Barrel-aged brewers from across the region are currently being targeted by the team at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks in hopes that you’re willing to put your small batch up against the best of the rest in the region in a competition to benefit charity.
Bill Welter’s team in the Village of Three Oaks is making applications available for Journeyman’s annual event known as Islay’s Barrel-Aged Brew Fest. It’s an annual festival of small-batch, barrel-aged brews and also happens to be the primary fundraiser for the 501c3 nonprofit, Islay’s Barrel.
Founded by Johanna and Bill Welter with a mission to extend enrichment opportunities to youth in Southwest Michigan, the charity will send 14 local kids to summer camp this year—thanks in part to funds raised at last year’s Brew Fest.
Featuring barrel-aged beverages from dozens of local breweries, wineries, and mead/cideries in friendly competition for bragging rights and the coveted Golden Barrel trophy, the popular event will be held on October 19th this year.
Fun-loving competitors are encouraged to register online at the link below to reach the application process. Participants must purchase a used 15-gallon Journeyman Distillery barrel for $106 (sales tax included) and use it to create a unique brew to share with guests at the festival. Here’s the application link:
http://journeymandistillery.com/brew-fest-application
Participating brewers receive two festival passes and 2 volunteers to pour beer for guests. Additional passes are available at a discounted rate. There is no cost to participate beyond the barrel purchase. Cut-off for registration, barrel purchase, and pick-up is July 17th, 2019, and you can contact Journeyman Distillery for more information.
Founded in 2010, Journeyman Distillery crafts, bottles, sells, and serves organic and kosher certified spirits at the historic Featherbone Factory in downtown Three Oaks. The distillery prides itself on using the highest quality grains sourced from Midwestern organic farmers in its award-winning spirits as well as at its Staymaker restaurant. Journeyman products are distributed in eleven states across the country and available for purchase direct from the distillery. Learn more and find your spirit at journeymandistillery.com.
