The Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival 2024 featured big and beautiful beers, wild winter wear, and our fantastic family of friends at Comstock Park.
Winter Beer Festival 2024
Every year, the Michigan Brewers Guild throws a massive party known as the Winter Beer Festival at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. This year, the gods of beer blessed us with sunny skies and temperatures just above freezing. Now, these gods could have gifted us with the 50-degree weather from the two days prior, but whatever. There is no sense in calling down the wrath of said gods and harshing our buzz.
Victor, along with the army of volunteers, were on hand to get us all into the festival and provide a memorable experience. Be sure to give these folks your love. They make each and every Michigan Brewers Guild festival awesome.
Camping With Uncle Charlie at Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen
The word from Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen head brewer David Osterhouse when we saw him at the pre-festival party at City Built Brewing (which was a ton of fun), was that this year’s version of our collaboration s’more stout, aka “Camping With Uncle Charlie” was super sweet and very thick.
I wish I had taken a photo of the beer in the cup so you could see for yourself. David wasn’t kidding – this monster was thick. It was nearly a smoothie. The beer coated the cup with chocolate graham cracker residue. It was also very sweet. I actually thought it was good. At 8% ABV, it was strong without knocking you over. I guess you could say this year’s version was a pastry stout. The lesson here is that you can get crazy with adjuncts – brewer beware.
Edward’s Barrel Aged Ultra
With the first beer down, I do my usual run around from tent to tent to get a photo of the folks pouring for every brewery. It is a fun way to do some quick hellos and hopefully capture the essence of the breweries on hand. About halfway through my run, I ran into Edward Stencel. In case you don’t know Edward, he is the co-founder/owner of Unexpected Craft Brewing Company with his wife Martha.
Edward always has a smile, and today, he had a little 1 oz beer mug hanging around his neck. He mentioned he had accepted a challenge to try all 58 barrel-aged beers at the festival. We were probably an hour into the festival when I met up with Edward; he had already tried roughly 14 samples. He was off to a fast start but had a plan to take water breaks to stay on target. I asked Edward to let me know how he did.
Barrel Aged Ultramarathon
Edward sent me his post-festival report, and I’m happy to report that his barrel-aged beer ultramarathon was a success. Starting with Guardian Brewing’s 2023 BBA Makara, he worked through 58 ounces of love to finish with Grand River Brewing’s Dead Man’s Hand. Edward relayed that he enjoyed each beer, with Perrin’s Cryptic Shadows being a favorite.
While I had Edward’s ear, I asked him what he loves about the Michigan beer community. Edward replied, “What I love the most about the Michigan Beer Community is the friendships that you are constantly making with other beer enthusiasts. Also, the passion for Michigan beer. So I guess what I love about the Michigan Beer Community is the friendships and passion that you experience while being part of it.”
The Brewer becomes the Enthusiast
Given that Edward’s quest for barrel aged beer put him into the role of enthusiast as opposed to brewer, I was curious if he indeed felt like an enthusiast at the festival. He said, “For me, the enthusiast is always at the forefront of my passion for great beer. So this being the Great Beer State, my quest was one of enthusiasm towards all the great barrel-aged beers that were being featured at the 2024 MBG Winter Beer Festival.”
After running into Edward, I went to Unexpected Craft’s table and enjoyed their Coffee Kolsch. A shot of coffee is always welcome, and I love a great Kolsch, so this was a winning combination. I’m looking forward to visiting Unexpected Craft in May when they celebrate their 9th anniversary.
Grand River Kids – New Camera, Union Juice, and Turkey Legs
A theme brewing in this recap of the Winter Beer Festival 2024 edition is failure. Specifically, a failure of yours truly to capture some much needed photos to tell our story completely. What the fuck, Chuck? Let’s move on, and I’ll explain.
We make a point of seeking out our Grand River kids from Grand River Brewery in Jackson at each festival. You may ask, “Chuck, why do you call them kids? They are grown-ass men?” The answer, my friends, isn’t blowing in the wind. I think of them as kids because I’m older than sin, and these guys are youngsters. We started calling them the “Grand River Kids” when they let us hang with them at the Michigan Great Beer State conference a couple of years back. Nothing makes an old dude feel cooler than to hang out with the kids.
Caleb’s new rig
I felt like a proud father when I saw Caleb (assistant brewer) sporting his camera on a snappy Cotton Carrier. The Cotton Carrier is a harness that you can snap your camera into, and it sits on your chest instead of dangling at your waist on a strap. I’d mentioned that I use one when hiking, and Caleb purchased a similar rig which he brought to the festival. Here is where I once again failed to get a photo of my protege with his new rig. Caleb recently started getting into photography to supplement Grand Rivers’ social media. He is providing views from the brewers’ world, which I think many of us would love to see.
Union Juice
Brenda and I talked with Wyatt (head brewer) a bit about life and vacation plans. We mentioned an upcoming trip to Hawaii, and he said Hawaii was the inspiration for their double IPA Union Juice. Wyatt first created this beer for his friend from Hawaii who was getting married in North Carolina, hence the name “Union.” It is a fruited beer made with dragon fruit (the Hawaii connection), hence the name “Juice.” Rose quartz adds a super transcendental cosmic hippy energy to this beer.
Don’t worry. The beer isn’t full of sand. It’s quite wonderful. The fruit subtly adds a rosy color and tropical notes on the tongue. There are plenty of hops, which gives it a terrific smell and taste. This double is also dangerously smooth.
Wyatt shared that he had to transport it to the wedding in the back of his vehicle. To keep the kegs safe for the wedding, he cold-called a brewery in Asheville (I think it was Ashville – Wyatt, correct me if I”m wrong) looking for storage. They were happy to oblige.
Fun tidbit: did you know that Wyatt went to college to study English with hopes of working in journalism? Neither did we! Now that we know this, we think he and Caleb should get a “Behind the Grand River Brewery” newsletter and book going pronto.
Turkey Leg Custom
I found Charlie, Grand River Brewery’s new Cellar Hand, close to a tryptophan coma later in the festival, with Wyatt and Caleb close at hand. Evidently, it is customary for new brewery team members to eat two turkey legs when they attend their first Winter Beer festival. That’s right, folks. Two monster drumsticks of ridiculous size are eaten in one sitting. Charlie was polishing off the second leg when I arrived. Despite eating several pounds of meat, he looked in good spirits. I dare say he could have done a third leg!
Hop Growers of Michigan Strut Their Stuff
Hopefully, you stumbled upon the Hop Growers of Michigan tent at this year’s Winter beer fest. This was their maiden voyage in terms of beer festivals. If you aren’t familiar with the Hope Growers of Michigan, don’t worry. They have been under the radar, happily growing some of the best hops on the planet right here in our state. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they are stepping out from behind the curtain. The goal is to showcase the variety and quality of Michigan hops while informing beer consumers and brewers across the country.
Rose (Mr. Wizard Hops), Mike (Dog Star Hops), and Brian (Hop Alliance) were on hand to highlight three beers made with Michigan hops. These included 3 Gatos American Bobtail double IPA, Old Nation Brewing MI,MI,MI triple New England IPA, and Short’s Spring IPL. Each beer offered a unique perspective on brewing while letting you taste the Michigan hop difference.
You Wanted The Best Beer, and You’ve Got It!
There is no way in hell anyone can tell you either before or after the Winter Beer Festival (or any festival for that matter) what the best beers are. So, while the heading suggests this is a best-of-show list, it isn’t. I just wanted to riff on KISS ALIVE. You know…”You wanted the best, you got it…” Let’s move on.
Tombstone Brewery (Chesterfield Township)
One of the “New Kids on the Block” is Tombstone Brewery. I opted for their Oktoberfest, a tasty Märzen that finished dry. Almost a heather or tea quality to the finish made it very interesting. I’m looking forward to visiting their taproom soon.
Crankers (Big Rapids)
Brenda had a fireside chat with David, their head brewer, who mentioned he had a beer made with carrots. The beer in question was Buzzed Bunny. It is an IPA made with carrots from Ward Vegetables. Before you turn your nose up at carrot beer, you need to try it. The nose on this beer is amazing, with lots of fresh hops and a slight hint of carrot greens. The taste is that of a magnificent crisp and dry IPA with again a hint of something green. This beer was fantastic and unique. We chatted with David a bit and made a plan to come out to Crankers this spring for a visit. Stay tuned.
707 Brewery (Caledonia)
Another new brewery on our horizon was 707 Brewery. The winner here was their So Sticky Salted Caramel porter. The aroma and flavor of caramel came through loud and clear. A touch of salt completed the experience of enjoying a toffee with coffee. I do not know where Caledonia is, but I’ll have to find it on the map and plan a trip to enjoy more of their fine beer.
Coopersville Brewing (Coopersville)
The answer to Coopersville Brewing’s Are You Afraid of the Darkside? Imperial Porter is hell no. Rich and sultry without being boozy, this is a gorgeous, dark, and lovely brew.
Kognisjon Bryggeri (Marquette)
Someone recently commented on a Facebook post from Kognisjon Bryggeri that they wished they lived closer. I had to answer “Sames” as I truly would love to live next door. Although, I think my liver would not appreciate the proximity to this special place. After hugs and a little chatter, Janelle poured me a Cycle of Myth. I’m not sure what song or band inspired the name, but I was delighted with this latest take on the tantalizingly tart cheesecake sour series that Kris creates. Damn, I wish I lived in Marquette.
Heronmark (Allegan)
The trifecta of new breweries on our list for the Winter Beer Fest is Heronmark. Their rye IPA called Ryeparian was superb. With plenty of hoppiness mingled with a dash of toasted spice, it was super nice. After writing that line, I now feel like the beer world version of Dr. Seuss, who’s on the loose drinking all that juice.
Kuhnhenn Brewing (Warren)
Mr. Kuhnhenn was kind enough to pour me a shot of Seniors Quadruple, a bold Belgian dark ale. This beer is slightly boozy with a finish of raisins or currants. After I had the beer, I had a feeling Mr. Kuhnhenn saw my long gray beard and said to himself, “Here comes a senior for sure!!” Prost sir!
Thornapple Brewing (Grand Rapids)
Presented with so many great options and running low on tokens, I asked brewer extraordinaire Jeremiah from Thornapple Brewing for his suggestion. His choice was Red Wine Tr3y Way Belgian Tripel. This is a fabulous, unique beer. They take their Belgian Tripel and age it in red wine barrels (I forgot to ask where the barrels came from). You get the rounded malt of the tripel mingled with the tannin tartness of the wine. It makes for an excellent dry and refreshing beer.
Ogma Brewing (Jackson)
The Ogma Brewing Kids (yes, they are kids, too) brought a feisty assortment of their beautiful beers to the Winter Beer Festival. The darling of my eye was Heavy Lies the Crown, their New England IPA collaboration with Wax Wings in Kalamazoo. Smooth and juicy, this beer is lucious. They have this beauty in cans at their pub, so swing over to Jackson and enjoy if you missed them at the fest.
I Like Big Hats
Along with big beers, the Winter Beer Festival tends to bring out the big hats. Here are some winners.
And the Festival Goes Wild
Part of the fun of Winter Beer Fest is the sometimes crazy costumes, outfits, wardrobes, and snacklaces that people wear. Perhaps it was the expected colder temperatures, but I saw quite a few people who brought shrimp for snacks. Go figure.
Firkin Tap
After the celebratory singing of the Michigan Brewers Guild anthem led by Chas with extra special mojo added by Great Lakes Brass, it was time to tap the firkin.
Sister and brother Morgan & Tyler Jenks were popping the cork on the firkin. They were celebrating a family victory. The kids talked their dad (Todd) into flying home for the festival to keep his streak of attending each and every Winter Beer Fest intact. Cheers to the Jenk family for keeping the tradition alive.
The firkin was Perrin Black with peanut butter (extract, no actual nuts), chocolate, and vanilla. It’s a sort of peanut butter cup black beer crafted by Perrin’s assistant brewer and super awesome dude, Andy.
Music
It isn’t a party without music, and the Michigan Brewers Guild always finds excellent music for each festival, and this year was no exception.
Steve Leaf
The words ambient, alternative, and passionate tumbled through my mind as I listened to Steve Leaf. His guitar work is silky and scintillating. The bright sun and crisp air added to the feeling of buoyancy and flight emanating from the music. These savory sounds pair well with Rockford Brewing’s Leap Beer Baltic Porter.
Roosevelt Diggs
A new band for me is Roosevelt Diggs. I love their mix of old-school country imbued with the sass of bluegrass and a shot of high-octane rock and roll attitude. These dudes were impeccably dressed as they tore into a set of music that spoke to the crowd, who were quickly bobbing and weaving with the music. Pair this band with Stormcloud Brewing’s Broken Thoughts old ale, and you’ve got yourself a party.
That’s a Wrap
Congratulations, and thank you if you stuck around for this long-ass ramble! We’ve got a boatload of photos out in our gallery. Take a look and see if you are inside.
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