Click on any of the photos below to view each team member’s bio!
Owner/General Manager
Owner/Business Manager
Owner/Head Brewer
Dog Ambassador
From prehistoric caves, laboratories, thunderstorms, and hot tubs to forests, dreams, and showers—ideas of all shapes and sizes come to us in a myriad of ways—but the best ideas are almost always conceived over a couple of beers among friends. The Marine Corps. Shark Week. Buffalo Wings. The Ironman Triathlon. And…Paddlefish Brewing Company—the first brewery in St. Peter since Engesser Brewery Distributors threw in the towel in 1942. That is over eighty years without selling “pure grains of keg beer distributed in single service containers” (as an old advertisement of Engesser’s quipped.) It goes without saying that that is eighty years too long. Thankfully, a trio of beer lovers named Eric Johnson, Luke Dragseth, and Dave Long are bringing a brewery business back to this fine town in the fall of 2023.
This is the story of how St. Peter’s first brewery in over 80 years came about. It begins, as it should, with some damn good beer. At Paddlefish Brewing Company, everything worth talking about begins with damn good beer. In this case, we must raise a glass to Paddlefish head brewer Luke Dragseth—born and raised in “Brew City” Milwaukee—for concocting and sharing his delicious home-brewed Cream Ale for his friends at Gustavus Adolphus College. One of those friends lucky enough to imbibe that batch was none other than owner and business manager Eric Johnson. With Luke’s Cream Ale nourishing his friends in body, mind, and soul, Eric got an idea and joked that he’d like a chance to sell Luke’s product. The idea germinated unseen until Paddlefish’s entrepreneur extraordinaire was enjoying a cold one at Bent Paddle—another Gustie-owned brewery—and that seedling of an idea that sprouted as a joke among friends transformed into a glorious vision to create St. Peter’s very own brewery and taproom.
So after spending hours crafting and perfecting the best beer recipes using equipment in his dorm room, Luke is elevating his talents to the next level. Eric, having put several thousand miles on his feet completing the many tasks of a brewery business manager is also ready and so is their industry expert Dave who has been busy developing the brand and stepping up his managerial skills. The ultimate goal of selling Luke’s damn good “keg beer in single service containers” is fast approaching. Stay tuned for all the ways you can join the fun and contribute to our mission to become St. Peter’s finest community-oriented brewery, a place where you can enjoy some of the best damn beer in the state among your friends for years to come.
And now our beloved beer fans, this is where Paddlefish Brewing Company’s story is almost ready to merge with your own. With gratitude, excitement, laughter, humility, nervousness, and a whole lot of passion, we simply can’t wait to raise a glass of Paddlefish pure grains together!
Your craft beer adventure starts now. Our custom VW bus flight boards are here—and ready to roll. Ask your Paddlefish beertender how you can take her for a test drive
Highlights from Open Mic last night! We had a great turn out of both new and returning performers as well as people who came out to support them. Also many engaging conversations and joyful moments that reflect the fun and welcoming nature of our growing Open Mic community. Thanks to @chasedburkhart / Chase D. Burkhart Music for setting up and running sound, mc/hosting, and promoting this special event "Every Third Tuesday From 6-8pm"
🚐 Our Road Trip Celebration cruises into Paddlefish this Friday—and we’re unveiling something groovy for the ride. ✌️
Introducing the Road Trip Flight: a custom-built, VW-inspired beer flight board handcrafted by our friend Brad Carlson (@mnwoodbee). Only 2 exist, and you could be one of the first to use it!
Want a chance to take it for a spin?
Enter our $2 raffle on Friday to be one of the two lucky winners who get the very first Road Trip Flights—on the house.
Also rolling in on Friday:
• 🚗 Classic cars
• 🎶 Live music by @squidcityslingers (7–9pm)
• 🌮 On Every Corner Food Truck (4–8pm)
Bigggg week ahead at Paddlefish!! See you at ALL the events on ALL the days!! 🤪 But seriously… even if you can only make it to one, don’t miss Friday’s Road Trip Celebration—it’s the big one! Live music, classic cars, and great food! 🚐🎶🍻
🎤 TUES 5/13 – $1 Off Pints All Day for Educators & Members + Open Mic Night (6–8PM)
🍗 WED 5/14 – Doc E’s BBQ 4–8PM & YWCA Fundraiser + Tiny Home Raffle (6–8PM)
🎨 THURS 5/15 – Get crafty at Doormat Painting Night (6–8PM)
🚐 FRI 5/16 – Road Trip Celebration 3–9PM, On Every Corner Food Truck 4–8PM & Live Music by Squid City Slingers (7–9PM)
🌮 SAT 5/17 – On Every Corner Food Truck All Day (12–8PM)
🍖 SUN 5/18 – Smokin’ Lady BBQ & $15 Growler Fills (12–5PM)
Come on out for our montly open mic tomorrow May 20 from 6-8pm! We`ve had such a great gathering of talented local musicians for each event. If you have been itching to get up on a mic and show folks what you`ve got, this is your chance!! Our host Chase D. Burkhart cultivates welcoming atmosphere, our staff serve up tasty beverages, and our fellow musical troubadours would love to connect with you. See you there!
🎉 Happy Birthday, Joe! 🎉
When he’s not brewing your favorite brewskis, Joe’s off strumming his guitar, exploring the Boundary Waters, or proving that pizza and a lager is peak fine dining.
Joe is also known for diving headfirst into life’s biggest philosophical questions—like does folding pizza make it a sandwich and if beer is liquid bread, is he technically a baker?
Make sure to swing by Paddlefish, raise a glass, and wish this guy a happy flippin birthday!
📍 Joe’s Favorites:
🍺 Paddlefish Beer: Imperial Mountain Mama
🍻 Go-To Style: Czech Pilsner
🎶 Hidden/Not-So-Hidden Talent: Folk singer/songwriter
🌍 Coolest Trip: Yosemite National Park
☕ Hangout: @riverrockcoffee
🛠️ Weirdest Job: Discount Tire Technician
🎧 Guilty Pleasure Song: “We Built This City”
#HappyBirthdayJoe #PaddlefishBrewing #FolkStarBeertender #DrinkLocal
We stopped by @burnbrosbrew on their final day on Saturday just before Pyro poured out for the very last time (around 7:30ish). A bittersweet moment, but also a powerful reminder of the legacy they built since 2014 and the community they inspired in the MN Craft Beer World.
During MN Craft Beer Week, it feels right to raise a glass to trailblazers like Burning Brothers, who sparked something truly special in Minnesota craft beer—especially for the gluten-free community.
Wishing their entire team nothing but the best in their next chapter. Cheers to the sparks you lit and the flames that will keep burning!
#CheersToBurningBrothers #MNCraftBeerWeek #CraftBeerCommunity #MNBeer #GlutenFreeBeer
Say it with us: En-GESS-er (hard G, like ‘guess’).
This chair has rocked generations of the Engesser family—babies soothed to sleep, stories passed down, and yes, more than a few cold beers enjoyed nearby.
It’s been in the family for decades and, while we can’t say for certain, it’s very possible this very rocker once sat in the original Engesser Brewery right here in St. Peter before it closed in 1942.
Ever wonder why these old rocking chairs sit so low to the ground? In the Victorian era, women’s heavy dresses and hoop skirts made lower chairs more practical—and frankly, a bit safer to ease in and out of.
Today, this piece of Engesser history lives on in our taproom, just like the name lives on in our Engesser Light American Lager—a crisp, clean, easy-drinking beer brewed in honor of Minnesota’s brewing roots.
Take a seat. Sip some history. And guess what? You’re saying it right.
A hidden piece of St. Peter brewing history… and we’re rockin’ it! 🪑🍺
This chair has been in the Engesser family for generations —and it may have even sat in their brewery before they closed back in in 1942!
Today, we’re carrying that legacy forward—one easy-drinking pour at a time—with our Engesser Light American Lager.
Come take a seat, sip some history, and don’t worry… we’ll teach you how to pronounce it 😉 (It’s En-guess-er!)
#CheersToHistory #EngesserBrewing #PaddlefishBrewing #StPeterMN #BrewedInStPeter #CraftBeerHistory #LightAmericanLager #DrinkLocal #BeerWithAStory
🌸 This Week at Paddlefish (5/6–5/11) 🌸
Tacos, trivia, Paddlefish history, BBQ, bluegrass and Building-a-Bouquet — what more could you want this week??
🎨 Tues – El Mexicano + Educator & Member Pint Specials
🍗 Wed – Doc E’s BBQ + Trivia Mafia
🎣 Thurs – Paddlefish Presentation w/ John Hoxmeier!
🐄 Fri – Squeaky Cow returns!
🎣 Sat – Fishing Opener Bash! Free games & prizes all day
💐 Sun – Celebrate Mother’s Day with some BBQ, bouquet building & bluegrass
BREAKING: Our lil southwest Minnesota brewery just won GOLD at the World Beer Cup—a.k.a. the Olympics of beer.
Vinter Liv, our Swedish Farmhouse Ale, is officially the best historical beer on Planet Earth.
Brewed in St. Peter. Judged by the world.
Stay tuned for a SPECIAL RE-RELEASE EVENT of our Vinter Liv at the end of May!
🫐 NEW MONTH NEW RELEASE: Tangled Up In Brew Lambic
“There’s music in this glass, and it sings in blueberry.”
Our latest First Friday drop is a jammy, funky lambic with a Minnesota twist—fruit-forward, tart, and just a little wild (like a certain Highway 61 local hero).
Pouring today at 5PM.
Only at Paddlefish. Only until it’s gone.
7.7% ABV | 5 IBU | $7
🍻 Beertender Spotlight: Kris Koehler-Sandborg!
Meet Kris — IPA lover. Former college drummer. Secret juggler.
Catch Kris behind the bar pouring her favorite Paddlefish brew….Jolly Giant Hazy IPA
• Fun Fact: Once juggled teaching and custodial work at a school — at the same time
• Shift Playlist: Fleetwood Mac, Noah Kahan, and 70s gold.
• Beer Awakening: One sip of Spotted Cow = world changed forever.
• Most unforgettable shift? Let’s just say... unsolicited kiss.
• Favorite Place in MN: Farm Island Lake. The lake life is real.
• Guilty Pleasure: Anything starring Melissa McCarthy
“I’m like a human Funfetti cake.” Same energy. Kris brings it every shift — big laughs, great smile and top tier pours.
Catch her at the bar, soaking up the chaos and making it look easy — just don’t challenge her to a drum solo and a juggling contest. She will win. Cheers, Kris! 🍻
🎉 Another stacked week at Paddlefish! 🍻 Here’s what’s happening:
🍎 Tues 4/29: Educator & Member Appreciation — $1 OFF pints all day!
🍻 Wed 4/30: Happy Hour from 12–4PM — $1 OFF pints!
🌼 Thurs 5/1: Russell’s Food Truck 4–8PM + May Day Basket Making 6–8PM ($15)
🌭 Fri 5/2: Brat Dogs 4–8PM | 🎶 Ben Scruggs live 6–9PM | 🍻 New Beer Drop: Tangled Up In Brew Lambic taps at 5PM!
🥪 Sat 5/3: Jersey’s Food Truck 3–8PM
🧘♀️ Sun 5/4: Yoga at 10AM ($20 + free drink!) | 🍗 Doc E’s BBQ 12–8PM | $15 growler fills!
A South Dakota legend dropped off this gem — a “PADLFSH” license plate! He shared stories of snagging paddlefish every cast one day on the Missouri River at Gavins Point Dam (with a permit, of course).
Anyone else out there rocking a paddlefish plate??
This week at Paddlefish! 🍻🌎🎶🛍️
Here’s what’s on tap:
Tues 4/22:
$1 OFF pints all day for Educators & Members 🍎
EARTH DAY Sustainable Craft Night ♻️ (Free! 6–8PM)
Wed 4/23:
Happy Hour from 12–4PM – $1 OFF pints 🍺
Thurs 4/24:
Russell’s food truck 4–8PM 🍲
Initials Game Live! 7–8:30PM 🧠
Fri 4/25:
Fatbellies BBQ 4–9PM 🍗
Kaleb & The Old Guy live music 6–9PM 🎶
Sat 4/26:
Jersey’s food truck 12–8PM 🥪
Sun 4/27:
Mother’s Day Makers Market 12–3PM 🧶🕯️
See you this week! 🍻
🌸 Mother’s Day Makers Market – Call for Vendors! 🌸
Join us on Sunday, April 27th from 12–3 PM for a special Mother’s Day Makers Market! Showcase your creations and connect with the community as we celebrate moms and makers alike.
🛍️ Vendors of all kinds are welcome – from handmade goods and crafts to unique gifts perfect for Mother`s Day.
📲 Sign up now to secure your spot! Link in bio for vendor registration. Link in bio!
Big week ahead! Here’s what’s coming your way:
🍺 Monday: Kick off with Happy Hour (4–6 PM) featuring $1 off pints.
🎤 Tuesday: A day of drink specials for educators paired with an Open Mic session from 6–8 PM.
✏️ Wednesday: Test your Office know-how with our Trivia night (7–8:45 PM) and savor what Russell’s cooking up!
🍺 Thursday: Another round of Happy Hour (4–6 PM) with $1 off pints to keep the momentum going.
🌭 Friday: Satisfy your cravings with Minnesota’s Original Brat Dogs (5–9 PM).
💃 Saturday: Enjoy El Mexicano Tacos from 3–8 PM, plus get swept away by a live Flamenco performance by Molly Stoltz from 7–9 PM.
🐣 Sunday: Celebrate with special Easter hours from 11 AM to 8 PM.
🎉 Happy Birthday, Zoe! 🎉
If you’ve ever been greeted with a warm smile and impeccable handwriting at the bar... you’ve probably met Zoe. ✍️
She’s a Mountain Mama superfan (patiently waiting for the imperial 👀), a plant parent who might out-green our taproom, and a pro at helping you discover your new favorite beer. 🍺🌿
Whether she’s pouring pints, quoting Hot Rod, or reminiscing about her past as a school photographer 📸, she brings top tier energy and great beer recs every shift.
Wish her a happy birthday when you see her behind the bar this weekend!
💚 Beer of choice: Anything IPA or light & crisp
🎃 Favorite holiday: Halloween
🛫 Dream power: Flying
📍 Favorite MN spot: Duluth
🌮 Eats tacos for every meal (respect)
🚨 BREWERY DOLLS - JUST DROPPED 🚨
We had to jump on the AI action figure trend—so here she is, Paddlefish-style.
This one’s rocking a 4-pack of Mountain Mama IPA, but each “doll” comes with a different brewski.
Which 4-pack would your action figure be holding?
Collect them all… or at least stock up on Mountain Mama ⛰️
Disclaimer: Action figure is generated, and not available or for sale…Maybe some day
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