Battle of the Breweries returns to raise funds for Hospice of the EUP
SAULT STE. MARIE — This Thursday, two Michigan breweries will go head-to-head with downtown Sault Ste. Marie serving as their battleground.
The ninth annual Battle of the Breweries, hosted by Wicked Sister, raises thousands of dollars for local hospice care each year.
Around 10 years ago, Hospice of the EUP was hosting a local Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, when Wicked Sister decided they could do more to support the cause and began hosting a fundraiser of their own.
Wicked Sister's owner Cathy Howell has always felt strongly about supporting hospice, and organized the event so that 100 percent of proceeds go towards the fundraiser.
"It all goes back to hospice to help keep them functional and free to everybody, which is why it's important," said Howell. "I've had two grandparents go through hospice, and certainly I think hospice has touched everybody and they just do an amazing job."
Over the past nine years, Wicked Sister has raised nearly $90,000 for hospice by hosting the friendly competition.
This year, Wicked Sister is hosting newcomer Biere de Mac, a Belgian-inspired brewery based in Mackinaw City, versus Barrel + Beam, the returning champion from Marquette. Last year, Barrel + Beam dethroned the six-time winner Ore Dock.
"As much as we love working with Ore Dock it was really nice to see somebody else win. Barrel + Beam are an independent brewery out of Marquette and are always pushing the envelope doing really cool things with new beers and we're happy to have them back," said Howell.
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Howell added that "Biere de Mac comes out of Mackinaw City, and they do a wonderful job with their Belgian-inspired beers. "
"At one point, they were rated the second best Belgian beer in the state as a self distributor," said Howell.
The meal consists of four courses: Al Pastor Flautas with Pineapple Pico de Gallo, Salpicòn Salad, Chicken Rajas con Creme and Sopapillas. With each course, each brewery will present one of their beers and have a minute to talk about why they chose that beer.
After each course, the participants will be able to vote on their favorite. The winner is the brewery with the most total votes for all of their beers.
In addition to food and beer, the event will also include a live auction hosted by Eagle Radio featuring plenty of prizes donated from the community.
All food and beer have been donated by Wicked Sister, who is closing its doors to regular service during the time of the competition.
Tickets can be purchased at Wicked Sister or at Hospice of the EUP for $50 a ticket. There are a limited number of tickets left.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Battle of the Breweries returns to raise funds for Hospice of the EUP
