Head Brewer

Dale Kleinschmidt

Dale Kleinschmidt knows a little about brewing beer. He and his brother started brewing more than 50 years ago in their parents’ home in northern Minnesota. Dale transitioned his hobby into a successful career, and now serves as the Head Brewer at Clyde Brewing. 

Kleinschmidt has lived in Duluth since 1972 and became one of the owners of Lake Superior Brewing, the very first microbrewery north of the Twin Cities, and only the seventh to open in Minnesota. His many roles included volunteer, apprentice, assistant brewer, head brewer, operations manager, and co-owner from 1995 until 2019. Along the way, he won 14 World Beer Championship Medals, and earned a stellar reputation as a brewer.  

Dale is now putting his extensive knowledge and discerning palate to work at Clyde Iron Works Brewing. His first effort includes six brews: Clyde Cream Ale, Whirley Wheat, Stiff Leg IPA, McGiffert Logger, Steam Skidder Stout, and Empire Kolsch, along with non-alcoholic Operator’s Root Beer. The beers are named in honor of the machinery manufactured at Clyde Iron Works when it was a cornerstone of Duluth golden industrial days.  

“I am more intrigued by brewing than ever. Although I turned 70 in August, I’m not ready to retire – it’s just too interesting to stop,” Dale reflected. “I lean toward traditional styles that have had loyal followers for centuries. Experimentation is good, but I’m not convinced a sour watermelon peanut butter birthday cake IPA will be a thing 100 years from now.”