AUSTIN, Minn. – Wall Street investors and beer aficionados alike have been scratching their heads: Why were executives of Austin-based food giant Hormel dancing with the folks at a custom brewery in Minneapolis? Now we know. Hormel is introducing a beer for the Super Bowl with corn flakes, powdered cheese and spices to accompany a dip made with Hormel canned chili. It fits: The Modist Brewhouse in Minneapolis has as its motto: “Making beers that are traditionally impossible.” The beer is available at the brewery’s taproom and also mail-order from Hormel at $24 a four-pack. The lager contains Minnesota Pilsner barley malt and flaked corn, which Hormel tasters say gives it a “chip-like” base, along with spices and cheddar cheese powder to tap the chili dip flavor. Golly gee, Marge, what will they think of next
Taproom: Modist Brewing, 505 North Third Street, Minneapolis.
Mail order: Hormel.
A sidekick. New Hormel beer has notes of chili and spices and hints of cheddar. Perfect says the company, for chips and a cheese dip whipped up with Hormel canned chili. So who needs the dip if you can drink it?