Mixed Messages, our final 2022 variety pack, is so named due to the different beer styles contained therein. It also references the tactical-grade passive aggression of our beloved home state and the entire Upper Midwest. Saying what you mean without ever saying what you mean, or even the precise opposite? That’s a Mixed Message. Think of how people wield “Bless your heart” in the American South and you can truly gauge the blistering judgment of “That’s interesting” from a Mankato grandmother.
What follows is an updated list of phrases that you can bring home with you for the upcoming holidays to decipher what your aunts, uncles, and cousins are on about. Enjoy a delicious Furious IPA, Skeleton Tree Baltic Porter, Cyber Wolf Black IPA, and/or Yummi Bear West Coast-Style IPA while doing so.
BASIC (as seen on t-shirts and wholesome Facebook memes)
Interesting = I hate this. I hate this a lot.
Ope = Rather than saying “Just gonna scoot past/sneak by ya here”
Yeah no = No.
No yeah = Yes.
Ah jeez = Mildly annoyed or more upset than you’ve been in your adult life. Usually involves parking.
You betcha = Yes with intent to follow through.
I’ll see = No with intent to hope the subject is dropped.
That’s nice = This is terrible.
OK, then = Not OK.
It’s fine = You’re wearing jeans to my daughter’s wedding. OK, then.
INTERMEDIATE (you weren’t born here, but you’ve lived here long enough to know what’s up)
Pert near = Could be next door, could be 45 minutes.
Uffda/Oofta = A Scandinavian stand-in for the vilest filth you’ve heard in your life.
Ish = Super gross.
I don’t mind = I mind a great deal.
Kitty Corner/Catty Corner = Your destination is diagonally opposite of the Jo-Ann Fabrics in the mind of the directions-giver. It’s directly across the street. Don’t correct them.
Going to Target for a couple things = I’m about to spend $250.
Up North = Could be Duluth. Could be Hibbing. Could be Canada. Could be Detroit Lakes. Honestly, it could be Owatonna. It’s more a vibe/state of mind than anything.
We’re good with whatever = We are not. Do not order food from there, the owner sneaks out of church during communion.
Oh, funny! = This isn’t funny. I would have laughed if it was funny or even relatable. It is neither.
Oh my gosh/garsh = Folks might get mad at you for taking the lord’s name in vain even if they’ve been dead for years.
ELITE (born outstate, still gets mild endorphin rush hearing the words “two hours late, no morning kindergarten,” considers sending email to new meteorologist who keeps mispronouncing Willmar before Wheel of Fortune comes on)
Swearing in German = Older relative trying to trick God.
I’m allergic to (random food item, like olives) = I don’t like (random food item, like olives)
[CELEBRITY NAME] is from here = Lived in Waseca for three months as a toddler. Couldn’t find Minnesota on a map.Whatever is easiest for you = You aren’t seriously going to do whatever’s easiest for you. You can’t be this stupid.
Doesn’t matter to me = It matters quite a bit. Choose wisely and correctly.
We don’t talk like that = It’s been brought to your attention that people from here talk a little funny, you will not admit it, you’re still mad at the Coen brothers about Fargo and besides Wisconsin is way worse at this.
You probably have a couple that we forgot to mention. That’s nice. It’s fine.
Mixed Messages is available to all Surly markets. It’s interesting in the good way. Specs on the exclusive Mixed Messages beers below:
Yummi Bear
- Hops: Warrior (Bittering); Simcoe, Centennial, El Dorado (Dry Hop)
- Malt: 2-Row, Cara-8, Carapils
- Yeast: English Ale
- Pour: Golden
- ABV: 6.9%
- Bitterness: Moderate
Skeleton Tree
- Hops: Tettnanger
- Malt: Pils, Munich, Honey Malt, Aromatic Malt, Chocolate Malt, Carafa III, Caramel Malt
- Yeast: German Lager
- Pour: Dark Brown
- ABV: 7.2%
- Bitterness: Low
Cyber Wolf
- Hops: Warrior, Simcoe (Whirlpool); Simcoe, El Dorado, Citra (Dry Hop)
- Malt: 2-Row, Flaked Oats, Acidulated Malt
- Yeast: English Ale
- Pour: Black
- ABV: 6.5%
- Bitterness: High
