It’s time for another field trip kids! This time we’re heading just up the road from our production facility in Elk Rapids, to a little town called Kewadin. That’s where, deep in the woods, lies the legendary Dog Farm and the home of our dear friend and co-worker, Jack Archiable.
Today Short’s Cast is learning all about Michigan maple syrup. It’s an ingredient that is vital to a favorite Short’s brew, Woodmaster, (going on tap at the pub soon). Jack Archiable guides Woj and Bridgett on a hike into the woods to talk about his hobby of producing maple syrup. You’ll hear tales of Jack coming face to face with a huge buck and learn the difference between burning hardwood and softwood while boiling sap.
This week we’ve added a new segment! It’s all about job opportunities at Short’s Brewing Company.
After learning a little bit about the process of tapping maple trees from Jack, he suggests we head up the street to a neighbor’s commercial maple syrup farm called Out of the Woods Farm. We meet Grant Woods, who tells the story of his family farm that produces an average of 650 gallons of maple syrup a year. You’ll hear that Michigan production levels in 2016 are steady, but not thriving due to volatile weather.
Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend is taking place this weekend all over northern lower Michigan. If you are interested in visiting Out of the Woods Farm in Kewadin this weekend, just visit michiganmapleweekend.com where you can find the times and locations of participating farms.
The Short’s Anni Party XII is next month! Be sure to order your tickets today and follow the Short’s crew on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest Anni Party info.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download