Minnesota brewer adds zebra mussels to new ale

Published 4:19 pm Saturday, November 22, 2014

EXCELSIOR — Call it an IPA — an Invasive Pale Ale.

Excelsior Brewing Co. is launching a new ale made with invasive species — zebra mussel shells and Eurasian milfoil, an underwater plant — pulled fresh from Lake Minnetonka. It’s called Milfoil Lakehouse Saison Ale and the company touts its “exotic, invasive flavor.”

John Paul Awad from Excelsior Brewing said the unusual ingredients are more for novelty than flavor. The brew is also made with hops, honey and wild rice.

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Zebra mussels have spread into nearly 200 lakes, rivers and stream in Minnesota and Eurasian milfoil has invaded more waterways.