Denizens’ Julie Verratti Chats Their 4th Annual Make It Funky Festival

The Make It Funky Wild Beer Festival returns for the fourth year at Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring on September 29 from 1-5pm. The massive event features over 100 beers using Brettanomyces, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, or other non-Saccharomyces yeast and other bacteria from over 30 craft breweries around the country. The description notes “from briny goses to barnyardy Brett beers, participating breweries will be showing off their best rare and one-of-a-kind wild beers.”

The fest is both indoor and outdoor at Denizens’ space. Soul Witness and DJ Kenny M will both perform in the beer garden. A special menu of festival fare will be available to ensure bellies are just as full as tasting glasses.

We had a chance to catch up with Julie Verratti, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Denizens, to ask her about the event. A transcript lightly edited for length and clarity follows.

DCBeer: Make It Funky is already in its fourth year! Why put on a festival exclusively devoted to the