Lakes & Legends

As I have been preparing for my Cicerone certification, I've read plenty of tips from people who have already taken the exam. One piece of advice that everyone seems to give is that you must have serving experience. Which makes sense. The primary reason for the cicerone program's existence is to promote proper beer handling and presentation. So, in order to be a good cicerone, you should know what it takes to go behind the bar and pour that perfect pint. I followed through on this and just recently obtained my very first serving job at a new brewery called Lakes & Legends Brewing Company.

I read about Lakes & Legends in our local craft beer magazine, The Growler. This led me to check out their Facebook page where I learned that they were looking for beertenders. I applied, interviewed, and surprisingly was offered a job despite having zero serving experience. The owners, two brother-in-laws, are focused on creating a team that will help build the brand that they are after. Their goal is to create an educational experience where patrons can learn about the ingredients in their beer and the process by which they are created. I believe my pursuit of a cicerone certification helped set me a part and I am so thankful for the opportunity. The brewery opened up last week and I am thoroughly enjoying my new position behind the bar.

Lakes and Legends is located in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis on the ground floor of a swanky new highrise. They focus on Belgian and farmhouse ales, which are some of my favorite beers. Opening night featured four beers; a saison, a wit, a golden strong ale, and a Belgian stout. This week, a raspberry braggot will be added to the line-up which is like a mead, but instead of being made of all honey, a braggot is part honey and part malt. I had an unfiltered sample straight from the fermenter and was blown away. Eventually, there will be a rotating list of twelve beers on tap!

Not only are the beers delectable, but the taproom is absolutely gorgeous. They definitely nailed the farmhouse kitchen look. Sturdy wooden tables with benches fill the room and there is an indoor patio area with Adirondack chairs and astro-turf. Above the taps there are canisters full of malt which can be sampled upon request. Live entertainment is also in the future for the brewery as there will be a stage on one end of the taproom.

I'm super excited for this awesome opportunity. To be a part of a brewery as it first opens its doors presents some great moments of learning. Additionally, I recently learned that one of the other servers is also studying to become a certified cicerone, so we have agreed to study together through tastings and discussions. If you are ever in the Twin Cities area, be sure to stop by and order a flight at Lakes & Legends.

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