Short's Brewing 2020

Got a si

Got me a bottle and 12pk of Lil' Huma, which is now splitting my session beer time with Locals.

Also crazy that there is still Bourbon Evil Urges left. The beer that eluded me for years and would always sell out the week before I got to the pub. Now as of last year I had it at Hopcat and it lasted well after New Years for me to grab at the mart and just happened to grab a few bottles a couple weeks ago while I was at the pub. Definately top 5 Short's beer and I am all for a annual release.

 

While there isn’t a substantial amount of Black IPA’s out there for comparison, this is my favorite hands down! A November/December release of this in 6 packs on an annual basis would be my vote!!

 

Spruce Pilsner is now a December beer. (Maybe.)

 

At least someone who makes scheduling decisions thinks that it will get brewed. I can see a new label graphic and a new marketing theme of a decorated spruce tree as the Christmas tree. There will be cases of Spruce Pilsner under the tree. Or decorated cases of the beer stacked in a pyramid shape. Ho, ho, ho!

 

Looks like Spruce is a 7% now all of a sudden. Not sure if this is good or bad.

 

I guess it depends how many you want to drink.

There was some concern about an increase from 7 to 11% at the last major release.

 

For anyone who is getting shaky with desperation in anticipation of Spruce Pilsner, Bell's has their version available in bottles in the General Store. I think I had it on tap last year and recall it not being as 'sprucy' as the Short's version, but it's an acceptable substitute.

 

Spruce Pilsner appearing on Short's available bottled beer on their website, so the wait is over! I'm a huge fan of this like many of you so I'm jazzed to pick some up.

I'm confused about the abv though. Click on the available bottled beer link and it's showing 9.4% but on the release schedule link it's the 7 as mentioned above...guessing it's the 7 since I don't remember ever seeing it that low, but it'd be nice to know. Guess I'll find out soon enough!

Side note, I will never understand why it's not required to label how much alcohol is in our brews...how much drug you're consuming imbibing in a controlled substance seems sort of important when a single beer can be equivalent to 2-3 in some cases...

 

It's also on Instagram @ 9.4%. It also lists limited quantities. Here's the text:

shortsbrewing Sweet nectar, we have missed you! Welcome back to the world of 6 packs, Spruce Pilsner, and all hail the northern Michigan blue spruce trees who offered up their fresh, resiny tips to the Short’s Brewing staff to make this beer happen.

Spruce Pilsner, 9.4% ABV, is an Imperial Pilsner fermented with local, hand-picked blue spruce tips. The spruce presence, rooted in historical brewing practices, is enormous and gives the beer a refreshing gin quality. This beer is impressively light-bodied, considering the immense spruce flavors and the prodigious additions of hops.

Available in limited quantities throughout the great state of Michigan.

 

Did anyone see that Bourbon Cup a Joe got a bomber label recently approved? I bet that is our next private stache. I been waiting for this one for over two years now and hopefully this is real unlike the keg ring label that got approved earlier this year.

 

So a week before Spruce hits stores?

 

Should be. I noticed when beers become available at Short's Mart, they hit distribution the following week.

I also noticed a suprise drop of Superfluid last week too and grabbed some singles because I'm still working off that Hoppy Holiday 18pk and just got some Sabrotage as well.

 

Ahhhh, ok, makes sense then...thanks. Didn't remember the original was that "low" of ABV. Can't wait to pick some up, but in the meantime I'll go crack a juicy tree to scratch the spruce itch!

 

Just listened to the Better on Draft (betterondraft.com) 11/20 podcast with Joe Short and here are a few takeaways:

Ever wonder how they determine specialty releases? They use pub brews as barometer for special releases. Not all are winners, apparel Mr. Fusion did great at the pub, but by the time it hit market, it was a flop.

On Covid stuff, Shorts staff safety is their number 1 priority because they make the operation go. Seriously be kind to your Short's people they are awesome and the reason we have awesome beer in these times.

Currently working on a collab with Eastern Market possibly a Soft Parade/Elephant Juice beer in the works for 2021.

Elk rapids pub to become year round taproom once we get through Covid.

White wine canpaign version coming soon.

No plans to have a southern Michigan taproom anytime soon.Wants to keep it in Antrim for tourism and benefit the counties up there.

Refreshion Session pack was a huge hit. Led to Lil' Huma year round and an upcoming Nitro Furry Buddy (possibly Super Delicious Stout?)

Good Humans was actually created when a double brown went wrong and they decided to dump a box of simcoe hops in afterwards to save it.

A ton of other good stuff in this podcast (history of Hangin' Frank @ about 50min). I highly recommend checking their site out if you are a fan of all Michigan beer.

 

Just scored a case of Spruce Pilsner! Drove straight home and poured one, tasting fantastic.

 

Has it started to find its way into stores? I have only seen 2 new check-ins on Untappd.