Bent Paddle Brewing Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | May 1, 2013 in Duluth, Minnesota, United States |
| Founder | Bryon Tonnis, Karen Tonnis, Colin Mullen, Laura Mullen |
| Headquarters | Duluth , United States |
Area served | Minnesota |
Key people | Bryon Tonnis (Head Brewer), Karen Tonnis (Operations and Distribution), Colin Mullen (Lead Brewer), Laura Mullen (Community Engagement) |
| Products | Beer |
Bent Paddle Brewing Company operates as a microbrewery located in Duluth, Minnesota.
The brewery and its taproom began welcoming patrons in May 2013, initially focusing on local distribution of kegs and cans. By November of the same year, their canned products reached liquor stores within the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. At that time, Bent Paddle revealed intentions to boost their annual output from 4,500 barrels to 8,000 barrels. Production further escalated to 13,850 barrels by 2015.
History
Established by Bryon and Karen Tonnis alongside Colin and Laura Mullen, Bent Paddle draws on the founders' combined brewing and business acumen. Bryon Tonnis previously held the position of head brewer at Rock Bottom Brewery in Minneapolis, while Colin Mullen served as the lead brewer at Barley John's Brew Pub in New Brighton, Minnesota. Karen Tonnis manages operations and distribution channels, whereas Laura Mullen is responsible for community engagement and event coordination.
The brewery’s name originates from a bent canoe paddle used by Bryon Tonnis during the brewing process, symbolizing the founders’ enthusiasm for canoeing.
In April 2018, Bent Paddle shifted its taproom just one block away but retained its original facility as the primary site for brewing activities.
Awards
In 2014, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune recognized Bent Paddle as the best new brewery in Greater Minnesota. That same year, their 14° ESB secured a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival, later achieving gold at the festival in 2017.
Logo dispute
A trademark infringement claim was brought against Bent Paddle by Long Trail Brewing Company in August 2014 concerning a similar hiker-themed logo. The matter was resolved amicably by December 2014, with Bent Paddle agreeing to discontinue the contested logo. Both breweries made charitable contributions to hiking organizations located in each other’s states.