One lament I hear sometimes from my Chicago friends who are fans of beer festivals is that they can be over-populated and generally difficult to navigate in a major metropolitan setting.
That’s when I cue up the polka music (or vintage rock and roll, depending on your ear) and mention toasting at the Kohler Festival of Beer. Just west of Sheboygan an hour north of Milwaukee, Kohler is close enough to be easy to get to, but far enough that ponying up to an enticing keg does not feel like a crowded cattle drive. And it’s in micro-brew-rich Wisconsin.
This year, it should be renamed the Festivals(!) of Beer, because there are a hat trick of anchoring events for those interested in sampling fine micro-brews and other fermented beverages.
BEER CUP: The Beer Cup tournament: kicks off the season on June 7 with a golf event at Blackwolf Run. In addititon to the usual closest-to-the-in and hole-in-one stuff, the one-day tournament will feature beer sampling at all par-fives.
If it goes well, Kohler officials plan to introduce par-five kegs to the field of the 2015 PGA at their Whistling Straits course. (Just kidding. Even though John Daly might raise a glass to that.)
After the Beer Cup (get it?), a pig roast will follow.
And if you’re a golfer who’s inclined to incorporate other rounds on Kohler’s four amazing courses, that’s quite a getaway.
GRILLING WEEKEND: The second leg of Kohler’s beer-themed events is the June 26-28 Grilling Weekend, which connects two obvious summer dots—grilling and beer. Amid tasting sessions will be cooking demonstrations, beer seminars and live music.
BEER RUN: For those who like to work up a good thirst, the final leg of the 2014 Kohler Festival of Beer will be the second annual Beer Run, which anchors the Oct. 16-18 tasting event. Runners will be able to fortify themselves with a quick sip after every mile of their journey through the River Wildlife trail. Awards will be given for best costumes.
After this fun run, participants will be able to enjoy live music in a beer garden at the Shops at Woodlake. A Harvest Beer Dinner at picturesque Whislting Straits and a Beer Brunch also will be on tap.
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For more information: http://www.americanclubresort.com/events/kohler_festival_of_beer.html
