Valhalladay Anniversary Bash 2023

Valhalladay logo with crows
Valhalladay logo with crows

Valhalla Tasting Room Celebrates Three Years of Success with a Grand Anniversary Bash Benefiting Three Charities!

Kalamazoo, Michigan – The Valhalla tasting room, home of Norse Nectar Meadery, is gearing up to commemorate three incredible years of craft mead, community, and unforgettable memories with an anniversary bash that promises to be nothing short of legendary! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, Valhalla invites you to join in the revelry and be part of a celebration with a cause, supporting not one, not two, but three remarkable charities. 

This event is not just a celebration of Valhalla’s success but also a heartfelt opportunity to give back to the community that has embraced them so warmly. “It’s hard to believe it’s been three years already,” said Valhalla’s founder, Hunter Dodge. “We’ve been fortunate to be part of the vibrant Kalamazoo community, and we want to give back in a meaningful way. This anniversary bash is our way of saying ‘Skål’ to everyone who’s been a part of our journey!”

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
  • Time: Noon-Midnight
  • Location: Valhalla Kalamazoo, 3408 Miller Road, Kalamazoo, MI
  • Admission: Nonperishable food donation or money donation to the PIN: Pagans in Need Food Pantry.
  • Attire: We encourage guests to come dressed in Viking attire or come as you are.

Event Schedule

Live Music Schedule

  • 12:30-2:30 – Wandering Elderberries
  • 2:30-3:00 – The Druid Drummer
  • 3:00-3:20 – Betty Barker
  • 3:20-3:40 – Kate & Annie
  • 3:40-4:00 – Mike List
  • 4:00-4:20 – Panda Pete
  • 4:30-5:00 – The Druid Drummer
  • 5:00-5:20 – John Veld
  • 5:20-5:40 – Jen & Rob
  • 5:40-6:00 – Rob Spears

So mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us at Valhalla on October 21, 2023, for an unforgettable anniversary bash filled with music, merriment, mead, and the spirit of giving. Together, we’ll raise a glass to three incredible years and a bright future ahead.

Event Highlights

 🪓 Axe Throwing: Test your warrior skills with axe-throwing sessions supervised by experts.
🛡️ Viking Encampment: Immerse yourself in the Viking experience with a captivating encampment. 
🎸 Live Music: Groove to the beats of local talents who’ll keep the party going all afternoon long.
🧔 Beard Competition: Show off your majestic facial hair in the beard competition! $10 entry fee, 100% to charity.
🔮 Tarot Reading: Discover what the future holds with intriguing tarot card readings. $20/15 minutes
🍔 Food Trucks: Chow down with some delicious grub. We’ll have one food truck in the afternoon and one in the evening. (Afternoon) Turbo Chicken and (Evening) Teresa’s Kitchen.
🎤 Karaoke: Sing the night away with fellow karaoke warriors. 

 

Charity Benefit

But it’s not just about fun and games! Valhalla is proud to give back to the community that has supported them. In the spirit of gratitude, the anniversary bash will be benefiting three remarkable local charities:

🏥 The American Red Cross: Supporting their mission of aiding disaster victims, collecting lifesaving blood, and supporting local families.
🥫 Pagans in Need Food Pantry: Helping to alleviate hunger in our community by providing essential food resources.
👟 First Day Shoe Fund: Ensuring that local children in need start their school year on the right foot with a brand-new pair of shoes.

More Information

For more information, please visit our website at www.norsenectar.com or contact our event coordinator, Jessa Boge0

A man in a hat with a long beard holds an item up from a vendor booth.
Three women dressed in Viking attire sit outs a Viking tent.
A man in Viking attire holds up an axe ready to throw at a target.
A man with a long beard drinking mead from a wooden cup.
Three older women dressed as shield maidens smile for the camera.
Teo men with impressive beards wearing Viking attire smile for the camera.
A woman poses with a rainbow crocheted beard.
A man in viking attire throws an axe at the target hitting all three targets.
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A view of the full tasting room with a line of patrons to get mead.
Three bartenders in Viking attire stand behind the bar taking orders.
A woman smiles holding two large horn mugs full of mead.
Three people with brightly dyed hair sit at a table together enjoying mead.
The patio sitting area is full of Viking clad patrons.
I musician stands at a microphone singing and playing guitar.
A group of men dressed as viking stand outside a vendor tent.
A woman sits reading a tarot card spread to a patron.
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Staff
Mel and Hunter

Skål to Three Years of Mead, Community, and Giving Back!

About Valhalla Tasting Room: Valhalla is the tasting room for Norse Nectar Meadery, offering traditional and innovative meads inspired by Norse mythology and steeped in the rich history of Kalamazoo, MI. Valhalla is committed to quality and community and provides a welcoming space for mead enthusiasts. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public on Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 p.m. until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight. Visit their site.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. Visit their site. 

About Valhalladay: Valhalladay is the birthday bash for Valhalla, held annually on the third Saturday in October. Guests are invited to dress up like Vikings (or not) for a day of live music, local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment. In the past, Valhalladay welcomed Michigan Fire Festival’s Viking encampment display, axe throwing, sword fighting demonstrations, and belly dancers. Entrance to Valhalladay is a suggested non-perishable food donation to the Pagans in Need (PIN) pantry.

About Kzoo Whisker Crew: The Kzoo Whisker Crew was formed in 2017 to promote competitive bearding while hosting events and competitions to raise funds for local and national charities. No facial hair is required for membership, just a love for all things facial hair! Kzoo Whisker Crew monthly member meetings are held every third Sunday of the month from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Visit their site. 

About Pagans In Need (PIN) Pantry: Pagans In Need is a food pantry located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, filled and maintained by community supporters to meet the needs of those who might be temporarily food-insecure. Pantry Eligibility: Self-Declaration of Need. ❤️ Everyone is welcome, regardless of religion. Grocery pick-up is between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Visit their Facebook Group. 

Ragnarok Challenge – Charity Drive

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Norse Nectar Meadery's Valhalla Tasting Room Announces "The Ragnarök Challenge." The Valhalla Valkyries vs. The Kzoo Whisker Crew in a Battle of Ragnarök Readiness.

Kalamazoo, Michigan – The Valhalla tasting room is thrilled to introduce “The Ragnarök Challenge,” a unique competition that will test the mettle of two rival teams as they strive to become more Ragnarök-ready by Valhalladay. The Valhalla Valkyries will go head-to-head with the Kzoo Whisker Crew, battling it out to see who can shed the most weight before Valhalladay on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

This exciting challenge will kick off with the first weigh-in on Saturday, August 19, 2023, and continue with weekly weigh-ins every Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm throughout the competition. Participants will be required to pay $10 per person for each weigh-in.

Valhalla selected the American Red Cross as the beneficiary of this competition’s fundraising efforts. The American Red Cross holds a special place in Valhalla’s heart as they provided invaluable support to two staff members during challenging times this summer. Their assistance after a devastating house fire and a life-threatening medical issue has left an indelible gratitude Valhalla aims to express through this initiative.

Participants will follow their own weight loss plans, embracing various strategies to achieve their goals. Moreover, Missy McCullough at My Pure Health Solutions in Battle Creek, MI, has generously become a sponsor for “The Ragnarok Challenge,” offering her expertise and support to four Valhalla participants.

Valhalla invites members of the community to join in the excitement by attending the weekly weigh-ins, showing their support for the Valkyries and the Kzoo Whisker Crew, and through donations to the Norse Nectar American Red Cross page. This friendly competition encourages personal growth and self-improvement and enables the community to contribute to a meaningful cause.

For more information about “The Ragnarök Challenge” and the Valhalla tasting room, please visit our website at www.norsenectar.com or contact us at nyx@norsenectar.com. Follow us on social media to stay updated on the progress of our warriors and the impact we are making together. Facebook and Instagram @ValhallaKzoo.

American Red Cross Logo

Cheer Us On. Make a Donation.

About Valhalla Tasting Room:

Valhalla is the tasting room for Norse Nectar Meadery, offering traditional and innovative meads inspired by Norse mythology and steeped in the rich history of Kalamazoo, MI. Valhalla is committed to quality and community and provides a welcoming space for mead enthusiasts. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. 

About Valhalladay: 

Valhalladay is the birthday bash for Valhalla, held annually on the third Saturday in October. October 21, 2023, will be the third annual event. Guests are invited to dress up like Vikings (or not) for a day of live music, local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment. In the past, Valhalladay welcomed Michigan Fire Festival’s Viking encampment display, axe throwing, sword fighting demonstrations, and belly dancers. Entrance to Valhalladay is a suggested non-perishable food donation to the Pagans in Need (PIN) pantry.

About Kzoo Whisker Crew:

The Kzoo Whisker Crew was formed in 2017 to promote competitive bearding while hosting events and competitions to raise funds for local and national charities. No facial hair is required for membership, just a love for all things facial hair! Kzoo Whisker Crew monthly member meetings are held every third Sunday of the month from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Visit their site.

Silver! 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition

Holy grail bottle and glass with silver finger lakes competition medal.
Holy grail bottle and glass with silver finger lakes competition medal.

Kalamazoo’s Norse Nectar Meadery Wins Silver Medal at 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition

Kalamazoo, Michigan – Norse Nectar Meadery is thrilled to announce that their Holy Grail raspberry mead has been awarded the silver medal in the Mead – Flavored category at the prestigious 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition (FLIWC). This recognition highlights the outstanding craftsmanship and dedication of Norse Nectar Meadery in creating exquisite meads.

The FLIWC was open to commercial wineries and distilleries from all producing countries. This year they received over 1,750 entries, with winners from Australia, Canada, Columbia, and 38 states in the United States. The entries were blind judged by a distinguished group of judges composed of sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, experienced spirits judges, and wine/spirit educators. They awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals, and where it was unanimous, double gold. The competition proceeds benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp dedicated to bringing smiles and memories to children with cancer. This year’s competition was held in Rochester, NY, on June 12-14, 2023.

Holy Grail, with its perfect blend of sweet and tart notes, is a testament to Norse Nectar Meadery’s commitment to crafting meads that captivate the senses. This award-winning mead features a delightful combination of raspberry and apple, complemented by a barrel char finish. At 14% ABV, it delivers a truly memorable tasting experience that can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as an addition to cocktails.

This recent accolade comes on the heels of Holy Grail’s previous achievement as the silver medal winner for Fruit | Spiced | Specialty Meads at the 2023 World Expo Of Beers competition in Frankenmuth, MI. “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our Holy Grail raspberry mead,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery. “This silver medal is a testament to our dedication to creating exceptional meads that showcase unique flavors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition for this honor.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites both mead enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the award-winning Holy Grail raspberry mead firsthand at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

To learn more about Holy Grail raspberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About Camp Good Days and Special Times:

Camp Good Days and Special Times, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and sickle cell anemia, was founded by Gary Mervis in 1979, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide Teddi and 62 other children with cancer (21 from Rochester, 21 from Buffalo, 21 from Syracuse) with a residential camping experience has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind, having served as model for other organizations and cancer treatment centers around the world. Providing residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities and events, Camp Good Days has served more than 50,000 campers from 22 states and 36 foreign countries.

Holy Grail Raspberry Mead Wins Silver Medal at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition

A bottle of Holy Grail pictured with a silver medal.
A bottle of Holy Grail pictured with a silver medal.

Norse Nectar Meadery's Holy Grail Raspberry Mead Wins Silver Medal at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition

Kalamazoo, Michigan  – Norse Nectar Meadery’s crowd favorite Holy Grail raspberry mead has been honored with the Silver Medal in the Fruit/Spiced/Specialty Mead category at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition held in Frankenmuth, MI. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship displayed by Norse Nectar Meadery in creating their remarkable meads.

The World Expo of Beer competition showcases the finest craft beverages from around the world. Holy Grail raspberry mead stood out among nine other entrants in the Fruit/Spiced/Specialty Mead category, capturing the attention of the judges with its unique flavors and character. See the complete list of winners here.

Holy Grail Raspberry Mead is the perfect harmony of sweet and tart notes, skillfully blending raspberry and apple flavors with a delightful barrel char finish. With an ABV of 14%, this mead offers a captivating tasting experience that can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as an addition to cocktails. Its recognition as a Silver Medal winner reinforces Norse Nectar Meadery’s commitment to crafting exceptional meads that delight the senses.

“We are honored and humbled to receive the Silver Medal for Holy Grail raspberry mead at the 2023 World Expo of Beer competition,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team in creating unique and flavorful meads. We extend our gratitude to the judges and organizers of the competition for this award.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites all mead enthusiasts to experience the award-winning Holy Grail raspberry mead at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned mead connoisseur or new to the world of mead, Holy Grail promises an unforgettable taste journey. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

For more information about Holy Grail raspberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About World Expo of Beers:

The World Expo of Beer (WEB) is an annual event organized and managed by the Frankenmuth Jaycees. All proceeds generated from this event are donated to charitable causes. Visit their site

Valhalla: Kalamazoo meadery with all the Viking feels.

Customers ordering drinks from the bar at the Valhalla tasting room.
Customers ordering drinks from the bar at the Valhalla tasting room.

Valhalla: Kalamazoo meadery with all the Viking feels.

Mark Wedel stopped by for some mead and wrote an article about Valhalla for Second Wave Media. 

Here is an excerpt from the article. Read the full article here.

MARK WEDEL | THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

Mead in a beer town
The meadery also makes and serves beer, their City Union brand. “We lose about 15% of our potential business because people walk in, they find out we’re mead, and they don’t want to try it,” Dodge says.

Kalamazoo is dominated by craft beer and brewpubs — how do you sell honey wine in a beer town? 

Awarded Best Mead in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards

Screenshot of the MI Brew Trail magazine page listing Dark Angel as best mead.
Screenshot of the MI Brew Trail magazine page listing Dark Angel as best mead.

Awarded Best Mead in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards

Kalamazoo, Michigan – Norse Nectar Meadery’s Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead has been awarded the title of “Best Mead in Michigan 2022” in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards. 

The Michigan Brew Trail Reader’s Choice Awards celebrates the best of Michigan’s brewing industry, where craft beverage enthusiasts nominate and vote for their favorite drinks. Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead has emerged as the winner, garnering recognition for its enticing flavors and unique character.

Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead is a true delight for those seeking an adventurous flavor experience. Crafted with precision and care, this mead combines the bold and spicy notes of ginger with the luscious sweetness of blackberries, enhanced by a delightful barrel char finish. With an ABV of 14%, Dark Angel can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as a delightful addition to cocktails.

“We are blown away by the support from the MI Brew Trail readers. This is our first award at the meadery and we are humbled,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO at Norse Nectar Meadery. “This award is a testament to our commitment to producing exceptional meads that push the boundaries of flavor and leave a lasting impression on our customers.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites all mead enthusiasts to experience the award-winning Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned mead connoisseur or new to the world of mead, Dark Angel promises an unforgettable taste journey. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

For more information about Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About MI Brew Trails Reader’s Choice Awards:

The Michigan Brew Trail is launching its Best of the Best in the Michigan Craft Beer Industry. This Readers Choice program will recognize some of the industry’s finest, from bartenders, wait staff and brewmasters, to breweries, beers and social media presence. We’ve made every effort in setting this up to make sure our categories cover everything: Michigan Craft Beer, Michigan Ciders & Meads, Michigan Breweries, Michigan Distilleries and Wineries, Michigan Beer Destinations, 5 Michigan Brewery Marketing, Design & Education, Michigan Brewery Cuisine and Michigan Brewery People. We’re also looking to identify the Best Beer City, Beer Garden, Breweries and Patios. Visit their site

Kalamazoo brewer regains vision, returns to creative roots with eSight device.

Hunter Dodge, CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery, wears his eSight, electronic eyewear, as he pours a draft bear at Valhalla tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Dodge wears the eSight to help with his visual impairment. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)
Hunter Dodge, CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery, wears his eSight, electronic eyewear, as he pours a draft bear at Valhalla tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Dodge wears the eSight to help with his visual impairment. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Kalamazoo brewer regains vision, returns to creative roots with eSight device.

Our CEO, Hunter Dodge, discusses how the eSight 4 device gave him his life back after losing most of his sight in 2019.
 
“From a personal standpoint, I’m one of those guys that is all things creative,” Dodge told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. “I’m a custom bamboo fly rod builder, dealing with measurements down to the 10,000th of an inch. Everything is done with finite hand tools. I custom hand tie all my flies for fly fishing. I love to be out splitting wood, cutting firewood. Anything (to do with) shooting sports … all of that was gone.”
 
Read the article here.
By Ryan Boldrey | rboldrey@mlive.com

Skadi

A bottle of Skadi mead will illustrations of blueberries and apples

Skadi Blueberry Apple Mead

A bottle of Skadi mead will illustrations of blueberries and apples

14% ABV

Mead - Melomel

The namesake of the Norse goddess of winter and the wilderness, Skadi can keep your belly warm. A blueberry apple mead with a barrel char finish.

Great served chilled, at room temperature, or in cocktails.

Buy Online

FLAVORS

  • Blueberry
  • Apple

UNTAPPD RATINGS

3.6/5
See Reviews
Bottle of Skadi mead
Skadi

375 ml Bottle of Skadi | 14% ABV

illustration of Skadi in winter mountains
Skadi Label Art
The Goddess of winter.
Red apples and blueberries scattered on a black background
Flavors

Blueberry, Apple

The Legend

Skadi is the Daughter of Thazi the Jotun, ex-wife of hostage Vanir Njordr. She was adopted as Aesir by her own merit. Skadi has a long history of tearing down boundaries, mostly by walking right up to the man in charge of them and giving him what for. From her complicated relationship with the trickster Loki to her associations with bow-hunting, Skadi is a goddess of both fierce pride and venomous violence. For example, she literally hangs a serpent over the trapped form of her sometimes-frenemy Loki.

Despite her earned reputation as a ball-buster, Skadi has a soft side in the form of her loyalty to her family (including her ex-husband’s kids). She even dishes out advice on courting giants to her lovestruck step-son Freyr.

Known as the Goddess of winter, Skadi relishes in the treacherous chill of Norse winters and the sport and travel of skiing.

Bottle of Dark Angel with illustrations of ginger and blackberries.
Bottle of Loki mead with illustrations of cherries and blueberries.
Bottle of Holy Grail mead with illustrations of raspberries.