Midwest Sour Wild Funk Fest 2014 – #UplandSourFest

City Market in Indianapolis, IN on May 17th – For those unfamiliar with the sour beer style, the 2014 Midwest Sour Wild Funk Fest provided ample opportunities to become acquainted.  Upland Brewing Co. organized the event and was one of the many participating breweries.  As described on Upland’s event page, “The annual Sour Wild + Funk Fest celebrates the wild ale category of beers, focused exclusively on Lambic, Flanders, Farmhouse, and Saison style ales.  Breweries from all over the Midwest participate and bring their best sour, vinous, and/or funky beers.”

Indiana was well represented, as fifteen of the twenty-six breweries were from the Hoosier state: Barley Island Brewing Co. – Noblesville, IN; Black Acre Brewing Co. – Indianapolis, IN; Bloomington Brewing Company – Bloomington, IN; Brugge Brasserie – Indianapolis, IN; Cutters Brewing – Avon, IN; Daredevil Brewing Co. – Shelbyville, IN; Figure 8 Brewery – Valparaiso, IN; Flat 12 Bierwerks – Indianapolis, IN; Mad Anthony Brewing Co. – Fort Wayne, IN; Sun King Brewery – Indianapolis, IN; 
Three Pints Brewpub – Plainfield, IN; Tin Man Brewing Co. – Evansville, IN; Triton Brewery Co. – Indianapolis, IN; Union Brewing Co. – Carmel, IN; Upland Brewing Co. – Bloomington, IN

While the sour beer style is hardly new, the category has gained much more industry traction over the past decade – and especially over the past few years.  Craft breweries all across the country are turning to sour beers to keep the growing beer category fresh.  The sold out Funk Fest was a prime example, as there were thirsty customers at every brewery’s table.  And the breweries delivered, as some had up to six varieties to choose from.

Are sour beers different, unique, and sometimes a bit out there?  Without a doubt – but, what’s life without a bit of adventure?  So, my call to action – If you haven’t tried a sour beer, I highly recommend doing so.  If you have tried a sour beer, I highly recommend doing so again.  Pucker up beer drinkers and go find out what all the funk is about.

Additional breweries in attendance: Avery Brewing – Boulder, CO; New Belgium – Fort Collins, CO;
Boston Beer Company – Boston, MA; Destihl Brewery – Bloomington, IL; Goose Island – Chicago, IL;
Local Option – Chicago, IL; River Town – Cincinnati, OH; Thirsty Dog – Akron, OH; Palm – Steenhuffel, Belgium; Urban Chestnut – St. Louis, MO; Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales – Dexter, MI