Bitter winds meet bold brews

Saginaw’s Winter Brew Festival brought flavor to the heart of the city

By Latoya Williams

SAGINAW, Mich. – Hundreds of onlookers packed into the SVRC building to get a taste of the tri-cities, for this year’s fourth annual Winter Brew Festival. This five-hour celebration did not disappoint. Despite the frigid temps outside, the inside was filled with laughter and warmth from patrons. For $20, the cost of entry, you received a souvenir glass and six tickets used for tasting of the proprietor of your choosing.

This local event contained live entertainment from Jeff Schrems, who filled the air with music from his acoustic guitar and the melodies of his songs with people walking around from vendor to vendor sampling food and alcoholic beverages. There was also a 360 live photo set up with perfection to capture this flavorful moment.

The most popular booth was from a Flint area club of home brewers, Flint Area Brewers, or FAB, whose signature drink called “Winter Seasonal Gasoline Dean,” this dark ale is brewed with all the favorite flavors of the winter season which include orange peels, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice and vanilla.

Attendees praised its balance of flavor above all others as it was the first to sell out, cutting February’s brisk chill.

Dean Condron and his crew of home brewers established their club in 2018, though they were a
part of another club previously, he and his associates wanted to make this club more sociable.

“I met Josh back in 2016, and we got along great,” Condron said “so we said let’s do something more fun and open to the public. Where we can meet and share our brews and collab on flavors ?” This was where Gasoline Dean came from.”

Another crowd pleaser was from Hopcraft Brewing Supply store with its semi sweet and fruity Sangria. It was a hit with multiple ladies.

“Being a seller of ingredients, I don’t have to make or mix flavors that the people want, I get to play around a bit and make whatever I like.” Mike Houlihan, one of the founders of Hopcraft noted. “What a way to celebrate my birthday, by having fun, sharing laughs and drinks with everyone.”

Another big favorite from attendees was Cass River Homebrew Club, who brought crisp and tasty fresh flavors like lemonade ale and coconut porter. For those that love the savory taste of a dark roast,
they also had Coffee Pot Stout.

Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom brought the heat with their flavored gins and vodka.

When asked the most popular shot of the night, volunteer Darryl Sczepanski stated the strawberry
rhubarb gin spiced rum was it. The drink was made with vanilla, cinnamon and other spices.

As the taps slowed and the crowd thinned, this year’s brew festival left downtown Saginaw with an ever-flowing energy well after the last cup was poured.

For a few hours, strangers, neighbors, coworkers and friends shared the same space. It proved once again that Saginaw is a community that can band together to support one another while drinking responsibly.

For a few hours, strangers, neighbors, coworkers and friends shared the same space. It proved once again that Saginaw is a community that can band together to support one another while drinking responsibly.