By DCBeer contributor Aaron Morrissey

Name: Short's Brewing Company

Location: Bellaire, MI

Website: www.shortsbrewing.com

Type: Production brewery and brewpub

Sponsorship

Available in DC Market: No

What you need to know: Everyone’s got that beer buddy from Michigan. You know, the one who you ask to bring back all the stuff that’s available only in the Midwest. (You know who you are. Where’s my New Glarus?) Do yourself a favor: tell that friend you want some Short’s the next time they’re home. You won’t be disappointed. This year, Short’s is doing a dessert double at SAVOR, and both offerings are well worth your time.

Beer #1: Publican Porter (Imperial Porter / 9%)

In Their Own Words: “Publican Porter is a full-flavored Imperial porter, with a black, opaque color that leaves a pleasing dark brown lace. Rich, decadent aromas of espresso entice the senses, eventually giving way to subtle biscuit like tones. The use of heavily roasted malt imparts tasty flavors of burnt coffee and dark chocolate, accompanied by a suitable and pleasant bitterness.”

Food Pairing: Dark Chocolate Budino

Our Thoughts: Dark, dark…dark coffee flavors. (Did we mention it’s dark?) If you like downing chocolate covered espresso beans like there’s no tomorrow, well, here’s the beer for you, friend.

Beer #2: Soft Parade (Fruit Rye Ale / 7.5%)

In Their Own Words: “Soft Parade is a gourmet specialty pour that is brewed with toasted rye flakes and two-row malted barley. Loaded with pureed strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, we refer to this fermented potion as a fruit infused rye ale. The result is a refreshing fruit delicacy that is easy to drink, visually appealing, and finishes dry.”

Food Pairing: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Our Thoughts: Flakes? Malted? Berries? No, it’s not a breakfast cereal, it’s just one of the more intriguing fruit ales in the country that’s only available in D.C. once in a blue moon. Trust us on this one — you’ll want more than one of these. I mean, otherwise, you’ll have to keep bugging your Michigan buddies to spare some.

This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2014 SAVOR participants.