Rockford Brewing Company: Sneak Preview!

While we get excited about news of any new Michigan brewery opening, the Michigan Beer Blog is especially excited about the work being done in Rockford. Between the location overlooking the Rogue River dam/waterfall in Rockford, the experience of the brewer, and the vision the owners are pursuing, it's a place with a lot of potential.

Downtown Rockford can compete with many of Michigan's coastal towns for picturesque tranquility. Just a few city blocks of tiny shops close to the Rogue river and the White Pine trail, Rockford brings the shopping fun of small tourist towns right up to the outdoor lifestyle. One of the cornerstones to the dining and entertainment experience of Rockford can be found right as the water rushes over the dam; Reds on the River is one of most renowned and decorated restaurants in west Michigan. . and the Rockford brewing company sits across the parking lot from Reds On the River, sharing the view.

We had a chance to speak with the owners of the Rockford Brewing Company, and view the building while in its current (as of July 2012) state of construction. The first floor has an open and rustic atmosphere; eventually this area will be finished in old style wood frames made of Michigan pine and curly maple. RBC plans to replant a new tree for every single one they use in construction: a truly honorable goal.

The system they are brewing on is not the largest kettle system in Michigan, but it doesn't need to be. RBC's beautiful and functional system, viewable from the first floor, will make beer focused on the community first. Similar to the philosophy behind the Crankers Brewery, the Rockford Brewing Company wants to be careful to treat its local community with respect. “After all,” notes Seth Rivard, “they're the reason why we're here.”

Upstairs will harbor more pine work, with an acoustically treated ceiling such that local music can be a centerpoint of the upstairs facility. RBC will offer a limited draft selection upstairs as well, letting those enjoying the view of the Rogue River, the music of a local band, or just the conversation of new friends continue their relaxation without going downstairs.

In a couple weeks, this will transform into a brewpub!

While it's too early to tell, owner/brewer Jeff Sheehan promised a healthy blend of rock solid, traditional mainstays as well as more original beverages. His pedigree includes the small batch system at the New Holland Brewing company, so if you recognize him it may be from there. He would often brew batches on that system right in downtown Holland while the place was open, leading some people to wonder if he was an actor!

Jeff Sheehan and Seth Rivard

 With the Michigan beer industry booming, the lack of a local pub serving beverages brewed on site in Rockford was getting pretty obvious. The Rockford Brewing company solved that dilemma, and I'm sure I'm not alone in my excitement for their opening day.  

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Michigan Brewers Guild Celebrates 15 Years With Annual Summer Beer Festival, “15th Anniversary Ale” Collaborative Brew, and Craft Beer Month Designation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July, 2012 is a big month for craft brewers in the Great Beer State as the Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates its 15th anniversary with its annual Summer Beer Festival, the release of a “15th Anniversary Ale” Collaborative Brew, and the official designation of Michigan Craft Beer Month. 


The Proclamation

Earlier this month, Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) introduced Senate Resolution No. 160 while 18 Michigan Representatives including Representative Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford) introduced House Resolution No. 102, both of which declare July as Craft Beer Month in the state of Michigan. Details of the joint resolutions are attached.

“It is always an honor to be able to recognize thriving, Michigan based businesses,” said Rep. MacGregor (R-Rockford). “It should be the role of government to get out of their way and support them when we can.  My resolution to recognize July as ‘Craft Beer Month’ was a small ‘pat on the back’ to a successful and growing industry of our state.”

“With summer upon us and Grand Rapids claiming the title of ‘Beer City USA,’ it is the perfect time to celebrate Craft Beer Month in Michigan,” said Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor). “We are excited about the opportunity to tout the benefits to our statewide tourism efforts and the investment in our local economy that craft beer represents.”


The Collaborative Brew

The 15th Anniversary Ale is a strong Pale Ale – more like a strong IPA or a Double IPA, coming in with an 8% ABV with 80 IBUs. These brews will be available at participating member breweries, as well as at the Summer Beer Festival.

“When you buy Michigan beer you are supporting local businesses and you are helping to provide local jobs,” says Eric Briggeman, Guild President. “And, with this 15th Anniversary Brew, we are also helping Michigan’s agriculture industry because we are asking brewers to use wheat that is grown and malted in Michigan, as well as Michigan-grown hops.”


The Festival

The 15th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival will be held July 27-28 at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti’s Historic Depot Town District. More than 60 Michigan craft breweries will showcase 450-plus craft beers at the two-day festival, which runs from 5-9pm on Friday, July 27 and 1-6pm on Saturday, July 28.

Admission tickets are $30 for Friday (in advance - $35 at the gate, if any are available) and $35 for Saturday (in advance - $40 at the gate, if any are available. Each admission ticket includes 15 drink tokens, each redeemable for a 3-ounce sample. Additional drink tokens are available for 50 cents each. Advanced tickets for the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival may be purchased online at www.MiBeer.com, at participating member breweries and limited retail locations around the state. Attendees must be 21 or older to attend. Designated driver tickets are available online and at the gate for $5 each.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes: DJ Rob Ericksen, Stone Clover, L'aith Al Saadi, and Jason Dennie on Friday the 27th and DJ Danny Boy Peron, Jason Waggoner Band, and Amy Gore & Her Valentine on Saturday the 28th.


The Guild

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes well over $24 million in wages with a economic contribution well over $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

Founded in 1997 and celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2012, the Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, the organization strives to achieve 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption.


MICHIGAN BREWERS GUILD TIMELINE:

1997 – Creation of Michigan Brewers Guild
1998 – Inaugural Summer Beer Festival – July (Greenmead, Livonia)
2000 – Summer Beer Festival Relocates (Frog Island, Ypsilanti)
2004 – Summer Beer Festival Relocates & Expands to 2 Days (Riverside Park, Ypsilanti)
2005 – Inaugural Winter Beer Festival – February (Old Town, Lansing)
2007 – Winter Beer Festival Moves to Grand Rapids (Fifth-Third Ballpark, Comstock Park)
2008 – Inaugural UP Fall Beer Festival – September (Mattson Lower Harbor Park, Marquette)
2008 – Inaugural Detroit Fall Beer Festival – October (Eastern Market, Detroit)

For more information, including a list of Michigan craft breweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.  (www.facebook.com/michiganbrewersguild  |  www.twitter.com/mibrewersguild)



Contact:  Scott Graham                                             Dianna Stampfler
                Executive Director                                     Media Consultant
                517-327-5004                                            269-330-4228
                director@michiganbrewersguild.org         dianna@promotemichigan.com

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Grand Rapids Area Breweries Create "Beer City Pale Ale"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kate Wiltzer, Experience Grand Rapids

616.233.3558 / KWiltzer@ExperienceGR.com

Grand Rapids has yet another reason to toast the town. Ten area breweries have teamed to create Beer City Pale Ale, a new craft beer produced in celebration of both the city’s newest title and Craft Beer Month beginning July 1.

 “The breweries came together in a fun and fitting way to honor Grand Rapids’ newest claim to fame as ‘Beer City USA’ and July’s month‐long celebration of craft beer. Cheers to each of them for such a creative and collaborative approach to making the most of these well‐deserved accolades,” said Experience Grand Rapids President Doug Small.

The breweries collaborated on a recipe that resulted in a red pale ale, amply hopped with all Michigan grown cascade and nugget hops. Each brewery produced their own version of the beer, which they will offer on tap throughout July.

Participating breweries include Harmony Brewing Company, The Hideout Brewing Company, White Flame Brewing Company, Jaden James Brewing Company, Michigan Beer Cellar, Pike 51, The BOB, HopCat, Founders, and Schmohz.

According to Barry VanDyke of Harmony Brewing Company, a “few other bars lucky enough to get their hands on a keg will sell the beer as well.”

Last month, Grand Rapids was named “Beer City USA 2012” in a nationwide poll. The city shares the crown with Ashville, N.C. following a dead heat tie. In recognition of the burgeoning industry across the state, the Michigan State Legislature designated July as Craft Beer Month.

Experience Grand Rapids pays tribute to the area’s craft beer community with its newly created Beer City USA logo and the addition of a Cool City. Great Beer. page to its website, where visitors can easily find area breweries as well as navigate a craft beer tour throughout West Michigan.

Contacts are:

Barry VanDyke‐ Harmony Brewing Company‐ 616‐366‐1457

Rob Wanhatalo‐ Hideout Brewing Company‐616‐340‐0361

Bill White‐ White Flame Brewing Company‐ 616‐822‐8269

Chris Diemer‐ Jaden James Brewing Company‐ 616‐970‐0934

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Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival - August 24 & 25

Porterhouse Productions has announced that chart-topping country superstar Dierks Bentley will headline the 2012 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival, scheduled for August 24 & 25 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Bentley has dominated the country charts since taking Nashville by storm in 2003 with the release of his self-titled debut album, which was certified platinum by the RIAA and produced three hit singles, including “What Was I Thinkin,’” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. Since then, the wildly popular performer has sold over five million albums, earned 10 Grammy nominations, and charted nine number one singles.

Bentley’s second album, “Modern Day Drifter,” was released in 2005 and spawned two number one singles, “Settle for a Slowdown” and “Come a Little Closer.” Shortly after its release, Bentley won the CMA Horizon Award (now Best New Artist) and was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the youngest performer to do so after Carrie Underwood and Josh Turner. Subsequent albums “Long Trip Alone,” “Greatest Hits/Every Mile a Memory 2003-2008,” “Feel That Fire,” and “Up on the Ridge” cemented Bentley’s status as one of the biggest country stars in the country, with millions of fans flocking to his blockbuster tours with artists including Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, and Josh Thompson.

Earlier this year, in February 2012, Bentley once again skyrocketed up the charts with the release of his acclaimed seventh album, “Home.” To date, the album has generated three hit singles in tracks “Am I The Only One,” “Home” and “5-1-5-0.”

Bentley will kick off the 2012 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival with a headlining performance on Friday, August 24 on the Historic Front Lawn at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Friday will feature a “Pint Night”-themed evening from 5-10 p.m. including pint specials from a variety of renowned Michigan craft breweries, local food and merchandise vendors, a silent disco tent, and live opening musical acts including The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. The three-piece American country blues band has played such festivals as Austin City Limits, Telluride and Bonnaroo, opening for acts including Flogging Molly, Derek Trucks Band, Hot Buttered Rum, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. In 2008, their album “The Whole Fam Damily” reached #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and in 2010 they received the “Best Band of Warped Tour” award, voted by the crew, bands, and promoters.

The second day of the festival on Saturday, August 25, will feature an expanded brewery experience from 4-10 p.m. with over 50 breweries and 200+ flavors of beer, cider, mead, and wine, live local and national music acts, $1 tasting tokens (5 tokens are included with admission), a variety of local food vendors and brew-friendly pub grub, the festival’s popular Hop ‘N Brew tasting shack, a silent disco tent, and special partner activities and events. The complete musical lineup for the festival will be announced early this summer.

The Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival launched in August 2009, drawing nearly 3,000 attendees in its first year. The festival was so successful that organizers expanded the event to two days in 2010, drawing nearly 5,000 attendees in sold-out events in 2010 and 2011 and inspiring a spin-off winter festival. The event is billed as a "celebration of craft beer, local harvest and live music” and has raised over $30,000 for local non-profits through its summer and winter events to date. In May 2012, MyNorth/Traverse Magazine readers voted the event #3 on the list of Best Foodie & Drink festivals in Northern Michigan.

Tickets to the 2012 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival can be purchased at www.porterhouseproductions.com and local outlet sales (outlets TBA). Tickets are $45 in advance/$50 at the door for Friday and $35 in advance/$40 at the door for Saturday, with a special discounted weekend pass available for $75 (advance purchase only). The festival is open to attendees ages 21 and up.

For more information on the 2012 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival, visit www.porterhouseproductions.com.

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2nd Annual BRU Fest

While I have written many glowing comments about Michigan's craft beer industry, I feel a special kind of pride when that industry becomes a part of something greater than itself. On Saturday, June 16^th, Bell's Brewery along with Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern and Buffalo Wild Wings came together – with the help of many others – to help sponsor the second annual BRU Fest. This event raises money and awareness for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

For a scant 39 dollars per ticket, BRU Fest attendees were given a fantastic array of entertainment. Bell's Brewery provided a plethora of products, including the much sought after Black Note, the delightful but dangerous Sparkling Ale, and something I have never tried before: the Deb's Red. This dry hopped red ale was a good balance; it gave a good, malty amber base with enough bittering hops to keep it pleasant. All told, Bell's provided 15 different unique ales and lagers to sample.

William Seklar, the President and CEO of the Children's Leukemia Foundation – and driving force behind this event – did not stop at beer, however. Samples of delicious boneless wings were provided by Buffalo Wild Wings. Four different types of hamburgers were available from Bagger Dave's. Treat Dreams made samples of ice cream with beer. Their Oberon sorbet was delicious last year, but I'm convinced the Bell's Double Cream Stout with chocolate and toffee ice cream surpassed it.

 

Keeping the atmosphere light and providing entertainment for the evening was the band Green Collar, a very talented rock group. They played several covers of my guilty pleasure...Sublime.

The 2^nd annual Royal Oak BRU Fest was a great party, but I need to bold this next part because it's the most important. Every dollar of the ticket sales goes to the fight against leukemia. Bell's does not sell their beer to this festival. Bagger Dave's does not sell their hamburgers, and Buffalo Wild Wings does not make a cent on their chicken. These corporations donate their products to the festival. The attendees are essentially making a donation to a great cause, and getting a thank you from corporate sponsors. It's one of those rare times when corporate stewardship works with local charities and -- through the help of consumers -- creates a perfect storm where everyone benefits, including kids. If you love kids and hate cancer, I can't think of a better place to spend your time or your dollars.

A huge thank you to all the sponsors who donated their money and products, to the volunteers working the festival, and to William Seklar and his staff for making all of this possible. Events like this make me proud of the community, the craft beer market, and the entire State of Michigan.

In America alone, one child or adult is diagnosed with leukemia every five minutes, and that rate of diagnosis is twice as much as compared to AIDS in the U.S.  Leukemia accounts for about a third of cancer cases in children 0-14 years old.  The Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a statewide nonprofit foundation that helps families by providing financial assistance, information, and emotional support.  The foundation was formed in Detroit in 1952 by a group of parents who had been affected by the loss of a child due to leukemia.  Over the years it has helped thousands of families fight the life-threatening illness, and has provided over $6.5 million in research dollars to Michigan's comprehensive cancer institutes.  For more information or to find out how you can help support this great foundation, visit http://leukemiamichigan.org/. 

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