Frank Kaszuba, Keith Hefley and Dave Hoops of Fitger’s Brewhouse

In light of The Growler magazine beginning distribution to Duluth on Feb. 8, I have to ask if we’re becoming the brewing capital of Minnesota. By my count, we’ve got ten microbreweries open or nearly open:

Fitger’s Brewhouse, Castle Danger Brewery, Borealis Fermentery, Canal Park Brewing Company, the Thirsty Pagan, Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery, Lake Superior Brewing Company, Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub, Dubrue, and very soon Bent Paddle.

Based on a population of 86,277 people, that’s one brewery for every 8,627 people. Is that a lot?

By the way, the Growler launch comes with its own mini-beer festival of exclusively local brews. (Perhaps for the first time in Duluth?) Fitger’s, Castle Danger, Borealis, CPBC, Carmody, and Dubrue are all offering 3-ounce pours at Tycoons starting at 9 p.m. A $6 admission gets you six three-ounce pours. Silverback Colony and the Black-Eyed Snakes are playing.