Short’s Brewery Hits a Dozen Years

April 22, 2016

Joe Short discovered a passion for brewing in college. After doing some homebrewing, he left school and went to work for some “real” breweries to learn more; before long, he decided he wanted to break out of the mold and do his own thing. Returning to his roots in northern Michigan, he put in the work, called on the help of some friends and made Short’s Brewing Company a reality in Bellaire.

Bridgett Beckwith is Short’s director of marketing and was introduced to the company the first year it opened.

INSTANT CHEMISTRY

“A friend convinced me to drive out to this little town and check out the new brewery that his friend had just opened,” Beckwith said. “I was absolutely not a beer drinker at the time, but instantly fell in love with the place.”

When the marketing position was posted years later, Beckwith said she knew Short’s is where she belonged.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. Today, Beckwith is organizing the celebration for Short’s 12th anniversary, a milestone she said can be credited to the brewery’s authenticity.

AUTHENTIC AMBITION

“The story of Short’s is something people can get behind, and the motives that drove Joe in the early days are still driving the company today,” she said. “We love what we do and where we live, and that comes through in our product.”

With a long list of fans, Short’s Anni Party XII is aiming to be, as Beckwith put it, “a celebration of epic proportions.”

“We close down Bridge Street in Bellaire and bring in thousands of locals and visitors from across the state and beyond,” Beckwith said.

MICHIGAN MUSIC

The brewery is bringing together a solidly impressive lineup of musicians, consisting of three Michigan-originated bands that have all played for Short’s in the past.

“I am a fan of all three and couldn’t dream up a better collection of musicians to party to all night,” Beckwith said. “The Crane Wives have a mesmerizing sound that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. The Go Rounds’ high-energy performances are captivating, and they also have a real funky and playful vibe. And then there’s Vulfpeck. I, admittedly, didn’t know who they were until Joe Short righted that wrong, and I’ve been hooked ever since!”

FOOD N’ BREWS

Short’s is working with headlining band Vulfpeck to release a collaboration brew called Compression.

“It’s an American sour ale inspired by the Vulf compressor, which is a mixing tool used by the band to give their music its signature sound,” Beckwith explained.

Short’s will offer 20 beers on draft, including fan favorites like the old-fashioned Tip ta Tip.

“We’ll be featuring ciders, as well, including Erraticus #2, a wild apple cider aged in gin barrels,” Beckwith said. “And our popular Anniversary Ale will be released at the party in bombers and available to purchase and take with you.”

Food from Woj’s Weiners, Cordwood BBQ, Teri’s Pretzels, and Man and Pan Paella will also be available, along with selections from Short’s pub menu.

FUTURE SHORT’S

After the party detritus is cleared, it’ll be back to business for Short’s.

“2016 is actually a big year for us,” Beckwith said. “We began shipping our beer and ciders outside of the state for the first time in February, and have been working on a pub expansion in Bellaire that will include another bar, outdoor seating and a game area.”

The kitchen staff has also been developing new menu items, including a new pizza dough made from scratch with Short’s own beer.

So, 12 years from now, in 2028, where does Beckwith think Short’s will be?

“If you asked Joe Short, he would probably say we’ll be serving up our brews in outer space,” she laughed. “And he would be right, in the sense that the sky’s the limit for Short’s Brewing Company.”

Short’s Anni Party XII will take place Saturday, Apr. 30 from 4 to 10pm in downtown Bellaire. For tickets and more information, visit shortsbrewing.com.