Recap: Detroit Fall Beer Festival 2012

Anytime is a good time when Michigan craft beer is involved, but getting the chance to sample Michigan craft beer in the culinary heart of Detroit – well that’s just priceless! This past weekend marked the 4th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival, where Eastern Market played home to over 50 Michigan Breweries. Those lucky enough to get tickets attended during two sessions on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, getting a chance to try over 300 Michigan beers.

I started the first session on Friday by toasting with some Bell’s Brewery – This One Goes To 11, with one of Michigan’s biggest beer fans – Ryan Meray.

The fall theme was not only present with the beer, but also with the decorations!

I counted over 26 pumpkin beers at the festival this year! And no, I did not get a chance to try them all. However, I ran into Detroit Draft Diva, Cindy Hegenauer, who was handing out lists for where to find them all.

Behind Cindy is the crazy tap setup from Dark Horse Brewing Co. They had a great lineup, and not as big as their usual 5+ table layout. I had to of course partake in the Bourbon Barrel Aged Plead the Fifth – and the Chocolate Raspberry Death Star Lover.

Some other favorites of the night were the Double Chocolate Pumpkin Porter from Detroit Brewing Co. (which they have on tap at the brewpub), Elvis Peanut Butter Hefeweizen from Bastone, Oud Bruin Sour Brown Belgian Ale from Traffic Jam and Snug, Beerhive Belgium Tripel from New Holland Brewing, and the entire lineup from Greenbush Brewing Company. They were trying to battle Dark Horse by having the largest number of beers to try at a festival. They had an exceptionally long line all night.

Although the weather was brisk, we found ways to stay warm.

As day turned to night, we wrapped up another fun and successful Detroit Fall Beer Festival. A big cheers to the Michigan Brewers Guild for putting together such a great event.

We finished up the night with a most delicious pizza pie from Supino Pizzeria. If you haven’t been there – go now.