The first Bancroft Beerfest Saturday August 1st at the Country Pub exceeded expectations. The fund-raiser for the John G. Neihardt Historical Site netted $3600 for the Neihardt Foundation. A total of 125 Beerfest participants sampled 20 different beers from Nebraska breweries and distributors. Since I quit drinking alcohol 20 years ago, I helped pour beer samples. Board member Paul Hammel deserves the credit for obtaining the beer for sampling. Thanks to all of the breweries and distributors that participated:
Spilker Ales, Cortland, Nebraska- samples of Hopaleuia
Empyrean Brewing Company, Lincoln- samples of Third Stone Brown
Gottberg Brew Pub, Columbus- Three different beers (brewer Jeremy Kirby poured them himself)
Modern Monks. Grand Island- samples of Belgian Blonde
Upstream Brewery, Omaha- Two beer samples
Nebraska Brewing Company, Papillon- Two beer samples
Johnson Brothers, Omaha- Pigs Eye and Dundee's ( They also attended and poured samples)
Premier Midwest Beverage, Norfolk- Samuel Adams Blackberry and Blue Moon
Budweiser, Norfolk- Items for silent auction
Nebraska Wine and Spirits, Omaha- Items for silent auction
Special thanks to Pastor Hale of Bancroft for providing samples of his home-made beer and talking about how to brew your own beer.
