tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32877311885432198522024-03-18T00:46:33.743-04:00All the Brews Fit to Pint"One could argue that Ann Arbor is the nucleation point of Michigan craft beer." — Rex Halfpenny, <i>Michigan Beer Guide</i><br><br>
Beer news, views, and events from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and beyond, with your humble correspondent, David BardallisDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-10438744709137232172019-07-06T17:30:00.000-04:002019-07-07T11:56:45.382-04:00Helles Bock to Be Tapped at "Summer in Bavaria" Event at Grizzly Peak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzKcLGES54bMg32SuPZh1gld3gzrFHZeET-0O62TgXyXb_YTjhV8H6jGoMXEFp5qobGeunPWufXvkvH83WIV2TKehvfHEY8shdiub8jNm-8j2WAdLQgPlUmtBFyZxmS2Ji-k3z5dhvzJm/s1600/20190517_144736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzKcLGES54bMg32SuPZh1gld3gzrFHZeET-0O62TgXyXb_YTjhV8H6jGoMXEFp5qobGeunPWufXvkvH83WIV2TKehvfHEY8shdiub8jNm-8j2WAdLQgPlUmtBFyZxmS2Ji-k3z5dhvzJm/s400/20190517_144736.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer and Duncan sharing a well earned post-brew brew. Photo courtesy Duncan Williams.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.grizzlypeak.net/" target="_blank">Grizzly Peak</a> head brewer <b>Duncan Williams</b> has been teaming up with local homebrewers to collaborate on some cool new brews. His most recent partner-in-beer is longtime <a href="https://aabg.org/" target="_blank">Ann Arbor Brewers Guild</a> member <b>Spencer Thomas</b>. You can get a taste of their collaborative beer, a helles bock, at the "Summer in Bavaria" release party on Tuesday, July 9, at 6 p.m. in the Grizzly Den. Try the beer, talk to the brewers, and, if you're so inclined, get a tour of the brewery. Prost!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-75054857663818723442019-02-11T11:00:00.000-05:002019-02-11T11:04:16.064-05:00Edelbrau Brewing Announces Grand Opening<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv3o2SEuEOh6kzZIhm2tfs2NnqKL99YZHx3sFt4U3mGzNbgxYdpi81Hg2Rfml6GyrvDahQGVpB3ad5nrBPFjQw9GzlhMP_wSKyT1BFa33ynB7S1CTxlyCTJ-CY9__yREUINiMVbQ6Xf-c/s1600/edelbrau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv3o2SEuEOh6kzZIhm2tfs2NnqKL99YZHx3sFt4U3mGzNbgxYdpi81Hg2Rfml6GyrvDahQGVpB3ad5nrBPFjQw9GzlhMP_wSKyT1BFa33ynB7S1CTxlyCTJ-CY9__yREUINiMVbQ6Xf-c/s400/edelbrau.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owner and brewer Teo Ahlbrandt-Watson (center) and comrades are ready to sell you beer.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.edelbraubrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Edelbrau Brewing</a>, on Ann Arbor's south side, is officially opening its doors to the public beginning Friday, February 15, according to owner and brewer <b>Teo Ahlbrandt-Watson</b>.<br />
<br />
For now, it's a beer-to-go only retail operation, with cans of <b>Amber Ale</b>, <b>American Pale Ale</b>, <b>Edelbrau IPA</b>, <b>Helles</b>, <b>Imperial IPA Citra</b>, and <b>Oat Malt Brown Ale</b> (and t-shirts and other gear) available for purchase, while supplies last. At some point in the future, Edelbrau plans on adding distilled products to the lineup.<br />
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Ahlbrandt-Watson is a veteran of the Michigan brewing scene, with previous stints at <a href="https://arborbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing</a> and <a href="http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/" target="_blank">Dark Horse Brewing</a>, as well as consulting gigs with <a href="https://bighartbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Big Hart Brewing</a> and <a href="https://www.bier-camp.com/" target="_blank">Biercamp</a>, among other breweries. He also has an advanced degree in microbiology from Eastern Michigan University. You can read more about Edelbrau, Teo, and his philosophy in <a href="https://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2017/01/old-world_beer_styles_on_tap_a.html" target="_blank">this 2017 article</a> from <i>The Ann Arbor News</i>.<br />
<br />
Edelbrau's retail room is in an industrial park at 719 W. Ellsworth Rd., and has limited hours for now: Friday, 5:30 - 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-52145211061435789512019-01-23T18:56:00.000-05:002019-01-23T18:56:06.794-05:00Wolverine Names New Head Brewer; Oliver Roberts to Start New Brewery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP0OGXsZ4PWR4lxLVz2XYHh75-39w3kLSPobd0jaAw2XdaPvxdB441a0jfznEF15bIgpW8cwMWXhe8jwfuSBYe8Ay1fjXJQxXG3jfyrpqpBgyS_7tt1oBR6Z6ZgSeiILXIUi7iXXYFeXQ/s1600/P1060118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP0OGXsZ4PWR4lxLVz2XYHh75-39w3kLSPobd0jaAw2XdaPvxdB441a0jfznEF15bIgpW8cwMWXhe8jwfuSBYe8Ay1fjXJQxXG3jfyrpqpBgyS_7tt1oBR6Z6ZgSeiILXIUi7iXXYFeXQ/s400/P1060118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get a picture of Oliver because I don't have one of Alexis.</td></tr>
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It's the end of an era. <a href="http://www.wolverinebeer.com/">Wolverine State Brewing</a> has announced its longtime head brewer, <b>Oliver Roberts</b>, is leaving at the end of February and will be succeeded by <b>Alexis Jorgensen</b>, formerly of <a href="https://www.stonebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing</a> and <a href="https://www.witchshatbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Witch's Hat Brewing</a>.<br />
<br />
I first met Oliver back in 2010 at – as I recall – the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival. Wolverine was getting ready to open its taproom but the only product anyone in my circle had ever had from them was their <b>Premium Lager</b>, which at the time was contract brewed and bottled at the now-defunct Michigan Brewing Co. in Webberville. Truth be told, I did not like that beer nor did I know anyone who had tried it who did.<br />
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When Oliver offered me the first (as far as I know) Wolverine-brewed beer, a Baltic porter confusingly named <b>Faustian Stout</b>, my taste buds danced with joy. I told everyone I knew to put aside their impressions of Premium Lager and give the new brewery a chance. Ever since, I've rarely – maybe even never – been disappointed with any Wolverine beer.<br />
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Oliver is planning on opening his own brewery, up in gorgeous <a href="http://www.villageofbeulah.org/" target="_blank">Beulah</a>. I hope to have a chance to catch up with him before he goes to get more details. I'll miss seeing him around, but I trust Alexis and the team at Wolverine will carry on the tradition of finely crafted lagers Wolverine has become renowned for.<br />
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Anyway, here's the official press release:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Wolverine State Brewing Co is pleased to announce that it has named Alexis Jorgensen as Wolverine’s next Head Brewer and Production Manager. Jorgensen will succeed Oliver Roberts, who currently holds the position, when he steps down at the end of February.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jorgensen is a current employee at Wolverine State Brewing Co., most recently serving as its primary Assistant Brewer. In that role she has displayed “an impressive depth of knowledge, along with a strong work ethic and a refreshing burst of creativity,” according to company president <b>Matt Roy</b>. “As a true believer in Wolverine’s lager-focused approach to craft beer, Alexis is an ideal candidate to continue the work of pushing the limits of what lager can be.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jorgensen’s career in the craft beer industry includes prior positions at Witch’s Hat Brewing in South Lyon, Michigan, Stone Brewing in California, and <a href="http://www.begylebrewing.com/home/" target="_blank">Begyle Brewing</a> in Chicago. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wolverine’s current head brewer and production manager, Oliver Roberts, has served in that role since prior to the opening of the brewery in Ann Arbor in 2010. He will be leaving Wolverine at the end of February to start a brewery outside of Traverse City, Michigan. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The two brewers are working together in the interim to ensure a smooth transition for the<br />company, its employees, and its customers. “The collaboration between Oliver and Alexis is terrific,” observed Roy. “We’re really fortunate to have two people so focused on making sure we don’t miss a beat during this transition.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wolverine State Brewing Co. was founded in 2006 by longtime friends and Ann Arborites, Matt Roy and <b>Trevor Thrall</b>. Production began at 2019 W. Stadium in early 2010 under the direction of Brewmaster Oliver Roberts, and the taproom opened at that same location later in 2010. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wolverine State, the leader of the Lager Revolution, specializes in creating balanced, unique, and innovative lagers, and boasts a portfolio of more than 200 varieties.</blockquote>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-77375722227171524572018-10-15T16:30:00.000-04:002018-10-15T16:58:24.138-04:00Celebrate Halloween with a Beer Dinner or Three<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj7258PEZ0474970BwHb-XRPjIM5GYX5e34mM-WoAK0hjqGuOaZYd45SI7PaOVUZKZs6Widid3p-F6nTXjdv5CUvjzqz5tGSsHLuLiHcGHEZ2E7YqdGTyIDeQkTHxXMiIk8W_LC_5Exyd/s1600/IMAG0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj7258PEZ0474970BwHb-XRPjIM5GYX5e34mM-WoAK0hjqGuOaZYd45SI7PaOVUZKZs6Widid3p-F6nTXjdv5CUvjzqz5tGSsHLuLiHcGHEZ2E7YqdGTyIDeQkTHxXMiIk8W_LC_5Exyd/s400/IMAG0034.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey, Bob, when is the food coming out? I'm wasting away here!"</td></tr>
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Fall in Michigan is in full swing, and that means a couple things: harvest time and Halloween. Also, beer. Three area eateries are blending all these things together in ticketed events coming up later this October.<br />
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First up is the <a href="http://fillmorebarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">Fillmore Bar and Grill</a> (formerly Terry B's) in Dexter and their Halloween-themed beer dinner on October 24. Tickets are $50 and include five courses and a welcome beer. Pairings include brews from <a href="https://arborbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing</a>, <a href="http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/" target="_blank">Dark Horse</a>, <a href="http://www.jollypumpkin.com/jp/home" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin</a>, <a href="https://newhollandbrew.com/" target="_blank">New Holland</a>, <a href="http://www.northpeakbeer.com/nb/index" target="_blank">North Peak</a>, and <a href="https://www.witchshatbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Witch's Hat</a>. Call 734-426-3727 to reserve your place, and take a look at the full menu <a href="http://fillmorebarandgrill.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Halloween-Michigan-Craft-Beer-Diner-Business-FLier.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (warning: pdf).<br />
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On October 25, the <a href="http://carlylegrill.com/" target="_blank">Carlyle Grill</a> in Ann Arbor is hosting a four-course dinner with beers from <a href="https://www.wolverinebeer.com/home" target="_blank">Wolverine State Brewing Co.</a> The menu hasn't been published, but you can get tickets (for $35) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carlyle-grill-wolverine-state-brewing-co-beer-dinner-tickets-50914444474" target="_blank">here</a>. (On a side note, Wolverine's release party for their <b>Massacre Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Lager</b> is October 27 at the taproom.)<br />
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Finally, <a href="http://ollieypsi.com/" target="_blank">Ollie Food + Spirits</a> in Ypsilanti is teaming up with <a href="http://www.bellsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Bell's Brewery</a> for an October 29 Halloween beer dinner. Four courses of harvest-inspired food will be paired with such brews as <b>Larry's Latest Fruit Ale</b>, <b>Two Hearted Ale</b>, <b>Arabicadabra Coffee Milk Stout</b>, <b>Third Coast Ale</b>, and <b>Black Note Stout</b>. Tickets are $45 (or $80 for two) and can be purchased <a href="https://www.eventbee.com/v/olliefoodandspirits/event?eid=101770922#/tickets" target="_blank">here</a>.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-25454904276897028042018-10-02T09:30:00.000-04:002018-10-02T09:50:52.658-04:00Wolverine Brings Home Two Medals from the 2018 GABF<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container tr_bq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf71g24tc18ULXXZaKRwPeQiypy8-GMcuEmbSVtG6uiXZ6eAlkF3nQI0RmPp6QbMoge-FFimmYiCl58g9Q6oyB8NiVbr4c6bUdoDiri_BgEynXDmNQQCDaG1X1ZsVHJsu1Ydp0L8se19Bw/s1600/wolverine_wbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="555" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf71g24tc18ULXXZaKRwPeQiypy8-GMcuEmbSVtG6uiXZ6eAlkF3nQI0RmPp6QbMoge-FFimmYiCl58g9Q6oyB8NiVbr4c6bUdoDiri_BgEynXDmNQQCDaG1X1ZsVHJsu1Ydp0L8se19Bw/s400/wolverine_wbc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolverine's brewing team is no stranger to awards.</td></tr>
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By now, you've probably heard the news. Here's the official press release from the horse's mouth:<br />
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<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.wolverinebeer.com/">Wolverine State Brewing Co.</a> is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two medals in this year’s <a href="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/" target="_blank">Great American Beer Festival</a> competition: a silver medal for <b>NZ Pils</b> and a bronze medal for <b>Raucher Smoked Lager</b>. Presented by the <a href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/" target="_blank">Brewers Association</a>, the GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The medals were awarded on Saturday, September 22, in Denver, Colorado. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
NZ Pils is a delicate pilsner recipe made with light colored European malts and 100% Nelson Sauvin Hops from New Zealand. The unique light fruit and white wine character of these New Zealand hops helps give this lager a distinguishable hop profile compared to traditional pilsners. The beer was developed by Brewmaster <b>Oliver Roberts</b> in 2017. It is being brewed this week and will be available in the taproom soon. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Raucher is a smoked lager built on a base of German Beechwood smoked malt. True to its style, it boasts a balanced profile of smoke, malt sweetness, and hop bitterness. The beer was developed by Brewmaster Oliver Roberts in 2015. It is currently available in the Tap Room. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The medals constitute the second and third for Wolverine State in the GABF. Past awards for the brewery include a gold medal at the GABF in 2016, a bronze medal in the <a href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/" target="_blank">World Beer Cup</a> in 2016 and several medals from the <a href="https://www.worldexpoofbeer.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">World Expo of Beer</a>. That medal count is composed of 23 medals in a wide variety of categories, including a full category sweep of the Euro Malty Lager category in 2018. <b>Gulo Gulo IPL</b> was also named one of <a href="https://draftmag.com/" target="_blank">DRAFT magazine</a>’s Top 25 Beers of 2013. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The Great American Beer Festival takes place every year. This year, over 2,400 breweries entered beers into competition. Of the 8,496 beers entered, 306 were awarded medals. Wolverine State’s medals were two of nine medals awarded to Michigan breweries. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Wolverine State Brewing Co. was founded in 2006 by longtime friends and Ann Arborites <b>Matthew Roy</b> and <b>Trevor Thrall</b>. Production began at 2019 W. Stadium in early 2010 under the direction of Brewmaster Oliver Roberts, and the Tap Room opened at that same location later in 2010. Wolverine State, the leader of the Lager Revolution, specializes in creating balanced, unique, and innovative lagers, and boasts a portfolio of more than 200 varieties.</blockquote>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-54933182100884754112018-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:002018-09-19T12:00:26.619-04:00Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen Opens in Dexter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container tr_bq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pj5wtrL5JO90RwNOQT36kHPE9dgJeLyXJ4Kzzj7pdjhyphenhyphenTSmkueW1Bsx1A_BJvTsRORLYlc0sKNtuvRAp92aRzyW9zf2O_dVgFBUg4QwlPcO0BbBF42g7iGNug3ZpWdIAmopXh-H7jx7s/s1600/JP%252BKitchen%252Bwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="496" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pj5wtrL5JO90RwNOQT36kHPE9dgJeLyXJ4Kzzj7pdjhyphenhyphenTSmkueW1Bsx1A_BJvTsRORLYlc0sKNtuvRAp92aRzyW9zf2O_dVgFBUg4QwlPcO0BbBF42g7iGNug3ZpWdIAmopXh-H7jx7s/s400/JP%252BKitchen%252Bwings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JollyPumpkinArtisanAlesandKitchen.com</td></tr>
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Peep this important press release that came in over the transom:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
The latest <a href="http://www.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin</a> location opened its doors Thursday, September 6, at their production brewery in Dexter. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Unique from the rest of the company’s portfolio, <a href="https://www.jollypumpkinartisanalesandkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen</a> will focus on seasonal fare and have a rotating menu that will change every month or so. A variety of cultural influences will be reflected on the menu. Chef <b>Maggie Long</b> recently traveled to South Korea to work alongside the culinary staff at <a href="https://www.playgroundbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Playground Brewery</a>, an affiliate brewery of Jolly Pumpkin. The menu will showcase some Korean fusion with items like Deviled Eggs with kimchi and bacon, and Korean BBQ Pizza. Vegetarian options will be plentiful on the menu, including shareable items like Beet “Elote” and a Kabbouleh Salad, or entree items like a Shiitake “Chorizo” Taco. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Naturally, the menu will also lend itself to beer pairings. The 30 taps currently in place at the brewery’s existing taproom will continue to pour the freshest and most current <a href="http://brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales</a>, <a href="http://www.northpeakbeer.com/" target="_blank">North Peak</a> brews, and <a href="https://nomadcidery.com/" target="_blank">Nomad</a> ciders. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
“Opening a restaurant here in Dexter has been a long time coming. Maggie does such a phenomenal job in the kitchen and we are so happy she will be in Dexter,” said Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Co-Founder <b>Laurie Jeffries</b>. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
“For me, this means so much because it’s all coming full circle,” shared Chef Maggie Long. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Long started with Mission Restaurant Group at Grizzly Peak in the late '90s, where <b>Ron Jeffries</b> was the brewer at the time. Ron and his wife Laurie went on to open Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and Maggie eventually became the head chef at <a href="http://www.jollypumpkin.com/jp/ann-arbor-brewery" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery</a> in Ann Arbor. “I’m excited to be joining Ron and Laurie in Dexter. It feels like I’m coming home. With this new restaurant, I look forward to becoming part of the community here,” said Long. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. -11 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. The restaurant is fast casual and features a pool table, shuffleboard, and games for kids. The new restaurant will host weekly trivia nights, showcase local sporting events on TV, and have an event space for parties or private events. Mug Club members, of the existing Null Taphouse and Bottleshop, will continue to receive the same membership benefits.</blockquote>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-77693532104597920352018-09-18T13:30:00.000-04:002018-09-18T13:51:51.222-04:00Celebrate Oktoberfest in Downtown Ann Arbor September 28-29<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-_spUzwMQEpRhu0Rn1hP63bskjE7zhCQFwuZH5n_K3YOOH__VlrqAvrAojVwdsNoV_oncKgNzF7mNLSRiWNPk8gBYDm2w-WQhrfX9Se_v4cp_h-0u8r5RHMPqhjjCqMFI0enmAsojE41/s1600/greffsoktoberfest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="831" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-_spUzwMQEpRhu0Rn1hP63bskjE7zhCQFwuZH5n_K3YOOH__VlrqAvrAojVwdsNoV_oncKgNzF7mNLSRiWNPk8gBYDm2w-WQhrfX9Se_v4cp_h-0u8r5RHMPqhjjCqMFI0enmAsojE41/s400/greffsoktoberfest.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumor has it that Arbor Brewing founders Matt and Rene Greff will be in town for Oktoberfest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's Oktoberfest time again in Ann Arbor, and that means a party on Washington Street. On September 28-29, the downtown avenue will be blocked off to through traffic so that revelers can enjoy Oktoberfest parties at both <a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/">Arbor Brewing</a> and <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/">Grizzly Peak</a>.<br />
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Arbor's event begins at 5 p.m. Friday outside the brewpub and includes live music from The Rhinelanders (no cover), dancing, games, and German-inspired fare and (duh) beer. The party goes until midnight, and picks up again Saturday at 3 p.m., again going to midnight. Rumor has it that Arbor founders <b>Rene and Matt Greff</b>, currently enjoying a nomadic intercontinental existence, will make an appearance sometime Friday night.<br />
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On the other side of Main Street, Grizzly Peak's bash runs the same hours as Arbor's, and includes live entertainment, games (including giant beer pong!), and – you guessed it – German-style beer and food. This year, Grizzly is offering a limited number of advance VIP tickets: $50 for one day ($75 for both) includes five food/drink tickets (10 for the two-day pass), an Oktoberfest t-shirt and commemorative bracelet, and a souvenir "boot" glass. Call the brewery at 734-741-7325 or stop in to reserve your tickets.<br />
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Prost!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-26867344015931378782018-09-05T15:00:00.000-04:002018-09-05T15:22:29.096-04:00Ashley's Teams Up with Bell's to Celebrate 35th Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsoaSzqVIJFjeTskdotRaD7L98gayDP60_5CZQy0xBWYldED2gDMpPBzvDLNYFv_88hE6Fx8Ql2KvpUcVUIl4gdmL2BeUnxhBEP3OU4m_g4UkVcwWAnrgdmBU2jCD118shzy_FjM_o100/s1600/ashleys35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="960" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsoaSzqVIJFjeTskdotRaD7L98gayDP60_5CZQy0xBWYldED2gDMpPBzvDLNYFv_88hE6Fx8Ql2KvpUcVUIl4gdmL2BeUnxhBEP3OU4m_g4UkVcwWAnrgdmBU2jCD118shzy_FjM_o100/s400/ashleys35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before craft beer was cool, before there was a multi-tap bar on every corner in every city, before many Millennial beer snobs were even born... there was <a href="http://www.ashleys.com/">Ashley's</a> in Ann Arbor. For 35 years, this cozy little campus gem has been slinging suds from around the world, and now they're teaming up with Michigan's largest brewery, <a href="http://www.bellsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Bell's</a>, to host a five-day anniversary celebration September 16-20.<br />
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The fun begins Sunday, September 16, with the 5 p.m. release of <b>Ashley's 35th Anniversary Al</b>e, an imperial oatmeal stout specially brewed by Bell's for the occasion. On Monday, September 17, Bell's will be on hand to help host Sporcle live trivia games at 7 and 8 p.m. and give cool brewery swag to all the big brained people. Tuesday, September 18, brings a ticketed event, Bell's Barrel Aged Flight, from 6-10 p.m. (For more info and to get tickets, which are $20, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bells-barrel-aged-flight-tickets-49663073590?aff=eac2" target="_blank">go here</a>.) On Wednesday, September 19, dig a Bell's Brewery Happy Hour from 6-8 p.m. featuring, for $10, four beer samples paired with various appetizers. Finally, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, there's a yet-to-be-named "mystery tapping," with clues to be provided as the appointed time approaches (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ashleysannarbor/" target="_blank">follow Ashley's on Facebook</a>).<br />
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As if all that weren't enough, 20 different Bell's drafts – including specialties like <b>L'Appel Du Vide Blackberry Ale</b>, <b>Honey Hearted Ale</b>, and <b>Smoked Stout</b> – will be rotating throughout the week. (See the full tap list <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2137596599899894/" target="_blank">here</a>.)Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-81077387725783677142018-08-30T13:00:00.000-04:002018-08-30T13:05:14.428-04:00Grizzly Peak Brewer's Night Returns September 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1JyNz7issOIMjSgmZf_9cAxwRRMG7c2udb0zR0o7Au-0rTppiA9Zbc3-RNHhCjUKwE5Fs3XVKfU53ctepyZ7xqO8rt2k2DRMyDwKE4pr7OJhkKuzWBx6JwHCxAQCn8XLOqdinonFBZXD/s1600/gpbn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="579" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1JyNz7issOIMjSgmZf_9cAxwRRMG7c2udb0zR0o7Au-0rTppiA9Zbc3-RNHhCjUKwE5Fs3XVKfU53ctepyZ7xqO8rt2k2DRMyDwKE4pr7OJhkKuzWBx6JwHCxAQCn8XLOqdinonFBZXD/s400/gpbn1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Following a summer hiatus, Brewer's Night returns to <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/">Grizzly Peak</a> this coming Tuesday, September 4. And it's bigger and better than ever! Not only can you force head brewer <b>Duncan Williams</b> to give you a tour of his workspace, you can enjoy a mug or two of <b>Burton-Brussels Express</b> (aka <b>BBX</b>), a wood-aged and dry-hopped version of Peak mainstay <b>Sheerwater IPA</b>. Even better, if you like it, you can take advantage of the bottle release and bring some home with you for later.<br />
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The fun goes from 6-9 p.m. and includes groovy prizes like t-shirts, hats, glassware, and maybe some other stuff. Feeling peckish? Happy hour food specials run all night. Be there or be... somewhere else. But obviously somewhere else not as cool.<br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-32813185332834763852018-08-27T15:30:00.000-04:002018-08-27T15:33:22.432-04:00Zwanze Day at Jolly Pumpkin Is September 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5KDjpMz0lQt8Smq4QsDGZinkfM_O6IcS8jVdpbQx5_GJinLhngNVLUcXPCCmkhsPJFJnAHW_gPvZLhhRH6CW6kYK56W7oe0Daa_8AptBOt_3It0K7PkaWrTJOUpbRBg8bjQTAkxnF-_A/s1600/zwanze2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="687" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5KDjpMz0lQt8Smq4QsDGZinkfM_O6IcS8jVdpbQx5_GJinLhngNVLUcXPCCmkhsPJFJnAHW_gPvZLhhRH6CW6kYK56W7oe0Daa_8AptBOt_3It0K7PkaWrTJOUpbRBg8bjQTAkxnF-_A/s400/zwanze2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good news, fellow beer dorks! Zwanze Day is returning to <strike>the NULL Taphouse</strike> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jollypumpkindexter/photos/a.263993843774584/1065972613576699/" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen</a> September 29.<br />
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For the third year running, <a href="https://www.cantillon.be/?lang=en" target="_blank">Brasserie Cantillon</a> in Brussels (the city, not the sprouts) has chosen <a href="http://brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter</a> as one of the few, the proud, the sites to host this unique, global event. (If you don’t know what Zwanze Day is or why it’s a big deal, you can read about the past two years’ events <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2016/09/tickets-for-saturdays-zwanze-day-event.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2017/09/jolly-pumpkin-day-of-zwanze-tickets-go.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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Tickets are $100 ($10 for designated driver) and include a commemorative glass and 20 drink tickets (pours are 4 oz). Beers will be available from plenty of awesome breweries, many of whom are not normally seen here in Michigan. The list thus far:<br />
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<ul>
<li>18th Street Brewery</li>
<li>Allagash Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Arbor Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Bagby Beer Co.</li>
<li>Beer Lab HI</li>
<li>Big Island Brewhaus</li>
<li>Birds Fly South Ale Project</li>
<li>Brasserie Cantillon</li>
<li>Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen</li>
<li>Burial Beer Co.</li>
<li>Casey Brewing and Blending</li>
<li>Cloudburst Brewing</li>
<li>Creature Comforts Brewing Co.</li>
<li>E9 Brewery</li>
<li>El Segundo Brewing</li>
<li>Fonta Flora Brewery</li>
<li>Garden Path Fermentation</li>
<li>Gigantic Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Gueuzerie Tilquin</li>
<li>Hill Farmstead Brewery</li>
<li>Holy Mountain Brewing Co.</li>
<li>HOMES Brewery</li>
<li>Honolulu Beer Works</li>
<li>Jackie O's Brewery</li>
<li>Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales</li>
<li>Koholā Brewery</li>
<li>Lanikai Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Maui Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Monkish Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Noble Ale Works</li>
<li>North Peak Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Off Color Brewing</li>
<li>Other Half Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Revelry Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Sante Adairius Rustic Ales</li>
<li>Scratch Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Stillwater Artisanal</li>
<li>Speciation Artisan Ales</li>
<li>The Lost Abbey</li>
<li>The Rare Barrel</li>
<li>Tired Hands Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Transient Artisan Ales</li>
<li>Waikiki Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Yazoo Brewing Co.</li>
</ul>
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Merchandise and food (including vegetarian options) will be available for sale on-site, and gates open at 2:12 p.m., with last call coming at 6:30. The event is outside in the Jolly Pumpkin back lot and will go on rain or shine, but there’s a tent so don’t worry about bringing your poncho. The special Cantillon Zwanze beer begins pouring at 2:45 (first come, first served), and the Zwanze toast is at 3.<br />
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You can get more information and buy tickets <a href="https://www.universe.com/events/7WBXV8?embed=open&ref=universe_facebook_push&eventref=fb_oea" target="_blank">here</a>. All proceeds from the event will be donated to <a href="http://brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">Peace Neighborhood Center</a>.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-38616285280300323622018-08-05T18:00:00.000-04:002018-08-05T18:23:33.783-04:00Road Trippin': Off to the Beer Bloggers Conference in Virginia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvhzS4lQav7qrAzjw9vTVzKAHG6nrEYAd7oUr8KyR6rhqz7gxsPbMSeAAahyI9zoS9Ep05EmUtKDKogHa_MUAd65qIEKihMCeoHMmchD1axaSG6QRXNoVkcXOqwpqylOpMnGyuoIUfNMr/s1600/beers2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvhzS4lQav7qrAzjw9vTVzKAHG6nrEYAd7oUr8KyR6rhqz7gxsPbMSeAAahyI9zoS9Ep05EmUtKDKogHa_MUAd65qIEKihMCeoHMmchD1axaSG6QRXNoVkcXOqwpqylOpMnGyuoIUfNMr/s400/beers2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's offerings from Michigan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We're packing up the beer – and those other trivial things like clothes, toiletries, etc. – in preparation to leave for the 2018 <a href="https://beerbloggersconference.org/" target="_blank">Beer Bloggers and Writers Conference</a>. Yes, this is a thing, and yes, it happens every year, in a different beer-friendly place somewhere in America. This year it's in Loudoun County, Virginia, known for being the "wine country" of Washington, D.C., but apparently it's not too shabby in the beer department either (<a href="https://www.visitloudoun.org/things-to-do/loco-ale-trail/breweries/" target="_blank">two dozen breweries and counting</a>).<br />
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This will be my third time attending the conference, and Amy's second. Much has changed in the world of beer (and beer writing) since my first time at the #BBC (as it's known to all us social mediaites) in 2014 in San Diego (and <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2014/08/dispatches-from-bbc-there-finally-is.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a>), which I was able to attend gratis thanks to the <a href="https://www.nbwa.org/" target="_blank">NBWA</a> and mobilizing enough friends to vote my writing as the bestest (he humblebragged). But what I expect hasn't changed, and won't change, is the fun people and opportunities for learning.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>One thing I'm pretty excited about is the chance to return to the Virginia/Maryland/D.C. area for the first time in nearly 20 years. Needless to say, there wasn't a whole lot going on beerwise during my last visit in 1999. For example, Richmond, where we'll be visiting after the conference proper, had, I think, one brewery, which is no longer there. Today Richmond is recognized among beer dorks as an amazing beer destination. In D.C. itself, there were no breweries at all (unless you count the brewpub <a href="http://districtchophouse.com/" target="_blank">District Chophouse</a>), but ever since <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/" target="_blank">Grizzly Peak</a> veteran <b>Jeff Hancock</b> and co. opened <a href="http://dcbrau.com/" target="_blank">DC Brau</a> in 2011, the floodgates opened, and now there are something like seven or eight just within the confines of the Swamp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGQPEuhG4Ypw5ZSelHQQVWcc_G5lk64qV3EvS6wx_Tn0_ryHSEIyGQ6DA1-hNFQY1U0IuGf8ty2WNQP7XwnVvIOPWCn-6Qy8FXD1VKja4h4llRST6LroImRkUoalBzRN4likKXgpX84xh/s1600/IMAG2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGQPEuhG4Ypw5ZSelHQQVWcc_G5lk64qV3EvS6wx_Tn0_ryHSEIyGQ6DA1-hNFQY1U0IuGf8ty2WNQP7XwnVvIOPWCn-6Qy8FXD1VKja4h4llRST6LroImRkUoalBzRN4likKXgpX84xh/s400/IMAG2400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's conference in Milwaukee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As with <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2017/08/kicking-off-2017-beer-bloggers-and.html" target="_blank">last year's conference</a>, which was in Milwaukee, we're driving out and hoping to hit some spots along the way. The conference organizers have helped us out a lot by booking several pre-conference excursions, including a visit to the <a href="https://www.newguinnessbrewery.com/" target="_blank">new Guinness brewery</a> in Baltimore and an evening at the <a href="https://www.dogfish.com/inn" target="_blank">Dogfish Head Inn</a> in Delaware.<br />
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The conference itself begins Friday, August 10 (following a Thursday night kickoff party at a beer farm! <a href="http://farmbrewlive.com/" target="_blank">No, really</a>). As usual, <a href="https://www.zephyradventures.com/" target="_blank">Zephyr Adventures</a> (the organizers) have assembled a great lineup of speakers, including keynoter <b>Sam Calagione</b> of Dogfish Head fame, and the <a href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/" target="_blank">Brewers Association</a>'s <b>Julia Herz</b>, who always gives the #BBC blessing. There are also some topics I have a particular interest in, including how to drink lagers like a boss, how to deliver negative beer feedback, how to navigate Instagram, and how to start a podcast. We may be so damn inspired Amy and I finally end up founding a media empire when we come home. Or at least a new blog (stay tuned). <br />
<br />
We're also looking forward to seeing friends from around the country we've made at previous conferences. Truly, that's one of the greatest things about this event – meeting others who share the same passion for good beer that we do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1-F-XNjsv1TdnKgZRWRHvQtWqup86rFE92GuLFFSbQq2_gDqHIubmPCwHqDjlRdQxe0piJf6CfIV4RlHu0SVMcftEm-ILzEbAULVwH9bNpjUR1zAyavEu6zBFPUQn4BQfegQJ_jQ9Rrj/s1600/beerbloggers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1-F-XNjsv1TdnKgZRWRHvQtWqup86rFE92GuLFFSbQq2_gDqHIubmPCwHqDjlRdQxe0piJf6CfIV4RlHu0SVMcftEm-ILzEbAULVwH9bNpjUR1zAyavEu6zBFPUQn4BQfegQJ_jQ9Rrj/s400/beerbloggers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Amy, and our friends Chris and Jeff from <a href="https://www.bottlemakesthree.com/" target="_blank">Bottle Makes Three</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Follow our adventures here and via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allthebrews/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and @allthebrews on <a href="https://twitter.com/allthebrews" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. And, if you think of it, say a prayer for our livers!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-49361084714634163812018-07-20T15:30:00.000-04:002018-07-20T15:43:53.277-04:00Eleven-ish Beers to Try at the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GLFygycISsByA8PkY21vT3XWgBxP1TszrWfkxu-qbcMEAbg6jFrO7TlBoA32gau-oqDiHa9eCmB0O6_LH6uX1JuDWFGzeNvTUjnxpOaaQttiHt1aOPJ4u7IvyuN1yZz3x-x84HyooDMx/s1600/agirlnamedegypt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GLFygycISsByA8PkY21vT3XWgBxP1TszrWfkxu-qbcMEAbg6jFrO7TlBoA32gau-oqDiHa9eCmB0O6_LH6uX1JuDWFGzeNvTUjnxpOaaQttiHt1aOPJ4u7IvyuN1yZz3x-x84HyooDMx/s400/agirlnamedegypt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: A Girl Named Egypt Double IPA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’ve never written one of these “Beers I’m Looking Forward to Trying at the XX Festival” posts before, largely because everyone’s tastes and preferences in beer are so diverse – and who, besides me, cares what I like (or think I’ll like), anyway?<br />
<br />
Well, there’s a first time for everything. So here, in no particular order, are some beers I’m looking forward to trying at the 21st Annual <a href="http://www.mibeer.com/summer-festival" target="_blank">Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival</a> next weekend in Ypsilanti. Caveat: The list is a bit biased in favor of me loving good pilsners and local breweries, but, you know, see the paragraph above. Other caveat: There’s more than 11 beers below, but the Rules of Listicle Writing require there be a number in the headline, so here we are.<br />
<a name='more'></a><ol>
<li><b>A Girl Named Egypt Double IPA </b><br />
<i>Arbor Brewing Microbrewery, Ypsilanti</i><br />
Many in the local beer community knew <b>Egypt Covington</b>, a former bartender at Fraser’s Pub; singer; and, until her as-yet-unsolved murder last year, a salesperson with Ann Arbor-based distributor Rave Associates. This dangerously drinkable 9% ABV double IPA was brewed in her memory and includes some of her favorite ingredients like elderflower, passionfruit, and mango.<br />
</li>
<li><b>American Harvest Kolsch</b><br />
<i>American Harvest Brewpub at Schoolcraft College, Livonia</i><br />
Brewed by the students of Schoolcraft’s <a href="https://www.schoolcraft.edu/academics/culinary-arts-brewing-and-distillation-technology/brewing-and-distillation-technology" target="_blank">Brewing and Distillation Technology Program</a>, this crisp, delicious kolsch brought home, among other honors, a silver medal from the 2018 World Beer Cup for good reason.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Postglacial/Proglacial Sour Ale</b><br />
<i>HOMES/Speciation, Ann Arbor/Comstock Park</i> (collaboration)<br />
I was able to try to the Proglacial at the <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2018/06/inaugural-nucleate-beer-festival.html" target="_blank">Nucleate Beer Festival</a> in June here in Ann Arbor, and it was delicious, as one might expect from these two breweries. Ready to try Postglacial now as well!<br />
</li>
<li><b>Dames and the Giant Peach Sour Ale</b><br />
<i>Witch’s Hat, South Lyon</i> (collaboration w/ Fermenta)<br />
All right, this one might make the list just because I love the name (literary puns are the best-est), but a sour collaboration between Witch’s Hat and the ladies of <a href="https://fermentamichigan.org/" target="_blank">Fermenta</a> has to be pretty damn tasty. In fact, it sounds… peachy.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Professional Pils</b><br />
<i>Drafting Table, Wixom</i><br />
As mentioned, I’ve become something of a fiend for a good pilsner, and this one more than lives up to its name. And as an appreciator of fine botanical spirits, I’m looking forward to the gin barrel-aged version as well.<br />
</li>
<li><b>19th Anniversary Pils</b><br />
<i>Rochester Mills, Rochester</i><br />
Pilsner. The Mills. I’m down, man.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Every-damn-thing</b><br />
<i>River’s Edge, Milford</i><br />
River’s Edge is offering <b>Old Town Czech Pilsner</b>, the go-to <b>Milford Pub Ale</b>, the GABF gold medalist <b>Dirty Frank Stout</b>, and nine other intriguing beers including <b>Hurricane in Kingston Rum Barrel Aged Saison</b> w/ lime and ginger, <b>Eyes of the Muse Belgian Grisette</b>, and – for those who want to touch all the bases – <b>Lykov Imperial Stout</b> aged in bourbon, scotch, rum, and brandy barrels.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Edelbrau IPA</b><br />
<i>Edelbrau/Biercamp, Ann Arbor</i> (collaboration)<br />
Edelbrau Brewing, a project on Ann Arbor’s south side, has yet to officially launch, but you can try two of their beers, brewed in collaboration with Biercamp: Edelbrau IPA and <b>Oat Malt Brown Ale</b>. The former, nicknamed “Vielen Dank” (German for “many thanks,” but also mispronounceable as “feelin’ dank”), features <a href="https://beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/yq2r7ePj7z/floor-malting/" target="_blank">floor-malted barley</a> with Citra and Cascade hops. The latter showcases malty oat flavor with hints of blackberry and currant.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Brut IPA</b><br />
<i>Blue Tractor, Ann Arbor</i><br />
The latest goofy fad from the Left Coast is something dubbed Brut IPA, which is basically a thin, dry, effervescent beer reminiscent of Champagne, owing to the use of brewing enzyme amylase. Blue Tractor – along with Arbor, Grand Rapids Brewing, and Lansing Brewing – are all offering their takes. No idea if I’ll like it, but even as a curmudgeonly beer writer I have to sometimes pay a little attention to the fads.<br />
</li>
<li><b>440 Pepper Smoker Amber Ale</b><br />
<i>Original Gravity, Milan</i><br />
</li>
<li><b>Pooh Beer Honey Porter</b><br />
<i>Liberty Street, Plymouth</i><br />
Two local, perennial favorites make this list, too, just because. Pepper Smoker is an exception to my dislike of smoked and/or chili type beers and pairs excellently with seared animal flesh, of which I hope there is an abundance in the food tent. Pooh Beer is, well, honey porter. Need I really say more?</li>
</ol>
To see the full list of beers and breweries, <a href="http://www.mbgmash.org/brewery-beer-list-for-misbf-july-27-28-2018/" target="_blank">go here</a>. See you at the Fest!<br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-71662094078068919822018-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:002018-06-20T08:00:23.576-04:00Inaugural Nucleate Beer Festival Anything But a Sour Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After years of being a beacon of beerdom, from innovative brewpubs and microbreweries to multi-tap bars and beer gardens to a passionate and influential homebrewing community, Ann Arbor has finally added the last missing piece of the puzzle: its very own beer festival.<br />
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On Saturday, June 16, approximately 500 enthusiasts descended on Veterans Park on Ann Arbor's west side for the inaugural Nucleate Beer Festival, an event spearheaded by <a href="http://www.homesbrewery.com/" target="_blank">HOMES Brewery</a> and focused mostly on tart and funky beers from around the country as well as overseas. All told, 25 different breweries were represented. Locally, the fest included both HOMES's own brews as well as those from sour beer pioneer <a href="http://www.jollypumpkin.com/jp/landing-page.html" target="_blank">Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales</a> of Dexter. Beers from further away included the likes of <a href="https://jesterkingbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Jester King</a> of Austin, Texas; <a href="https://yazoobrew.com/" target="_blank">Yazoo</a> of Nashville, Tennessee; and <a href="https://www.cantillon.be/?lang=en" target="_blank">Cantillon</a>, <a href="https://3fonteinen.be/en/" target="_blank">3 Fonteinen</a>, and <a href="http://www.gueuzerietilquin.be/en/" target="_blank">Tilquin</a>, all from Belgium.<br />
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The festival ran for four hours, from 1-5 p.m., with special releases taking place every half hour. Those included HOMES <b>Strawberry Sherbet Lactose Sour Ale</b>, <a href="http://speciationartisanales.com/" target="_blank">Speciation</a> <b>Laurentian: Superior Spontaneous Ale</b> (made with yeast harvested from Lake Superior), 3 Fonteinen<b> Armand & Gaston Oude Gueuze</b>, <a href="https://transientartisanales.com/" target="_blank">Transient</a><b> Blueberry Anachronism Wild Ale</b>, Cantillon <b>Fou Foune Apricot Lambic</b>, and Tilquin <b>Pinot Noir Lambic</b>.<br />
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The layout of all the different breweries inside one rectangular tent made for an efficient experience, with lengthy lines only really occurring for the special releases (and for Cantillon, a brewery revered by sour beer nerds). Speaking of Cantillon, their offerings included <b>Saint Lamvinus</b>, a lambic fermented in oak with French grapes, and <b>Iris</b>, an unblended, spontaneously fermented lambic.<br />
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Other tasty suds included Speciation's <b>Proglacial</b>, a sour golden ale aged in tequila barrels with passionfruit and produced in collaboration with HOMES; <b>Raspberry Wild Urchin</b> from <a href="https://www.watermarkbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Watermark</a>, a newer Michigan brewery near St. Joseph; and <a href="https://www.revelrybrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Revelry</a>'s <b>Brett the House</b>, a wild ale fermented with (you guessed it) brettanomyces. One brewery, <a href="https://www.uplandbeer.com/" target="_blank">Upland</a> of Bloomington, Indiana, brought <b>Champagne Velvet</b>, a re-creation of a pre-Prohibition pilsner brand from the Hoosier State, and it was a nice, smooth change of pace after a day of all things sour.<br />
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Apart from a spot of rain and some humidity, the weather cooperated. Food options included street tacos and other fare from <a href="http://elmanantial-a2.com/" target="_blank">El Manantial</a> and pulled pork sliders and ribs prepared by Chef <b>Brandon Johns</b> of <a href="https://www.grangekitchenandbar.com/" target="_blank">Grange Kitchen & Bar</a> (and damn, were they good). There was even a merch tent with t-shirts and other goodies available. At $80 apiece, tickets were on the high end for a festival (and in the interest of disclosure, I attended via press pass), but the price included 20 drink tickets and a souvenir tasting glass, the pours were generous, and the beers across the board were high quality.<br />
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All in all, Nucleate was an enjoyable success, well organized and executed, especially for a first-time festival. If I can have but one quibble, I'd have preferred the DJ to play a variety of tunes (vs. just booty music) and because everyone should get off my lawn, I'd have also moved him off a bit from the main tent as it tended to get loud in there.<br />
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But if you love sour and funky styles of beer, you may wish to start saving up for a ticket for next year's event.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-53278368960746758742018-05-21T16:00:00.000-04:002018-05-21T16:28:31.530-04:00Glasshouse Brewing Re-Opens During Transition to Townies Brewery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New owner Dan Arban has "big plans" for the former Glasshouse Brewing on Ann Arbor's west side.</td></tr>
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The brewery formerly known as <b>Glasshouse Brewing</b> re-opened on Ann Arbor's west side late last week, pouring four fresh beers produced by new brewer <b>Karl Hinburn</b>, previously of <a href="http://www.wolverinebeer.com/">Wolverine State Brewing</a>. Although a casual glance indicates not much appears to be different, a "Coming Soon: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/towniesA2brewing/" target="_blank">Townies Brewery</a>" banner hanging on the front of the building hints at the future.<br />
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New owner <b>Dan Arban</b> did more than hint about the "big plans" he has for the space when I paid a visit Saturday. He and his wife, Patty, who also own <a href="https://www.homespunmarketbrighton.com/" target="_blank">Homespun Market</a> in Brighton, not only purchased the building that houses Glasshouse and another business, <b>Diamond Glass & Feiners</b>, but the two properties adjacent to it, as well.<br />
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They have an interesting vision for all the new space, according to Arban. Diamond Glass & Feiners will be moving out of the front of the building, which will be used to expand the brewhouse as well as host a store featuring the work of area artists. The house next door will be converted into a bed and breakfast, while the old industrial building on the other side of that house will become artists' studios. And the yard space behind the house and the future artists' studio will be used for parking and a new beer garden.<br />
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However, for now, the brewery is operating under a management agreement with Glasshouse while waiting for the liquor license to be transferred to the new business. Once approved by all the government people, the new licensing will allow Townies to offer a full bar alongside the beer. (Eventually Karl and another to-be-hired brewer will be tasked with creating other beverages, as well.)<br />
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And speaking of the beer, right now there are four on tap: <b>Wit for Tat Witbier</b>, <b>Eyes Like Crystal Single Malt/Single Hop IPA</b>, <b>Avacious Amber Ale</b>, and <b>Origination Blonde Ale</b>. I tried the blonde and IPA and found both to be unsurprisingly excellent, given a talented, experienced brewer like Karl made them.<br />
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As far as food, Arban said they would be adding grills in the future beer garden to serve barbecued plates in the summer and featuring food trucks during the colder months. He did not rule out adding a full kitchen at a later date.<br />
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Former Glasshouse Mug Clubbers will have their memberships honored, at least until such time as a new Mug Club is established. Current hours for the brewery are: Monday, closed; Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.<br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-16224282127147367732018-05-17T14:30:00.000-04:002018-05-17T14:31:46.678-04:00Who Will Win Ann Arbor's American Craft Beer Week Challenge?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those of us who consume American craft beer on a nigh daily basis could be forgiven for forgetting that this week is American Craft Beer Week, as proclaimed by the Brewers Association. Luckily, <a href="https://www.wolverinebeer.com/" target="_blank">Wolverine State Brewing</a>, along with six other Ann Arbor businesses, not only remembered, but decided to host a Craft Brew Challenge Charity Brew-Off in honor of ACBW.<br />
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Two-person teams from <a href="https://www.wolverinebeer.com/" target="_blank">Ashley's</a>, <a href="http://beergrotto.com/" target="_blank">Beer Grotto</a>, <a href="http://hopcat.com/ann-arbor" target="_blank">HopCat</a>, <a href="http://www.rappourt.com/" target="_blank">Rappourt Brew & Chew</a>, the <a href="https://www.sessionrooma2.com/" target="_blank">Session Room</a>, and <a href="http://www.zingermansroadhouse.com/" target="_blank">Zingerman's Roadhouse</a> each collaborated with Wolverine staff to brew a special beer on Wolverine's pilot system. The results will be unveiled at 3 p.m. this Saturday, May 19, at the Wolverine taproom as the teams vie for votes to win the challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5YBqcXKYPmpnLME5M79XVaJs4wq7msnJERM5iomjIMgqISz0vGdrPQV-IXlxYNfPMSIMMOYxof4SG4eOF7ScmlgnZERNDLOxObRpoNjf0XyRCCCAhUi9Ngvl-4RAnYwWy4eM-TEUvdyq/s1600/brewoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="575" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5YBqcXKYPmpnLME5M79XVaJs4wq7msnJERM5iomjIMgqISz0vGdrPQV-IXlxYNfPMSIMMOYxof4SG4eOF7ScmlgnZERNDLOxObRpoNjf0XyRCCCAhUi9Ngvl-4RAnYwWy4eM-TEUvdyq/s400/brewoff.jpg" width="223" /></a>What sort of beers did the teams brew? You'll have to show up at Wolverine on Saturday to find out; however, I did tease out details from a couple of people involved.<br />
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"We brewed a New England-style IPA with Nelson Sauvin hops and strawberries, named 'Nelson's Berry Bandwagon,' said <b>Kim Anderson</b>, beer buyer for Ashley's. "If it's delicious we hope to be able to brew a full batch with Wolverine and have it available on tap at Ashley's this summer."<br />
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Rappourt also brewed a New England-style IPA, according to co-owner <b>Hardik Patel</b>, who noted it's a double dry-hopped beer showcasing Galaxy and Citra hops over a melange of mango puree, wheat malt, and lactose.<br />
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The rest of the details: live music, grilled burger and brat specials, the opportunity to purchase a sampler package of all six beers (which you can upgrade to include a special event t-shirt), and a <a href="https://www.wolverinebeer.com/vote" target="_blank">vote</a> on your favorite beers. The top three brews will be announced later in the evening, with the brewers of the No. 1 vote-getter taking home the inaugural WSBC-ACBWC trophy.<br />
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Quantities of each beer are limited, but if you really, really love one or more of them, <a href="https://www.homebrewing.org/" target="_blank">Adventures in Homebrewing</a> is selling recipe kits of each at a 10% discount, should you wish to attempt to re-create any at home.<br />
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Most importantly, the proceeds from sales of the sampler packages go to help <a href="https://www.trailsedgecamp.org/" target="_blank">Trail's Edge Camp</a>, which helps children on ventilators experience the fun of summer camp.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-78238591515016468762018-04-07T12:00:00.000-04:002018-04-07T12:10:11.716-04:00Glasshouse Brewing Closed; New Owners Planning Expansion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEuvg-cfadmzjVow0RF1pSuWPfS-3viCqaAgfxUEej75_JiG7vNKrsr9G1VOR_V9Zk9JBbmooQpx3D0vywIR31A2f1eP1U6IBmW2xBO945YwKKmjeqnC2Igp8ln7wDTIAopQWYkMHkBM6/s1600/semiGlasshouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEuvg-cfadmzjVow0RF1pSuWPfS-3viCqaAgfxUEej75_JiG7vNKrsr9G1VOR_V9Zk9JBbmooQpx3D0vywIR31A2f1eP1U6IBmW2xBO945YwKKmjeqnC2Igp8ln7wDTIAopQWYkMHkBM6/s400/semiGlasshouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasshouse no more: Owners Brad and Brent Payeur (left) are selling the brewery on Ann Arbor's west side. Former head brewer Kuma Ofori-Mensa (right) is now with Cultivate in Ypsilanti.</td></tr>
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<br />
As many have surmised with the doors having been shuttered for some time now, <a href="https://glasshousebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Glasshouse Brewing</a> on Ann Arbor's west side is closed, <a href="http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2018/04/glasshouse_brewing_closed_unti.html" target="_blank">as reported</a> by MLive's <b>Jessica Haynes</b>. From Jessica's article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Payeur told The Ann Arbor News that the business has closed and a purchase agreement is in the works for a new buyer to take over the 4,000-square-foot property on Liberty, between Stadium Boulevard and Maple Road.<br />
<br />
It is unclear whether new ownership would maintain the brewery business or start a different venture at the site.</blockquote>
I can report that I have learned the identity of the buyers and that their intention is in fact to maintain the brewery. Rumored plans include doubling the size of the taproom, creating space for more parking, and gradually unveiling a number of other ambitious additions. Without having made direct contact, however, I'm not sure how much can be divulged.<br />
<br />
Opened in 2016, Glasshouse has had a bumpy ride during its brief lifespan. You can read all my previous reporting on Glasshouse <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/search?q=glasshouse" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned as the story continues to develop.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-54442850468791991502018-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:002018-03-01T08:00:17.265-05:00From Cultivate to Collaborate<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoryIcfKeokK6SGWd4ekk9kyCpPypqC4t5zOrjGGtXvskG8UY0dRpvqNnrCD5PKDmdBhUYXVQXNL3y1Ff1jJ-JMyE5Hm9ilp6mFiLTVH4JhzJtZKqcD08UqVxreczgaXQoGC7saV8-JAqE/s1600/IMAG0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoryIcfKeokK6SGWd4ekk9kyCpPypqC4t5zOrjGGtXvskG8UY0dRpvqNnrCD5PKDmdBhUYXVQXNL3y1Ff1jJ-JMyE5Hm9ilp6mFiLTVH4JhzJtZKqcD08UqVxreczgaXQoGC7saV8-JAqE/s400/IMAG0474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cultivate brewing guru Kuma Ofori-Mensa and owner Ryan Wallace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>In just a few short years, <a href="http://www.cultivateypsi.com/" target="_blank">Cultivate Coffee and TapHouse</a> in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town has established itself as a premier community gathering place, not to mention a good spot to get a finely roasted cup of joe or a cold and foamy glass of beer. Now, with the addition of longtime brewer K<b>uma Ofori-Mensa</b> – formerly of <a href="https://arborbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing</a>, <a href="https://glasshousebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Glasshouse Brewing</a>, and <a href="http://www.tecumsehbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Tecumseh Brewing</a> – Cultivate is setting its sights on even bigger things: a regular collaboration with different breweries to produce exclusive new beers for customers to enjoy. I caught up with Kuma recently to talk about this unique new collaboration program.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Cultivate isn’t a brewery, so why did they hire a brewer?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ryan</b> [<b>Wallace</b>, Cultivate owner] started the brewing collaboration program several months ago, and it’s reached a point where he wants to make it a regular part of the brand here. But he doesn’t have time to flesh it out himself. The dude is busy – like he’s always doing something. I’m not even sure he sleeps. I know for a fact he rarely eats.<br />
<br />
<b>A pretty common thing among business owners…</b><br />
<br />
Right! So I got hired on to take over this collaboration program as part of my full-time responsibilities. I also work shifts behind the bar and make sure the draft lines are clean.<br />
<br />
<b>Can you explain how the collaboration program works?</b><br />
<br />
We come up with a recipe first, then we approach a brewery where we definitely can work with them to create that specific recipe. If there’s a brewery that excels at IPAs, we’ll go to that brewery, or there’s a brewery that’s good at stouts, we’ll go there – that kind of thing. We’re always seeking out places where we already know someone, and thankfully between me and Ryan that’s a lot of someones. Then we ask if it’s something they have time and want to brew. If yes, we go back and forth on the recipe, and we’re open – we say, “Look, if you think the recipe sucks, let’s change it.” There’s no reason any of us should try to sell something we’re not proud of.<br />
<br />
Then it’s a matter of getting to the point of where they can say "We have these ingredients, we’re happy with the proportions, we’re happy with the targets, let’s brew it." We plan a brew day and Ryan and I go out to the brewery, though with Ryan being so busy it eventually will probably be just me. After that, there’s follow-up communication about the fermentation and any secondary additions – whether we’re dry-hopping or adding coffee, tea, or whatever. We try to find things in-house that we make to add to the beers to give them characteristic flavors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffWW97FCoyoKanJnUeQdldVyACxywVBweADMGUIN3hJGXX4VV4TSB_gvPn_YF-EBqq44NFWzYNdkLBFS9wMRcGWiyn3Bi-OQkhcDoEV9TfJxDEXDxvQ2ujYZrYW8jHpZZSs0PSVtMdxJs/s1600/cultivatebrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffWW97FCoyoKanJnUeQdldVyACxywVBweADMGUIN3hJGXX4VV4TSB_gvPn_YF-EBqq44NFWzYNdkLBFS9wMRcGWiyn3Bi-OQkhcDoEV9TfJxDEXDxvQ2ujYZrYW8jHpZZSs0PSVtMdxJs/s400/cultivatebrews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>So it sounds like the breweries you collaborate with are pretty much local to our area?</b><br />
<br />
I think the farthest place Ryan’s worked with is <a href="http://tandemciders.com/" target="_blank">Tandem Ciders</a> in Suttons Bay, although I’m not sure he actually traveled there. I’ve actually just been in touch with <a href="https://www.blackrocksbrewery.com/" target="_blank">BlackRocks</a> in Marquette, so if it turns out they want to brew with us, then we’ll head to the U.P. We’ll plan it so on the way down maybe we hit another brewery or two, whatever makes sense to make it all as economical as possible.<br />
<br />
<b>When the beers are done, are they served at both the brewery and at Cultivate?</b><br />
<br />
We take half the batch, typically. We brand it as our own and the brewery taps their half under whatever name they choose. The IPA we just brewed with <a href="http://ascension.beer/" target="_blank">Ascension Brewing</a> should be going on here this Saturday, and I believe Ascension is tapping theirs the same day.<br />
<br />
<b>That leads nicely into the next question: Is there a set schedule for when you’ll be serving these collaboration beers or is it just going to be an irregular sort of thing?</b><br />
<br />
Right now the target is to have a release every Saturday. We’ll see if that’s sustainable in terms of keg storage space – in some cases we’re buying from a distributor while other breweries self-distribute. We don’t have a very big cooler. Anyway, our goal is to keep doing this on Saturdays as often as possible. Right now we have we have all the weekends in March planned out, and we’re working on brew days in March so we can keep it going after. The time will come in the summer when it’ll be so crazy busy here that I don’t know what to expect. Will I still be available to go brew or will we have to rely on what’s left over from late winter and spring to carry us through until some time frees up? We’ll see what that looks like.<br />
<br />
<b>You mentioned working with Ascension and maybe BlackRocks. What are some other breweries you’ve worked with and what are some of the beers you’ve made so far?</b><br />
<br />
Ryan worked with <a href="https://transientartisanales.com/" target="_blank">Transient</a> before I came on to make <b>Juicy Saison</b>, a sour saison oak-aged with Meyer lemon and navel orange. With Ascension, we made this IPA – the idea there was I hadn’t really made a New England-style IPA yet, at least not successfully. So I was playing with the recipe and I landed on a grain bill that looked so much like a hefeweizen that I thought, why don’t we throw in some of those new German hops like Huell Melon, Mandarina Bavaria, and Hallertau Blanc? Then it turned into an all-German ingredient IPA, and when I talked to Brandon, the brewer at Ascension, he wanted to do an IPL, so we ended up using the same base and fermenting half each with kolsch yeast and I think a bock yeast. That was a fun little creation and should be available by the end of March.<br />
<br />
We also have a coffee stout coming out with <a href="http://draftingtablebeer.com/home/" target="_blank">Drafting Table</a> using our own roasted coffee. With <a href="http://riversedgebrew.com/" target="_blank">River’s Edge</a> we brewed a blonde ale made with our marzipan tea, which features sweet almond and dried papaya. We also went out to <a href="http://speciationartisanales.com/" target="_blank">Speciation</a> in Grand Rapids. We tasted some of the beers they had aging in barrels and found something we wanted them to blend – that one’s gonna be a lemon-lime sour saison. And we’re already brewing again with Ascension. Are you familiar with the Milkshake IPAs from <a href="http://www.tiredhands.com/" target="_blank">Tired Hands</a>?<br />
<br />
<b>Can’t say that I am.</b><br />
<br />
I haven’t actually tasted one yet but I was reading about them and I’ve started to put together a recipe for <b>Mango Lassi IPA</b>. Mango lassi is a drink made of mango puree and yogurt. You can get it at a lot of Indian grocery stores, and it’s awesome. So I was like, “What if we did something like that?” We’ll be brewing that pretty soon. Then we’ll be working on a hoppy red ale with <a href="http://liverybrew.com/" target="_blank">The Livery</a>. That one’s still in the communication phase. And we’d like to do a premium pils with BlackRocks, but we’re waiting to hear back from them.<br />
<br />
<b>Anything else you’d like to add?</b><br />
<br />
We really want to be making our own craft here. We started roasting our own coffee, and we want to flesh out the beer side just as much. Ideally we’d like to get to the point where most of the taps are Cultivate beers. We’re looking to take it to the point where we can say definitively, “We have a brewing program.” It might take a year or so to get to that point where it’s not just this thing we sometimes do, but it becomes who we are. We roast and we brew.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-13939906925995861112018-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:002018-02-22T10:40:17.423-05:00Two Local Beer Faves Nominated in USA Today's "10 Best" Survey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXl9X2V2znWQrTk7npW_jP8XY5mrEQcpS7waE4qLN2YPyrk2eva3rfhux4uUEwYc2ZGXcyPEbmc9VBJ6jBrCj_4_qp9GG3y9b9uISq9svDRJH9m-I_TBOS_YjZmEVA6op49tq3WXBpfQI/s1600/IMAG2584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXl9X2V2znWQrTk7npW_jP8XY5mrEQcpS7waE4qLN2YPyrk2eva3rfhux4uUEwYc2ZGXcyPEbmc9VBJ6jBrCj_4_qp9GG3y9b9uISq9svDRJH9m-I_TBOS_YjZmEVA6op49tq3WXBpfQI/s400/IMAG2584.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOMES owner Tommy Kennedy and head brewer Nick Panchamé.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>USA Today</i> runs an annual "<a href="http://www.10best.com/" target="_blank">10 Best</a>" Readers' Choice survey, and it just so happens that Ann Arbor's own <a href="http://www.homesbrewery.com/" target="_blank">HOMES Brewery</a> is up for Best Brewery in the 2018 edition. Not only that, but the <a href="http://www.mibeer.com/summer-festival" target="_blank">Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival</a>, a major Ypsilanti event, is in the running for Best Beer Festival.<br />
<br />
There are 20 nominees in each category, so only half can make the final "10 Best" list. Readers can vote once a day for their favorites, and voting closes on St. Patrick's Day (that's March 17 for you n00bs). As of this writing, HOMES is sitting at No. 5 in its category and the Summer Beer Festival is No. 10.<br />
<br />
Let's get both of them to No. 1, or as close as we can, eh? Dilly dilly, or something! Vote early, vote often here: <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-new-brewery/homes-brewery-ann-arbor-mich/" target="_blank">HOMES</a> | <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-beer-festival/michigan-summer-beer-festival-ypsilanti-mich/" target="_blank">Summer Beer Festival</a>.<br />
<br />
(You can read more about HOMES in <a href="http://glbnonline.brewingnews.com/publication/?i=444699#"{\"issue_id\":444699,\"}"" target="_blank">this feature</a> I wrote for the October/November 2017 issue of <i>Great Lakes Brewing News</i>.)Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-77112041244399307542018-02-21T09:00:00.000-05:002018-02-21T09:00:18.528-05:002018 Ann Arbor Oberon Pub Crawl Is March 26<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDpGZOtxvqaSCn89H-9Uy7lh3CumvVWjScRK-6FK8F1gx3WRqdKT_cBcWEZqNuUSleq9-b7BQDhmaxMIKZOgZ4tak9YbbqixrwYNvJ5_z9vSWIwzv0JVld2h3WG6CqfwSLF-Z6O0-x_al/s1600/erica_oberon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="542" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDpGZOtxvqaSCn89H-9Uy7lh3CumvVWjScRK-6FK8F1gx3WRqdKT_cBcWEZqNuUSleq9-b7BQDhmaxMIKZOgZ4tak9YbbqixrwYNvJ5_z9vSWIwzv0JVld2h3WG6CqfwSLF-Z6O0-x_al/s400/erica_oberon.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, Oberon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oberon Day will be here before you know it – Monday, March 26, to be exact – and with it, a beloved Ann Arbor tradition: the Downtown (mostly) Oberon Pub Crawl! <a href="https://www.bellsbeer.com/event/2018-oberon-pub-crawl" target="_blank">Bell's</a> and <a href="http://www.raveassociates.com/" target="_blank">Rave Associates</a> have released the schedule for this year, and it's a wee bit different from last year, so look close:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fraserspub.com/" target="_blank">Fraser's</a> (11:00 a.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.good-time-charleys.com/" target="_blank">Good Time Charley's</a> (noon)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/locations/detail/3222" target="_blank">Buffalo Wild Wings</a> (State St.) (1:15 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ashleys.com/">Ashley's</a> (2:15 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="https://hopcat.com/ann-arbor" target="_blank">HopCat</a> (3:15 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.originalcottageinn.com/" target="_blank">The Original Cottage Inn</a> (4:15 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.conoroneills.com/annarbor/" target="_blank">Conor O'Neill's</a> (5:30 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://oldtownaa.com/" target="_blank">Old Town Tavern</a> (6:30 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://beergrotto.com/ann-arbor/" target="_blank">The Beer Grotto</a> (7:30 p.m.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.billsbeergarden.com/" target="_blank">Bill's Beer Garden</a> (8:30 p.m.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Join the merry band of Oberonites as they make their way across Ann Arbor, dressed to the nines and ready to drain a few pints in their quest to welcome the return of spring in Michigan. Hey, it beats working.<br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-38392794996884228672018-02-15T14:30:00.000-05:002018-02-15T14:43:15.939-05:00Polar Bear Day Returns to Grizzly Peak February 19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOBPEFLjS8XkTa1X1aVl-mXns8GceR0RWxh_ruQkp9VwuTrf39kMw7KsjD0RqokaMLnmMFoZDJ2RHeJ4Re4FawRLitSy9V8R1gZwCPKPhsS1vjsbuQ_AjNsYEVoQd_FHGpxj3xyp3HQ53/s1600/polarbearday2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="306" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOBPEFLjS8XkTa1X1aVl-mXns8GceR0RWxh_ruQkp9VwuTrf39kMw7KsjD0RqokaMLnmMFoZDJ2RHeJ4Re4FawRLitSy9V8R1gZwCPKPhsS1vjsbuQ_AjNsYEVoQd_FHGpxj3xyp3HQ53/s400/polarbearday2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Never mind the Winter Olympics, <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/">Grizzly Peak</a>'s annual <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/grizzly-peak-2011/polar-bear-day-2" target="_blank">Polar Bear Day</a> is Monday, February 19, and it's the perfect opportunity for winter warriors of all stripes to strut their stuff.<br />
<br />
Brave the elements on the Grizzly patio between 4 and 7 p.m. and be rewarded with $1 draft beers and discounted food specials. Unlike previous years, the event is open to all, not just Mug Club members, though if you're a Mug Clubber, you'll receive some special GP swag. Dress warm and come early as space is limited.<br />
<br />
Other upcoming Grizzly Peak events to be on the lookout for include <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/grizzly-peak-2011/brewers-night-march-6th-6pm-9pm" target="_blank">Brewer's Night</a> from 6-9 p.m. on March 6 at the <a href="http://www.oldgerman.net/og/old-german" target="_blank">Old German</a> bar, featuring the release of <b>Maylem</b>, a strong ale brewed on-site, and the annual <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/grizzly-peak-2011/homebrew-competition" target="_blank">Mug Club Homebrew Competition</a> on April 23.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-14225879413528056952018-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:002018-01-11T12:00:13.711-05:00Arbor Brewing Refreshes Brand, Will Distribute Cans Statewide<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxzLVDL4wh6Sa-Tev_oog1c4nX3rvtyrkmW-AvcHTnGMpFzlg6esaBCyURJVngATMcYF7ziIh-_i1YyHNR-_u8lX9GH2s482T2S748swHcyAuUQNtyfrpDuXXUCRGREpPRAEySmb90Ang/s1600/arborcans.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxzLVDL4wh6Sa-Tev_oog1c4nX3rvtyrkmW-AvcHTnGMpFzlg6esaBCyURJVngATMcYF7ziIh-_i1YyHNR-_u8lX9GH2s482T2S748swHcyAuUQNtyfrpDuXXUCRGREpPRAEySmb90Ang/s400/arborcans.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Arbor Brewing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In addition to the recent announcement that they will be opening a <a href="http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2018/01/arbor_brewing_company_bigalora.html" target="_blank">Plymouth location</a>, <a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing</a> has more big news. Here it is, in their own words:<br />
<blockquote>
YPSILANTI – Arbor Brewing Company announced today that it is switching its beer packaging from bottles to cans to offer customers an even higher quality and sustainable package for its award-winning craft brews. Along with new packaging, the 22-year-old brewery unveils a fresh, new look.<br />
<br />
Started in Ann Arbor in 1995, Arbor Brewing expanded into a production brewery in Ypsilanti in 2006 and has been distributing its beer in bottles ever since. In January 2018, the brewery is making the switch to package its year-round and seasonal beers in aluminum cans, while its sour series will remain in 500 mL bottles.<br />
<br />
The first three beers to be launched in cans are <b>Strawberry Blonde</b>, <b>Euchre Pils</b>, and <b>Buzzsaw IPA</b>, which are hitting store shelves now, and will be statewide by the end of the month. Arbor Brewing will release many favorite seasonal beers in cans throughout 2018, alongside a few new beers.<br />
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Arbor Brewing made the decision to transition to cans for several reasons.<br />
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<b>Quality</b> – The impact on the beer was the most important. Packaging in cans increases the quality and freshness of the beer by reducing exposure to oxygen and sunlight, both of which contribute to a shorter shelf life. Cans allow the brewery to better deliver brewery-fresh beer to its customers across the state.<br />
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<b>Pack-ability</b> – Cans travel better, making it more convenient and safer for consumers to take their Arbor Brewing beer with them - hiking, kayaking, boating, tailgating, etc.<br />
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<b>Sustainability</b> – Arbor Brewing has been strongly committed to environmental stewardship for over two decades. Cans are 100 percent recyclable, and have a lighter carbon footprint than bottles, thanks in part to being lighter when empty and packing denser than bottles, reducing fuel in shipping.<br />
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The cans also feature a new look for the brewery.<br />
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“This is the first major branding change in the brewery’s 22-year history. In addition to sporting an updated logo, the cans feature new artwork and bright, eye-catching colors,” said <b>Mike Messink</b>, managing partner, Arbor Brewing Company. “The new packaging includes an “Ypsi Made” stamp to emphasize the production brewery’s roots in Ypsilanti, and calls out its 1995 origins, which place it as one of the early pioneers in the Michigan craft brewing industry,” Messink added.<br />
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These changes are the latest at the brewery since <a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/2017/05/arbor-brewing-joins-farm-ferment.html" target="_blank">becoming part of Michigan-based Farm + Ferment</a> in May 2017. Since the acquisition, the brewery has been investing in new equipment and technology.<br />
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“Our focus has been on the continuous improvement of the quality of our beer, and to give our brewers the tools to explore styles and ingredients as craft beer continues to evolve,” said Messink.</blockquote>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-23631234278881561832017-12-01T12:30:00.000-05:002017-12-01T12:37:54.556-05:00Local Malt On Tap at Area Breweries<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8arjFcjgRU7Su7AEd1Yu1o6EtAQBCeQdWTZXTjB3k1v8ydLm_4rPnCHJJ0tCuMCP-uy-coH0LHTMFzr661d9LNTlxsb0gBhY9VoBh6V1ekSQwHsTMAm12ungggAXeZ-kgRj7NrYhNG6mL/s1600/IMG_20171012_120606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8arjFcjgRU7Su7AEd1Yu1o6EtAQBCeQdWTZXTjB3k1v8ydLm_4rPnCHJJ0tCuMCP-uy-coH0LHTMFzr661d9LNTlxsb0gBhY9VoBh6V1ekSQwHsTMAm12ungggAXeZ-kgRj7NrYhNG6mL/s400/IMG_20171012_120606.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grizzly Peak head brewer Duncan Williams and Macon Creek Malt House co-owner Zach Goldenberg. Photo: Macon Creek Malt House</td></tr>
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This just in over the transom:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the works since 2015, <a href="http://www.maconcreekmalt.com/" target="_blank">Macon Creek Malt House</a> in Saline has recently opened its doors to home brewers, commercial brewers, distillers, and artisanal food manufacturers. The rebirth of the corner brewery and the rise of craft distilleries has made Michigan one of the country’s leaders in the craft beverage industry. While recent years have shown enormous growth in hops production, the primary ingredient in craft beer – malted barley – is still largely imported. Macon Creek Malt House is bringing craft malting to Michigan, connecting small farmers with small brewers to produce a truly local beer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saltspringsbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Salt Springs Brewery</a>, a farm-to-table restaurant and brewery in Saline, was eager to try them out. <b>Ed Brosius</b>, head brewer, recently brewed a maibock using Macon Creek’s pale Munich malt. The beer, named <b>Macon Creek Maibock</b>, will be on tap in December.<br />
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<b>Duncan Williams</b>, head brewer at <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/" target="_blank">Grizzly Peak Brewing Company</a> in Ann Arbor, has also brewed with Macon Creek’s pale Munich malt, as well as their pilsner malt. Duncan invited Macon Creek maltsters <b>Zach Goldenberg</b> and <b>Austin Wertheimer</b> to assist with brewing back in October. <b>Macon Rose Pale Ale</b> is now on tap. This well-balanced pale ale features all Michigan ingredients: malt from Macon Creek Malt House and hops from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tworosehops" target="_blank">Two Rose Hop Farm</a> in Manchester.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ogbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Original Gravity Brewing Company</a> in Milan and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/frogbrewery/" target="_blank">Poison Frog Brewery</a> in Jackson will also be featuring beers made with Macon Creek’s malts this winter. Next week, Original Gravity will release a session IPA with malted rye, spelt, and Macon Creek’s pale munich. Poison Frog Brewery is currently brewing both a cream ale and a classic American pilsner with local malts.<br />
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All of Macon Creek Malt House’s grains are grown in Michigan. “We currently buy from five farms in Southeast Michigan. That list will get longer as we increase production. In 2018, we’ll have barley grown right here in Saline,” says <b>Megan Goldenberg</b>, owner of Macon Creek. Megan manages contracting with local growers and other general business activities, while her husband, Zach, manages malt production with Austin Wertheimer.<br />
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Home brewers are also buying local grains directly from Macon Creek Malt House during their “open hours” and through their online store (maconcreekmalt.com). To learn more about Macon Creek’s efforts to support truly local craft beverages, visit them on Thursday, December 14, between 4pm and 8pm at their malt house, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/y59gQMfSQHH2" target="_blank">781 W. Michigan Ave., Saline</a>.</blockquote>
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Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-30808350036082980682017-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:002017-11-29T09:00:07.852-05:00Learn Local Beer History and Get Great Christmas Gifts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCsEiJPCZ21p9NsTxYoRFlMSM4-vDG2jUYeUKwv3CfEWr3f_KB2fufKo4JS3XdF7nQYjak_I5nVJCS_TFi1ndmqsa0c0ZHrGxM0PWJuBIs71RI7BRMoGc2BdvBSFIxFlrC7x_f5HgABtQ/s1600/steveandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCsEiJPCZ21p9NsTxYoRFlMSM4-vDG2jUYeUKwv3CfEWr3f_KB2fufKo4JS3XdF7nQYjak_I5nVJCS_TFi1ndmqsa0c0ZHrGxM0PWJuBIs71RI7BRMoGc2BdvBSFIxFlrC7x_f5HgABtQ/s400/steveandme.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two beer guys.</td></tr>
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Christmas season is upon us, and that means you're probably starting to think, "Oh, crap. What am I going to get for [insert name of friend or relative here]?"<br />
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Allow me to make a splendid suggestion. The perfect gift is within reach when you join <b>Steve Johnson</b>, proprietor of <a href="http://motorcitybrewtours.com/index.html" target="_blank">Motor City Brew Tours</a>, and me this Thursday, November 30 (tomorrow), at <a href="http://libertystreetbeer.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Street Brewing</a> in Plymouth for a tour-de-force talk about the beer histories of Detroit and Ann Arbor. Then, just about the time we've <strike>bored you to sleep</strike> piqued your curiosity to an extreme, you can pick up copies of "<a href="http://www.annarborbeer.com/p/ann-arbor-beer-book.html" target="_blank">Ann Arbor Beer: A Hoppy History of Tree Town Brewing</a>" and "<a href="https://squareup.com/store/motorcitybrewtours/item/detroit-beer-a-history-of-brewing-in-the-motor-city-1" target="_blank">Detroit Beer: A History of Brewing in the Motor City</a>" for that special someone (or someones) who deserves the best. We'll also sign them, making them priceless. The awesomeness begins at 7 p.m., and you can register for free <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/detroit-ann-arbor-beer-books-history-talk-wliberty-st-brewing-tickets-38006319926" target="_blank">here</a> or, most likely, just show up. We're easy that way.<br />
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On Monday, December 4, Steve and I take our beer-and-pony show to the <a href="http://chelseaalehouse.com/" target="_blank">Chelsea Alehouse</a> for another 7 p.m. chat and signing. Register for that one <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/detroit-ann-arbor-beer-books-history-talk-wchelsea-alehouse-tickets-37678381052" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Still on the fence? You can get an idea of how amazingly entertaining we are by listening to <a href="http://www.betterondraft.com/blogs/beer-tour-guy-episode-004-david-bardallis" target="_blank">this podcast</a>.<br />
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This Christmas, give the gift of local beer history books written by a pair of <strike>desperate alcoholics</strike> acclaimed authors, all while broadening your own horizons, or at least drinking some good beer.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-78468245668677848302017-10-20T15:30:00.000-04:002017-10-21T12:26:44.856-04:00Join Washington Street's Brewers for a Collaborative October 24 Pub Crawl <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjf_nnKF7_3o-dQjQa74ftM5GoJY0T97XBIO77mv61cJF8HQKvVxr6xcGNwprpq_9_M8u1YlkDYc6ku1vORJjOkfIjP9vlC5St5WYHJbsXpHQTN2v1Bmsvm-gV0ViV3XXwEDx1gMCu2uj/s1600/washingtonst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="960" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjf_nnKF7_3o-dQjQa74ftM5GoJY0T97XBIO77mv61cJF8HQKvVxr6xcGNwprpq_9_M8u1YlkDYc6ku1vORJjOkfIjP9vlC5St5WYHJbsXpHQTN2v1Bmsvm-gV0ViV3XXwEDx1gMCu2uj/s400/washingtonst.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join the head brewers of Grizzly Peak, Blue Tractor, and Arbor Brewing Brewpub for a brewery crawl celebrating their new collaborative beer, Scarlet Jacket.</td></tr>
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You might as well call Ann Arbor's Washington Street "Beer Street." The three brewpubs that grace this downtown artery – <a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/locations/arbor-brewing/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing Brewpub</a>, <a href="http://grizzlypeak.net/" target="_blank">Grizzly Peak</a>, and <a href="http://www.bluetractor.net/bta/a2/index" target="_blank">Blue Tractor</a> – are all among the top 10 producing brewpubs in the state of Michigan. In fact, between the three of them, they accounted for about 12 percent of all the brewpub-produced beer sold here in the Mitten (more than 2,800 barrels) in 2016.*<br />
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On Tuesday, October 24, join the head brewers of each of these esteemed establishments for a special pub crawl celebrating the release of their collaborative brew, <b>Scarlet Jacket</b>. The beer was inspired by two recipes from postwar England.<br />
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"<b>Ron Pattinson</b> runs a <a href="http://barclayperkins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">website</a> where he and British brewer <b>Kristen England</b> re-create old recipes," says Grizzly Peak head brewer <b>Duncan Williams</b>. "We blended two recipes from 1945-46 to create a typical low-gravity beer that was brewed before, during, and after World War II."<br />
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Each brewery brewed its own version of Scarlet Jacket. The name is an homage to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetley's_Brewery">Tetley's</a>, a long-running British beer brand whose historical logo incorporated a redcoat-wearing fox huntsman, according to Blue Tractor head brewer <b>Pat Meehan</b>.<br />
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The crawl begins in the Grizzly Peak Den bar at 6 p.m., moves to Arbor at 6:45, then finished up at Blue Tractor at 7:30 p.m. Each location will have a cask of the beer on hand, and Williams and Meehan will be joined by Arbor head brewer <b>Chris Davies</b>.<br />
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Previously, the three brewpubs collaborated on <a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/beers/washingtonacity/" target="_blank">Washingtonacity</a>, a traditional English-style bitter.<br />
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<i>* Numbers from </i><a href="http://michiganbeerguide.com/" target="_blank">Michigan Beer Guide</a><i>.</i><br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287731188543219852.post-40534658032639340972017-10-09T11:30:00.000-04:002017-10-09T15:02:42.690-04:00Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Nucleation Point of Craft Beer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirflQdtv_I-MKbupP0h-BgxhMXPtU5T2ILXBj5A2zlYPVFG37bAkozlKR2ovyKwVUylLUdW74UkxGgGvVFmejLg3LMCq7YjnJz_7ltoZI8qARj7A-Sc4UYVJEXvFHD3JLIRTevFvOTkCG-/s1600/beer+mural.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="401" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirflQdtv_I-MKbupP0h-BgxhMXPtU5T2ILXBj5A2zlYPVFG37bAkozlKR2ovyKwVUylLUdW74UkxGgGvVFmejLg3LMCq7YjnJz_7ltoZI8qARj7A-Sc4UYVJEXvFHD3JLIRTevFvOTkCG-/s400/beer+mural.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Source: Great Lakes Brewing News</div>
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<i>(Note: I wrote a couple features on the Ann Arbor brewing scene for the current (October/November 2017) issue of </i><a href="http://www.brewingnews.com/greatlakes/" target="_blank">Great Lakes Brewing News</a><i>. The first, "Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Nucleation Point of Craft Beer," is about the big influence our little city has had on the larger craft beer world.)</i><br />
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What is the measure of a “good beer city”? Is it the number of breweries in and around town? The consistent high quality and drinkability of the beers made there? The general availability and choice of fine brews? Certainly all of these things are important yardsticks when determining whether a particular town is worthy of becoming a “beer-cation” destination. But there’s an additional, less tangible factor that is at least as important: a city’s overall beer culture. By that admittedly trickier-to-quantify standard, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a beer city par excellence. A quick tour through this Midwestern college town’s quietly influential brewing past, present, and potential future provides ample evidence.<br />
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<a href="http://glbnonline.brewingnews.com/publication/?i=444699#{"issue_id":444699,"numpages":1,"view":"articleBrowser","article_id":"2906715"}" target="_blank">Read the rest here.</a>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17155858114246195360noreply@blogger.com1