I have finally found the time to post the final selection for the Bastone series that dominated my summer. (I have never talked to so many farmers in my life!) But let it be noted that it wasn't the dozens of farm bureau offices that I called that lead me in the right direction. In fact, they didn't even call back. Instead, it was the community of craft beer enthusiasts that seem to be thriving here in Michigan. So if you have the desire to learn anything about the beer brewing amidst you, I highly recommend checking out mlive.com's KalamaBrew section, as well as the ever informative Michigan Beer Guide, which you have probably come across at your favorite brewpub at some time or another.

In the end, I located the barley in Shepherd, Michigan at Turnwald Farms. Mike Turnwald was incredibly helpful, and truly shocked me with his high-tech combine.

The hops was grown by none other than Rex Halfpenny himself–publisher of the Michigan Beer Guide–in Leonard, Michigan. So many thanks again to everyone who helped along the way! You can see the finished series posted in the projects section of this site. Enjoy!

Labels: bastone, brewing, commissioned photography, craft beer