Motor City Sips: Best Beers For Summer

June 28, 2024
Closeup of two glasses of beer on terrace table with evening sun shining through them. Relaxation, food and drink concept with copy space.

Summer is the perfect time to explore the refreshing and unique beer offerings from Metro Detroit’s vibrant brewing scene. From fruity ales to crisp lagers, these local breweries have crafted the perfect summer sips to enjoy under the sun. Here’s a look at some of the best summer beers from five standout spots. Drink up, summer’s here!

ROCHESTER MILLS BEER COMPANY

400 Water Street, Rochester

Rochester Mills Brewing Company is renowned for its diverse selection of craft beers. This summer, Wolf Pack IPA is a must-try. This beer is a twist on a West Coast IPA and features a citrus flavor profile perfect for hot summer days. It has a low ABV at just 3% with notes of pineapple, orange, and lemongrass. Another favorite is the Nitro Vanilla Cream Ale, a perfectly creamy treat. This brew has no lactose, a low IBU, and is finished with Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste for your enjoyment.

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BATCH BREWING COMPANY

1400 Porter Street, Detroit

Located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, Batch Brewing Company is known for its innovative and eclectic brews. This summer, their Beer Slushee is a standout. Made with Batch’s Gose, fruit puree, and simple syrup, it’s a delightfully cool option for a hot day. Cucumber Cabana is a refreshing Gose brewed with lime peel, a hint of watermelon, and cucumber (of course). Don’t forget about Sun-Kissed Citrus Wheat for a fruit wheat brewed with citrus notes (tangerine and mango) along with rolled oats. Grab a brew, and sit back and enjoy some live music and the wonderful weather on the patio. 

JAMEX BREWING CO.

21721 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores

Jamex Brewing Company offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere along with a stellar lineup of beers. Their Honey Lager is a new favorite, brewed with wildflower honey and flowered with jasmine flowers, creating a perfect blend for nights on the patio. If you’re looking for an IPA with a good balance of hops and malt, Don’t Be Selfish features lime, citrus, passionfruit, and mango notes. Check out Jamex for a brew and trivia nights or live music. 

GRAND TRUNK PUB

612 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Grand Trunk Pub not only offers a great selection of beers but also a sense of history and charm. This summer, Prolonged Enjoyment is a top choice. Brewed in Elk Rapids, this IPA takes your senses outdoors with its grass, pine, and citrus fragrances. Slightly bitter, this leaves a dry finish and pine notes. True Blue Bear is a go-to, a classic wheat brew with blueberries from True Blue Farms in South Haven. Other great seasonal choices include Big Lake Camper, Tangelo Dream, and Lager For The Lakes. Pair any of these with one of its delicious pub dishes or enjoy on its own as you soak up the summer vibes in the heart of the city.

BLAKE FARMS

5600 Van Dyke Avenue, Almont

17985 Armada Center Road, Armada

While Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada is best known for its apple picking and donuts in the fall, its cider and beer selection is equally impressive year-round. At its Tap Rooms, you can find its craft beers on tap, like Buck 40, West Coast Bender IPA with wheat and caramel malt with a pine and citrus fragrance, and Cinnamon Donut Stout, brewed with cold brew coffee and Blake’s fresh cinnamon donuts. Its ciders on tap also stand out, with options like Watermelon Heat Wave, Triple Jam, Peach Party, and more. On a warm day, any of Blake’s craft beverages can satisfy.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 3, 2020.  

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