Rare Beer Picnic

By Krissy Ness

If you plan on attending the Fargo Street Fair, then don’t skimp on the last day. Enjoy the fair and then shimmy over to the other side of the river into Moorhead’s Davy Park, near Ushers, for the Rare Beer Picnic on Saturday, July 18. The beer will be flowing from 4 to 8 p.m. with special events and food for you to snack on.

Rare Beer Picnic is an event put on by Junkyard Brewing, Bottle Barn in Moorhead and Ushers that focuses on aged, sour and infused beer. Bigger name Minnesotan craft breweries like Surly, Hammerheart, Summit, Bent Paddle and Brau Brother will team up with local favorites Fargo Brewing Company and Junkyard Brewing Company to give the F-M community a one-of-a-kind beer event.

“Our hope is to make Moorhead more aware about all kinds of beer and making beer-fests oriented around these types of beer successful, and also getting the beer geeks involved,” said Aaron Juhnke, co-owner of Junkyard Brewing.

Along with the opportunity to try new beer or snag a sample of a long-lost favorite, patrons receive a burger or brat, a RBP pint glass and a brewing demonstration by the Prairie Homebrewing Companions Club. The tickets for this event are $28 and all the proceeds go to the Prairie Homebrewing Companions Club, which is organized and affiliated with the American Homebrewers Association. The locally based club has been around for over 15 years and has more than 50 members, from amateur brewers to professional beer producers.

PHCC will put on a demonstration brew at the picnic. Junkyard has graciously agreed to match product with PHCC, and most of the equipment used in the process will be from Aaran Joneson and John Lacher of the PHCC, along with some borrowed equipment. Because of the time it takes to brew, some of the process will be set up beforehand. They plan to make a five to six gallon batch. The style of beer they will make is still undecided, but they are leaning toward an imperial IPA.

Expect to see local breweries such as Fargo Brewing Co. and Junkyard infuse their already impressive staple beers and some experimental brews. There will be a bourbon barrel-aged stout with lactobacillus and an oak-infused Wood Chipper IPA by none other than Fargo Brewing Co. Meanwhile the ever-innovative Junkyard plans to bring an oak-aged Free Candy and an experimental sour, Gose.

While area favorites will bring some new and old favorites, Minneapolis-based Surly Brewing Co. plans to bring its 1349 Pale Ale and Eight, an oat-wine anniversary ale. Lino Lakes, Minn.-based Hammerheart will feature its Thor’s Porter, Hokan’s Brown and possibly Gorm The Old, a mesquite-smoked beer. Duluth-based Bent Paddle will present its Lollygagger pale ale with citra hops, its Cold Pressed Black and the seasonal Paddle Break Blonde.

There are many other amazing creations coming but we can’t give away all the secrets. Many breweries plan to bring the big guns, with barrel-aged brews and infused big-name beers. Not only will attendees get to indulge in some tasty libations, but they will also have the opportunity to chat with people who know beer. You can ask questions, talk shop, or just hang out and say hi.

Gigi’s Ice Lollies, a local dessert vendor, will sell a special batch of non-alcoholic lollies made with Junkyard’s Big Kahuna Cocoanut Stout for the picnic.

I am personally excited to see these local brewers in action and to try some of their unique new firkins, casks and infusions. It doesn’t get much better than hanging out in a park enjoying the fresh air, drinking good beer and being surrounded by new friends and old friends, all while enjoying and learning about new beer.

If you are a beer geek, or if you want to learn the ropes of the ever-changing beer world, come out to Davy Park, sip on some exquisite beers and meet some of the men and women behind the breweries. See you Saturday!

IF YOU GO:

Rare Beer Picnic

Sat, July 18, 4 to 8 p.m.

Usher's House/Davy Memorial Park, 700 1st Ave N, Moorhead

http://ow.ly/Pyo8a