There were also several new brewers in attendance, including Soo Brewing Company, New Holland Brewing Company, and Brewery Vivant. Returning breweries included Hereford&Hops, Keweenaw Brewing Company, Short’s, and Bell’s. Local wines were available from Threefold Vine Winery and Leigh’s Garden Winery.
Another big attraction was the food. Bobaloon’s, a local deli, was in attendance. They definitely stepped up their game this year, roasting a pig and a goat over an open fire. Beer-themed desserts were provided by the Sav-Mor deli.
The date for UPtoberfest 2012 has already been set for October 13th, although many of the details are still up in the air. Many great contacts were made in 2011 and that will facilitate even more breweries next year. We’ve even gotten a verbal ‘yes’ from two U.P./Northern MI breweries that will be opening soon, so of course that is quite exciting for everyone involved.
This was the 3rd year that my homebrew club, Bay de Noc Brewers, organized this festival and it has grown slowly every year. That’s just how we like it. Come see us in 2012!
