Irish Beerfinder
News

Cheers! Beer lovers turn out for 13th Annual Summer Brewers Guild fest

Despite stormy weather on Friday and flooded areas on Saturday, nearly 10,000 beer enthusiasts from around the state, and some out of state, attended the 13th Annual Summer Brewers Guild Festival held this weekend at Riverside Park.

More than 50 Michigan craft breweries showcased more than 400 craft beers some being deputed specifically for the festival. A tornado warning and torrential downpour on Friday, which left almost 2 and a half inches of rain, couldn't dampen the spirits of those who look forward to the annual event and come out to support craft brewers from across the state.

Michigan craft brewers use the Brewers Guild events as a platform to showcase creativity in style and flavor as well as to promote year-round stock.

The Michigan craft brewing industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years. The industry contributes more than $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks No. 6 in the nation - thus supporting its claim as "The Great Beer State," according to a press release.

But even with the growth of craft brewers and gains in popularity, craft beer represents less than 2 percent of all beer consumed in Michigan. The Michigan Brewers Guild is making efforts to increase that number by adding new events and educating the public at large. Guild officials would like to see that climb to 5 percent within the next five years, according to Matt Greff from Arbor Brewing Company and the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti.

"What is happening is that we are growing the market (of craft beer drinkers). You have to keep growing to stay viable in business, they are not selling out. And I think what is happening is a slow conversion of beer drinkers to craft beer," said Greff in a recent interview.

In 2009, the Brewers Guild added two events to compliment its longtime summer and winter beer festivals. The second annual Upper Peninsula Fall Beer Festival is set from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11 in Marquette; and the second annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival (Harvest Fest) is set for Oct. 23, tickets go on sale Aug. 1.

This article is cited at heritage.com. Click here to view the full article.
 

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.