St. Louis, MO (Oct. 20, 2021) The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association raised a record-breaking $158,000 for Lutheran schools at its 9th Annual “Brew in the Lou” Festival, Saturday, Oct. 9 at Francis Park in St. Louis Hills. The weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the festival atmosphere.  A big thank you to the 100+ volunteers who helped make the event a success!  Thank you to our sponsors, and a big thank you to the vendors who make this possible. Please support our participating vendors generously!

More than 2,000 craft beer and food fans, and a few friendly dogs, sampled specialties from nearly 100 of St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits, coffee, food and pop up vendors, including about forty-five local and regional craft breweries.

Guests also voted for their favorite brats, home brew and chili recipes. This year’s Battle of the Bratwurst prize went to Lucky Lola’s. Lucky Lola’s can be found in your local Fresh Thyme or Kenrick’s Meats. In the ultra-competitive People’s Choice Home Brew Competition, Rev. Mark Bangert’s “Triple Berry Saison” from Immanuel Lutheran in Washington won first place, and the top prize for chili was again won by the Salem Men’s Club.  We need that winning recipe!  Brew guest Laurie Morrison won the 50/50 drawing prize of $662.

Grand Prize Winner, Dominick Dufner (Left) and Anheuser-Busch Research Pilot Brewery’s Daren Berry

The Home Brewers Association sanctioned competition had 208 entries.  The winner of this competition with Best of Show was Dominick Dufner of the STL Brewhogs for his Trappist Single Ale, aptly named, “New Hit Single.”  The grand prize for this competition was a chance to brew the winning recipe at the Anheuser-Busch Research Pilot Brewery followed by a happy hour for 10 of his best friends.

The band Clint & Co. provided entertainment, and KPLR/Fox 2’s Jeff Bernthal, a Lutheran schools grad, emceed. Next year’s Brew is set for October 8, 2022.

You may keep the tastings going throughout the next 12 months with the purchase of the Brew in the Lou Passport.  The new 2021/2022 Passport contains more than $300 in beverages, menu items and special discounts at more than 25 of your favorite breweries, restaurants and more.  A great gift for friends, family and co-workers! Click here to purchase your new Passport now!

And, there are a limited amount of t-shirts remaining too!

Proceeds benefit the 8,300 children enrolled in 34 Lutheran schools in the bi-state area. To contribute, visit www.lesastl.org, or call 314-200-0797.

View 2021 Photos Here

 

Rev. Mark Bangert, Immanuel Washington took first place with a Triple Berry Saison in the People’s Choice Homebrew Competition

The Salem Affton Men’s Club are the 2021 Chili Kings!