Surly Brewing Co. was started by Omar Ansari, a passionate homebrewer who had been brewing his own beer since 1994. Omar's love for beer and his desire to create something unique and exceptional led him to embark on a journey to start his own brewery.
In his pursuit of brewing excellence, Omar sought out an apprenticeship at New Holland Brewing Company in Michigan. This experience allowed him to learn firsthand from seasoned professionals in the industry, honing his brewing skills and gaining invaluable knowledge about the craft.
After his apprenticeship, Omar returned to Minnesota with a burning ambition to bring his brewing dreams to life. He knew that he needed a talented brewer to help him achieve his vision, and that's when he enlisted the help of Todd Haug, an accomplished brewer from Minneapolis's Rock Bottom Brewery.
With Todd on board, Surly Brewing Co. officially began brewing in Brooklyn Center. The brewery quickly gained a reputation for its bold and innovative beers, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles and introducing new and exciting flavors to the craft beer scene.
Starting a brewery from scratch is no easy feat, and Omar faced numerous challenges along the way. From securing funding and finding the right location to navigating the complex world of licensing and regulations, he had to overcome many obstacles to turn his dream into a reality.
But Omar's dedication and determination paid off. Surly Brewing Co. has since grown into one of the most well-respected and influential breweries in the country. Their beers have garnered widespread acclaim, and their taproom has become a beloved gathering place for beer enthusiasts.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of visiting Surly Brewing Co. and experiencing their exceptional beers firsthand. The passion and craftsmanship that go into each batch of beer are evident in every sip. It's truly inspiring to see how Omar's vision and dedication have shaped Surly into the brewery it is today.
Omar Ansari is the visionary founder of Surly Brewing Co. His love for beer, combined with his determination to create something extraordinary, led him to start his own brewery. With the help of talented brewers like Todd Haug, Surly Brewing Co. has become a force to be reckoned with in the craft beer world.