Short’s Brewing Co. celebrates 10 years of fearless beers

The celebratory Stache Bender’s label. Side effects include: wild mustachios, green goblin-ism, purple attire, trippy visuals and addicting drink-ability.

Why has Short’s Brewing Co. been so successful over the last decade? In a word — love. “We’re celebrating loving what we do and where we live with the people we love,” stated founder Joe Short in a recent press release.

It’s all got us a little teary-eyed to say the least. Short’s Brewing, Northern Michigan’s largest craft brewery, is turning 10 years old on April 26. To celebrate its growth and success, Short’s will host a 10th anniversary party in Bellaire, Mich., on the same date. Bigger than any prior Short’s anniversary party, the 10th anniversary event will fill the streets of Bellaire, feature more than 90 beers on tap, a variety of specialty food and live music all day. Bands playing at the event include: Dean Ween and the Brown Outs, The Ragbirds, Breathe Owl Breathe, Steppin’ In It and Don Julin and Billy Strings.

On April 26, 2004, Short, just 25 years old at the time, opened the doors of his brewpub in Bellaire. Short had gained significant experience working at other Michigan breweries, but felt his brewing style was best suited for his own business model where he could brew specialty beers that some considered outrageous. With the help of friends and volunteers, a lot of hard work, sacrifice and creativity, Short’s Brewpub has become a community gathering place that also brings many people to Bellaire.

Back to the party details: Specialty bottled beer and token pre-sales will run from 12 to 2 p.m. outside the brewpub. The anniversary’s specialty release beer, Stache Bender, is a double version of Short’s Hopstache. It is a double American India Pale Ale with intense citrus fruit and floral hop qualities aided by the addition of grapefruit zest. Also for sale will be Anniversary Ale, a wheat wine made with blood oranges and blood orange zest, spiced with green peppercorns.

Admission to the event is free. The event doors will be open from 3 p.m. to midnight and the first band starts at 3:30 p.m. After 8 p.m. the event will be 21 and over only. To find a list of places to stay in the local area please visit www.shortsbrewing.com/visit-us/planning-a-visit. To find more event information please visit www.shortsbrewing.com/events/shorts-10th-anniversary-party.