The Livery brewery in Benton Harbor is ready to give up the funk.
From wild, sour and funky beer to funky food and funkier music, the 9th annual Funk Fest promises to bring a feast for the senses from Thursday, April 20 to Saturday, April 22.
The brewery utilizes this annual release event to showcase the barrel-aging process, “solera-style” fermentation method, and the time it takes to allow nature to take its course.
“The Livery utilizes oak casks and the wild microflora of our aging area to produce truly unique sour beer with a depth of flavor that is comparable to some of the best sour beers on the market,” Owner and Head Brewer Simon Rusk said. “This process requires time to allow the microorganisms time to ferment, produce flavors, and acidify the beer resulting in a complex mix of flavors and sour characteristics that are unique to each batch. We carefully monitor the beers as they age and develop to decide when – and in some cases even if – they will be ready to drink.”
The release party will feature classic brewpub favorites such as “Maillot Rouge”, a Biere de Garde aged in Oak with raspberries, and “Cherry Friek,” a beer The Livery has not produced in over 10 years.
New offerings include the Spinal Tap-themed, “Hell Hole,” a Dark Sour Ale clocking in at over 14% ABV, and the “Chasing The Golden Sour with Pineapple.”
“We are very excited about this year’s releases,” Risk said. “The raspberry in this vintage of “Maillot Rouge” really complements the significant acidity of the batch, and we are very pleased with how the cherry pops in the return of “Cherry Friek”, which is a whimsical take on the traditional Kriek style.
“Hell Hole” truly tested our patience, but the wait – over 3 and a half years – was well worth it, as it developed some fantastic tart raisin notes that complement the underlying dark malt flavors. We are also very pleased with and excited to share about the intense pineapple flavors and aromas that developed in our beloved golden sour.” Rusk, exclaimed.
This year’s event has taken a collaborative turn, as The Livery will partner with NOBO Provisions to benefit The City of Benton Harbor Parks & Recreation Department, in an effort to improve the downtown area of the city.
As a special “4/20” event, the national touring band “Big Something” will hit The Livery stage Thursday evening at 8pm!
“We felt really good about what we had in place for the weekend, but when NOBO approached us about partnering for a Thursday night event, I knew we could take this to the next level”, Booking/Promotion Manager, Brandon DeJaynes said. “This is already a marquee weekend for The Livery each year, and now to incorporate our neighbors and benefit the city, it’s just all the more reason to get together and celebrate. We’re honored and excited!”
Flexadecibel from Muskegon will headline Friday’s festivities on stage, while popular Grateful Dead Tribute band The Happy Campers will debut original material in addition to performing a set of Grateful Dead dance numbers to keep the party funking Saturday night.
