Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Brewing Co.
This is Michigan! When the leaves start turning, we know it’s time to bust out the old flannels, grow out our beards and commit to four months of nothing but dark, heavy winter brew. But when the thaw comes, we join in a collective sigh of relief; because as we shed our layers and welcome Mr. Sun back into our lives, so too, do we celebrate a welcomed change in the content of our beer runs. Stouts, porters, begone! Now that spring has arrived, it’s high time we take a look at craft beer on tap from some of the finest breweries in Michigan.
House Gose – Eastern Market Brewing Company, Detroit
Sours are in. If you’re yet to foray into the realm of this ultra-refreshing, thirst-quenching family of beer, this is a great place to start. Easy-drinking and tart, it’s an option even your I-don’t-drink-beer friends may be surprised to love. If you’re looking for a fruitier twist, try the Passionfruit or Blood Orange Mimosa Gose.
Slower Roller IPA – Arvon Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
This New England IPA has the hops you crave with a refreshing citrus finish. No need to go overboard with pine-forest level bitterness. The name says it all. Kick back and take your time with this one.
El Ligero Mexican Style Lager w/ Lime – Griffin Claw Brewing Company, Birmingham
A year into the pandemic, can you even fathom ordering a beer donning the name of history’s greatest public health crisis? Griffin Claw’s got you covered with a local alternative to Corona. Don’t worry about asking for a lime – it’s already in there.
Whango, Atwater Brewery
Your one-way ticket to a tropical paradise. This mango-infused selection from Atwater Brewery pleases just about every palette. Not too sweet, not too bitter. A perfect beer for those warm spring and summer days in Michigan.
Orange Whip IPA, Rochester Mills Beer Co
Back by popular demand, this creamsicle-esque brew taps into childhood nostalgia while providing an adult alternative to the legendary ice pop. It’s an IPA, so you still get the bitter hops you know and love, just with an added bonus.
Psychedelic Cat Grass, Shorts Brewing Co
Make no mistake, there’s nothing wrong with buying a beer for the cool can design. Fortunately, this one is equally impressive once you crack it open. Notes of mango, pineapple and grapefruit complement the triple dry-hopped treatment, creating a flavor profile that is complex but totally refreshing.
If You’re Willing to Go the Extra Mile…
Key Lime Pie Mylk – Rake Beer Project, Muskegon
Muskegon meets Miami in this atomic milkshake sour. Conditioned on key limes, vanilla and graham crackers, it’s basically pie in a can. Who says you have to wait ‘til dessert?
Slow Up Pilsner – Transient Artisan Ales, Bridgman
So, you want beer beer. Like, a no-fuss, just gimme-a-beer, beer. Pilsner is your weapon of choice. Native to Germany and the Czech Republic, it’s the foundation of many domestics and a reference for tastes worldwide. But just because you want simple doesn’t mean you should settle for mass-produced, watery beer. Slow Up from Transient Artisan Ales in Bridgman, Michigan will satisfy your most basic beer cravings while providing body unmatched by 24-pack cans this spring season.
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Remember to drink responsibly and plan ahead with a designated driver or take advantage of one of these local designated driving services.