Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Brandvold
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Icewind Brewing was born from a relentless passion for craft beer and a refusal to settle for the ordinary. Co-founded by myself, Rick Brandvold, and my partner, Tyler Mangin, Icewind is the result of years of dedication, risk-taking, and an unshakable belief in doing what we love.
What started as a homebrewing obsession turned into something bigger—something bold. After nearly two decades of perfecting recipes in our own kitchens, I hit a crossroads when my commitment to brewing cost me my job. But instead of backing down, I saw it as a sign. It was time to turn this passion into something real.
Originally, two separate teams had dreams of launching their own breweries, but fate had other plans. We joined forces, navigated the highs and lows, and ultimately acquired the old DCR brewery. That was the moment Icewind Brewing came to life. In June 2020, during one of the most uncertain times in modern history, we opened our doors—not just as a brewery, but as a gathering place, a community, and a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to quit.
Icewind isn’t just about making beer. It’s about crafting experiences, pushing boundaries, and bringing people together over something authentic. Whether it’s a crisp, classic ale or an experimental brew that surprises and delights, every pour is a reflection of the journey that got us here. And this is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to building Icewind Brewing has been anything but easy—but that’s what makes it worth it. Opening our doors in the middle of a global pandemic was like stepping into a storm without knowing when it would end. From ever-changing restrictions to supply chain breakdowns, every day brought a new challenge. But we pushed forward, driven by the belief that great beer and great community go hand in hand.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, we’ve faced financial uncertainty, staffing struggles, and the constant battle of balancing growth with sustainability. Brewing more beer doesn’t always mean making more money—sometimes it just means more sweat, late nights, and hard choices. But through it all, our passion for this craft and the people we serve keeps us moving.
We do this for the ones who walk through our doors, looking for a place to unwind, connect, and experience something real. Every pour, every conversation, every moment shared in our taproom fuels our drive to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep making Icewind Brewing a place where people feel at home. The journey hasn’t been smooth, but nothing worth building ever is. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Icewind Brewing, our mission is simple but powerful: brew the best beer we can and create a space where people can come together. We’re more than just a brewery—we’re a gathering place, a hub for craft beer lovers, and a proud part of the Mapleton community. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting your journey, we’ve got something for you. From bold experimental brews to timeless classics that deserve a comeback, our lineup is crafted with passion, precision, and just the right amount of rebellion.
Our taproom is where it all comes to life. It’s a laid-back, welcoming space where good beer and great company go hand in hand. And we like to keep things interesting. You’ll find food trucks rolling in, the energy of trivia nights, live music setting the vibe, and events like board game evenings, puzzle competitions, and even a legendary chili cook-off.
And then there’s our naming process—because every beer has its own personality, and finding the right name is an art form in itself. It’s all hands on deck when we’re brainstorming. We throw out wild ideas, laugh at the ridiculous ones, and wait for that one name that just clicks. Sometimes it’s a reference to pop culture, sometimes it’s a nod to the beer’s unique character, and sometimes… well, sometimes it’s just too good to pass up (looking at you, Pickolas Cage). When you know, you know.
At the end of the day, Icewind Brewing is about more than just beer. It’s about the people who drink it, the moments shared over a pint, and the community we’ve built one brew at a time.
What’s next?
Icewind Brewing expanding, and we couldn’t be more excited! Our reach is spanning across North Dakota, bringing our beers to more people, more cities, and more taps than ever before. From Fargo to Bismarck, Minot to Grand Forks, and everywhere in between, you can now find Icewind brews statewide—whether you’re grabbing a pint at your favorite bar or picking up a pack of cans to enjoy at home. It’s been incredible to see the demand grow, and we’re fired up to keep delivering the beer people love while staying true to who we are.
But we’re not stopping at beer—because, let’s be honest, what pairs better with a cold pint than a killer pizza? That’s why we launched our own frozen pizzas, crafted with the same dedication and passion that goes into our brews. These aren’t your average frozen pies. We wanted to create something that brings the taproom experience straight to your kitchen—bold flavors, quality ingredients, and the kind of pizza that makes you crack open another beer just to keep the moment going. We’re rolling them out to grocery stores across the eastern part of the state, so keep an eye out (and a freezer shelf open) for Icewind pizzas coming your way!
At the heart of it all, this expansion isn’t just about growing—it’s about giving back to the people who have supported us from day one. It’s about making sure you can enjoy Icewind no matter where you are, whether you’re at a local bar, in our taproom, or kicking back at home with a slice and a pint. And speaking of the taproom, we’re doubling down on making it the best hangout spot around. Expect more events, more live music, more food trucks, more epic trivia nights, and even more ways to bring people together over great beer and great company.
This is just the beginning, and we’re pumped for what’s next. Icewind is growing, evolving, and pushing the limits—all while staying true to what we love: making damn good beer and creating a space where people can enjoy it. Cheers to the next chapter!
Pricing:
- At Icewind Brewing, we believe great beer should be accessible to everyone, whether you’re a craft beer veteran or just starting to explore new flavors. Here’s what you can expect when you visit our taproom: Flight of 4 Tasters – $8 (the perfect way to sample a mix of classics and experimental brews) Single 4oz Taster – $2 (try any draft beer, one sip at a time) 32oz Howler Fill – Priced at half the cost of a 64oz Growler fill (because sometimes, a little less is just right) Frozen Pizzas! And let’s talk about our newest obsession! Crafted with the same passion we put into our beer, these pizzas bring a taste of Icewind straight to your home. They’re priced for both value and quality. Events – We love bringing people together through events—from trivia nights and live music to epic puzzle competitions and chili cook-offs. Some events are free, while others may have a small cover charge or entry fee. For details, check out our website or follow us on social media. At the end of the day, it’s all about the people—the ones who make the trip to our Mapleton taproom, the ones who crack open a can at home, and the ones who keep this community thriving. So whether you’re here for a pint, a pizza, or just good company, we can’t wait to raise a glass with you. Cheers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.icewindbrewing.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IcewindBrews/
