Get 30 Days $0 Start Your FREE Trial
Read Today's Paper Wednesday, February 5
man stands in front of camera

Dave Hoops

Dave Hoops

Dave Hoops lives and works in Duluth and is a veteran brewer and beer judge. Write to him at dave@hoopsbrewing.com.

four small glasses filled with different colored liquid, sitting on wooden board
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: How to conduct blind beer judging at home
There is no "wrong;" judging is subjective and if you like something the score will reflect such.
1d ago
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
View of outdoor curling rink at night. In the background, a building painted WILD STATE CIDER is visible. Festoon lighting hangs over the rink.
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: A brewer's 2025 beer trends, hopes
Every brewery and taproom has upped its game and added information and fun things to do in the taprooms and beer halls. This will continue.
Jan 7
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Interior view of a restaurant and bar, with log walls visible in the background. In the foreground are lamps and beer signs.
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: What gifts to buy beer lovers
I hope Santa brings you what you wish for, be it that IPA in your stocking or the 12-pack of local beers.
Dec 10, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Display of local beers and ciders stands in a liquor store
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: Beer questions you've always wanted to ask
Does beer make you fat? A common question, and the short answer is "no."
Nov 5, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
091319.N.DNT.OktoberfestC1.jpg
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: What beers to drink this fall
Many of my go-to beers this time of year include Oktoberfests, harvest beers, brown and red beers, and stouts.
Oct 2, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Fitger's Brewhouse
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: Reflections on 30 years of craft beer
The mid-1990s in the craft world was the first big growth period. Unfortunately, many breweries were undercapitalized.
Sep 3, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
class of orange-yellow liquid sits on picnic table on patio
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: For summer sipping, try shandies, radlers
It’s a time for lighter beers that make whatever activity you are engaged in even more fun without the concerns of heavy-bodied flavors or too much alcohol to be able to enjoy a few.
Aug 6, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Track and Field: US Olympic Marathon Team Trials
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: What beers to pair with Olympic events
I hope those of you who love the world getting together to compete in these games enjoy them.
Jul 3, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
3011608+120516.B.DNT_.BlacklistC4.jpg
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: Wheat beers for summertime sipping
Wheat tends to lend a mellow, bready flavor with peppery and slightly tart acid notes. This makes beers brewed with wheat highly drinkable.
Jun 5, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Bent Paddle Brewing facilities
Lifestyle
Dave Hoops column: Judging 'Olympics of Beer' no easy feat
I was told the waiting list is currently three years long and many of the folks I worked with this year had 10-25 years under their belts.
Apr 30, 2024
 · 
By  Dave Hoops
Load More