See what’s bubbling at this year’s Brewfest
Caledonia Bluff Country Brewfest enters its third year on Saturday at the fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Caledonia, the event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 from any Rotarian and at the door. Proceeds go to Rotary projects, including support for the Family Aquatic Center.
“Brewfests have grown in popularity along with the renewed interest in craft beers,” said Caledonia Rotarian Steve Reiman, who has fostered the local event through his interest in brewing his own products. There will be 16 breweries and 70 labels.
New to the Brewfest this year is wine tasting. The Caledonia Municipal Liquor Store will provide wines to sample. You will get an answer what to look for in a wine. Also new is the Salsa Contest. Entrants are invited to submit their favorite salsa with the contest winner earning a sombrero. The event includes all of this plus the music of Charlie Warner for the price of a ticket.
“It is more of a tasting session,” Reiman said. “Here’s an opportunity to develop your pallet from the selection of offerings,” he said. “It is also a conversation starter. People make the Brewfest an annual event and look forward to seeing and meeting people each year,” Rotarian Tom Danielson added.
“It is common to try a different beer when you go out,” Rotarian Naomi Fruechte commented. “At the Rotary Brewfest, you don’t have to buy a whole bottle to see if you like a brand.”
What are we talking about when it comes to taste? There are different styles of beer divided into ales and lagers. Every label has a special malty taste. Is the beer ‘hoppy?’ How about the color?
Beer has a long, rich history through craft brewing that really enjoyed success before the start of Prohibition. “A good example of a beer’s revival is Potosi,” Reiman said. Many more people now are brewing beer at home.
Domestic and international brands will be available from the following brewers: Abita, Alaskan, August Schell, Boulevard, Bud Light Lime-a-Rita, Bud Light Platinum, Capitol, Flat Earth, Grant Teton, Horny Goat, Millstream, Odell, Ovalde, Redhook, Shock Top, Smirnoff, Sprecker, Stevens Point, Summit, Tallgrass and Widmer.
Brewfest sponsors are Caledonia Haulers, Miken Sports, Merchants Bank and Bank of the West.
“It is a unique event with the proceeds going to the many good projects of our club,” said club president Bernie McCormick. “Rotary is about socializing,” she said.
