With the spring-like weather we have been having, it’s hard to believe that this weekend is the 12th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival, February 24-25 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park.
Friday’s weather could still be in the low 60’s with maybe even a chance of a thunderstorm (the end of February!). Saturday looks like more traditional Winter Beer Fest weather with a forecast calling for a chance of snow and temps around 30.
Regardless of the weather, about 10,000 people will be enjoying themselves at the Winter Beer Festival. It is Michigan’s original winter craft beer celebration — one of four annual events presented by the state’s official trade organization, held by the brewers, for the brewers.
This year you will find 969 beers from 130 breweries at the 2-day event. Saturday is sold out, however tickets for Friday are available for $45 in advance and $50 at the gate (if available). You can purchase tickets online here.
If you want to plan your beer sampling out in advance, here is a link to the Michigan Brewers Guild website that lists not only the 130 breweries who will be in attendance, but also the 969 beers that they will be bringing to the festival!
Some of the interesting beers I found on the list:
Aphrodisiac Chocolate Pomegranate
Barrel Aged Stumpkin’d Pumpkin w/ Cinnamon & Vanilla
Blueberry Cobbler
Blueberry Creme Ale
Chocolate Habanero
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Stout
Coconut Porter
Cookies and Cream – Blonde Ale
Death By Chocolate Porter
Elvis Crack PB & Banana
Gingerbread Milk Brown
Hot Chocolate Serendipity
JAA Raspberry Black Ale
Lip Lock Cherry Stout
Makinac Island Fudge – Stout
Marshmallow Porter
Mikey’s Little Wiener Beer – Vienna Lager
Mocha Mint Stout
Molasses Cookie Ale – Amber Ale
Ninja Turtle Milkshake Stout
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie – Experimental Beer
Orange Nya Nya Style (Orange Peel-Cocoa) – Belgian Strong Ale
Peanut Butter Stout Chocula
Peanuts & Cracker Jack – Porter
Pepper Spray Porter
Poop Your Pants – Chocolate Bock
Smoked Porter
Snicker Doodler – Amber Ale
Strawberry Cream Dream – Cream Ale
TOOnilla Coffee Vanilla Cream Stout
Whole Bowl of Gravy
Your Mom on French Toast
As you can see, there is a beer for just about any taste you desire!
Have fun this weekend, but please drink responsibly… Don’t drink and drive.
Photos: Michigan Brewers Guild
