Tastemakers: Deering‘s Jerky - 1855 Celebration Lager

Nov. 16, 2005

Deering’s Market & Deli “Jerkey”
“You Can’t Beat Our Jerkey!” It has been their slogan since Deering’s made their batch of “jerkey” 30 years ago this past August. Located on the corner of 12th and Union in Traverse City Deering’s Market & Deli opened in the 1930s when Grandpa Deering moved his family from Empire to open up a second store. Eventually
his youngest son Paul took over the store and in 1975 he began experimenting
with jerky.
In 1996 Jerry bought the store from his father and continues to carry on the “jerkey” tradition with his three sons at his side. It all started out with just a mild hickory smoked beef ; now Jerry makes 26 varieties of jerky including turkey, elk, venison, pork and buffalo. With all the varieties Deering’s has a jerkey for everyone. For the garlic lover or those who like teriyaki or the fans of spicy (hot & spicy, cracked pepper and horseradish) you will find it all at the Union Street or Barlow Street locations.
Jerky is great year-round but in particular it is perfect for this time of the year. It makes for a delicious snack whether one is on the trail of a big buck (get one and bring it to Jerry to process) or enjoying a snowshoe hike, jerky is a reliable and filling snack. For a three-course on-the-trail meal bring along Deerings Jerkey, a chunk of Leelanau Cheese Raclette and some imported candies sold in bulk at Deerings. As for beverage pairing try a Cajun Turkey Jerky in one hand and a glass of Ciccone Vineyards Gewurztraminer in the other. Or for the beer drinker pair the classic venison jerky with Guinness or Traverse Brewing Company Stout. Deering’s Jerkey has become so popular that Jerry has even put his market on the Web and is now shipping his products all over. Visit www.deerings.com for more information or stop into their market.


1855 Celebration Lager Fred Miller Brewing Company
The Miller Brewing Company has a lot to celebrate this year. Established in 1855 when 31-year-old Fredrick Miller bought the then closed Plank-Road Brewery in Milwaukee for $8,000 (today the company is worth around $8 billion). When Miller rolled out his first barrel he sold it to a local tavern for $5 (in those days beers sold for three to five cents a glass) and the very first “Miller Time” took place; and as they say, the rest is history. His vision that beer should be of “quality, uncompromising and unchanging,” continues as the company’s motto even today. So company officials decided to honor their heritage and create a limited edition beer to celebrate their 150th birthday.
Okay, thanks for the invitation to try the “1855 Celebration Lager,” which will be available only during November and December, but at the end of the day what really matters is how does it taste? The beer is similar to the traditional Miller High Life but with slightly more hop presence and a better than usual aroma for most macro-style brews. This beer is smooth and easy on the palate. The 19th century retro label and the old school beer bottles are nice touches as well. Try with a venison stew or other hearty wintertime dishes.
Miller Brewing did everything right with their 1855 Celebration Lager; you actually feel and taste the history and tradition of their brewing success. The only thing they didn’t do was pay tribute to 1855 prices (50 cents a six-pack) but at less than a dollar a bottle in stores this beer is definitely worth buying at least a six-pack of and raising a bottle with friends. Congratulations Miller Brewing Company on 150 years, yes it is “Miller Time.”