Recap: The 8th Annual Homebrew Party

On Saturday, May 14, 2011 more than 150 revelers descended on Townsend Park in Rockford, MI to celebrate all things homebrew. Despite an ominous forecast, the rain held off and the good times didn't. Excellent brews were in abundance, with growlers, coolers, jockey boxes, and even kegerators brimming over with the sweet (and sour) nectar of the gods. Great beer, good people, incredible food, kick-ass music--that's the easiest way to describe this year's homebrew party. Here's Steve to elaborate further (and randomly) on the day.

My thoughts on this year's party

• I love how the party has evolved into a mini beer festival. What a great way to taste a wide variety of hand-crafted beers, ciders and meads.
• The draft systems are getting more elaborate and unique. Hmmm. Maybe we should start awarding a prize for the most innovative mobile bar?
• Home brewers are expanding their horizons. I tasted some stellar sours and the cask-conditioned cider dispensed from the small barrel it was aged in was extraordinary.
• I think home brewers are happiest when they are sharing their creations with others.
• It’s amazing how much fun you can have tossing metal washers into a wooden box and bags of beans through holes in a slanted piece of plywood.
• Mark and his crew continue to impress by finding innovative ways to cook with beer.
• We are fortunate to live in an area where we can responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages in such beautiful outdoor venues.
• Jimmie Stagger and his band mates are extraordinary talents. Those guys were smoking!

Notes & Business

• As promised, Best of Show Winner Ross Zaigenthaler will soon brew his #winning ESB recipe at Hopcat. Look for it on tap in late June or July.
• First runner-up Chris Breimeyer will also have the chance to brew on Hopcat's system. Look for Chris' outstanding Coconut Porter on tap sometime this fall.
• Next year’s party has already been scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Johnson Park. Mark your calendars now!

Best of Show winner - Ross Ziegenthaler

Ross won with an ESB, soon to be on-tap at Hopcat

Highly collectible items

Sampling

Corny kegs abound

It ain't kicked yet!

The mead table

All smiles

Cask-aged cider on the right

The line for dinner

The big reveal

Jimmie and Co. laying it down

Thanks to everybody for making this year's party a smashing success. Stay tuned for news and announcements regarding the next big event: Siciliano's Grand Re-opening!