Michigan Beer Guide: Best Places To Buy

Michigan is a haven for beer lovers, with a wide range of breweries and beer styles to choose from. The state's craft beer scene is renowned, with Michigan breweries considered to be at the heart of the Midwest craft beer world. The state boasts a strong brewing tradition and a loyal beer fan base, with countless varieties of styles and tastes to satisfy any beer enthusiast. From well-known breweries like Bell's Brewery and Founders Brewing Co. to hidden gems like Alpha Michigan Brewing Company and Blackrocks Brewery, Michigan has something for everyone. So, whether you're a dark and smooth porter drinker or a light and crisp lager lover, you're sure to find your perfect pour in Pure Michigan.

Michigan's independent breweries

One of the largest independent craft breweries in Michigan is New Holland Brewing Co., which was established in 1997 by Brett VanderKamp and Jason Spaulding. The brewery has two restaurants, two brick-and-mortar stores, and a spirits tasting room. New Holland brewed close to 50,000 barrels of beer in 2020, with its most famous brew being Dragon's Milk, a barrel-aged stout.

Another notable independent brewery in Michigan is Bell's Brewery, which was the state's largest until it was sold to Australasian beer company Lion. It was founded in 1985 by Larry Bell, who was inspired by a visit to Real Ale Co., Michigan's first independently-owned brewery, which opened in 1982. Bell's Brewery is located in Kalamazoo and is known for its Oberon Ale and Two Hearted Ale.

Other independent breweries in Michigan include Blackrocks Brewery, Cheboygan Brewing Company, Ore Dock Brewing Company, Right Brain Brewery, and many more. These breweries offer a range of unique beers, from English-style pale ales to award-winning IPAs, and provide taprooms, beer gardens, and other attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Beer bars in Michigan

Michigan has a lot to offer when it comes to beer bars. Here is a list of some of the best beer bars in the state:

Ashley's, Ann Arbor

Ashley's is a craft beer pub that has been around since 1983 and boasts more than 100 taps highlighting local and regional craft beers. It also has a sister bar in Westland, which is home to Ashley's annual Belgian Beer Festival, the largest all-Belgian beer festival in the country.

7 Monks, Traverse City

7 Monks is a beer bar that offers dozens of taps across a range of styles, including wild ales, sours, European and Belgian styles, and IPAs, American lagers, stouts, and porters. It filled a need for a multi-tap bar in Traverse City when it opened in 2011.

Ale Mary's, Royal Oak

Ale Mary's is a house of beer worship, with communal seating and a shrine to Michael Jackson, the world-famous beer writer. They offer 28 beers on tap and another 80 by the bottle, as well as a menu full of beer-battered and beer-braised dishes.

HopCat, Grand Rapids

HopCat opened in Grand Rapids in 2008 and has since expanded across the state and the Midwest. Despite its expansion, it remains a dedicated beer bar, offering a great selection of Michigan beers. The original location has 48 taps, while the Detroit location holds the record for the largest number of taps in the state with 130.

Brown Iron Brewhouse, Washington Township

Brown Iron Brewhouse was voted the reader's choice for Michigan in the Great American Beer Bars 2017 rundown. It offers 70 beers on tap, an educated staff, and a "Cheers-like" feel, where the staff tries to know you by name.

Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is a unique beer bar that operates like a stock market, with prices changing based on supply and demand. They have 28 taps, and the tap selection makes the math involved worthwhile.

The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

The Blind Pig is a historic nightclub and hot spot for both local and touring bands. It also features an additional bar, The Eight Ball Saloon, downstairs.

Union Street Station, Traverse City

Union Street Station is a bar with live entertainment every day, including live bands, DJs, open mic, and karaoke. It has been a popular gathering spot for over a century.

Clubhouse, Rochester

Clubhouse is one of the best beer bars in the country, with 50 taps and another 150+ in bottles and cans. They focus on building and curating a beer portfolio, offering labels that can't be found anywhere else in Michigan.

Fitzgerald's ("The Fitz"), Eagle River

Fitzgerald's is a craft beer and barbecue oasis located directly on the shore of Lake Superior. They have access to some of the most highly allocated and sought-after beers in the region.

Ye Olde, Detroit

Ye Olde is a dive bar, a locals joint, and a living piece of history, having operated since 1915 and pre-dating Prohibition. They offer a global selection of bottled beers, many of which cannot be found elsewhere, as well as a ton of Michigan brews.

M-Brew, Ferndale

M-Brew is a cozy bar with a fireplace and a quaint patio, perfect for sipping beers and catching up with friends.

Michigan's best cities for beer

Michigan is a great state for beer lovers, with a strong brewing tradition and a loyal fan base. Here are some of the best cities in Michigan for beer enthusiasts to visit:

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has earned a reputation as Michigan's top beer destination, even branding itself as "Beer City USA". The city has gained national attention for its impressive beer scene, featuring a wide range of breweries and beer-related attractions. One of its main highlights is the Beer City Ale Trail, a walking route connecting dozens of downtown breweries. Notable breweries in Grand Rapids include Brewery Vivant, the world's first LEED-certified microbrewery, Founders Brewing Company, known for its delicious sandwiches and diverse brews, and Odd Side Ales, located in the old Story & Clark piano factory.

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is another excellent beer destination in Michigan, known for its historical breweries and successful craft beer scene. The city is anchored by Bell's Brewery, an award-winning and iconic brewery that is Michigan's oldest. Bell's Brewery offers interesting food pairings, a beer garden, and live entertainment. Other notable breweries in Kalamazoo include Dark Horse and Arcadia, as well as respected beer bars like the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has experienced a growing craft beer scene in recent years and is known for its great beer bars. One of the pioneers of the city's beer scene is Arbor Brewing Company, which opened in 1995 and has received awards for its environmentally friendly practices. Grizzly Peak, with its popular Steelhead Red beer, and Jolly Pumpkin, known for its wild-aged sours, ales, and Belgian-influenced brews, are also notable establishments in Ann Arbor.

Detroit

Detroit, the once-struggling Motor City, is making a comeback, and craft beer is playing a significant role in its resurgence. The city now boasts several neighbourhood pubs and breweries, including M-Brew and Ale Mary's Beer Hall. Notable breweries in Detroit include Brew Detroit, Motor City Brewing Works, Batch Brewing Company, and Atwater Beer.

Traverse City and the Lakeshore

The natural beauty and vacation appeal of Traverse City and the Lakeshore region have contributed to the growth of their beer scenes. Traverse City is home to excellent beer bars like 7 Monks, and the region features several notable breweries, including Short's Brewing Co. in Bellaire, Stormcloud Brewing Co. in Frankfort, and Mackinaw Brewing Co. in Traverse City.

Michigan's beer pioneers

Michigan's beer scene has been shaped by pioneers who have paved the way for the state's thriving craft beer culture. The first "explosion" of craft breweries in Michigan occurred in the mid-to-late 1990s, but the roots of the state's brewing tradition go back much further.

One of the key figures in Michigan's beer history is Larry Bell, the founder of Bell's Brewery. Bell's interest in brewing was sparked by a visit to Real Ale Co. in Chelsea, Michigan's first independently-owned brewery, which opened in 1982. Inspired by Real Ale Co., Bell launched the Kalamazoo Brewing Co. in 1985, which he later renamed Bell's Brewery in 2005. Today, it is Michigan's largest independent brewery and has won awards for its beers, including the Oberon Ale and the Two Hearted Ale.

Another pioneer in Michigan's beer scene is Ted Badgerow, the former head brewer of Real Ale Co. After Real Ale Co. closed in 1986, Badgerow opened the Ypsi Alehouse in Ypsilanti in 2016, continuing the legacy of craft brewing in the state.

In addition to these individuals, several breweries have played a significant role in Michigan's beer history. The Arbor Brewing Company, which opened in 1995 in Ann Arbor, has received awards for its environmentally friendly practices. The Grizzly Peak brewery is also known for its best-selling Steelhead Red, and Jolly Pumpkin has gained recognition for its wild-aged sours, ales, and Belgian-influenced brews.

The Founders Brewing Company, co-founded by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, is another key player in Michigan's beer scene. The company has faced challenges, such as slow taproom sales and financial struggles, but has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the country, known for its complex, flavorful ales and its leadership in the bourbon barrel-aging movement.

Michigan's beer trails

Michigans Beer Trails

Michigan has a lot to offer when it comes to beer trails and craft breweries. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, here are some of the top beer trails to explore in Michigan:

Grand Rapids Beer City USA Tour:

Voted Beer City USA in 2012 and 2013, Grand Rapids is a beer lover's paradise. With more than 20 craft breweries in the metropolitan area and 20 more within a 90-minute drive, you'll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to check out Brewery Vivant, the world's first LEED-certified microbrewery, and Founders Brewing Company for delicious sandwiches and a wide range of brews.

Kalamazoo Craft Beer Trail:

Kalamazoo is quickly becoming a craft beer destination, with 12 breweries and counting. One notable brewery is Bell's Brewery, which is Michigan's oldest brewery and offers interesting food pairings, a beer garden, and live entertainment.

West Michigan Wine & Beer Trail:

Explore the unique atmosphere and tastes of each winery, brewery, and mill along the West Michigan Wine & Beer Trail. This trail includes stops such as the Holland Area Hops, Grapes, and Grains Tour, where you can experience innovative tastes and unique experiences from West Michigan's artisanal wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries.

Thumb Coast Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour:

This self-guided tour takes you through charming small towns, beach villages, and even includes a car ferry ride to Harsens Island. With 16 ThumbCoast breweries, wineries, distilleries, farms, and tap rooms to explore, you'll get a true taste of Michigan's beer culture.

Upper Peninsula Beer Trail:

The Upper Peninsula is home to several notable breweries, including Keweenaw Brewing Company, Alpha Michigan Brewing Company, and Brickside Brewery. These breweries offer a range of unique ales and experiences, from traditional taproom settings to community-focused events.

So, whether you're looking for a scenic hike with beer tastings along the way or a downtown hop between craft breweries, Michigan's beer trails have something for everyone. Remember to drink responsibly and always plan for a safe ride home!

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