The abundant popularity of Michigan Beer

This past weekend I revisited some old roots, sprouted some new ones and was overall ecstatic to see my favorite band get back together and play three amazing shows in Virginia. After a four year hiatus, Phish was back at the mothership, AKA Hampton Coliseum to clarify they merely had standard band problems that needed to be addressed and challenged. It is promising to see a band be able to stand again on its feet after being knocked down by many circumstances. When I realized that Northworst airlines had made a mistake on my flying itinerary, I quickly realized that a ticket last minute would be too expensive to justify, since ironically, Northworst doesn't even fly to Newport News (funny though, on the phone I never recall mentioning I needed to go to Newburgh, NY). Quickly I realized that driving was going to my my only option. 10 lovely hours through the hills of PA, MD and VA. After scrunting (new adjective for when your pissed off at an airline) around for a bit, I saw one shinning light of bliss for my drive; I can load the car up with Bell's and hopefully break even with my traveling expenses.

Now for those of you whom may be completely confused, allow me to explain. Phish fans are some of the most outgoing people this nation may have. And in so, they like their party. So, on any given show, you can find parking lots at venues filling up as soon as security / police / gate keepers let them in, usually between two and three pm. By five, you'll have full out tail gating, retail and partying. As far as retail is concerned, you can find (fortunately and unfortunately) pretty much everything. If there is ever a steady economy, it would be on what is called Shakedown Street. Amongst all of the vendors you will find clothing, fantastic meals, gems and earthly possessions, artwork, and most importantly, BEER. With those that usually sell beer, the majority plays it safe, with the likes of Guinness, Newcastle and Sierra Nevada, most likely in part that those brands are available in any liquor store in any state and taste well enough. But there are some who widh to share their special secrets or hometown jewels. From my many years of Shakedown involvement, I remember Bell's Beer was always a favorite. I would have loved to have purchased and brought all my favorite Michigan produced beers, but budgetary concerns could not afford to spend a lot on something I might not be able to sell. I needed a brand that already had some recognition and familiarity, something I knew I could unload and at least break even in my expenses. So I Traveled to Champagnes in Warren and loaded up on two cases of Two Hearted Ale, two cases of Best Brown, one case of Winter White and one case of Hopslam.

Upon parking, we had as many Bell's we could on ice and set out to investigate the scene. As we approached a main crossing, the Bell's logo did all the talking. I must have sold two cases in the first hour. So many people came flocking for this beer. So much so, I did get a bit nervous about police intervening. Usually they are looking for trademark infringements or those trying to sell narcotics. But I have seen people be arresting for selling liquor or even worse, taking your beer and leaving. Others were just curious for a new beer, so I had a blast explaining the characteristics of all the styles. BY my second trip back to the car my friend Terry mentioned that he would like to see enough to stick around for us to enjoy. He lives in downtown New York, and currently Bell's isn't available near him. So I decided to close the store for the rest of the evening and move to consuming a couple tasty beverages.

On the third day I still had more Bell's than we planned (or possibly could) consume. We parked directly across from a couple who was selling Rogue bombers. They were selling them for $6 a pop, which is what they cost in stores, so I was pleasantly surprised. I was excited to purchase a Brutal Bitter when I remembered "wait a minute, I am selling as well, I'm sure they would love to trade." So when I mentioned I had a nice selection of Bell's they were more than happy to trade. They were from Philly I believe and I could not remember if they had access to Bell's but they were very excited to try Hopslam and get a couple Two Hearted's. I received a Brutal Bitter and a Hazelnut Brown Ale. Turns out the dude knew someone who got him those cases of Rogue for dirt cheap. The girl was super excited to tell me all about Arcadia Ales. I think she was over excited to remember I was from Michigan. After some good conversation I made my way to Shakedown and had no trouble meeting other awesome beer enthusiasts. People who lived in Boston who couldn't find Bell's, Chicago people, those I had no idea where they were from, they were just super excited to try this Hopslam beer they've heard so much about. I spent a lot of time talking to this one guy, from the Traverse City area who was just as excited to see Michigan beer as anyone else. When I mentioned I spent a small honeymoon vacation in the area and got to visit Right Brain he said "I wouldn't know anything about them" and turned his head. I thought something caught his eye, so I patiently waited and when he turned back to me with a questionable look on his face I realized he was wearing a Right Brain hat. We had a good laugh.

In the end I saved three Best Brown's for myself to take home and savor in memory of a great weekend. I love the evidence that great beer is appreciated anywhere you go. Granted there were people selling $1 Champagne's, but many others wanted a nicely produced beverage, and many wanted Bell's. Had I known the response, I would have taken a larger vehicle for more cases to share more quality encounters.