The crowd hanging around Keifer Park in Port Huron Saturday afternoon was full of happy chatter and friendly inquiry. The main question, “What are you drinking?” Port Huron Beer Fest, an annual event sponsored by Citizens for a Vibrant Community and Wolverine Market, gave attendees a chance to celebrate their love of craft brews and sample some new things. Representatives from several Michigan breweries were on hand to offer suggestions and share a little about their brewing process and what’s new in the craft beer world.
Visitors to the event received fifteen tickets to use on samples of beer, mead, cider, seltzers, and wine. Members of the Pod’ems UP! podcast circulated the crowd interviewing people about how their palates were faring. There were many interesting comments about sour and wild ferment beers which are becoming more popular. The reviews ranged from various descriptions of repulsion to delight at the new and complex flavors. Some noted changes in what they liked this year expressing a preference for stronger flavors and more potent brews–proof that beer tasting is an important component of becoming a craft beer connoisseur.
Port Huron Beer Fest held its inaugural event in 2013 and has been going strong ever since. The event happens annually on the 4th Saturday in September, and it is the only beer festival of its kind in the area. If you’re up for trying new brews and hanging out with an enthusiastic group of fellow beer-lovers, you won’t want to miss next year’s event.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
