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(KALAMAZOO, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild presented esteemed awards to industry trailblazers at its annual conference Thursday night, January 9, 2025, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo.

The Tom Burns Award was presented to Ted Badgerow of Ypsi Alehouse. This award is presented to a person who embodies the pioneering spirit of the Michigan brewing industry. This is an individual whose hard work, passion, and perseverance has been a guiding force in contributing to the Great Beer State while being supportive of the entire beer industry in Michigan.

Ted began his brewing career as a homebrewer in 1979, later opening The Real Ale Company in Chelsea in 1982 – becoming the first microbrewery in the Midwest and gaining attention from media around the country. While they could produce and sell bottled beer, they weren’t able to sell draft pints of beer onsite and in less than two years the groundbreaking brewery closed.

Early in his career, Ted co-operated Fermentations – a homebrew supply story in Ann Arbor, while also teaching “Homebrewing and World Beer Styles” for the University of Michigan. In the mid-1980s, he won his first award from the American Homebrewing Association – a silver medal for his porter – and helped form the Ann Arbor Brewers’s Guild. Taking a hiatus from brewing to raise a family, Ted worked for 25 years as a ceramic tile and marble installer.

Ted returned to brewing in January 2016 when he and David Roberts opened Ypsi Alehouse in downtown Ypsilanti. Here, they craft mostly tap brews using Michigan malt, hops and yeast. He’s also a musician, a classical guitar player and singer, always ready to belt out a lively rendition of the Michigan Beer Fight Song!

Hear more from Ted in this interview from the Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast.

Past winners of the Tom Burns Award include:

Photo of Annette May, holding the 2025 Michigan Beer Champion Award

The Michigan Beer Champion Award – given to a person who or organization/business that is a partner of the industry and who continually strives to promote or protect the craft beer industry in Michigan – was presented to Annette May, a full-time as a beer and saké educator.

Annette is an Advanced Cicerone®, BJCP judge, Certified Saké Professional is a 30-year veteran of the craft beer industry. She was the first women to attain the Certified Cicerone® certification, in 2008, and has aspired to mentor women since that time, focusing on women in Michigan. Since 2015 she has been faculty in Schoolcraft College’s Brewing Program, where she teaches aspiring brewers sensory evaluation, beer service and draught management, and pairing beer and saké with food. She is a regional instructor, exam proctor and exam grader for the Cicerone® Certification Program, and an educator in WSET’s Levels One & Two Beer Awards.

She is an original Board Member and the current Scholarship Director of Fermenta: A Michigan Women’s Craft Beverage Collective, a 501c3 that educates and gives scholarship to women in the fermented beverage industries. Annette serves on the Brewers Association’s Draught Quality Subcommittee, and is actively involved in promoting Draught Quality, both in Michigan, and nationally, through this work. Her work with the Brewers Association’s DEI Committee involves both selection of mentees, and mentoring in their Mentorship Program. In 2022 she was awarded the BA’s Mentor of the Year award. Her work with both Fermenta and Pink Boots Society also involves mentoring women in Michigan.

Annette & her husband Mike’s brewery, Full Measure Brewing Co, located in Eastern Market Detroit, will open in early 2025. The brewery will feature traditional beer styles, served superbly, and locally sourced foods with an emphasis on fermented foods.

Past winners of the Michigan Beer Champion Award include:

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 17,000 full-time jobs and $700 million in labor income / wages, with a total economic impact of over $2.4 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”

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(KALAMAZOO, Mich) — The Hop Growers of Michigan presented the 7th Annual Michigan Chinook Cup last week at the 2024 Michigan’s Great Beer State Conference & Trade Show at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. The conference, which hosted nearly 500 attendees including more than 50 industry speakers, was presented by the Michigan Brewers Guild, Master Brewers Association of the Americas – District Michigan and Michigan State University Extension.

Alec Mull, General Manager at Bell’s Brewery and past president of the Hop Quality Group (HQG) presented the 1st Place award to Mark and Sean Trowbridge of Top Hop Farms in Goodrich, Michigan. They will again have their farm name engraved on the Chinook Cup and will receive a Keepsake Cup to proudly display at their facility.

Second place was awarded to Bonnie Steinman of Bell’s Brewery Estate Hopyard, Comstock, with third place honors presented to Rick Kawalski of Hop Head Farms in Hickory Corners.

Modeled after the HQG’s national Cascade Cup, the Michigan Chinook Cup is awarded to the Great Beer State’s best Chinook hop grower as determined by a panel of expert craft brewers through a series of blind sensory tests. This year, six Chinook entries were ranked with scoring provided for aroma, appearance/color and brewing values. The expert judges included John Mallett; Jeremy Kosmicki and Jason Vrosh from Founders Brewing Company; Alec Mull and Andy Farrell from Bell’s Brewery; Brian Confer and Chris Schneff from Stormcloud Brewing Co., and Josh Mayich from Island Hop Company.

Although there are over 100 different varieties of hops used by craft brewers across the U.S., three of the top publicly available hop varieties have consistently been Cascade, Centennial and Chinook. The Chinook hop, released in 1985, is the result of a cross between Petham Golding and a USDA male plant. Chinook are a “dual purpose” hop used for both bittering and aroma. In their quest to brew “standout” flavorful beers, many craft brewers have become increasingly interested in newer proprietary varieties such as Simcoe and Citra. However, a small but growing number of brewers have begun to recognize that hops of the same variety, when grown in different locations with distinct soils and climate, impart different flavor profiles. In contrast to Chinook grown in the Pacific northwest that is generally known for its piney, spicy, dank attributes, Michigan Chinook is a cultivar that is increasingly recognized for its citrusy, clean profile. Visit Michigan State University Extension’s hop webpage for more information on Michigan’s growing hop industry.

Michigan is currently ranked first in the Great Lakes Region and fourth in the nation (behind three states in the Pacific Northwest) with nearly 500 acres in hop production. More than 40 different hop cultivars are grown in Michigan, with Chinook being among the most prevalent and popular. Hops are part of Michigan’s overall $104 billion agricultural industry, supporting a strong craft beer culture.

Hop Growers of Michigan (HGM) was formed in 2015 as a 501(c)5 non-profit organization. HGM makes a positive difference in Michigan’s hop industry by supporting educational opportunities and research for better hop production and processing, as well as advocating for and promoting the use of Michigan-grown hops. HGM also facilities best practice exchanges, sharing of techniques and knowledge; enlists the support of Michigan higher education institutions for research and development of hop horticulture and processing; promotes and markets the utilization of Michigan hops; and partners with other organizations to advance the interest of Michigan hop growers and craft brewing.

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Press Release follows

Michigan Brewers Guild Announces Return of Beer Festivals

Tickets for Three August / September Festivals Go On Sale June 24

(LANSING, Mich.) — The Michigan Brewers Guild is excited to announce three upcoming beer festival dates after more than a year hiatus. Tickets for all three events will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, June 24 at 10am, with Enthusiast Member Pre-Sale opening on Tuesday, June 22 at 10am, at MiBeer.com.

  • Michigan August Beer Festival – South will be held on Saturday, August 14 at LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps in Comstock Park (just north of Grand Rapids). General Admission is 1-6pm, with the gates opening at Noon for a VIP hour for Enthusiast Members. Tickets are $50 per person in advance ($55 day of) with Designated Driver tickets for $10.

  • Michigan August Beer Festival – North will be held on Saturday, August 28 at Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City, home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters. General Admission is 1-6pm, with the gates opening at Noon for a VIP hour for Enthusiast Members. Tickets are $50 per person in advance ($55 day of) with Designated Driver tickets for $10.

  • U.P. Fall Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, September 11 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette. General Admission is 1-6pm, with the gates opening at Noon for a VIP hour for Enthusiast Members. Tickets are $50 per person in advance ($55 day of) with Designated Driver tickets for $10.

“We are happy and excited for the opportunity to get back to Michigan Brewers Guild beer festivals and look forward to seeing people in person,” says Scott Graham, Guild Executive Director. “We are currently working on logistics and safety protocols with our partners at the West Michigan Whitecaps and Traverse City Pit Spitters, which gives us the added benefit of their infrastructure and experience with their own events.”

A reminder that July is once again “Michigan Beer Month”. As part of this year’s celebration, a one-of-a-kind commemorative pint glass will be available at many member breweries and these breweries are also being encouraged to feature a special beer throughout the month – like a collaboration or a special release – to help celebrate. Details about these promotions and participating breweries will be posted soon on MiBeer.com and the Guild’s social media channels (see links below).

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild represents nearly 300 member breweries. The Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20% of all beer sales in the state by 2025.

 

Michigan’s brewing industry contributes more than 21,000 full-time jobs and $914 million in labor income, with a total economic impact of over $2.5 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”

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(LANSING, Mich) — The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2021 Board of Directors, welcoming Max Trierweiler of The Mitten Brewing Company to his first two-year term.

Additional board members include:

  • Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, was elected to his seventh term on the board and will remain President of the association;
  • David Ringler, Owner of Cedar Springs Brewing Company in Cedar Springs, continues his second term on the board and will serve as Vice President;
  • Peter Manthei, Owner of Beards Brewery in Petoskey, continues his first term and was named Treasurer;
  • Aubrey Martinson, Co-Owner of Chelsea Alehouse in Chelsea, was elected to her second term and continues to serve as the organization’s secretary;
  • Edward Stencel, Owner of River Rouge Brewing Co., in Royal Oak, continues his first term on the board;
  • Kim Collins, Owner of Guardian Brewing Co., in Saugatuck, continues her first term on the board.

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild represents nearly 300 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis). The Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20% of all beer sales in the state by 2025.

 

Michigan’s brewing industry contributes more than 21,000 full-time jobs and $872 million in labor income, with a total economic impact of over $2.5 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild invites residents around the state to join them in celebration of American Craft Beer Week® (May 11-17, 2020) – the nationwide recognition of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The week-long salute, organized since 2006 by the Brewers Association, provides an opportunity for craft brewers to share their creativity and passion for the beverage they love.

“This year is quite different than years past,” says Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, “but it has never been more important to support your local Michigan breweries. We encourage people to safely venture out for to-go orders of beer and food, gift cards or merchandise from their local brewery, or to pick up Michigan beer from local retail shops.”

Throughout the state, breweries are finding unique ways to stay connected to their customers and communities, while helping their staff through this unprecedented time. In addition to offering to-go options for the public, many are also donating meals to front line service workers and partnering with local distilleries to produce much-needed hand sanitizer. And, as Michigan slowly works toward re-opening, these breweries will play an integral role in rebuilding the state’s tourism industry.

Formed in 1997, the Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its more than 270 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis).

The Michigan Brewers Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20% of all beer sales in the state by 2025. 

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 21,000 full-time jobs and $872 million in labor income, with a total economic impact of over $2.5 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – A record 130 Michigan breweries will gather Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 at the historic Eastern Market in downtown Detroit for the 11th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival presented by the Michigan Brewers Guild. Collectively, this group of breweries will offer up more than 850 different beers for sampling.

Advanced online tickets for Detroit Fall Beer Festival are available for Friday ($45) and Saturday ($50). Day-of tickets (online or at the gate) are $50 for Friday and $55 for Saturday. Admission includes 15 tokens to be redeemed for 3-ounce sample. A handful of specialty beers require multiple tokens per 3-ounce sample (based on the limited availability and cost of such beers).

Festival hours are 5-9pm on Friday and 1-6pm on Saturday, with one-hour early admission for current Enthusiast Members when special beer offerings are also planned. An Enthusiast membership can be purchased online any time leading up to the festival for $55 and is good for one full year and is valid for all of the Guild’s annual festivals – along with a list of other benefits.

The Motor City has a long-standing brewing history and in recent years it has been revitalized thanks to a growing interest in the craft beer movement. Established in 1891, the current Eastern Market is one of the nation’s oldest farm markets and the area is rife with brewing history. In its heyday, there were more than 40 breweries in the Detroit area and malt silos still stand as a testament to the brewing culture, making it the perfect backdrop for the Detroit Fall Beer Festival. The first Guild event held here was in 2009, with just 40 breweries and 200 beers.

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its more than 290 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis).

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025. 

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 17,000 full-time jobs and $700 million in labor income / wages, with a total economic impact of over $2.4 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #4 in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”