If you have ever looked at a beer menu at a bar or restaurant in the Mitten, you could probably tell how proud Michiganders are of the booming craft brewery industry that has taken off in recent years.
From the havens of Short’s of Bellaire and Dark Horse of Marshall, to Founders of Grand Rapids and everywhere in-between, the talented brewers of our state are focusing on small batches and local ingredients that produce the best beer imaginable for consumers.
Summer is near, and what better way to celebrate than with a Michigan made beverage? With so many magnificent options available, it can be difficult to pick the perfect pint.
If you want to dive in to Michigan brews as the temperature and hemlines start to rise, but don’t know where to begin, this quiz is for you. We have narrowed the field from hundreds, to six of our favorite choices that will keep you satisfied all summer long.
Have we quenched your thirst? If not, check out these other awesome beer articles:
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
North Peak Brewing Company Nomad Hard Cider
When you close your eyes, do you imagine yourself walking through Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, or exploring the UP? Do you love, crisp and refreshing hard ciders, with sweet apple notes? If you said yes to any of these things, Nomad is for you! There is nothing fussy about this cider, brewed in Traverse City with local apples. It's perfectly refreshing and easily quenches the thirst of a Northern Michigan explorer after any adventure, no matter how big or small.
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
Blackrocks Brewery Grand Rabbits Dry Hopped Cream Ale
This Cream Ale by Blackrocks Brewing is practically begging you to take a sip. The first words that come to mind are smooth, sweet and crisp. With notes of lemon and orange, this beer finishes with a perfect peppery bite. And the best part? It comes in a can, making it the perfect partner for a day at one of our Great Lakes.
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
Bell's Third Coast
Bell's is perhaps Michigan's best known brewery, so it's no surprise that Third Coast is an A+ brew. This American Barleywine is anything but basic, in one sip, you get hints of blackberry, orange, and caramel. No outerwear necessary for a cool Lake Superior evening, a bottle of Third Coast will take the chill away.
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA
It's no surprise that Crooked Tree is Dark Horse's number one selling beer. This perfectly balanced beverage offers flavors from big hops and sweet malt, seemingly begging for you to take another sip. The West Coast style IPA with a Michigan Twist has hints of pine and a citrus aroma. Whether you worked up a sweat kayaking one of Michigan's many rivers, or mowing your lawn, Crooked Tree IPA is the perfect way to quench your thirst.
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
Brewery Vivant Big Red Coq Belgo-American Red Ale
Maybe you have a great sense of humor, or maybe you just love Belgo-American style Red Ale's. Either way, Big Red Coq is the one for you! This Ale is as sweet as the Michigan sun, with notes of pineapple, mango, and caramel. With just one sip, you will be transported to somewhere warm and sunny, no matter the weather in your part of The Mitten!
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Photo by Benj Shapiro
Short's Brewing Chatterbox American Pale Ale
This fun, updated American Pale Ale is going to be the drink of your dreams. This true pale ale is a gorgeous color, and offers floral aromas at first sniff. With one taste you can tell that hops are front and center in this brew, partnered with toasty aromas from malt, and citrusy undertones hidden within the glass. This beer is perfectly balanced between sweet and bitter.
Share a bottle with a friend and you will undoubtedly create a chatterbox who won't be able to stop talking about this amazing brew!