When we Kansans see anything “Wizard of Oz” themed around here, we roll our eyes. Oh, the cliche.
I would guess the same is true of nordic themes as you go to the northern parts of the United States.
But in the case of our trip to Drekker Brewing Company in Fargo, North Dakota, the viking theme was not only on point, but it kind of made you want to smash your glass on the floor after each brew. (Which we didn’t do, because we are respectful midwesterners.)
Drekker’s facility—you can’t just call it a brewery—is, in a word, intense. Of course, there are several spots to order from their wide array of house-made brews, but then there’s the rest of Brewhalla. (Did we mention that it’s called Brewhalla?) It’s kind of like wandering around an indoor farmer’s market. There are numerous spots to order food and lots of shopping you can do. You can get all of the kitschy North Dakota merch you could possibly want, then head over to pick up a houseplant and buy some doggie treats, too.
When we were there, they were putting the finishing touches on hotel rooms that would allow you to drink, eat and sleep at Drekker’s spot, too. The entire place was designed with kind of a street-art feel, and the beer labels are all reminiscent of a heavy metal concert poster. Drekker is one of those places that’s cool without trying too hard.
And it wasn’t just the atmosphere that reeled us in, the beers were also extremely well done. It was absolutely worth the stop.
CP: I started with The Pillager (5.2% ABV), which was a solid, delicious porter. It had great depth of flavor, and despite its lower ABV, it still had some heft to it, which I always appreciate in any dark beer. And even through it doesn’t matter even slightly, I also really liked Drekker’s glassware. It was easy to carry around while looking at everything Brewhalla had to offer.
WAW: I was in awe of this place the whole time. I forgot to take pictures of anything as I was just some gawking tourist looking at whatever caught my eye next. Cool beer mural, neat shop, ohhhh pinball… If you have ADHD, this place will make it difficult for you to hold your attention on anything.
As one of the most unique breweries I have ever visited, I, of course, was in charge of driving, so while there were several big funky sours and IPAs I was itching to try, I stuck with the Techno Viking (4.5% ABV) Sour – Berliner Weisse to start. It was a delight. Not too sour and super refreshing, this beer knocked the long-drive malaise right off me. It was mostly a standard Berliner Weisse style sour, which was what I was expecting and what they delivered. It reminded me a bit of the Chickadee Berliner Weisse Sour out of Sandhills Brewing Company in Hutchinson.
Since I was the driver, Clem let me choose most of the offerings coming home to us from the to-go cooler as we couldn’t stay long, since Fargo was just a stop on the long journey home.
Of which, we went home with: Braaaaaaains – a banana smoothie sour, Ectogasm – NEIPA, and Weeze The Juice – another IPA (I loved Pauly Shore growing up, so sue me). All have been nice little reminders of our trip to North Dakota’s coolest brewery, Drekker.
Final Assessment
Normie Factor: Yes, but not at the brewery. Brewhala had a wine bar and several offerings for the regular normie to enjoy.
Freak Flag: 9/10
Vibe Check: 9/10
Smashability: 9/10
Poor ’til Payday: $$$
Munchies: N/A (several places in Brewhalla sell some great grub)
Other good info
Date Visited: May 13, 2023
Is there to-go beer? Lots of to-go cans available.
Website: https://drekkerbrewing.com/
Address: 1666 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND
Parking and Public Transportation: Huge parking lot