Top: Big Wave Dave & the Ripples added some funk to the beer festival. Left: There were fun yard games, including a supersized Jenga. Above: Stephanie Slanga presents the award for favorite brew to Karen Tonnis of the Bent Paddle Brewing for their Vanilla Cold Press.
Caribou Highlands Lodge out did themselves again with the 5th Annual Hopped Up Caribou Beer Festival. Beer geeks or brew connoisseurs numbering 450 came from all across Minnesota, and also from Thunder Bay, Wisconsin and even with some traveling as far as from Denver.
The full-barrel weekend package was once again limited to 150 people. The two-night package included an invite to the Brewers’ Reception Friday evening with a host of hors d’oeuvre and early sampling of brews, a Saturday morning Bloody Mary breakfast buffet and entry to the Saturday afternoon beer festival.
The excellent cuisine served up by the Caribou Highlands chefs for the Brewers’ Reception included Strange Brew Fondue with Fresh Pretzels, Amber Lager Prime Rib Chili, Cajun Potato Salad, Duck Confit Salad, Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushroom, Bacon Wrapped Chorizo, Cherry- Smoked St. Louis Pork Ribs, Apple Cider Pork Sliders, Bacon wrapped Wild Game Meatloaf on a stick, Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Creamy Clam Scampi Penne, Ranch Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno, Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings, Craft Beer Drenched Oysters, and Mogul’s Walleye Cakes!
As if all those mouth-watering appetizers weren’t enough, there was a dessert table with strawberries, banana beer bread, homemade marshmallows and bacon, topped off with a Stout Dark Chocolate Fondue.
All the while the sounds of Spruce Roots (Eric Frost and Friends) played for all to enjoy.
The Saturday morning Bloody Mary breakfast had a full buffet of biscuits and gravy, apple fritter French toast, bacon, crispy potatoes, three cheese scrambled eggs, Spinach & Chorizo Frittata and even an omelet station. All topped off with a variety of vegetables for your spiced or regular Bloody Mary.
Saturday afternoon, beer festival attendees were treated to the great sounds of Big Wave Dave & the Ripples playing great soul and funk selections while they sampled over 50 different brews offered by 14 Minnesota and Wisconsin breweries. There was a barbeque of hamburgers and brats, and walking tacos to keep everyone going.
A games area was set up with ladder ball, beanbag throw, giant tumble blocks, and basketball. This provided fun for all during the evening while people gathered in the patio area and around the fire ring.
Saturday evening culminated with attendees voting for their favorite brews. Top honors went to Duluth’s Bent Paddle for their Vanilla Cold Press. Second place went to Fitger’s Brewhouse for Red, Wheat & Blue. Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring, MN took third place with Rise3 Above with Hibiscus.
Eric Frost and Bill Hansen entertained all on Saturday evening as everyone gathered in the patio area where friends met new friends with the common interest of a good brew in their hand.
Hopped Up Caribou Beer Festival is far more than just a beer festival. It’s a brew and food event! Mark your calendar to attend next year, July 8-9, 2016!
Breweries represented included:
. Burning Brothers Brewing in
St. Paul
. Indeed Brewing in NE
Minneapolis
. Fulton Brewing in Minneapolis
. Bent Paddle in Duluth
. Voyageur Brewing in Grand
Marais
. Castle Danger Brewery in
Castle Danger
. Gunflint Tavern in Grand
Marais
. Surly in Minneapolis
. Third Street Brewhouse in
Cold Springs, MN
. Townhall Brewery in
Middleton, WI
. St. Croix in Stillwater, MN
. Summit Brewing Company in
St. Paul
. Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth
. Lake Superior Brewing
Company in Duluth
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