Fulton Brewing commissions label art from Marvel artist to launch new kingdom of IPAs

June 8, 2023Chris Crowell

Fulton Brewing is expanding its IPA offerings with the introduction of Hop Kingdom — a brand family of IPAs inspired by and made for Minnesotans. The coronation of coolers across the state begins the week of June 12.

"This collection of IPAs represents that sweet middle in the Venn diagram of Minnesota," said Ryan Petz, CEO of Fulton. "Hop Kingdom was made for people who love Minnesota and love IPAs. In an unofficial poll, it also ranks high with people who love Venn diagrams."

Was going to include this in our weekly "Drinks to Know" roundup, but the awesome art / comic nerd in me declared this worthy of its own post. Local designer, Marvel comic artist and midwestern man of mystery Brent Schoonover was tapped to illustrate the Hop Kingdom labels drawing inspiration from the iconic array of animals that personify our state's intense sense of pride. The distinct imagery of whole cone hops is woven into the story of Hop Kingdom from the inside out.

A brand-new hazy IPA is uncaged, untamed and unfiltered. A wolf in wolf's clothing.

300 IPA is getting a new look, and its trophy status as Minnesota's No. 1 IPA as awarded by the MN Craft Brewer's Guild, is symbolized in the iconic stag.

A juicy IPA featuring a thiolized yeast strain is undeniably aromatic and unforgettably dank. This fox is a merry trickster for your tastebuds.

The first three Hop Kingdom brands will be available in 12-ounce, 12-pack cans and 16-ounce, 4-pack cans in Fulton's distribution footprint. A fourth brand and a new variety 12-pack will be released in September 2023.

A launch party with a preview of Hop Kingdom will take place at the Fulton taproom at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 9. A limited run of Brent Schoonover signed and numbered prints will be available for purchase along with giveaways, live music and fresh crowlers to go.