Featuring barrel-aged beverages from dozens of breweries, wineries, and cideries in friendly competition for bragging rights and the coveted Golden Barrel trophy, the event draws fans of craft brewing from Chicago and beyond. “It’s an opportunity for area makers to get creative and connect with fans,” notes Journeyman Production Manager, Tom Balich.
This year’s list of competitors reads like a who’s who of local brewers and makers—Peat’s Original Cider, Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House, Lake Effect Brewing, Watermark Brewing Company, 18th Street Brewery, Sun King Brewery, 2Toms Brewing Co., Mikerphone Brewing, Burn 'Em Brewing, Half Acre Beer Company, Flossmoor Station Brewing Co., 25 West Brewing Co., Cogdal Vineyards, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, Tibbs Brewing Company, Three Blondes Brewing, The Livery, Haymarket Brewing, Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Odd Side Ales, Round Barn Brewery & Public House, Exit Strategy Brewing Company, Evil Czech Brewery, and Wolfden Brewing Company (subject to change without notice).
General admission tickets include a Barrel Aged Brew Fest glass to take home, plus 6 tasting tickets. A limited number of VIP tickets remain, providing early access, a commemorative t-shirt, 8 tasting tickets, and a Brew Fest glass. Additional tasting tickets will be available at the festival—along with hot food, music, and more.
The Barrel Aged Brew Fest will be held on Saturday, October 19th at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks Michigan. Doors open at 1:00pm. VIP ticket holders will be admitted at noon. 100% of ticket sales benefit local kids. Visit journeymandistillery.com/calendar or @IslaysBarrel on Facebook for event details and tickets.
Islay's Barrel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to extend summer enrichment opportunities to Southwest Michigan children in need. The organization was founded in 2012 by Journeyman Distillery proprietors Johanna and Bill Welter and named for their young daughter, Islay. Shortly after Isaly’s birth, Johanna and Bill filled a 53 gallon barrel of Rye Whiskey was filled for the benefit of her future education. Their nonprofit, Islay's Barrel, seeks to extend that concept to the community, empowering a network of people to have a positive impact on the lives of local kids.
Founded in 2010, Journeyman Distillery crafts, bottles, sells, and serves organic and kosher certified spirits at the historic Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, Michigan. 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 states across the country and available for purchase direct from the distillery. Learn more and find your spirit at www.journeymandistillery.com.