No doubt about it. Ice Fest has always been a social event – Always has been, always will be. We love seeing our friends, having a beer, and sharing our adventures from the past year. We always say “our beer is colder”, and Wilford follows up with “and there is more of it!” Truer words have never been spoken.
Every evening after a hard day of climbing we’ll be gathering at our new headquarters at the American Legion for a Climber’s After Party, just like we’ve always done. The real 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 night and a cash bar during the after party.
The Ore Dock Story
Our love of craft beer started many years ago, but the story of Ore Dock Brewing Company started in the summer of 2009 during a 4000-mile road trip across the western US. Up to this point, whenever we found ourselves traveling to a new place, we had formed a habit of visiting the local brewery. Local breweries always seemed to exude native culture and never failed to provide an eclectic mix of friendly people, not to mention the fact that each region had its own unique beer styles and local favorites. We especially enjoyed those breweries that exhibited a clear link to their community, utilized locally produced ingredients and products, and fostered local art and music.
The trip out West was no exception; in fact we planned our route based on the breweries we wanted to try. Somewhere between the stunning western landscape and the amazing breweries that we visited, we were surprised to find ourselves homesick for the Upper Peninsula. It was then that we realized we wanted to take the atmosphere at these breweries and infuse it with all the things we love about Marquette, and the dream to start a microbrewery was born. We began working on a business plan and found that we were truly passionate about our idea; passionate enough to get through more than two years of working, planning, and saving.
We are so very grateful to many wonderful friends and family who have been supportive and helpful in so many ways along our journey. We hope Ore Dock Brewing Company will be a true reflection of all the things we love about Marquette and the Upper Peninsula. Cheers!
ORE DOCK BEERS
Porter 5.7% ABV
A classic robust Porter, this is an Ore Dock staple that just won a silver medal at the World Beer Championships. It has the aroma and flavor of chocolate, toasty and roasty malts with just a kiss of Fuggle hops. A very smooth, drinkable, pitch black ale. It is a very complex grain bill that utilizes 10 different barley malts. This approach adds depth of flavor and complexity without making the flavor too robust. The goal with this ale is to provide an abundance of flavor without a sweet and cloying finish.
Dream Weaver 5.9% ABV
Ore Dock staple; Belgian style amber ale brewed with blend of German and French base malts (which add a subtle biscuit/toasted quality). Sweet orange peel and chamomile flowers and our house Belgian yeast provide a floral, crisp, slight tart and dry finish.
Bum’s Beach Wheat 5.8% ABV
An American style wheat showcasing the smooth creaminess of Pale Wheat Malt and the flavors and aromas of American grown Mt. Hood and Fuggles hops. Expect a slight graininess in the flavor and aroma, floral hop aromas and the subtle fruitiness of our house American ale yeast strain.
Glad Tidings 6.1% ABV
A traditional English style IPA, Glad Tidings serves as the inaugural holiday-seasonal offering from Ore Dock. With 100% First Gold hops for hopping, this celebratory ale rings with the slight citrus and earthy floral characteristics that differentiate English hops from their American counterparts. The age-old technique of floor malted Maris Otter malts (a winter barley variety) from England lends a subtly deep characteristic to the ale, while providing for its signature nutty undertones. As was the case in the holiday reveling of old England, this ale is meant to conjure glad tidings among you and yours, well into the new year.
Ski Bum Wheat 5.5% ABV
An American style wheat showcasing the smooth creaminess of Pale Wheat Malt and the flavors and aromas of American grown Mt. Hood and Fuggles hops. Expect a slight graininess in the flavor and aroma, floral hop aromas and the subtle fruitiness of our house American ale yeast strain.
Reclamation IPA 7.0% ABV
An onslaught of Pacific Northwest hops, tamed slightly by a malt backbone. Cascade, Chinook and Columbus hops, meet Caramel and Munich malts to create this “Mid-Coast” IPA.
We hope you come out and celebrate each night with the Michigan Ice Fest crew. Not only will the Ore Dock be there, but their staff will also be trying ice climbing for the first time- welcome aboard Adam and the rest of the Ore Dock staff!
