For some inexplicable reason, we drove north in May. By north, I don’t mean a quick dip into Nebraska. No, we went north. North Dakota north.
In leaving the rapidly warming spring in the Sunflower state to a place that literally still had snow in the ditches and ice on the water, we found ourselves at Black Paws Brewing Company in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. If the weather doesn’t make sense, beer still should, right?
Black Paws is a gorgeous space. It’s a welcoming, open brewery that (as its name suggests) greets you with plenty of adorable pictures of giant, black Newfoundland pups. We went just shy of the spot’s one-year anniversary. They opened on July 8, 2022, and they were the first craft brewery for Devil’s Lake, which is pretty cool.
Unfortunately, much like their website when we’re writing this, the brews seemed to still be “under construction.”
CP: I started off with their signature Riggleydog Porter (5.25% ABV). The color was dark and inviting, but the taste left much to be desired. There was just this tough-to-explain aftertaste that was unpleasant and lingered. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you much else about the beer but that because the aftertaste was just so overwhelming. I was disappointed. Everything else about Black Paws was spot on—the appetizers, the atmosphere, the branding—but the beer just fell short.
I did try a different tap, but it ended with the same odd aftertaste. I have to say that I’m normally completely against ordering from guest taps at breweries, but my subsequent pours were just that, and I was very happy with the flavor for those. Hopefully it was all just beginner’s hiccups from Black Paws, and they’re getting the hang of that flavor profile as they continue to brew.
WAW: I had the Black Paws Alt, which was supposed to be an Altbier. Much like Clem, my beer had the same aftertaste her’s had. I tried mine and both of hers brewed locally and every single one had an off aftertaste that ruined the beers for us. We concluded there was something with the water and maybe they didn’t mess with the PH when they brewed like a lot of modern breweries do to get consistency. Unlike Clem, I didn’t stick around for another go. I tried a fabulous sour from Laughing Sun out of Bismark, ND, and was much happier.
Final Assessment
Normie Factor: Yes. They had plenty of guest taps.
Freak Flag: 0/10
Vibe Check: 9/10
Smashability: 1/10 (if we are ever back in Devil’s Lake we will give it another shot)
Munchies: They have a food menu. The appetizers we tried were good.
Other good info
Date Visited: May 11, 2023
Is there to-go beer? You can get growlers to-go.
Website: https://www.blackpawsbrewingco.com/
Address: 424 4th St NE, Devils Lake, N.D.
Parking and Public Transportation: Street parking