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Craft beer isn’t for everyone. Acquired taste and all that. That being said, those that like it, love it. There’s something about taking a sip of a new batch that tickles a lot of sense. That isn’t so surprising when you remember that our senses are tied to our memories and vice versa. If you grew up in the Great Lake State, the arrival of fall might elicit feelings of closeness, comfort and warmth (despite the drop in temperature). And if you’re a purveyor of craft beer, being able to drink something that mirrors those feelings is a match made in hoppy Heaven.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the fall craft beer releases Michigan brewers have in store for us in metro Detroit. Photo Courtesy of Josh Smith at Bell’s Brewery. One look at the list of upcoming batches of beer from Bell’s Brewery and it’s hard to not call the Kalamazoo brewery one of the most prolific in Michigan. Loyal fans of Bell’s will know Best Brown Ale as a staple fall beer from Bell’s. It combines hints of caramel and cocoa for a flavor that complements the cooling temperatures of a Michigan fall. Other noteworthy brews being released this fall include Octoberfest, Expedition Stout, Hell Hath No Fury…Ale, Roundhouse and Third Coast Old Ale in September and Arabicadabra in October. Photo courtesy of Saugatuck Brewing Company vice president Kerry O’Donohue. As misleading as it sounds, Saugatuck Brewing Company is actually located just south of Saugatuck in Douglas. Worry not; their beer won’t mislead you. New this fall is their Pumpkin Chai brew, which is exactly what it sounds like; an ale brewed with herbal chai tea and pumpkin. According to the website, it’s available beginning late summer while supplies last. With just one fall release, New Holland Brewing Co. likes to keep its seasonal releases lean and mean. Named after the fictional character and protagonist of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod is a pumpkin ale made with barley, real pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. First brewed in 1997, Ichabod Ale has become a mainstay of New Holland beer in the fall. Photo Courtesy of Founders Brewing Co. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Founders has just a few brews being released this fall. The first is Green Zebra, an interesting blend of watermelon and sea salt, and this year’s brew for ArtPrize, an independently organized Michigan art competition. That brings us to Mosaic Promise, a single hop ale and a former ArtPrize brew. Both are available now, but October is when you will be able to find Breakfast Stout — a mixture of oats, bitter, imported chocolates and two types of coffee. Good morning, indeed. The aptly named Autumn Ale is Short’s Brewing Company’s flagship fall beer (say that five times fast). It’s an English-style Extra Special Bitter ale with a medium body and an amber color. In 2006 it won the silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Also available this fall is The Double Magician, a double London-style red ale. A quick sniff and you’ll find an aroma of toffee, light citrus and a hint of roast. Remember to drink responsibly and plan ahead with a designated driver or take advantage of one of these local designated driving services.
Bell’s Brewery
Saugatuck Brewing Co.
New Holland Brewing Co.
Founders Brewing Co.
Short’s Brewing Co.
