15 years, beers for Upland

Hundreds braved the heat this weekend to attend one of the last birthday parties of the summer.

Taps could hardly catch a break Saturday at Upland Brewery during a carnival-style birthday bash celebrating its 15th anniversary.

“We’ve been sharing, drinking and making beer for a long time,” said Leah Brouff-Bodion, who has worked at Upland for six years. “It’s part of what this town’s all about.”

During the day, temperatures neared the 90s, but Brouff-Bodion said it didn’t deter heavy foot traffic from coming through the gate.

“I’m surprised by how many people actually showed up,” Brouff-Bodion said as she filled a customer’s cup from the outdoor tap truck. “I thought it’d be too hot, but we had a huge turnout.”

Midway-style games lined the back parking lot. Billed as a family event, the party included bungee climbing and prizes.

But nighttime saw slower attendance. Small toys and brewery bumper stickers littered the ground.

Employees stepped aside to let remaining customers try the dunk tanks, and the outdoor reception area began to clear.

By that time, the 200 tickets for the tasting of 15 different brews, created specifically for the event, sold out. 

Brewed in batches of 10 gallons each, the making of the birthday beers started months ago, according to Caleb Staton, head brewer at Upland.

Guests paid $5 for a card that allowed them to sample each of the beers once. After tasting the beers, guests voted for their favorite.

The brew with the most votes would graduate from the microbrewing process and move onto bigger production.

Experimental recipes included flavors like pie and s’mores.

But Boggy Myrtle, an ale dark in color but light in taste, took the prize.

Mark Luxmat is an Upland regular who attended the party and came for lunch Sunday afternoon.

When he discovered his favorite brew won, he threw his head back and laughed.

“A lot of my appreciation for beer came from my dad,” he said. “And that stuff was good. I’m pleased it won.”

Angela Schnick, vice president of retail operations sales and marketing at Upland, said consumers could expect Boggy Myrtle to be available in stores soon.

“The date is to be determined, but we’ll eventually have it on tap,” Brouff-Bodion said.

Luxmat said he’s been coming to the brewery since 2002. A Bloomington resident since 1984, he said Upland has done well keeping up with the bustling town.

“If you’re going to open a business in Bloomington, you gotta be good,” he said. “And these guys know what they’re doing.”

He said he’s glad the brewery and bar has lasted 15 years.

“They really take care of us, the customers,” he said. “I wish them many, many more years to come.”


Follow reporter Ashley Jenkins on Twitter @ashmorganj