Michigan Brewer's Guild Summer Beer Fest!!!

This was my first opportunity to go to a beer fest like this. It was a lot bigger and there were a lot more people than I expected. Although, I really had no reference point to know what to expect.

Over 60 Michigan breweries represented. Over 450 beers to choose from. A little bit of rain, but well-timed sightings of short lines to get under the tent and grab a beer took care of that.

I tasted some totally awesome beers from breweries I hadn't even heard of before.

My pick for favorite newly discovered brewery is definitely Greenbush Brewing Co. from Sawyer, MI. I tried 3 of there brews. Their 1825 Belgian Strong Ale out of a cask with raspberries was delicious, but I liked there Isole Dubbel even more.

Here are a few other highlights from my tastings:

- Caramel Lager from The Hideout Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids - Definitely sweet with notes of tropical fruit along with the expected caramel.

- 440 Pepper Smoker from Original Gravity Brewing Col in Milan (***brewed with jalapeno peppers***) - Nice smooth amber ale with heat from the jalapeno building in the back of the throat over the course of the 3 oz. taster. There was just a hint of the jalapeno in the aroma and flavor, but that warming effect was great.

- Sour Cherry Tripel from Big Rock Chop and Brewhouse in Birmingham - First time I've had something that sour. It smelled like turpentine when I first took a whiff, quite a shock after having a heavily bittered IPA right before. After I got a couple sips I was getting into it and enjoying it greatly. Birmingham is only a 15 or 20 minute drive for me, and I had no idea this brewery was there. I'll definitely be checking it out in the future.

- various selections with Grateful Dead inspired names from Sullivan's Black Forest in Frankenmuth - Very tasty all around. I know I had the Lost Sailor IPA and the Grateful Red, might have had others too.

There were others as well. I definitely didn't have anything that tasted bad. The ones I listed above were just more inspiring than the rest that I had. The whole event was a blast, even with the rain. Would've liked to make it back today for a chance to make it around to more breweries. But I will be definitely be marking off some time in my schedule for the Detroit Fall Beer Festival in the Eastern Market come October.

I wish I could have gone this year. I went to both sessions last year as my first beer festival and my first trip to Michigan. I really enjoyed everything about the trip including stopping at Dark Horse for dinner on the way home.

Went saterday! As it was said" along with 6500 of your cloest frinds"

And where are your pics, OP?

I was too busy drinking to take pictures. Also, alternately dealing with the high fives and **** talking I got for wearing a Spotted Cow t-shirt to a Michigan beer fest.

Here are some pics

It was a blast. Good crowd. Awesome weather. I was fortunate enough to be able to volunteer at one of the breweries for the day. I served a ton of beer to a ton of happy people. :rockin:

Hats off the Michigan Brewers Guild for another awesome event.

Easily one of the best brewfests i've been to in years.
Great weather, excellent turnout by vendors and some awesome special beers!