Tri-County Times Featured Section - Sunday, November 15, 2020

BEER FEST IN A BAG

SATURDAY, JOHN'S PIZZERIA NOV. 21, 2020 LEROY ST. 3-8 P.M. FENTON

When life gives you lemons… Find a beer that goes with lemons While I can’t guarantee the historical accuracy of the for Fenton Area Resources & Referral Network, Inc. quote below by Ben Franklin, I can say it was the catalyst (FARR). It was so much fun that we started planning the to our team starting a craft beer festival eight years ago. 2020 event right away. First in Lapeer and then last year in As you’re all likely familiar with anything Fenton, the events have been a great planned in 2020, plans changed. It would way to connect with clients and read- Beer is living have been easy for us to say, “see you next Wes Smith ers — and best of all — raise money for proof that God year,” but that’s not how we operate. View great causes. ‘‘ When the pandemic first hit, our Newspaper Clearly this community agreed. Last loves us and wants team continued to produce newspapers, Group year’s first-ever Bottles, Brews & News us to be happy. informing our neighbors of what was Publisher was a complete sell out, raising $6,000 Ben Franklin ’’ See BEER on 2 2 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com BEER are disappointed (as we know many The idea is to return home and host a munity and support a great cause. Continued from Page 1 of you are too) that we can’t host an mini-beer and wine fest of your own. Speaking of our sponsors, please see happening right in their own in-person craft beer and wine fest in We’d love to see the photos of your their ads herein and patronize their backyard. Some of that reporting told downtown Fenton, we are pleased to celebration. Send them to ecaswell@ businesses. stories of those in need. Given that be able to bring you this alternative. mihomepaper.com. We’ll publish our A special thanks in advance also our craft beer and wine fests have For $30 ticket holders will receive favorites! to all of the volunteers, who will help always benefited a local cause, it a reusable souvenir bag including a We know this community loves to us operate our Beer Fest in a Bag gave us even more incentive to push mixed six pack, souvenir mugs, pret- give back and have fun while doing drive-thru and, of course, our part- forward and find a way to host the zel necklaces and more for two – to so, and the fact that this event is hap- ners in this event FARR, the Fenton event. Plus, if 2020 needs anything – go! Beer Fest in a Bag items can be pening is proof. Ticket sales started Regional Chamber of Commerce and it needs fun. picked up anytime between 3 and 8 to roll in as soon as we announced John’s Pizzeria. By the way, if you’d Through some creative thinking p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 in the parking the event and our sponsors were like food to go with your drinks, give John’s a call to place a to-go order, the Bottles, Brews & News Beer Fest lot of John’s Pizzeria. Best of all, the eager to jump on board to help us which you can pick up when you in a Bag event was born. While we event will once again support FARR. provide something fun for the com- pick up your Beer Fest in a Bag. I’m partial to the Sandy’s Super Pizza. Tickets are only available in EST. 1947 advance at myfenton.com, the Tri- County Times office, the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce or John’s Pizzeria. Call Emily Caswell at 810-513-8501 with any questions. Thank you for your support – we hope to see you back in-person next year. Until then, we’ll see you on Nov. 21 at the drive-thru. Cheers!

BEER FEST IN A BAG FEATURING:

• Griffin Claw — Mr. Blue Sky

• Blackgrass Hard Cider Proudly supporting the — Cheap Cran Cherry Key Fenton community for more than 74 years. • Essentially Geared Wine Co. — Bubbles

• Lansing Brewing Company — Angry Mayor Watch for our Holiday • Atwater — Mango Seltzer Hours • Grand Armory Brewing 134 N. Leroy St. Ste 1, Fenton MI 48430 | 810.629.7936 | www.SawyerJewelers.com Company — Nutter Your Hours: Monday 10-6 | Tuesday 10-6 | Wednesday 10-6 | Thursday 10-7 | Friday 10-6 | Saturday 10-5 Business myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 3 FARR Fenton Area Resources and Referral Network, Inc. Do you know anyone who’s strug ­gled to make a rent payment on time or pay a utility bill during a difficult time in their lives? If so, there’s help available through made up of more than 19 churches, the Fenton Area Resources and plus community groups, and lead­ Referral Network, Inc. (FARR). The ers interested in serving the needs organization is proud to be the non- of others within the boundaries of profit partner at the second annual the Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden Bottles, Brews & News. Due to CO- school districts. VID-19, this year’s event will take on a The goal of FARR is to coordinate Stuff the Bus! different format offering a Beer Fest these groups so that people are re­ HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED AND DONATE in a Bag. Ticket holders can pick up ferred to appropriate services for help TO THE STUFF THE BUS COMMUNITY FOOD SHARE PROGRAM. their goods anytime from 3 to 8 p.m. with housing, medical or counseling or FARR, in partnership with the Fenton High School Alumni Association, the Fenton Saturday, Nov. 21 at John’s Pizzeria in emergency needs. Being a central hub Kiwanis Club, the United Methodist Church and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church are Fenton. keeps accountability in place. coming together this year to make sure families in need have food during the “FARR is very excited to be part­ Many of the churches involved Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. nering once again with View News- have their own food pantries, thrift Donations can be made by going to the FARR website at farrnetwork.org or at one paper Group,” said FARR Executive of the drop boxes around town. Nonperishable food, cash or VG’s receipts can be stores, access to infant and children’s Director Dawn Placek. “We feel donated at VG’s on North LeRoy St. from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 and at needs, homeless support programs fortunate that the View team and State Savings-Main Branch noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. our partners found a way to keep through Genesee County’s Fam- Remember, if you or someone you know is in need of food for the holidays the event alive in a challenging year. ily Promise, support for addictions please go to the FARR website and register for food. As with last year, money raised at through Al­coholics Anonymous and Bottles, Brews & News will help us Narcotics Anonymous, and more. continue our mis­sion of serving this Groups, such as the Fenton Lions community.” Club, can help buy eyeglasses for Last year’s first-ever event raised people in need who don’t have insur- $6,000 for FARR. ance. Since its start in 1990, FARR has Local police departments have evolved in many ways. Today, not a shared their appreciation of having thrift store or an office location, it’s one group like FARR to go through a central hub of accessible resources when they run across people in need.

DO YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, NEED HELP? Go to farrnetwork.org to apply for assistance. If you want to give or get involved with FARR call (810) 750-6422. 4 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com Corks vs. Screws A look at wine tops It’s a ceremony as old as wine itself: SYNTHETIC CORKS SCREW TOPS popping the cork on your favorite One solution is using synthetic Some daring wineries are even bottle. corks that don’t produce TCA, and experimenting with a new type of While natural corks are certainly the hence won’t cause the wine to spoil. top: the screw-on variety. most traditional way to seal a wine The upside is that you can still pop While, admittedly, this takes bottle, they’re not the only one. the cork on the bottle, which always away some of the traditional feels like the right way to open a wine. pomp and pageantry of popping DRAWBACKS But synthetic corks have their prob- the top on a bottle of wine, it is The big downside of using natu- lems, too. Some types of them can be incredibly convenient and seals ral corks is that they can sometimes very difficult to pull and even harder the bottle perfectly. It’s a tried- cause the wine to spoil. A chemical to put back into the neck. Some are and-true way to deliver a proper called trichloroanisole (TCA) oc- made of material so dense that it’s drink. casionally occurs, making the wine tough to get a corkscrew pushed into Wineries in Australia and New smell like mold and ruining the entire them. Zealand have been the quickest bottle. The good news is that synthetic corks to adopt screw tops, while Ameri- Fortunately, there are solu- are improving all the time. Newer mate- can wineries have been more cau- tions. The wine industry has rials are getting closer to mimicking the tious. increasingly been looking to properties of natural cork without risk- European wineries have largely technology to solve this age- ing spoilage that can happen with the been resistant to change, sticking old problem. real thing. with tradition instead.

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FENTON - 1390 N. Leroy St - in VGs • LINDEN - 8017 Silver Lake Rd • HOLLY - 15223 N. Holly Rd • www.ELGACU.com myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 5

Craft Beer celebrates the arts If you have spent time analyzing efforts by donning cherished logos FISCHER, the craft beer coolers at your local on merchandise like clothing, draft liquor store, you have been treated glasses, sunglasses or bottle open- to stellar artwork on cans or bottle ers. Do your favorite team a favor labels. by investing in their online shops or FRANKLIN Vivid colors and intricate designs picking up their gear during your have probably helped you decide next visit. to try a new brand or indulge in an unfamiliar style. Sure, the intense ARE ARTSY CANS HERE TO STAY? & FORD graphics are expected to catch your Art and branding go hand in hand attention. Still, the relationship be- in the success of companies in nearly Arthur J. LeVasseur & Troy C. Otto tween art and craft beer is more than every industry. According to a study just an attractive image. performed by Packaging of the Attorneys and Counsellors The Brewer’s Association reports World, 70 percent of consumers form that craft brewers accounted for their impression of a brand based $29.3 billion of the 2019 beer indus- solely on packaging. The popular 24725 W. 12 Mile Road, Ste. 230 try. At the end of the year, there were beer magazine Cana said it best 8,386 breweries counted in the Unit- when they expressed that “beer cans Southfield, MI 48034 ed States, an increase of 8.9 percent are officially the new record sleeve.” from the previous year. To say there While the taste of what is inside Phone: (313) 962-5210 is an insane level of competition to the can is ultimately the most im- attract consumers is an understate- portant part of the craft beer experi- Fax: (313) 962-4559 ment. ence, consumers are often enticed to give a brewery a chance based on MARKETING TECHNIQUE the design alone. To stand apart, brewers turn to a The Brewer’s Association’s pro- Proud Sponsor of marketing technique often called the gram director, Julia Herz, said, “A “canvas on a can.” They hire in-house large percentage of beer lovers walk or freelance designers to tell a story into a store and don’t know what upon their label. they’re going to buy. The pressure Many companies are efficient in at retail is to stand out and get no- branding their offerings with outland- ticed.” ish characters, bold fonts and varieties The next time you’re searching for of colors. Consumers are often drawn a new beverage to try, make an effort to these cans or bottles and can quick- to choose one on its label entirely. ly identify their favorite brands. You may be surprised with the fla- Brewing companies further their vors inside. 6 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com

Where Is It From? A look at where different wines originate

California is the center of the wine- meals, it doesn’t get as much attention While nearly every wine making culture in the United States. The as France. Wine is grown in 20 different is made from the same first winery in Napa Valley dates back regions covering the entire nation, mak- to 1861, but it didn’t emerge as a global- ing it one of the most diverse wine pro- basic type of grape scale wine producer until the 1990s. ducers, too. that was cultivated Chile, with its vineyards protected by New Zealand is a small country, al- thousands of years ago, the Andes Mountains, has an excellent though its wine output is quickly grow- local variations of that climate for growing grapes. Bordeaux ing. It is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, wines are most successful. but it also exports Chardonnay, Pinot grape — along with Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. different soil, sunlight France has long been the world capitol of winemaking, a tradition that contin- Portugal is most famous for its Mateus and climate — mean ues today. No other country has shaped label and selection of Port wines, and the same types of wine wine culture as much as France, with the today it exports a large world’s most beloved wines all carrying amount of wine for such can taste noticeably the names of French regions: Bordeaux, a small nation. It also pro- different depending on Burgundy, the Rhône, Champagne, the duces Chardonnay and Loire and Alsace. It also has some of the Merlot. where they come from. strictest laws and most longstanding tra- ditions regarding the production of wine. South Africa has an Argentina produces more wine than excellent climate for any other South American country. The Germany, with its northern European growing wine, and all vast majority of its production is in the climate, seems like a far from ideal the popular varieties central part of the nation, where Malbec, place to grow wine, but one particu- are grown here. It has Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Char- lar kind thrives here: Riesling. Like a unique hybrid, Pi- donnay thrive. France, Germany has notage, that was cre- strict laws about ated in the 1920s. Australia shares many “New World” labeling and wine traditions with the United States, but grading wines. Spain has one of its location in the southern hemisphere the world’s oldest means harvest happens six months earlier. Italy produc- winemaking cul- The most popular grapes grown in Austra- es more wine tures, but it become lia are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, than any other more European in Chardonnay and Semillon. country, includ- style with the influx ing France. of French settlers Austria has produced wine since the Since its local in the 1700s. Today Celtic times, even before the Romans varieties are often it has more than invaded. Grüner Veltliner is most closely less elite, meant for 4 million acres of associated with it. ordinary table vineyards. myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 7 Craft Brewers and COVID-19 Relief Craft breweries are no exception ing outdoor seating to serve limited to the commercial carnage cre- capacities of enthusiasts. While it’s ated by COVID-19. A study from the a good move for business, compas- Brewer’s Association reveals that the sionate owners are also interested virus hurt 99 percent of these niche in helping their guests return to a businesses. sense of normalcy. Here are a few statistics from the The founder of 18th Street Brew- March 2020 research that shows ery, Drew Fox, said about the lock- areas in which your local brewery down, “We will plan for the worst owners may be struggling. case, be smart about how we spend • 90 percent have experienced a DELIVERY METHODS While the attempts may have kept money and look for ways to continue decline in on-site sales. With most of the country locking their businesses running for the short- to be creative.” • 58.8 percent noticed a disrup- down and forcing tap houses, res- term, the efforts can’t compare to their The National Sales Director of Mik- tion in distribution. taurants and breweries to shut their revenue during normal operations. keller, Jennifer Dicky, said, “We want • 89 percent report a decrease in doors or reduce their hours, brewers According to the Brewer’s Associa- to make beer that moves people, live events. rushed to figure out a way to work. tion, nearly 40 percent of brewers that makes them smile. This period • 24.7 percent said they had Many turned to eliminating their tap relied on in-house taprooms and of unrest and uncertainty is a great stopped production. operations and committed to pack- brewpubs. time to bring some joy to the world To curb their losses and assist in aging in cans and bottles. in whatever small way we can.” the battle against the novel corona- During the crisis, some changed OUTDOOR PATIOS The close community-based iden- virus, multiple breweries changed their delivery methods by offering As restrictions slowly lifted from tity of craft brewing is a welcome their operations to pivot during the delivery or curbside pick-up for their the craft beer industry, brewers in- distraction to a world facing uncer- pandemic. beverages. vested in building patios or arrang- tain times.

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INSURED *APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Paid on balances up to $7,500 each month if requirements met. BY NCUA 28 Southeast Michigan branches, find more at genisyscu.org. 8 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com A Barrel of Flavor Why the container matters when aging wine

slightly more bitter flavors to the the size that offers the right amount major factor that impacts the flavor After the grape wine like dill or sometimes coconut. of surface area for most wines to of wine. variety is chosen, French oak, in comparison, is more taste right. Some wines will ferment up likely to add notes of spice or va- Smaller barrels will have propor- to three years in a barrel, adding perhaps the biggest nilla. Their popularity and distinctive tionally more wood in contact with stronger aromas and more intense factor in a wine’s flavor is one reason French oak bar- the wine. Larger barrels will have notes. Others can age as little as 10 rels often command twice the price proportionally less surface contact. months. The difference depends on taste is the barrel it is of American oak. the type of wine and how heavy a aged within. AGING flavor it has. SIZE & SHAPE The age of the wood itself, along The age of the wood matters be- Barrels are also a major part of a The physical dimensions of a bar- with how much time the wine is al- cause new oak tends to impart more wine’s complexity, adding overtones rel will also impact the flavor lowed to remain in the barrel, flavors than old oak. It has more of flavor that don’t exist from the of a wine. is the last substances that leech into the wine, wine on its own. Traditionally, and those substances are eventu- While the majority of wine bar- wine barrels will ally used up. Wine barrels are rels are made of oak, that’s where hold about often used more than once, the similarities end. And everything 60 gallons, but they can’t be used about that barrel — from the way it which forever as they lose their is constructed, to the temperature is the effectiveness for adding it’s stored at, to the length of time amount the right notes during wine is allowed to age in it — will two fermentation. impact the flavor of the finished people can wine that reaches your table. carry rea- You should also know that bar- sonably. It’s rel making is a true art. The people also who make them, called coopers, not only have to painstakingly shape the wooden staves to be liquid- tight, but they also have to heat or “toast” the wood perfectly for the right flavor. The longer it is toasted, the more of those toasty flavors of maple, vanilla or spice will be trans- ferred into the wine itself.

WOOD TYPE The first factor that affects wine is the type of wood the barrel is made from. Where the oak comes from can have a significant impact on the taste it imparts to the wine. Ameri- can oak, for example, tends to add myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 9 Matching the flavors Pairing craft beer MATCH INTENSITY Beers with a strong flavor pro- with food can be file, such as India pale ale (IPA), doppelbock or imperial stout, rewarding can easily overpower bland or mild food. It’s best to find dishes Many people are familiar with with big, bold flavors to mesh wine pairings — the process of with the beers, such as a spicy choosing foods and wines that curry chicken with IPA or roasted complement one another’s flavors beef with Scotch ale. Some, like — but that same principle can also barley wine, are so strongly fla- be applied to beer selections for vored that it’s best to serve them a rewarding, classy dining experi- with intensely flavored cheeses ence. instead of a meal. Craft beers, in particular, are per- On the flip side, it’s good to fect for pairing with food because pair light beers with more deli- they come in such a wonderful va- cate foods. Blonde or cream ale riety of flavors and can be part of a pairs well with chicken, salmon learning process for you and your or a salad, while witbier is a NOTICE SWEETNESS or helles, many beers have an in- guests. Introducing and exploring classic with seafood. A medium- When picking the food to pair herent bitterness that can become new, locally brewed beer can be a bodied porter can bring out the with beer, be especially careful unpleasant with sweet foods. In lot of fun over dinner. flavor of barbecue or roasted about using sweet dishes. general, the more bitter your beer, The trick is knowing how to find meat, as can a weizenbock or While a sugary side dish might the less sweet your food should be the right combination. dark lager. be perfectly fine with a sweet stout to keep the beer’s flavor in balance. 10 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com

Embrace your area’s beer culture The businesses in your area rely on hard-earned dollars from residents to keep their doors open. They not only enhance local economies, but their operations provide a flair that is unique to their neighborhood.

Craft beer brewers are efficient in involving their communities and bringing people together for an im- mersive experience. For a better perspective of the influence on craft beverages, check out these 2019 statistics reported by the Brewer’s Association (BA).

• The volume share for brewers was 13.6 percent, which is a growth of 1.1 percent over 2017.

• Brewed beer accounted for 26,347,950 barrels produced by craft beer groups.

• There were 942 new openings in 2019 and only 294 closing. interests, craft breweries also benefit room visits. Festivals and celebratory Owners of the facility are also an area’s tourism revenue. According events impact local economies by in- treated to a boost in business by • Over 161,000 new jobs were cre- to BA data, about 1.6 percent of craft viting mass numbers of attendees to renting the building for events like ated, for a growth of 7 percent over drinkers take 10-plus annual trips to indulge in shopping and tasting. weddings, birthday parties and cor- last year. brewers more than two hours away porate gatherings. In the world of IPA, ales and hops, from their home. Small-Town Growth Support these smaller businesses brewers complement their local A separate study focused on Kent Smaller communities receive a when they host events that show- communities with passion, charitable County, showed that small brewer- significant boost as a home for craft case local talents like musicians or contributions and a steady economy. ies generated $7.05 million in direct breweries. The residents are pro- artists. The bigger turnouts ensure spending from over 42,000 visitors. vided a social hub to network with the brewery can keep up their mo- A Place for Tourism The tourism industry also benefit- peers and find locally sourced bever- mentum and bring more exciting In addition to speaking to local ed in profits from over 14,000 hotel ages. activities to your community. myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 11

American hot spots If you have already tried the local FORT COLLINS, COLORADO offerings in your community, educate While Fort Collins may not be as yourself about craft beer hot spots well-known as cities like Denver or throughout the country. Colorado Springs, it is the home of Whether you visit the area strictly many of the state’s first craft brew- for a brewing experience or plan to eries. stop by while you’re already in town, While you’re there, check out the you will be impressed by the taste and historic Odell Brewing company passion of another city’s offerings. which formed in 1989. Their flag- Before visiting a new town, per- ship is called the 90 Shilling Ale. form research by reaching out to It was created in a grain elevator 1492 N. Leroy St. • Fenton, MI 48430 the locals via social media or joining where the brewery once operated. community forums. Make sure to cre- New Belgium Brewing Company, ate a plan regarding where to visit, known for Fat Tire and the Voodoo 810-629-5060 so you don’t miss out on the best a Ranger series, is also native to Fort town has to offer. Collins. HOURS: If you’re planning a road trip, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday check out a few of America’s craft ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA beer towns, as recommended by the This location is home to many 3:00pm - 9:00pm Travel Channel. tried and true breweries and up and Thursday • 3:00pm - 8:00pm comers aiming to make a splash BEND, OREGON in the industry. It is home to the Often considered the little brother unique Altamont Brewing company, We proudly support of the booming Portland, Bend is be- where guests enjoy a pre-prohibi- coming a hub for quality craft brew- tion-style neighborhood pub atmo- ing. The notable Ten Barrel Brewing sphere. Co. was acclaimed for its Crush New Belgium fans can take sol- Cucumber Sour at a recent Great ace in the brewery opening a new American Beer Festival. outpost in Asheville. The city is loaded with one-of-a-kind The Wicked Weed brewers have options from experimental outfits like a strong presence in the city with the Deschutes Brewery. Or enjoy a de- a brewpub downtown, a sour and licious meal, paired with your favorite funky taproom and a 50-barrel drink in the Old Mill District. brewery in West Asheville. 12 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com The low-down Take the acid test on Merlot Find out what you know about A look at the world’s wine’s acidity most popular red wine People who appreciate wine know that the acid level is one Its fresh, fruity flavor has helped Merlot explode in thing that gives every wine a popularity since the 1990s, becoming the biggest distinct flavor. An acidic wine selling red wine in the world. Some of the most ex- will often taste “crisp,” like biting clusive and expensive wines are Merlot-based, too. into a tart apple in the fall. And here in America, Merlot has emerged as an If you think you know a lot incredibly popular drink that is grown extensively about the acidity of wine — or in Washington State and California, among other just want to learn more — then places. take this true-or-false quiz. We Fortunately for wine lovers, Merlot can also call it the “acid test.” have a wide variety of flavor profiles depending on where it comes from and how it is made. 1. White wines generally taste While all Merlots are based on the flavors of red more acidic than red wines. fruits such as cherries, plums or raspberries, they True or false can take on tones of spice, vanilla, cedar or smoke when they ferment in oak. 2. After 30 seconds, the In fact, because they have such a pleasant, fruity acidic flavor in a wine will flavor, Merlots are among the best selections for peo- get stronger, almost like an ple just starting to explore red wines. Their medium aftertaste. body and low tannin content makes them ideal for most True or false people. 3. Red wines with a heavy body FOOD PAIRINGS tend to have high acidity. True or false The same traits that make Merlot so popular to drink also make it easy to pair with dishes. 4. Sweetness and acidity can Like most red wines, Merlot works well with red meats such as often balance each other out in beef, but it’s also flexible enough to be used with poultry or pork. Sal- a wine. ads and pastas are commonly paired with Merlot to let its fruity flavor True or false shine through. 5. The taste buds that detect HISTORY acidity are found toward the Merlot is actually a newcomer to the wine lover’s spotlight. center of your tongue. The Merlot grape dates back to very early in France’s history, but it wasn’t True or false officially recognized as a distinct variety of grape until the 19th century. Merlot is most closely associated with the Bordeaux region of France, and 6. New Zealand Sauvignon today it is grown more than any other grape in the country. Blanc is associated with a high Why all the popularity? level of acidity. Much of it stems from a scientific study that reported the health benefits True or false of red wine in the 1990s. Because Merlot is among the most approachable of red wines, with 7. Champagne is considered a its easy-to-love taste, it was the variety of choice for wine lovers who classy drink because of its low wanted the heart benefits of drinking red wine after the study was pub- level of acidity.

licized. True or false

5. False, 6. True, 7. False 7. True, 6. False, 5.

2. False, 3. False, 4. True, 4. False, 3. False, 2. Acid Test Answers: 1. True, 1. Answers: Test Acid myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 13 Problems brewers face You probably already know that so does its competition and com- craft beer comes in numerous styles mitment to creating drafts of high and flavors. Brewers are often restrict- quality. Manufacturers are also ed to the type of beverages they cre- tasked with keeping their fans loyal ate due to their location. The mineral by inventing brews that remain true content of local water is a significant to their brand while offering new factor in what can be produced. flavors. Have you ever wondered why Public relations can become a West Coast brewers excel in quality challenge for smaller operations, as IPAs? According to Texas Tech, it’s those in charge are often focused because the region’s water contains on other tasks. Without a dedicated the components needed to make marketer on the payroll, balancing crafting possible. social media, advertising and creat- The University also notes that ing a public persona takes a back popular beers like Guinness, which is seat to development. made in Ireland, cannot be made to One way breweries offset the the same standard in other parts of competition is to work with other sified as producing 6 million barrels munity can be a fine line for brewers the country because of differing H2O teams to promote the entire industry. or less annually. When an operation to walk. If they become too success- makeups. Joining forces benefits each outfit as becomes too large or successful, cor- ful, they risk out-casting their loyal Crafters must simply work with a wider audience is introduced to a porate outfits take notice and may following in return of a significant what is available, and that is only one new, exciting option. make an offer for purchase. paycheck. As a craft beer enthusiast, challenge these niche brewers face. Once a craft beer “sells out,” it’s it’s important for you to support your GROWING TOO BIG difficult for their loyal audience to favorite local brands to give them the PUBLIC RELATIONS According to the Brewer’s Associa- continue supporting the brand. brand awareness boost that can keep As a craft beer brewery grows, tion, craft beer breweries are clas- Remaining faithful to their com- them in business long-term.

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Giving the families of our Wineries: community generations of A growing trend TRUST, EXPERIENCE New locations opening across and SERVICE America

America’s wine culture was once One more reason to transferthought to be centered around one place: Napa Valley. Today, though, your pre arrangements to Sharp:wineries are among the nation’s fast- est growing industries from coast to Community- Sharp Funeral Homes has been caring for families forcoast. over 100 years serving generations of Local Families. If you already have Between funeral 1979 and 2010, there has prearrangements with another funeral home, they can help youbeen move a 1,152your percent increase in the prearrangement to Sharp Funeral Homes without any additionalnumber cost. of wineries in America. Yes, more than 1,000 percent! That dramatic growth in the wine industry is evident in most parts of the country, where new wineries are opening up and small, local vine- yards are offering distinct, modern takes on this very old industry. Why all the growth? perspective. If you have friends or relatives coming from out of town, CULTURE there’s a good chance you might THE SHARP FAMILY A big reason is that wine culture spend time at a local winery. And Michael T. Scully, Roger L. Sharp, Roger L. Sharp II, itself is growing. those out-of-town dollars add up. Jennifer Sharp Scully and Stephanie Sharp Foster Many people today enjoy drink- It’s also popular for local or re- ing, sharing and collecting wine as a gional tourists. You might enjoy a hobby. They will learn all about dif- wine tasting, exploring all the dif- ferent varieties of wine, grow a taste ferent types available in your own Fenton Chapelfor their favorite vintage and explore hometown. Some people enjoy tak- Michael T. Scully,the many Manager different flavors from ing day trips, too, to see how wine is 1000 Silver Lakearound Rd, Fentonthe world. grown in vineyards near their home. Exploring wine is a social event, Toll-Free 1-877-53 SHARP (810) 629-9321too. Not only do people often drink EAT LOCAL wine in social settings — both big Finally, locally grown wine has be- parties and small, intimate gather- come a big draw as more Americans Fenton Chapel Linden Chapel Three additional locations in Swartz Creek, Linden,and Flint/Grandings Blanc with Township friends and loved ones are concerned with where and how 1000 Silver Lake Rd. • Fenton 209 E. Broad St. • Linden — but they can talk about wine and their food is produced. Michael T. Scully, ManagerAll facilitiesStephanie are Sharp handicapped Foster, Manager accessible.share what they’ve learned with Instead of relying on heavily pro- (810) 629-9321 (810) 735-7833 other wine lovers. cessed foods made by multi-national companies, many people are turning Two additional locations: 8138 Miller Rd. in Swartz Creek TOURISM to local farmers in an attempt to eat and 6063 Fenton Rd. in Flint/Grand Blanc Township Another big reason for wine’s re- more wholesome foods. surgent popularity is that it makes The same thing applies to local for great tourism. wines. When you know where the sharpfuneralhomes.com Wineries have become major wine came from, and perhaps even tourist destinations across America, the person who created it, that which is great from a business makes the experience even richer. myfenton.com BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS Sunday, November 15, 2020 15 Visit a tap house If you’re lucky enough that 89 percent of consumers read business responses to these state- to live in an area with a ments. Highlight positive interactions tap house, you can find to encourage peers to visit a facility. a multitude of craft beer options. Whether the ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION The first rule of indulging in any facility only features type of business that offers alcohol locally brewed beverages is to arrange transportation methods or a list of popular drinks responsibly, rather than getting be- hind the wheel. If finding a designat- from around the country, ed driver is not an option, consider expect to be introduced to taking advantage of ride-sharing your new favorite beer. services to get home safely. Set aside extra funds to pay for the as some brews are high in alco- descriptions on a menu. Feel free to A tap house differs from a typical ride and tip your driver. Spending a hol content. Keep in mind, a good ask questions to the tender, but be bar by offering many more choices, little extra money for transportation practice for taproom etiquette is to courteous when the room is excep- styles and alcohol volumes, usually at is much cheaper than paying DUI remember it is for tasting more than tionally busy and other guests are a significant value. fines or potentially putting yourself drinking. waiting for service. Familiarize your- If you enjoy visiting your local and others in harm’s way. self with a business’s offerings before tap house, do the owners a favor by ASK QUESTIONS visiting by researching them online. sharing your thoughts about the ex- DRINK RESPONSIBLY A quality taproom will generally Look for a menu showcasing their perience on online review sites. The If you’re a newbie to craft beer list their drink options on a board be- offerings or research reviews of other Harvard Business Review suggests tasting, it’s beneficial to take it slow hind the bar and offer more in-depth patrons’ favorites.

DISTRIBUTING

SINCE 1976

BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS VIEW NEWSPAPER GROUP'S CRAFT BEER & WINE FEST IN A BAG

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

D . I est. 1976 S C T N R I I , B U T I N G

WWW.JPOSULLIVAN.COM 16 Sunday, November 15, 2020 BOTTLES, BREWS & NEWS myfenton.com TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

VIEW NEWSPAPER GROUP’S CRAFT BEER AND WINE FEST BEER FEST IN A BAG! 3-8 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 21 JOHN’S PIZZERIA PARKING LOT • 1492 N. LEROY ST., FENTON

$ TICKETS: 30 MUST INCLUDES DRINKS AND GOODIES FOR TWO - TO GO! PURCHASE Tickets on sale at John’s Pizzeria, The Fenton Chamber & Tri-County Times. TICKETS IN Available online at www.myfenton.com ADVANCE 21+ ONLY

Grab a friend (or 10), pick up your Beer Fest in a Bag and head home for your own Bottles, Brews & News celebration. Hungry? Call John’s Pizzeria to place your to-go order and pick it up when you pick up your Beer Fest in a Bag! 810-629-5060

Sponsors:

FUNER A L H O M ES

Hosted by: Benefits: FARR

Sponsorship opportunities available, call Emily Caswell at 810-513-8501