Michigan Beer Festival

[Doug123]

Another great show for the Michigan Brewers Guild and the Michigan Beer Festival (held this past Saturday, July 24, in Ypsilanti, Michigan).

If you didn't have a chance to attend this year's festivities, I'd recommend not missing next year's event (scheduled for July 23, 2005).

The highlight for me is always trying beers from the newer brew pubs of the state. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, in Dexter, Michigan, focuses its attention only on Belgian ales (as I understand it). The ones I tried were very good. I'm hoping to make a trip over there in the near future.

Short's Brewing Company, out of Bellaire, Michigan, was another highlight. Their Pandemonium Pale Ale was very good, and my wife seemed to think quite a bit of the Chocolate Wheat offering.

[Jake]

Next year is also in Ypsilanti? I have a uncle who lives in Belleville.

[Doug123]

Next year's Michigan Beer Festival is scheduled for July 23, 2005 at Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti.

[hops99]

I attended back in July for the 3rd straight year. I might be a little late posting this, but I had mixed feelings about the festival. On the one hand, the weather was gorgeous (sunny, low 70's - which was a major improvement over the previous few years). In addition, Michigan should be proud of the breweries represented here - some truly great stuff from the obvious (Bell's, MBC, Dark Horse), as well as some other gems (New Holland and Arcadia to name a few). I think Michigan is an under-appreciated beer state nationwide.

Here's my complaint: Every beer festival I've attended over the years (Great Taste of the Midwest, Penn Brewing Festival, Hop in the City, etc.) use a simple formula - pay $20 - $30, and receive unlimited samples during the fest. The Michigan Brewing Festival costs $25 (at the gate), and you only get 10-12 tokens (don't remember exactly how many). After that, you need to purchase additional tokens. Now, at the risk of sounding gluttonous, $25 is buying you a grand total of about 40 oz. of beer (I think they were 4 oz. samples), which isn't a great value. I'm not looking at slurping down a keg of beer, but I would like to try smaller samples from as many breweries as possible. At this festival, it's cost prohibitive. Plus, at other festivals, your admission cost buys you a commemorative tasting glass. Here, you get a stinkin' plastic cup.

Oh well, I know that I'm spoiled if I'm picking on a beer festival like this, but comparatively speaking it doesn't stack up.

[Doug123]

I haven't had the chance to attend the other beer festivals you mentioned, unfortunately. It's true that it is not inexpensive. I'd be interested to see, financially, how the other festivals do it. You'd think it would benefit the brewpubs that attend, so they'd want to do it at low cost to the organizers.

On a related subject, out of the festivals you've attended, which would you recommend? My wife and I hope to attend a few more, as soon as next year.

[hops99]

On a related subject, out of the festivals you've attended, which would you recommend? My wife and I hope to attend a few more, as soon as next year.

I assume you live in Michigan? That's the thing - while I complain about the value of the Michigan Beer Fest, it IS the closest festival to my house, so the other great ones require some drive-time and an overnight stay.

That said, my favorite beer fest hands-down is The Great Taste of the Midwest, held in Madison, WI the 2nd Saturday of August. Over 100 breweries, unlimted samples, beautiful lakeside setting. It's about 6 hours from my house, so my wife and I make a weekend of it, but it's worth it!

[chazwicke]

Maybe we could have our convention on the same weekend as one of the better fests.

[hops99]

Maybe we could have our convention on the same weekend as one of the better fests.

That is a great idea.