McMenamins 14th Annual Barley Cup @ Thompson Brewery & Public House

Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thompson Brewery & Public House (Salem, OR)

What could be better than a selection of cool brews at the start of summer, all vying to be your favorite? Head to the Barley Cup.

The twist to this contest is that our brewers cannot just brew the beer they do best. Instead, a random drawing determines the brew style to be crafted. For the patrons and judges, this ensures a full range of beers from which to choose. In keeping with tradition, the Capital City Homebrewers Club determine the overall winner of the Barley Cup trophy. The proud winner goes on to represent McMenamins at the Holiday Ale Festival in downtown Portland in December. We also asks our guests to determine the winner of the People’s Choice award. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, give tours of the brewery and plead their cases for their own brews.

During the festival, feel free to explore the property. The Thompson house itself was built in 1905 by Spanish American War veteran Fred Thompson for his father Franklin, a Civil War veteran, and his mother Maria. It is rumored that some of the long-passed Thompsons still hang around, so keep an eye on your beer. Raise a pint of McMenamins ale to the Thompson family and all who came after them.