Boom Island is a family operation run by Kevin Welch, his wife, and her parents. In their first year on existence Kevin, Qiuxia, HuBaba and Hu Mama have worked together to put out 4 regular beers, pale ale, ipa, dubbel, tripel, and a special seasonal, Yule.
Yule might be their greatest achievement so far. Yule is a strong dark Belgian-style ale made with tart Michigan cherries and some top secret spices. When I spoke with Kevin last week he told me it would be a regular release around the holidays every year. He plans to subtle variations to the recipe a bit from year to year, giving each release its own identity.
To celebrate their first year in business they are extending their regular free tasting hours on Friday December 28 from 5PM-8PM, and Saturday December 29 from Noon-4PM. In addition to the regular Boom Island brews, they will be tapping a firkin of something very special, and giving 15% off all brewery swag.