The year was 1986. Halley's Comet had people predicting the apocalypse, nuclear power plants were melting down, and spiked hair, for some reason, was more popular than ever. But somehow, a bronze bubbly ray of hope called Summit Brewing Company managed to open for business.

The brainchild of St. Paul beer lover Mark Stutrud, Summit brewing Company was founded with one goal: To bring back the remarkable craft beers once brewed throughout the Upper Midwest.

Achieving that goal, however, would prove no small task. A location for the brewery had to be found (an old auto parts warehouse), an authentic brewhouse had to be shipped from Germany, and most importantly, the brewery had to be staffed with people who shared Mark's passion for great beer. Fortunately, some of Mark's fellow beer lovers were more than willing to help.

The first keg of Summit Extra Pale Ale rolled out of the brewery, across University Avenue and into Johnny's Bar on September 25. 1986, placing Summit well ahead of a trend of craft brewing that would eventually sweep the nation.

The new beer quickly grew into a local favorite. People really seemed to appreciate the superior quality of Summit's brews. To keep up with demand, the brewery had to grow.

In 1993 alone, Summit Brewing Company tripled in size. Mark and his dedicated staff were working their fingers to the bone to quench the thirst of an ever-widening fan base, leading them in 1998 to build the first new brewery Minnesota had seen in over 100 years.

That venturesome spirit guides us in choosing which beers get to wear the Summit label. Summit prides itself on introducing people to great beers you wouldn't otherwise find at your local watering hole.

It's a long process that, much to the delight of Mark Stutrud and friends, involves drinking a lot of beer. English beer. German beer. Czech beer. Beers that reflect Summit's own tastes and beliefs about what great beer should be.

That's the thing about being a craft brewery, craftsmanship. When you put a lot into what you make, you end up with a better beer. Which probably explains why Summit has won so many awards.

But judges are not the only ones who have developed a fondness for Summit's beers. Beer lovers all across the Upper Midwest and beyond have also come to appreciate Summit's commitment to great beer, and it's an appreciation that grows with every glass poured.

You could say Summit Brewing has come a long way over the years. But whatever the future may bring, rest assured, it will be Summit who brings the beer.