The Great Lakes state is full of breweries, over 375 in fact, bringing the state to 6th most in the nation according to the Brewer’s Association. It’s no surprise—Grand Rapids has repeatedly been named “Beer City USA” and in the winter months brewery hopping is really the only reason to venture out of the house. So, which breweries should you explore first?
Bell’s Brewery: Kalamazoo
Bell’s is the brewery most people think of when they picture Michigan beer, and with good reason. Hopslam, Oberon, Two Hearted, Bell’s Christmas Ale, Winter White, and Sparkleberry are my favorites that that they distribute. Two Hearted has won countless awards for best beer in the country, Oberon marks the start of summer, and Winter White is a nice change from the usual winter stouts and porters.
When visiting their Eccentric Cafe you’ll find an enormous beer menu, a fun atmosphere, and various events with live music.
Old Nation Brewing: Williamston (Lansing Area)
M-43 is the beer that got this brewery on the map and it does not disappoint. The New England IPA is brewed with Calypso, Simcoe, Citra and Amarillo hops, and notes of citrus, pineapple, mango and grapefruit. Old Nation makes several other solid NEIPAs that I recommend trying side by side in a flight at their taproom.
Speciation Artisan Ales: Grand Rapids
Speciation is absolutely killing the game. They are a wild beer mecca but everything they make is insanely good. I highly recommend paying a visit to their taproom and trying a bunch, and then also getting some cans and bottles to go! Speciation is my favorite brewery in Michigan, I always look forward to trying their unique creations.
Odd Side Ales: Grand Haven (Grand Rapids Area)
Located near Lake Michigan, Odd Side makes a huge variety of beers. Their Stouts and Sours are what they do best but there is something for every palate. They also do quite a lot of distribution around the state so you can frequently find their cans and bottles.
Batch Brewing: Detroit
Batch’s beer list is huge and filled with fantastic brews. In the summer they make slushee beers as well which are phenomenal. The atmosphere at Batch is friendly and the perfect place to grab a beer and relax after a day of exploring the Motor City.
Shorts Brewing: Bellaire (Traverse City Area)
Soft Parade by Shorts has been my favorite summer beer for years. This fruit ale is brewed with pureed strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries and comes in at 7.5%. The atmosphere at their brewpub makes you feel like family, and its location in northern Michigan makes it the perfect stop after skiing in the winter or boating in the summer. Fruit ales not your thing? Don’t worry, they make hundreds of other beers every year.
Witch’s Hat Brewing: South Lyon (Metro-Detroit)
Witch’s Hat boasts a large variety of brews so you are bound to find something that you love. Their NEIPAs are fantastic so I highly recommend you try some of those! The atmosphere here is almost pub-like with a grungy (but fun) vibe, check it out!
Kuhnhenn Brewing: Warren and Clinton Township (Metro-Detroit)
Kuhnhenn advertises themselves as a ‘beers with distinct personalities’ and they aren’t kidding! Everything they make is super unique but also delicious! Their Belgian-style ales and dark beers are my favorites!
Transient Artisan Ales: Bridgman (Southwest Michigan)
Transient makes killer beers of all types! No matter the style their beer is delicious. Their Fruited Sours are packed with flavor, their Lagers are crisp, their IPAs are juicy, and their Stouts are thicc. They are located near Lake Michigan right in downtown Bridgman.
What are your favorite Michigan breweries? Let me know in the comments!
