Spring is one of the best times of the year in Michigan, simply because things defrost. We can shed a few layers of outerwear, stop shivering and start smiling because the birds are chirping, the sun is coming out, and those hideous piles of snow are melting.
Another reason to smile? Spring seasonal beers are being released! Nothing puts a smile on my face better than drinking a beer in the warm sunshine, and while patio season may be a little while off still, I can tell you that I’ve already indulged in a brew on an open air patio on one unseasonably warm day already this month.
If you’re looking for a few new spring beers to try, either while you’re out and about on the town, or in the form of a six-pack, try one of the following:
Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, is hosting a release party for its Strawberry Blonde on Tuesday, April 7 at the Microbrewery, located at 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti.
Strawberry Blonde is a refreshing medium-bodied beer with bursts of citrus, perfect for the changing of seasons. If you enjoy it, be sure to head back for the Uskratch Maibock release party on Tuesday, May 5. Sure, it’s a different type of beer (a lager with notes of honey and a dry finish), but who can resist a party honoring another variety of local beer?
Arcadia Ales, 103 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, has already released its spring seasonal, Whitsun. If you enjoy wheat beer with a hint of orange, you’ll be a happy camper. While you might not find yourself in Battle Creek too often, you can find this one at your local grocery store and on tap around town.
Atwater Brewery, 237 Joseph Campau St., Detroit, brews and releases Mai Bock for spring, a German bock with malty sweetness. Don’t miss out on the Atwater Tap Takeover, happening at Grand Trunk Pub, 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit, on Wednesday, March 25.
On a similar note, head to Atwater in the Park, 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park, to enjoy a fruity Mango Wheat on tap.
Bell’s Brewery, 8938 Krum Ave., Galesburg, has been going through some tough times as of late media-wise, but I’m sure a little controversy won’t keep dedicated Oberon fans from sipping. Oberon Day is today, after all!
To kick off the fun, midnight tapping parties took place at Conor O’Neill’s in Ann Arbor, One Eyed Betty’s in Ferndale, and Ashley’s in Ann Arbor. Launch parties are also taking place today at Oak Cafe in Wyandotte and Union Woodshop in Clarkston.
This citrusy wheat ale is the definition of warm weather for a lot of dedicated Bell’s fans such as myself.
Dark Horse Brewing Co., 511 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall, may not be as close to home as some others on this list, but you’ll find six-packs at places like Whole Foods, and beer flowing on taps at many local bars. Sapient Trip Ale is available now through the end of the summer, so you’ve got plenty of warm days ahead to sip this Belgian style triple. Another option is Smells Like A Safety Meeting, which is available April through July. If you like IPAs, you’ll enjoy this beer.
Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, is a great microbrewery on the west side of the state, and luckily for us Metro Detroiters, we can order some on tap at plenty of places in the D, or buy in stores. While I had the pleasure of visiting the brewery earlier this month, sipping on this side of the state will have to do for now.
Rubaeus is Founders’ springtime release, which is available April through September. It’s both sweet and tart, and very fruity.
Griffin Claw Brewing Company, 575 S. Eton St., Birmingham, is always brewing up something new, no matter the season. If you’re not a fan of the brewery’s Facebook page, change that now! It’s imperative to keep up with all of the latest releases.
The one that I’m so eager to try is the new Beechwood Aged Pumpkin Peach Ale. Sure, pumpkin makes you think “fall” (and perhaps Beechwood now rings Brooklyn hipster “Budweiser”), but pumpkin is technically a fruit, which just screams “spring.” It’s a taproom exclusive, so get there before it’s gone!
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, releases Biere de Mars for spring, a sour beer that aims to “welcome in a wealth of warmer weather.” Did ya’ll say warmer weather? Bring it on!
Keep in mind that the new Jolly Pumpkin location in Midtown is slated to open in April, as well.
Short’s Brewing Company, 121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire, is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year with a party in April. If you can’t make it to Bellaire, there’s no better way to honor the occasion than by tipping back a few Short’s brews on the homefront.
Short’s has a Spring Variety Pack with Counterculture Common (a dark lager), The Village Reserve (a medium bodied hoppy brew), Ester (an extra pale ale) and Sustenance Black Beer (a dark lager). There are several specialty releases throughout the spring months, including Moher Stout and Superfluid in March, Freedom of ’78 and Bludgeon Yer Eye in April, and Anniversary Ale and Dan’s Pink Skirt in May.
No matter what your beer of choice is this spring, clink your glass with your fellow Metro Detroit beer drinker. We can all appreciate the wonderful aspects that the spring season brings: opening day, beautiful weather and overall, increased morale. Cheers to that!
The system wirelessly charges one mobile device. Some devices require an adaptor or back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, visit my.chevrolet.com/learn for details.
Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. / Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Intellibeam Headlamps. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Available on all trims and standard on RS and Premier including 3.6L V6 engine.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Not compatible with all devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2. Whichever comes first, in addition to any remaining original factory Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
3. Whichever comes first, from original in-service date. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
4. During your powertrain limited warranty period, 6 years or 100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery, whichever comes first. Roadside assistance provided by Allstate. See dealer for details.
Available on LS, LT, ACTIV and RS trims.
OnStar plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal required. OnStar links to emergency services. Stolen Vehicle Assistance requires armed GM factory-installed theft-deterrent system, contact method on file and enrollment to receive alerts. Additional messaging and data rates may apply. Services are intended to assist with vehicle recovery and do not prevent theft or protect against damage or loss. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified lessees with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,779 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
Lease is for 2021 Silverado Custom Crew Cab with 2.7L Turbo engine and 20” wheels. 24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $3,109 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,799 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 1/4/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,079 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
36 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,679 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $4,719 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,159 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $939 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Uniroyal
Ad, written estimate, or internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during 30 day guarantee period for price match. At participating dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/21.
Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
(At participating dealers only. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/20.)
Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Must purchase and install at a participating Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealer located in the United States or U.S. territories during the offer period. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate per service performed per date and vehicle. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of debit card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for complete details, eligible parts and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit three $5 wiper rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit two brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Must purchase at a participating U.S. GM dealership. Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. See participating U.S. dealer or mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 2/29/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 1/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit four $10 GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Brake Rotor rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $939 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
OR $100 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$200 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $70 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$140 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $50 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$100 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
1 Based on retail registrations in the Detroit designated market area, through June 2019.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 Excludes GM vehicles.
2 Class is Half-Ton Full-Size Pickup segment.
1 Premier model shown seats up to eight. Nine-passenger seating available on LS models only, with available front-row split-bench seat.
2 With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
3 With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. Requires 2WD and available Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone, and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Based on GM Large SUV segment. With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: Tahoe 2WD 15/22, 4WD 15/21.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 With rear seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).
3 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android(TM) 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Always use seat belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner’s Manual for more information.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
2 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 EPA-estimated 259-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2 Charging rate varies based on output of the charge unit, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
1Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
1 Based on initial vehicle movement. Coupe models with available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.
please update disclaimer
1Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
1. App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.
1 2WD diesel models. 4×4 diesel models except ZR2 have 7,600 lbs. of towing capability. ZR2 diesel models have 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. Requires available Z82 Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2 EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway for Colorado 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine.
1 Colorado 2WD with available 3.6L V6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, LT, Custom Trail Boss, Custom, Work Truck
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).