Luplin Brewing - Big Lake, MN
- 4 Paws Marketing
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 24
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if the trip north to Big Lake is worth it just for a brewery visit— it is, trust me. Luplin Brewing Co. might not be down the street (unless you live in Big Lake, or Becker, in which case... lucky you), but it is 100% worth the drive. Whether you’re a sour lover like me or someone who wants to try a bold IPAs or dabble in THC seltzers, Lupulin has got something for you.
This was my second visit, but the first was pre-sour fascination for me, and way before the blog. So I had to come back, and this time, I was ready to fully appreciate the location, the drinks, and the vibes.
Drinks:
Lupulin’s got a pretty strong beer game. There have a few that have racked up medals at the Minnesota Brewers Cup - their Hooey IPA is one with high status in the brewery community. But let’s talk sours, because that’s my jam.
This visit was all for the Sticky Puddles Cherry Cheesecake Sour—I had sampled it a week ago after buying a can at a liquor store and it immediately earned a spot in my all-time top 5. I was skeptical at first. Cherry? Cheesecake? Cinnamon?? I thought for sure it would be too weird or too cherry (not usually my thing), but it was amazing. Just the right amount of sourness with a sweet twist that surprisingly works. I’m officially obsessed. I drove up just to see if they had it on tap - or at least available - since I wasn’t finding it anywhere else. Thank goodness they still had some! Find more specifics on my Fridge Finds post, that specifically highlights the Cherry Cheesecake!
Only problem? It’s a limited edition, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. I found a single can at a liquor store in Annandale, MN but the brewery itself is the best place to stock up, and I may have made two more runs recently just to stash more in my fridge. If you happen to spot it at your local shop—do not hesitate to grab some.
Sour Score: 5/5 for Sticky Puddles alone. Plus, the creativity and variety across this lineup gets extra points from me.
Food:
No permanent kitchen at Lupulin, but they regularly host food trucks. This visit was on a Monday afternoon, so unfortunately we were way too early to be able to try out whoever was potentially coming that evening. If you’re really dying of hunger, you can always grab a container of the standby pretzels!
Food Score: 3/5 – Love the truck option, just make sure you plan ahead and check out their schedule ahead of time.
Dog Friendliness:
YES! Dogs are welcome everywhere! There was actually a pooch hanging out by the bar while we were there this time. Leashed and well-behaved are welcome inside, though they do request (at least a sign on the door mentioned it) that each dog have their city license visible, considering the city you’re coming from actually provides licenses for your pets - Maple Grove does not.
We didn’t have any of our buddies with us this time, but it’s nice to know they’re welcome. Next time I head north to grab another 4 pack of Sticky Puddles, Harley will have to tag along so I can enjoy a pint before heading home.
Dog Score: 4 out of 5…Love that they’re dog-friendly, even if the "rules" are a bit confusing.
Atmosphere:
Lupulin’s taproom is big. High ceilings, lots of seating—couches, bigger tables, and a nice sized bar —plus an awesome outdoor patio, lawn area, and separate event space where they host trivia, live music, charity events, and lots more. Even on a slow Monday, it felt inviting and comfortable. On a weekend, I can imagine it is buzzing.
Their vibe matches their story (according to their website): it was founded in 2015 by two homebrewers—Matt and Jeff —who took the jump from a home-brewing hobby to a successful business. They initially started with a small taproom and a 3-barrel brewing system, and they’ve expanded significantly in the last 10 years. They made a huge production facility upgrade and they’ve now got a second taproom in Sioux Falls, SD.
The name “Lupulin” relates to the tiny yellow glands inside hop cones that give beer its bitterness, aroma, and flavor - this was a cool fact I wasn’t aware of! It’s a fun tribute that really signifies their dedication to brewing with bold creativity.
They’ve built a pretty cool place that pairs perfectly with their mission to “create experiences that enrich lives.” They brew what they love, experiment a lot of times, and don’t seem to take themselves too seriously—which makes for a tap list and atmosphere that’s always worth checking out. I’d say they’ve definitely accomplished this mission!
Score: 4.5/5 – Spacious, welcoming, and well-designed for hangouts or hosting.
Merch & More:
They have a pretty nice merchandise nook at Luplin, and their stuff can also be ordered online - hats, bar decor, shirts, and glasses. I did try to grab a t-shirt but there was pretty low stock on sizes. I’m hoping for a re-stock soon, because I’m definitely looking to rep these guys.
What I love most about Luplin is their unique can art. It’s unique, very memorable and easy to spot. You can spot a Lupulin label from across the room. Bright, bold, memorable—and super fun. It’s one of the few places I’ve been sold by the look of the can alone!
Luplin also offers a ton of local events and fundraising options, so it seems like there’s always something going on, or coming up soon! Live music, trivia, running, you name it! There’s something to look forward to at Luplin Brewing!
Merch Score: 4/5 – Knocked a point for the size issues in merch, but otherwise, great branding and community vibe.
Overall:
Luplin is a standout on the TappedIn tour. I wish it was just a few minutes closer to home, and I’d definitely be a regular, especially when they’ve got a Squizzle or Sticky Puddles available! On tap or in a can, I’ll take it! I love that I’m able to bring Harley along to enjoy a pint on any day of the week to enjoy an atmosphere that does not disappoint. This is a place you’ll come back to—again and again.
Score: 4.5/5 – Big flavors, small-town charm, and a great option on the Minnesota craft beer scene.
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