While many people get excited about Thanksgiving or New Year’s, we get giddy over the U.P. Fall Beer Festival. “Happy Beer Fest!” is the standard greeting, with the beer enthusiast replying with a nod of the head and a big grin. They know the next few hours will be beer nirvana.

U.P. Fall Beer Festival

This year’s festival was especially sweet. Three of my favorite brewers announced their engagement. During the pre-party at Barrel + Beam, head brewer Joe Thierry shared his news. We got all the nitty-gritty details of the proposal, including where he stashed the ring to keep it a surprise. “With the dog poop bags,” he said, grinning mischievously.

Perrin’s brewer, Andy Ellis, also had news to share. Big Lake’s brewer, Casey Brunetti, said yes! I forgot to ask where he hid the ring, but I hear their sweet dog Vinny was thrilled with the news.

Let’s Talk Stouts

At the festival, I found the perfect spot smack in the center of the action. Close enough to hear the band, but far enough from the melee to keep me and my beer upright. Even better, I had a clear line to Kognisjon Bryggeri’s tent. Their Imperial Stout, Waffle House Fight Club, was hands down my favorite beer of the day. Early in the fest, Rose Stahl from Mr. Wizard’s Hops offered me a sip of hers. I had to get my own.

I typically don’t go for Imperial Stouts—and yes, I know the first rule of fight club—but I had to break it. This one was velvety. Bourbon, maple, and pecan flavors rolled around on my tongue. Not too sweet. Not too heavy. With an ABV around 12%, it also explained how I “lost” my tasting cup, only to discover it was still in my hand. Ha.

What about a Gose?

Big Lake Brewing’s beer lineup was impressive, over a dozen options, each one tempting in its own way. Jay Green was pouring for them and suggested the Silly Gose. When a beer ninja makes a recommendation, you listen.

I’ve never been a fan of Goses; the salty edge usually throws me off, but this one surprised me. Slightly tart, crisp, and bright, it reminded me more of champagne than beer—a perfect counterpoint to Waffle House Fight Club.

The first Gose was so good that I tried another from Elder Piper Beer & Cider, the Spruce Gose. It was also tasty. Maybe I am a fan of Goses and just didn’t know it. 

Most beer enthusiasts pore over their programs, carefully designing a plan. Not me, I ask whoever I’m talking to what their favorite beer is. This strategy has worked well so far. 

Of course, a Cream Ale

I’m trying to remember who recommended the Orange Blossom Cream Ale from Blackrocks. If you were the one, thank you. With its lower ABV, I was less likely to lose my cup. True to its name, it had a soft hint of orange and a creamy finish.

A Kölsch Please 

It was either Bonnie Steinman or Ruth Stahl who recommended Blue Crush from Shorts. It is a surprising combination of blueberries and ginger. I wasn’t sure what to expect. There was just enough ginger to make it interesting. 

In the Other Category

I’d lost Chuck and was wandering solo when I found Salty Mac Brewing. I’d remember reading about it opening in St. Ignace. The person in front of me asked for Anna’s Reel. She said someone had told her about it. That is sort of like a recommendation, right? Yes, please. I’ll have more. It was slightly tart with a hint of raspberry. 

Let’s Talk About Pasties 

Another favorite? Peace Pie’s drunken pasty. They braised beef with a Dunkel from Kognisjon, mixed it with veg and gravy, and tucked it all into a golden butter crust. I’m glad I got one early; they sold out fast.

Cask Tapping

This year, Scott Graham’s nieces, Caroline and Sophia, had the honor of tapping Ore Dock’s cask of Boysenberry Porter. They managed it like pros. No fingers were smashed!

Music

Conga Se Menne

U.P. Fall Beer Festival veterans Conga Se Menne returned to accent the sunny skies and beer haze with a bit of Finnish reggae. Never heard of Finnish reggae? Well, there is an excellent story by Kristi Kates at Northern Express, which will give you some background. We first saw them at the 2023 U.P. Fall Beer Fest, and they were back to spread super chill vibes that go great with beer. While Chuck is not a huge reggae fan, he may have been swaying to the killer grooves coming from Conga Se Menne. It was either the grooves or perhaps one too many Hipster Colognes (Kolsch beer) from Four Keys Brewing. Whatever the reason, the tunes were smooth and easy.

Ramble Tamble

Last time we caught the big waves of surf rock madness from Ramble Tamble was at the 2022 fest, where there was less surfing and more slip-n-slide mud action. This time, the weather was perfect for riding the monster swells generated by this fabulous band. Like a crashing wave, these guys churned up the crowd with their riptide tunes. It was go, go, go, man! I’m pretty sure Chuck was out there doing the hoola-hoop as Ramble Tamble made their splash. With popping bass, pumping drums, dancing keyboards, and reverberating guitar madness, you couldn’t go wrong dancing away with an Ore Dock Fresh Coast Session IPA in hand.

Photos

We got more pictures from the U.P. Fall Beer Festival in our gallery! Here are a few of our favorites:

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