“Our beer is colder”
– Bill Thompson referring to the comparison between all of the different ice festivals

“And there is more of it!”
– Mark Wilford in response

Let’s face it.  The Midwest has always been known for its hospitality and the Michigan Ice Fest After Party is no exception!  The Michigan Ice Fest Staff would like to take the time to invite you to gather at our new headquarters, the American Legion Hall every night  for our Climber’s After Party, just like we’ve always done, to celebrate all things climbing.

During the evenings we will have free beer, ice climbing gear and clothing discounts, our famous raffle, athlete book and poster signings, and other guaranteed shenanigans!

Official Beer Sponsor

The big news here is that we have secured an official Michigan Ice Fest beer sponsor!  The Ore Dock Brewing Company of Marquette is coming over to tempt our taste buds with their fabulous beers.  There will be a few free kegs of beer Thursday through Saturday.

Ode To The Dryer Hose: This is a barrel aged Belgian-style dark blend. I wouldn’t necessarily refer to this beer as being specifically sour or funky, though it does exhibit some of those traits. It’s complex, with some subtle oaky tones mixing around the maltiness that finishes with a tart fruitiness. It’s got vintage characteristics written all over it with much to be appreciated.

Black Diamond Brown: We actually just ordered the ingredients for this today. This will be exemplary of the traditional English-style brown ale where the malt-hop balance tends to be even or on the maltier side. We’ll look for a bit more toastiness and nuttiness to find its way into this beer as an offering during the winter months.

Dairyland Coffee Cream Stout: We’re actually playing around with a beer that’s already in the fermenter to make this one work – hence the variation of the suggested name. Last week we brewed a coffee stout (known as the Black Swan) where we utilized Keweenaw Coffee Works’ Borealis blend. We did a little research and according to ProBrewer, simply dosing a batch or barrel with lactose sugar (versus during the boil) is an acceptable approach to a milk stout. What we’ll end up with however is a ‘coffee cream stout’ – should be yummy.

Famous Raffle

Saturday night after the screening of the Michigan Ice Film, we will head on over to the American Legion hall and kick off the After Party with our Famous Raffle!  It is a killer raffle with thousands of dollars worth of climbing merchandise donated by our gracious sponsors.

American Alpine Club / Access Fund Raffle

You can join either club during Ice Fest and are automatically entered in a raffle in which everyone is guaranteed to win some gear!  You can visit the AAC or AF booth at the American Legion Hall to join.  Raffle will take place at Saturdays Climbers After Party.