This post is sponsored by the American Craft Council.
Visit this year’s American Craft Council Show at the St. Paul River Centre and you’ll find no scarcity of beverages to try. The difference between those featured at the show and your average spirits, beer, or sip of caffeine is the skill and process that goes into making them.
The ACC welcomes The Balvenie, The Beer Dabbler, TeaSource, and Peace Coffee to its new Let’s Make Exhibit at which a variety of artisans and industry experts will host experiential workshops where showgoers can get up close and personal with the creative process. Those who have experienced it call Let’s Make a “beehive of activity.” Upon entering, guests encounter a variety of artisanal sips as well as hands-on activities that encourage complete immersion in a craft adventure.
Let’s Make’s anchor tenant, The Balvenie, will host a handcrafted Scotch Whisky experience. A master of its craft, The Balvenie practices a unique combination of natural alchemy and centuries-old artisanal traditions. Brand ambassador Jonathan Wingo welcomes showgoers to private tastings where guests learn about the process that goes into making The Balvenie’s award-winning single malts.
The ever-popular Beer Dabbler has rallied a band of nine microbrewers to dispense their finest suds out of a restored Hamm’s Beer truck from the 50s. Microbreweries include: HammerHeart Brewing Co., Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, Bent Brewstillery, Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Badger Hill Brewery, Bad Weather Brewing, Lupine Brewing Co., Urban Growler Brewing Co., and Castle Danger Brewery. Belly up to the bar, and taste a sampling of Minnesota’s finest beers.
Local brew and steep experts, Peace Coffee (above) and TeaSource, will also be in attendance, demonstrating different techniques and providing samples of their beverages. TeaSource will be on the ready to showcase steeping methods ranging from the ancient gongfu tea ceremony to modern gravity pots, while Peace Coffee will invite guests to explore the flavor nuances of different brewing methods.
While there, don’t miss these other American Craft Council Show exhibits:
Hip Pop: Check out our Hip Pop pods, cool pop-up shops featuring fresh finds from emerging artists, including a pod curated by Forage Modern Workshop, showcasing emerging Minnesota designers.
Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft: See how easy it is to make craft part of your living space at this home decor exhibition. With this year’s theme being Mother Nature’s 4 Elements — earth, air, fire, and water — local interior designers create room vignettes, inspired by pieces of fine craft, that express one of Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring elements.
American Craft Charm Collection: Love jewelry? Then be sure to stop by and take a look at the American Craft Charm Collection, featuring one-of-a-kind charms, charm bracelets, cluster pendants, and pins.
Visit the American Craft Council online to purchase tickets and learn more. Be a part of the craft conversation by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.