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Photo by Dan DuChene
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Bob Anderson, D.W. "Diamond" Deschaine, and Steve Place serve up the Founder's Brewing Company's Blushing Monk for a large crowd at the Summer Beer Festival.
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Back in full effect at Riverside Park this weekend was the Michigan Brewers' Guild Summer Beer Festival, with 35 breweries pouring more than 250 beers.
For the 10th anniversary of the festival, the guild took to calling Michigan the "great beer state," and I couldn't agree more. Over the two days of the festival, I was able to sample beers from 23 breweries, and was more than impressed with what I found.
However, one of the best beers at the festival wasn't from one brewery, but was created by the combined efforts of 24 Michigan Brewers.
The Grand Crew Ale was all by itself in a lonely tent near the merchandise booth. Brewed at Ypsilanti's own Corner Brewery, the wheat ale had a slightly higher than normal alcohol content, at 7 percent, but tasted great with a perfect blend, not too bitter and not too sweet. Distilled from Michigan-made beet sugar and wheat, the result well represented what the state's local microbreweries have to offer.
The name of the beer, a play on words, is derived from what is called a grand cru, the best beer a brewery could offer, and the brewing community in the state.
Matt Greff, who owns the Arbor Brewing Company, said the beer, and its name, is perfect.
"We're trying to grow Michigan beer," he said. "I think we nailed it."
Greff, who said his involvement in making the Grand Crew was limited, also partnered with the Dark Horse Brewing Company, located in Marshall, to create the Dark Corner. The two breweries collaborated to create the beer special for the festival this year, and the result was also terrific.
Greff said the idea was forged over drinks at last year's festival. Because of the circumstances of the idea, he said he was surprised when it actually came to fruition.
Each brewer created his own version of the recipe in the other's brewery, turning out two similar, but still unique beers. Beth Cain-Toth, of the Corner Brewery, who poured me my first sample, was surprised the two turned out to taste different. Greff, however, said he was surprised they had turned out so similar.
"I thought they'd be way different," he said.
While both tasted great, I enjoyed the smoother Dark Horse version more.
Greff said he had fun with both collaborative efforts. He said the breweries in Michigan have a strong community and mutually beneficial relationship.
"They're both indicative of brewing scene in Michigan, indicative of the fun," he said.
Aside from the collaborative efforts, there were several other beers that stood out at the festival. Long lines formed halfway through the festival on Saturday as special beers from different breweries were scheduled to release later in the afternoon. Two noteworthy breweries that garnered such lines were the Founder's Brewing Company of Grand Rapids and the Arcadia Brewing Company of Battle Creek.
At 2:30 p.m., a crowd gathered just before the Founder's booth started serving the Blushing Monk, a Belgian beer that tasted more like pop. People in line said they wanted to taste a beer made with $7,000 worth of strawberries. This beer was amazing, but with such a high alcohol content, 12 percent, it could be a little dangerous without the festival's 6 oz. servings.
After sampling the Blushing Monk, I happened upon a much longer line winding up to the Arcadia Brewing Company's booth. When asked, the busy pourers said everyone was trying to get a cup of Cocoa Loco Triple Chocolate Stout, which was released at 3 p.m.
A fan of both Guiness and dark chocolate, I had to give this brew a whirl. It was a fine-tasting stout, with just a hint of chocolate after the swallow. I could see what the line was all about, and had it not been for that line I would probably be limping from gout this week.
The last mention goes to the Saugatuck Brewing Company in Douglas, Mich. I was told they had a beer that tasted like barbequed pork. Not believing the information, I asked the people behind the taps. They said I was talking about their Kolsch, which used heavily smoked barley malt.
A dark red, the beer indeed, tasted like barbequed something. I'm not sure if I'd dub the flavor pork, but it was definitely an interesting taste. I just don't know if it was something my beer should taste like though.
There were too many good beers last weekend to mention. I liked the Ghettoblaster, the Final Absolution and the Grapes (and Grains) of Wrath. I liked most and disliked little. However, I would avoid the Tri City Brewing Company in Bay City. But, overall, the festival was great, the beer was superb and the music was excellent. Keep in mind though; I'm not hard to please. If the two words are beer and festival, I'm going to have a great time.
Cheers! And, here's to 10 more years of great Michigan beer!
Contact Staff Writer Dan DuChene at 697-8255 or at dduchene@heritage.com
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