News

Our roster of 2011 Short’s Brewing Company Great American Beer Festival Sponsors is filling up fast, so don’t miss your chance to join the Buck Fifty Beer Team.  Short’s GABF Sponsors pay $150 to cover the cost of one GABF beer entry.  In return, you get $1.50 beers for a whole year. This year’s beer license start date is September 29th, 2011.  To become a 2011 Sponsor, please sign up with a pubtender at our Pub, or email Pub General Manager, Bryan Banfield, at bryan@shortsbrewing.com.

HERE’S THE FINE PRINT: Your “beer license” is for your use only. One sponsor = one license and no sharing. $1.50 beers are for regularly priced pints only. No gourmet pours, bottles, etc. If you want less than a pint, you still gotta pay the $1.50. Mug club mugs and $1.50 beers don’t mix – you should probably pick one great deal or the other. Tax does apply. This sweet deal is non-negotiable and non-refundable. No bitching and no refunds if we change hours, stop serving your favorite beer, close the brewery, start selling bud light or lock the doors so we can tour with Ween. We’re working to give our biggest supporters a great deal on awesome beer, and to help us get to the GABF to blow some minds. It’s a win win deal, so help us keep it that way. No unnecessary headaches, yeah?  View our full press release here, and our promotional poster here.

Read More

We have recently added a brand new, state-of-the-art sound system at Short’s.  Combined with new acoustic improvements, we are becoming a preferred venue for artists to perform live music.  To christen our new music venue, we have booked a diverse range of musicians from all over the world.

On Monday, August 8th, Goitse (pronounced gwi-cha and meaning “come here”) will perform at 7 p.m. Goitse is a five piece trad band consisting of music students from the University of Limerick, Ireland. With several members who have earned All-Ireland titles, the band provides a modern take on traditional Irish music.  http://www.goitse.ie/

On Tuesday, August 9th, at 7:30 p.m., the George Cole Quintet will perform.  Dubbed “Eurocana”, the unique sound of this group is inspired by Gypsy Jazz and string-driven swing (1930s Paris).  The George Cole Quintet creates a unique musical experience that equally enthralls and delights the most discerning and casual music fan. Each member of the group is a virtuoso, yet the music is very accessible, melodic and appealing.  www.georgecole.net/

On Wednesday, August 10th at 7:00 p.m., Shady Hill will once again perform at Short’s.  Although Lexi Hill and Shane Tschirhart are local and relatively new on the scene, their last performance delighted and enthralled, with one observer noting that new stars have been born.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shady-Hill/219256894764122?ref=ts&sk=wall

On Friday, August 12th at 8:00 p.m.,  Short’s “resident” band, The Younce Guitar Duo performs. The Younce Guitar Duo is an inspiring acoustic guitar instrumental duo. Together they carve out a time, space and sound that is uniquely balanced, rich with imaginative approach, expression and distinctive guitar interchange. Their music embraces jazz while being vibrantly connected through many genres of music, playing original compositions and original arrangements of well-known songs. Creative and innovative, while accessible and audience friendly, the Younce Guitar Duo’s music is beautifully spoken, intuitively spirited and is played with soul.  www.reverbnation.com/younceguitarduo

On Saturday, August 13th at 8:00 p.m., Andrew Sturtz returns to Short’s.  A mix of jazz, acoustic, and pop, Andrew has received immense praise for his soothing vocals and powerful stage presence, both of which he brings to every performance. Joining him as of recent is the very talented Alex Gusler. Playing in such groups as The Saving Sara Project and other local ensembles, Alex has impressed many with his complex drumming style and strong technical ability. Having been together for over a year, Andrew and Alex continue to perform their music to crowds either small or prodigious for the enjoyment of all.  http://www.andrewsturtz.com/

We hope that you will join us at Short’s to embrace and behold this impressive lineup of musicians.

-SBC Pub Staff

Read More

What is Short’s Fest?

Short’s Fest is our 2nd annual outdoor summer celebration in Elk Rapids. Short’s travels to many festivals and this is our way to share the “festival” experience with our hometown crowd. Short’s Fest is also part of Elk Rapids Harbor Days, northern Michigan’s best small town summer festival.

What should I wear to Short’s Fest?

Whatever you are comfortable in, within reason! Wear comfy clothes suitable for the weather conditions of the day. Our only requirement is that you wear shoes. You may also want to bring a beach towel, blanket, or lawn chair for watching fireworks.

Where should I park for Short’s Fest?

We do not have on-site parking. You may park alongside Industrial Park Drive, along US-31, or at any of the public parking areas in Elk Rapids.

How much does it cost to get into Short’s Fest and to purchase drinks?

Admission is free. Drink tokens cost $3 and are redeemable for Short’s beer or Short’s homemade soda pop. There will be 20 varieties of beer on tap and 3 types of homemade soda. Water will be provided at no cost. The Blue Pelican will be on site offering a variety of delicious food items.

What else are you going to be selling?

T-shirts, sweatshirts, 6-packs, pint glasses, flags, stickers, and other Short’s items. We have extremely limited edition 6-packs for sale at this event: Cornholio (the Dogfish Head collaboration beer) and Captain Fantasy (this year’s collaboration with Half Acre). However, we are not able to fill growlers at this event.

Will there be tours of your Elk Rapids production brewery?

Yes, but spaces are limited on a first come, first served basis. There are 100 spaces available. If you would like to take a tour, plan to arrive at Short’s Fest right at 6:00 and visit the Tour Booth. Tours cost $10, but for this price you will also receive a Short’s pint glass and a drink token that you can use at Short’s Fest.

What yard game activities will be taking place at Short’s Fest?

Ladder golf, Big Birdie Golf, and bag holes. Be sure to bring your pitching wedge for Big Birdie Golf. However, we ask that you exercise extreme caution in safely swinging golf clubs to avoid other people.

Will Short’s have an entry in this year’s Grand Parade?

Yes, Short’s will be featuring the S.S. Honeybadger, it’s new beer festival vehicle, in the parade. The parade takes place at noon. Last year, Short’s won honors as the top commercial entry. Can we do it two years in a row?

What time are the fireworks?

The Harbor Days fireworks will begin at 10:20 p.m. Valentiger will take a set break and everyone will be able to watch from Short’s Fest.

Where can I get information about all of the Harbor Days activities in Elk Rapids?

The Harbor Days guide is located here.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

-SBC Brew Staf

Read More

August 6th from 6 p.m. to midnight at our Elk Rapids Production Brewery

Join us during Harbor Days in Elk Rapids for the 2nd Annual Short’s Fest. We created this event last year and it was a huge success… so this year we decided to make it even better. Features include: free admission – all ages welcome; 20 Short’s Brews on tap, include 3 real ales; natural, alcohol-free soda brewed by Joe Short; food from the Blue Pelican; unveiling of the S.S. Honey Badger (Short’s new beer truck!); plus live music by Valentiger from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Short’s Fest will also be a great place to watch the Harbor Days Fireworks! Be sure to embrace the “Short’s” theme by wearing your favorite cargo shorts or cut-offs! To view a map of the festivities, click here. Here’s the full list of what you can expect on tap:

○ Huma Lupa Licious
○ Soft Parade
○ Nicie Spicie
○ Controversi Ale (formerly Hangin’ Frank)
○ Prolonged Enjoyment
○ Kolsh 45
○ Agave Peach Wheat
○ Beach Wheat
○ Strawberry Short’s Cake
○ India Spruce Pilsner
○ Crunchy Grooves
○ Pontius Road Pilsner
○ Alter Spalter
○ Captain Fantasy – Collaboration Beer with Half Acre
○ Cornholio – Collaboration Beer with Dogfish Head
○ Key Lime Pie
○ Howlin’ Chinoski Dortmunder
○ Pandemonium Pale Ale
○ Magician
○ Bellaire Brown
○ Bludgeon Yer IPA (cask ale version)
○ Golden Rule (cask ale version)
○ Anniversary Ale (cask ale version)

We’ll see you in Elk Rapids!

– SBC Brew Staff

Read More

Each year the response to our Great American Beer Fest booth and our beer grows, putting Short’s Brewing Company among the most popular at the festival (over 457 breweries and over 49,000 attendees!). We want to continue to return to Denver, and we want to represent Bellaire and all of northern Michigan to the best of our ability.

The expenses associated with this trip are pretty hearty, so to help buffer the load, we’re offering limited Short’s GABF Sponsor Beer Licenses. Sponsors pay $150 to cover the cost of one entry and to qualify you for $1.50 beers for one year. This year’s beer license start date is September 29th, 2011.

To become a 2011 Sponsor, please sign up with a pubtender at our Pub, or email Pub General Manager, Bryan Banfield, at bryan@shortsbrewing.com. We already have a lot of interest in this year’s sponsorship program, so don’t delay.

HERE’S THE FINE PRINT: Your “beer license” is for your use only. One sponsor = one license and no sharing. $1.50 beers are for regularly priced pints only. No gourmet pours, bottles, etc. If you want less than a pint, you still gotta pay the $1.50. Mug club mugs and $1.50 beers don’t mix – you should probably pick one great deal or the other. Tax does apply. This sweet deal is non-negotiable and non-refundable. No bitching and no refunds if we change hours, stop serving your favorite beer, close the brewery, start selling bud light or lock the doors so we can tour with Ween. We’re working to give our biggest supporters a great deal on awesome beer, and to help us get to the GABF to blow some minds. It’s a win win deal, so help us keep it that way. No unnecessary headaches, yeah?

View the promotional poster here.

Read More

Michigan Brewers Guild 14th Annual Summer Beer Festival – Friday July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd

Join Short’s and many other Michigan Breweries at Riverside Park, located in historic Depot Town, Ypsilanti. Short’s is bringing an all-star lineup of 15 beers, including India Spruce Pilsner, Strawberry Short’s Cake, Cornholio (the Dogfish Head Collaboration Beer), Captain Fantasy (the new Half Acre Collaboration Beer), Freedom of ’78 (last year’s Half Acre Collaboration Beer), and many more. Purchase tickets here.

2nd Annual Short’s Fest – August 6th from 6 p.m. to midnight at our Elk Rapids Production Brewery

Join us during Harbor Days in Elk Rapids for the 2nd Annual Short’s Fest. We created this event last year and it was a huge success… so this year we decided to make it even better. Features include: free admission – all ages welcome; 20 Short’s Brews on tap, include 3 real ales; natural, alcohol-free soda brewed by Joe Short; food from the Blue Pelican; unveiling of the S.S. Honey Badger (Short’s new beer truck!); plus live music by Valentiger from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Short’s Fest will also be a great place to watch the Harbor Days Fireworks! Be sure to embrace the “Short’s” theme by wearing your favorite cargo shorts or cut-offs! To view a map of the festivities, click here.

We will continue to post details about these events and other upcoming festivals, including Great Taste of the Midwest (Madison WI, August 13), Suds on the Shore (Ludington, August 20th), and the 3rd Annual Traverse City Microbrew and Music Festival (August 26/27). We look forward to seeing you there!

– SBC Event Staff

Read More

Join Short’s on July 15th at the 1st Annual “Sip of Michigan” sponsored by Drink Michigan! All event profits go to Homefront Hugs, a Michigan-based organization dedicated to taking care of troops stationed overseas, wounded heroes, and military families.

The Rattlesnake Club will host this event, which will take place from 8 p.m. until midnight. Features will include an all-Michigan lineup of beer, wine and spirits, plus specialty food pairings and live entertainment. The event is $35 and includes 35 tasting tickets and all appetizers and entertainment. Tickets will not be sold at the door, so advanced purchase is required. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

For a limited time, you can win a pair of tickets to this event! Here are the rules:

1. “Like” Short’s Facebook page before Friday, July 8th.

2. Before Friday, July 8th, email a picture of yourself to drinkmich@shortsbrewing.com. In the picture, you should be “representing Short’s” by wearing our apparel, enjoying a Short’s Brew (responsibly, of course), or showing your Short’s love in some other way! By sending us your picture, you agree to let us post it online as being a dedicated Short’s Fan!

The person who “likes Short’s” and sends the best picture, as determined by SBC staff, will be given a free pair of tickets to the event. This is intended to be fun, so please no headaches!

Read More

There is a softball field on Torch Lake, just south of Alden, where stars are born. Many of these stars brew or serve beer by day, but also possess superior athletic talents that can only be witnessed on the softball diamond. These are the men and women of Short’s.

It all begins at 6:30 on Tuesday nights. As the sun tips lower in the sky, Short’s employees, patrons, and friends begin to arrive. Coach James surveys the group and, with a keen eye for talent, divides the group into two teams. No one even dares utter a “pick me, pick me” because Coach James would be unswayed in his decisions. He knows. He just knows.

There is no score in Short’s softball, nor is there a strike count. The only rule is that three outs ends an inning, and if a team overthrows a base (which happens just about every time we make a throw to a base), the base runner only gets to take one free base. Sometimes we look pretty good, other times we look like little kids at their first day of little league practice. But at the end of the day, what other team in America has growlers of experimental new Short’s Brew in its dugouts, or a Torch Lake Beach as it’s outfield fence?

If you happen to be in the Antrim County area on a Tuesday night, and are interested in playing softball with us, just let us know. We are a welcoming group, we have extra equipment, and no particular talent level is required! To see pictures from one of our recent practices, click here.

-SBC Employee Wellness Staff

Read More

[June 6, 2011] Short’s Pub in Bellaire will not be closing early on Monday, June 6th after all!  We are scheduling a few finishing touches to our remodeling project, but have decided to wait until a later date!  We’ll keep you posted!

Read More

A few years ago, Joe was washing dishes in the pub while talking to patrons Dan and Marcie Grabruck. Knowing Joe’s love for woodworking and the craftsmanship that went into building barns many years ago, Dan mentioned that he had a 100 year old barn on his property that had become unsafe and in danger of collapse. He wondered if Joe knew of anyone who could disassemble the barn and might make use of the aged hemlock wood.

Joe soon visited the Grabruck’s barn and was taken with the way the hemlock wood had aged. Looking up through the rafters, Joe realized that the 100 year old barn wood would make perfect building material for the 100 year old hardware store in which our brewpub resides. Joe promised Dan that he would take the barn down himself if he could keep the wood to use for future building projects. An idea was born, but would take a few years to fully develop.

Over the past year, Joe and the maintenance crew from Short’s, along with some barn specialists, lovingly disassembled the Grabruck’s barn and began preparing the hemlock wood for new uses. The weathered wood is beautiful in a way that lumber purchased in a lumberyard could never replicate.

As Short’s has grown, we have an increasing need for a more efficient seating plan in our Pub. We have spent a great deal of time envisioning how to improve the design, while retaining the original character. Finally, Joe has decided to renovate our Pub seating to include new tables and booths built in large part from the barn wood restored from the Grabruck’s barn. We feel that the hand-built nature of these tables will be a wonderful fit in our Pub.

The new pub seating renovations will replace much of our existing pub furniture, including our Cadillac Couch, the high-top tables and chairs, and many of the miscellaneous tables in the stage-side room. As we no longer will have a need for these classic Short’s items, we have decided to make several of them available for purchase in the near future. This will be a unique opportunity to own a piece of Short’s history. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, we are collecting your information now so that we can contact you with details. You may sign-up here to let us know if you are interested!

We are excited about our renovations, which will take place over the next month. As you see the new furniture come into use, remember that it is not so “new” after all, but rather 100 year old wood handcrafted by Joe and other Short’s employees.

– Joe & the Short’s Staff

Read More

Shorts Anniversary Weekend Package – $26.00
This includes a 2011 Short’s to Short’s Paddle Tee, an Anniversary Party Tee and a Commemorative Paddle Mug. Valued at $31, but yours for $26! Both shirts will be the same size.

Also be sure to check out our popular new Charcoal Grey Bottle Cap Tee ($18), Ceramic Coffee Mugs ($25), and Purse Hooks ($10.95).

Check out our web store for all the details! If you have questions, please email estore@shortsbrewing.com.

-Short’s Brewing Company

Read More

Though it was cold and rainy for several days before this year’s Short’s to Short’s, 128 brave paddlers gathered at the Bellaire boat launch early last Friday morning to participate in the 3rd Annual S2S Paddle. And, although it was raining and cloudy when we went to bed the night before, the morning of the Paddle dawned clear, cool, and calm. By 7:00 a.m., paddlers were streaming into Bellaire. Though we had a couple setbacks (the porta-potty to be delivered on Thursday night arrived just moments after all of the participants departed), everyone worked together to get ready for the paddle and, by the time we took the group picture at 7:30, almost everyone was ready to get onto the water.

The growth of this event from 25 participants in 2009, to 80 in 2010, and 128 this year, has been very rewarding to all of us at Short’s. We do not have verification of this, but have been told that this event is now among the largest (if not the largest) kayaking events in Michigan. However, we are most proud of the good natured, adventurous spirit exemplified by all of this year’s S2S Paddlers. We have several great ideas to improve the event for next year, and look forward to continued growth into the future!

While the S2S is not a race, we were fortunate this year that Denny Paull, an avid paddler and kayak racer, participated. While most of us finish the S2S in 8-10 hours, Denny finished in just 4 hours and 45 minutes, and that was stopping at each of the drop out points noted on the S2S map (not a requirement of the event). Denny reported that even in his long distance events, he had never paddled more than 20 miles and was not sure how his body and mind would hold up. No less, Denny beat his goal of finishing the 27.2 mile event in under 5 hours. We congratulate Denny on his awesome accomplishment and hope that he will return next year to turn in an even faster, self-timed course record!

Exemplifying the dynamic nature of Short’s events, the most talked about finishers of this year’s S2S Paddle were Dave Clapp and his sister, Anne Blount. Dave finished restoring his grandfather’s 1940s-era wooden rowboat just two days before this year’s event and decided that an appropriate way to christen this beautiful watercraft would be to paddle it “from Short’s to Short’s.” Setting out from Bellaire in the early morning and taking turns rowing all day long, Dave and Anne arrived at the Riverwalk at about 8:30 p.m. to great applause (most of us had been enjoying Short’s Brew on draft for a few hours and were in especially good sprits!).

Denny Paull’s race-pace, contrasted against Dave and Anne’s epic display of perseverance to honor a late relative’s hand-built boat, demonstrate the true “choose your own” adventure nature of the Short’s to Short’s Paddle. Both the first finisher and the last were, equally impressive, and equally appreciated! From all of us at Short’s, we thank everyone who participated in and volunteered to help make this year’s event such a huge success.

To view Joe’s photos from the event, click here. To view Matt’s photos, click here. And for those of you who attended Short’s 7th Anniversary Party on Saturday night, stay tuned for our recap of that event, which will be posted soon!

– Short’s Brewing Company Paddle Organizers

Read More