Expanded Rochester Mills Beer Co’s Annual Oktoberfest Returns September 26-29

It’s time again to grab your lederhosen and head for the Mills. Following the time-honored Alps tradition that started 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, the Rochester Mills Beer Company invites you to partake in its annual Oktoberfest festivities, September 26-29 – and you needn’t be German or travel halfway around the world to do so. This family-friendly celebration features German-style cuisine and plenty of beer under a huge outdoor tent. Come join thousands of your closest friends, family and neighbors who annually turnout to enjoy the live music, dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery during the four-day extravaganza.

The weekend kicks off Thursday, Sept. 26 with a ceremonial tapping of Rochester Mills Oktoberfest Seasonal Celebration Lager in the big tent at 7pm.

Friday, Saturday and now Sunday join the thousands of visitors who annually attend to enjoy the live Oompah and polka music, Bavarian dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery’s Downtown Rochester location. The four-day extravaganza also includes carnival games, moonwalks, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, as well as balloon and tattoo artists for the kids. Those young at heart can participate in the ever-popular harvest challenges including sauerkraut-eating, brat-eating or stein hoisting competitions. The festival tent is open from 5-11pm on Thursday, 4-11pm on Friday, Noon-11pm on Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday. Admission is only $5 for adults and is good for all four days; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Gilda's Club Metro Detroit and the YMCA North Oakland County Waves swim club who volutneer during the event.

“We celebrated our fifteenth anniversary this year so we knew we had to make our Oktoberfest one of the biggest in Michigan. We’ve added days, extended hours and partnered with the local Lions clubs to bring a full carnival that will be co-located at our site,” said Rochester Mills Beer Co. marketing director David Youngman. “And with this year’s batch of Oktoberfest Celebration Lager already available on tap at bars and restaurants across the state we are expecting our biggest turnout ever.”

Head Brewer Forrest Knapp has prepared fresh batches of Rochester Mills Water Street Wheat (German-style Hefe-Weizen), Lazy Daze Lite (Michigan-style light beer) and this year’s Oktoberfest Lager (German-style lager).

Enjoy live performances nightly under the tent from the Vagabonds and Enzian. The Carpathia dancers will perform Friday and Saturday Night.

The brewpub will operate under regular hours and offer a full menu and selection of beers on tap during the event. Free entertainment inside the brewery features live performances by Under the Covers on Friday and The Remedy on Saturday, both starting at 10pm.

For more information, call 248-650-5080 or log onto www.rochestermillsbeerco.com.

DATES
September 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th 2013

HOURS:
Thursday (September 26)
Ceremonial Tapping (7pm) of the first keg with Mayor(s) 5-11pm

Friday (September 27)
Festival 4-11pm
Live Band Performance 10pm-2am

Saturday (September 28)
Festival Noon-11pm,
Live Band Performance 10pm-2am

Sunday (September 29)
Festival 1-6pm

LOCATION:
Rochester Mills Beer Co.
400 Water Street
Rochester, Michigan 48307

ADMISSION:
$5 adults at the tent; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). Must be 21 years old or older and have a valid ID to obtain a hand stamp to purchase alcohol.

ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO.:
The Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened in 1998 in Downtown Rochester and has been brewing handcrafted lagers and ales ever since. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. The menu features a broad selection of eclectic American cuisine, all prepared with the freshest and often local Michigan ingredients. From delectable appetizers, fresh salads, pizzas and pastas to delicious entrees and unique sandwiches, the menu has something for everyone, including the kids. Special amenities include an outdoor patio, pool tables, and live entertainment every Friday, and Saturday nights. The Lazy Daze Lounge is available for private parties. The restaurant has expanded its ability to cater off premises events and parties bringing the Mills to you.

Rochester Mills’ brands, Cornerstone IPA, Rochester Red Ale, Milkshake Stout and Lazy Daze Amber Lager are available on draft to other Michigan bars and restaurants. and packaged product in 16 oz. (Full Pint) cans. Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.MiBeer.com).


ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION:
Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- a chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America -- has brought joy into the lives of thousands of people in our Michigan community through its important wish-granting mission. The Foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes in its 26-year history. More than 80% of the Foundation’s expenditures are directly related to program services (wish granting). The Foundation has offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. For more information, call 734.994.8620 or visit www.wishmich.org.

Gilda's Club Metro DetroiT:
Gilda's Club Metro Detroit is a free, non-residential cancer support community for men, women and children affected by cancer. The organization offers emotional and social support through programs such as support groups, educational programs, yoga, music and many other activities. Gilda's Club currently includes 89 young adult cancer survivors and 146 young adult family members in its 6,000-plus membership. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, Gilda's Club was named in honor of the late comedian and former Detroiter, Gilda Radner. Visit www.gildasclubdetroit.org or call (248) 577-0800 for more information.

ABOUT NORTH OAKLAND WAVES (NOW) SWIM TEAM:
A family-friendly swim team based out of the North Oakland Family YMCA in Auburn Hills offering competitive swimming for all age groups. Instruction, technique, yardage, a positive work ethic, team building, and loads of fun is the NOW experience. NOW is a dual affiliated team, swimming both YMCA and USA meets. NOW offers a year round swim program. For more information visit www.teamunify.com.

North Peak Carves Out Latest Brew with Hooligan: A Hoppy Pumpkin Ale

Tired of having to choose between your favorite pumpkin beer and your favorite IPA when fall comes around? Well, fret no more. Enter the Hooligan – the new hoppy pumpkin beer from North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City. Coming in at 5.5%ABV with 35 IBUs, Hooligan is a real treat for beer lovers – just in time for the harvest season.

“It’s no trick. This brew delivers all the spicy pumpkin goodness one could ask for, along with a kick of hops,” says brewer Ron Jeffries, who along with brewer Mike Hall bring a combined 40 years of brewing experience to their North Peak beer recipes. “Hooligan is brewed with real pumpkin and fresh spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice, oh my). And, did we mention…hops? Hooligan is brimming with locally-grown hops.”

So who is this Hooligan you may ask? He is a legendary and impish figure who appears but once a year on Devil’s Night, October 30 – the night before Halloween. He lurks through the darkness, traipsing in the shadows from house to house with a rogue gait and a devilish grin on his face. This scoundrel is more mischievous than wicked, yet his reputation for mayhem is wildly known. Anyone who has woken up on Halloween morning to find their pumpkins smashed or yard toilet-papered is familiar with the antics of the Northern Michigan Hooligan.

Hooligan is available only on draft, now through October when the last pumpkin is smashed. Find it throughout Michigan and Ohio, wherever your favorite North Peak beers are sold.

The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter.

Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.
www.NorthPeakBeer.com

Michigan Made Pumpkin Beers Highlight Fall Season

The autumn season brings an abundance of things to the Great Lakes State – like fall colors, harvest festivals and a variety of pumpkin beer. While the recipes may be similar, there’s always a touch of something unique in each of these fall brews – including the originality of the names.

“Every fall I get very excited for two things: NFL Football and Michigan pumpkin beer,” says Cale Chapult, Sales Representative at Rave Associates in Ann Arbor. “There is nothing better in Michigan than a sitting by a nice fire and drinking one of our great pumpkin beers. We here in Michigan know how important it is to use all four seasons to the fullest. What could be better than chilly weather and Michigan pumpkin beer – made here in Michigan with real pumpkin and a dash of autumn spice? It's the best around!”

Michigan made pumpkin brews available for 2009 include:

• Arcadia Ales, Battle Creek (www.arcadiaales.com)
Jaw-Jacker (6% ABV). Grandma's pumpkin pie never tasted this good. This fall seasonal is a celebration of harvest time and the changing of the seasons. Using only the finest malted barley and a touch of wheat, Jaw-Jacker pours a brilliant orange-amber color with truly unique flavors. Although no pumpkins are actually used, a blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon work with the malty flavors to create a bold flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie. A light hop note balances out the beer nicely. This seasonal beer, available for a limited time on draft and in 6-pack, 12oz glass bottles, is a favorite for harvest festivals, Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinner. It pairs well with boiled brisket with root veggies, roast duck or turkey, pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, with vanilla bean ice cream.

• Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak (www.bastonebrewery.com)
Belgian Pumpkin Porter (6% ABV). We add copious amounts of pumpkin to the mash and the boil along with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove lending a depth of flavor and aroma reminiscent of the fall season. Our unique Belgian yeast strains lend a slight fruity taste and effervescent mouthfeel, while the 8 different hand selected grains lend robust and delicious flavors of malty caramel and chocolate. Available only at the brewery.

• Dragonmead, Warren (www.dragonmead.com)
Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin Ale (6.0% ABV). Brewed with real pumpkins in the Mash and the standard pumpkin pie spices added to the boil, along with molasses and brown sugar, this American Spiced Ale is reminiscent of your favorite autumn dessert: pumpkin pie. The nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon that create this beer's delicious aroma are balanced against the malts and pumpkin in this recipe to give this spicy treat its charming flavor profile. Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin is only available while supplies last.

• Jolly Pumpkin, Dexter (www.jollypumpkin.com)
La Parcela (5.9% ABV). OK, so the joke was Jolly Pumpkin doesn't brew a pumpkin beer! Well, now we do – just this one – No. 1 pumpkin beer. With hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cacao to liven the soul, this oak-aged sour beer has real pumpkin added to the barrels during the aging process. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about! Being released for the first time in Fall 2009.

• New Holland Brewing, Holland (www.newhollandbrew.com)
Ichabod (5.5% ABV). As fall brings color to our trees, a chill to our evenings and countless aromas of the changing season, we instinctively look for early harvest flavors on our plate and in our glass. Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. It befits any autumnal adventure, including mysterious rides through the hollow, and pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert. Available on tap and in bottles through November.

• Motor City Brewing, Detroit (www.motorcitybeer.com)
North Cass Community Garden Pumpkin Ale (9% ABV). This Pumpkin Ale is a wonderful community Creation, from the many volunteers who built the North Cass Community Garden to the planting and nurturing of the group’s very first pumpkin patch. This Belgian-style Pumpkin Ale is a special blend of roasted pumpkin & malted barley balanced with American aromatic hops, traditional herb, spices and a lot of the neighbors’ tender loving care. The thin layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle is the mark of the true natural brewing process. Unfiltered, unpasteurized . . . NATURALLY! For optimum flavor enjoy from the glass. This special brew is in limited supply and is only available at the brewery taproom, starting October 12.

• Short’s Brewing, Bellaire (www.shortsbrewing.com)
Funkin Punkin (5.6% ABV). A seasonal blend of pumpkin, spices, and carefully formulated ale. Notably aromatic of pumpkin pie, and the color of a light pastel brown, this brew is especially true of ale and comfortably consumable. Brewed with real pumpkin and real spice, it’s still very much a beer, but beautifully engineered with spice, pumpkin and beer balance.

• Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro, Hastings (www.walldorffbrewpub.com)
The Candy Snatcher Pumpkin Ale (5.7% ABV). Using local pumpkins and a nice addition of fresh spices always makes a great fall time ale and a local favorite. A bit of lactose (milk sugar) blanaces out the spices to give this a nice creamy texture…almost a pumpkin cream ale. Available on tap the beginning of October, until it runs out.

“The growth of this category of beer annually has superseded 40% minimum each year over the past three years,” says Rick Lack, Executive Vice President at Rave Associates. “Particularly on the on premise side of our business, retailers are finding Michigan pumpkin beers pair very well with food and chefs are integrating these beers more and more into food pairings. On the consumer side, the sweet aftertaste the beer provides has been instrumental in attracting new consumers into the craft beer category- particularly women we are noticing. If, you have not tried one yet ... do so, as this seasonal treat is come and gone in a matter of months.”

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $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 #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state.

Each year, the Guild hosts four annual craft beer festivals, with the next – Michigan Harvest Beer Festival – scheduled for October 24 (1-6pm) at Eastern Market in Detroit.

For more information about the Michigan Brewers Guild, including a dates of upcoming events and a list of member micro-breweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.