the distilled hard liqours. When I went, they had the Bent staples, such as nordic blonde and Moar. Both good (I prefer Moar), however there was a fantastic sour called Rose Gose that was very near perfect. It’s worth a glass if you’re into sours.
I have high hopes for Bent Brewstillery and so far they are meeting them.

A new addition to the Twin Cities brewery fold. Bent merged with the former Pour Decisions brewery.
Located in a warehouse area northwest of Rosedale, but they have a nice layout that holds plenty of promise.
Dark Fatha is an imperial Stout with a sweet tang.
Maroon and Bold is a tasty reward for the Gopher fan in you.
They didn’t have the spirits yet.
They have installed a nice looking serving area. They have a small patio/​deck for the warmer times of year. All looks very nice.
Nearby food options — Grumpys is probably closest (due east about a mile or so). Plenty of other options in and about Rosedale.
Why not 5 stars? Its not just a brewery, its a brewstillery. When I try out their whiskey we will see about that 5^th.