A sea of plaid enthusiasts entered the Ore Dock Brewing Co. last weekend as it hosted the Plaidurday Photo After Party and the seasonal release of the Six Pointer beer.
Hundreds of people dressed in various shades of plaid gathered on the steps of Peter White Public Library on Friday, Oct. 4 for the annual community photograph. Then many people hopped over to the Ore Dock where a plaid carpet greeted attendees along with the new beer.
Plaidurday is a simple social mission to get whole communities to come together and wear plaid. The holiday was created by Bugsy Sailor, U.P. native, in 2011 after being told that he wore too much plaid. In retaliation to that comment, he got communities to wear as much of it as possible.
“We are all connected by a common thread,” Sailor said. “It’s a classic, iconic pattern and color scheme of the U.P.”
The Six Pointer Munich Dunkel is a dark lager brewed with German Munich malts and Czech Saaz hops. The beer was inspired by the original six-panel Stormy Kromer hat created in 1903. The collaboration was created to celebrate the craft of quality of both hats and beer. The style of beer dates back to the 16th century.
“Plaid and beer is the perfect combo to get you into the fall spirit,” NMU Alumni and beer enthusiast Donny Ede said.
The dark, malty beer was poured into large steins and pint glasses all day before the bottles got distributed state-wide.
“It’s my new favorite beer by the Ore Dock so far,” sophomore psychology student Tim Drury said. “It pairs well with the season, good company and live music.”
Ore Dock Head Brewer Jake Shea said he was happy to see so many people enjoying the beer, adding that it was rewarding to have that good of a turnout for the event.
Brewery tours were held to show off the process and to tell the story behind the partnership with Stormy Kromer. Ore Dock cofounder Andrea Pernsteiner and Stormy Kromer President Gina Thorsen were at the helm of the event.
“What’s more U.P. than craft beer, plaid and Stormy Kromer,” Ede said. “It’s a perfect marriage of Yooper glory.”
A merchandise table was set up with new Ore Dock embroidered original Stormy Kromer caps along with plaid wool can wraps to keep bottles cold and hands warm in the upcoming cold season. There were giveaways and hat signings all evening.
The 50 degree, sunny day allowed for the patio to be open and people to enjoy the short-lived fall weather and the new brew. Parked outside, Marquette’s well-known Burger Bus filled the building with aromas of delicious grilled food.
“It was a perfect day for this event,” Ede said. “It’s rare that we get nice days like this leading up to winter.”
The evening was full of live music by local band Eddie and the Bluesers, who performed covers by artists such as Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones and the Velvet Underground.
The Six Pointer will be on tap all season long and is now sold in stores.
