Superfluid

Origin Story

Every once in a while we have the opportunity to celebrate important moments in history and life by raising a glass of beer to commemorate such occasions. Sometimes beers are customized and designed specifically to honor these instances, other times they can simply be named in a way that allows us to reflect and be cognisant of what that beer is meant to symbolize. When given the opportunity, brewers have used this silent, but effective podium to bring about social awareness, celebrate joyous occasions, and pay tribute to those whom they feel deserve it. We have already seen numerous examples of this type of homage through beer with the release of many Short's varieties like the Anniversary Ale, Ale la Reverend, Adia's Ale, and the MBG 15th Anniversary Wheat Ale. Considering the role of beer throughout history, this alternative symbolic use of it makes perfect sense. When beer served as a primary source of nutrition, and at times, payment for services, what better way to show your gratitude to someone or something by giving or drinking a beer in their/its honor? At times when clean water was scarce, and beer was one of the few safe sources of potable water, it inevitably made its way into all forms of human interactions, whether they be joyful, sad, or empowering. Used during holidays, funerals, or to start a revolution, beer earned it's place at the table (literally) to serve it's vital purpose. Nowadays, with improved science and technology, beer tends to fulfill it's most popular role as a flavorful libation that offers us an escape from the stress of life through a pleasant buzz and the camaraderie of sharing a pint with friends. However, every now and then, the opportunity still presents itself when beer can serve as a reminder of something bigger. As one of the most important and widely consumed beverages of all time, why not make a liquid statement to an awaiting attentive (and thirsty) audience? It's no accident that Short's Brewing Company sits nestled in one of the most amazing places in the country, surrounded by some of the world's largest fresh water lakes. Not only is this home for Joe Short, but it's an area that speaks directly to his core values in life. Joe grew up on the water. As an active water skier, kayaker, and all around boat enthusiast, Joe has been raised to respect, cherish, and truly embrace water. As our company has grown, Short's has been fortunate enough to have an almost limitless supply to some of the best fresh water in the world, and even though the process of making beer technically "treats" the water, there is no substitute for being able to utilize it in a near pristine state. When it only requires two feet of silica (sand) to essentially filter and purify water, Michigan is basically one of the largest mineral water filters in the world! However, growth does not come without consequences. More beer means more water, a lot of which gets used as beer, but also a large amount that does not get used and is deemed "waste water". Wanting to ensure that the success of one dream does not negatively impact the other (living in Northern Michigan, and providing his children with a similar upbringing and appreciation for this fresh water mecca), Joe has begun educating himself on ways that Short's can become the most efficient and responsible company when it comes to dealing with our waste water, as well as becoming stewards for protecting our most valuable natural resource. Joe traveled to Chicago to attend the Great Lakes Water Conservation Conference, hosted by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), to learn more about a wide array of topics, ranging from responsible waste water management to the detrimental effects fracking can have on regional water tables. With a heightened sense of obligation and duty, Joe plans to move Short's in a direction where we can "lead by example", and once again use our effective beer podium to speak out on issues that not only effect our company and products, but anyone who loves Northern Michigan. An endeavor of this magnitude will inevitably take time and will include a number of different components, such as implementing our own waste water management facility, Short's-led independent water conservation studies, and actively participating in numerous campaigning efforts that will protect our fresh water resources for generations. In the meantime, we have been given an immediate chance to show our support by partnering with groups like the NRDC to show how important this issue is to us. Exclaiming that "clean water makes better beer", which is pretty hard to argue with, their next focus will turn towards a campaign called "Clean Water for Brewers", which Short's actively plans on supporting. For now, we wanted to do our part to honor of the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, as well as provide a reminder of our promise to help lead the charge to protect our nations fresh water, by recently naming one of our latest new pub beers, Superfluid. Fittingly enough, it's a double IPA. Superfluid serves as the perfect name, appropriately drawing attention to the fact that we would never have so many incredible beers if it wasn't for the greatest beverage of all, amazing fresh water!