Hey everyone, I got another announcement from North Peak Brewing Company. You know the _other_ beer in the short fat stubby bottles. Also they make some of my favorite IPAs. Seriously, if you don’t know you should check them out. They are easy to find if your local shop carries them, just scan for the aforementioned stubby bottles. It looks like they are launching a new year-round sessionable ale, the Hail Pale Ale made with… wait for it… “maize flaked corn and blue corn grits” It is sure to please any Michigan Wolverines that give it a try. Check out the Press release below for more information.  But before that let me leave this here.

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If you live in Michigan, and you haven’t had a chance to make it out to one of the Michigan Brewers Guild Beer festivals, you are really missing out.  They are a great chance for beer enthusiasts to come together and meet with Michigan breweries from all over the state.  Coming up this fall is the 9th annual U.P. Fall Beer Fest in Marquette (tickets are already on sale)  and the 9th annual Detroit Fall Beer Fest (ticket sales start today).  Check out the press release below for details about the Detroit event, and check the Michigan Brewers Guild Website for information about the U.P. event along with all the other MBG Events.  Hope to see you there!

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – Tickets for the Michigan Brewers Guild’s 9th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival (Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 at Eastern Market in Detroit) go on sale this Thursday, August 3 at 10am. Tickets for Friday are $40 in advance (and $45 at the gate, if any remain available); Saturday tickets are $45 in advance. Admission includes 15 tasting tokens, each good for a three-ounce sample. Additional tokens are 50-cents each.

The list of breweries, beers and entertainment will be released in the weeks leading up to the festival and will be posted on The Mash blog. Last year, more than 80 Michigan Brewers Guild member breweries participated in the two-day festival, with more than 700 beers available for sampling.

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 conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(ROCHESTER & AUBURN HILLS, Mich) – Rochester Mills Beer Co. & Production Brewery announce the 2017 release of Raspberry Radler, a summer beer brewed with pureed raspberries, lemons and fresh Michigan hops. Coming in at around 4% ABV, this is a Radler- or Shandy-style beer, with a refreshingly-tart yet sweet flavor, that pours deep pink with a bright white head.

 

First introduced as a seasonal draft release exclusive in the downtown Rochester brewpub, Raspberry Radler was overwhelmingly popular—selling out the first batch in just one week and prompting the brewing team to perfect the recipe for outside distribution. This year, at the Rochester Mills Production Brewery, the first 100-barrel batch shipped out in kegs with similar speed, which has led to increased production and for the Radler to be packaged in cans for retailers.

 

“The resulting demand has been phenomenal, far exceeding our expectations. Our phones have been ringing off the hook to make the beer available in cans as well,” says Mike Plesz, Founder of Rochester Mills Beer Co. & Production Brewery. “After the overwhelming feedback last year at the brewpub and the Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summer Beer Festival, we knew we had a hot beer on our hands. So, we ramped up production to release this beer across our entire distribution network.”

 

A recent investment in a centrifuge at the production brewery ensures better shelf life for this, and all of Rochester Mills packaged beer, while creating more pronounced flavors when enjoyed in 16-ounce aluminum cans. Supporters of canned beer say it’s not only better for the environment, but it’s more versatile in terms of where and how you transport it (including ease of disposing of empties). Cans also protect the beer from the damaging effects of light and oxygen, providing a better tasting product.

 

“This beer is ideal for hot Pure Michigan summer days spent drinking on the patio or poolside, at the beach or lake, on the boat, along the trails or at the golf course,” Plesz says. “Without question, Raspberry Radler is going to be THE beer of the summer, while enjoying outdoor activities in the Great Lakes region.”

 

Raspberry Radler is available now on draft and in 4-pack, 16-ounce cans across Rochester Mills’ full distribution network in Michigan (including the Rochester Mills Beer Co. in downtown Rochester and Production Brewery Taproom in Auburn Hills), and in select parts of Northern Ohio.

 

Note: A fall spin on the Raspberry Radler will be released after Labor Day. Details will be available soon.

 

ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO. & PRODUCTION BREWERY:
Rochester Mills Beer Co. has been one of the top producing brewpubs in Michigan since it opened in Rochester in 1998. The pub is a full-service restaurant and offers a diverse beer menu with 11 different styles of beer consistently available, as well as a number of reoccurring seasonal offerings.

 

The Rochester Mills Production Brewery, brewers of Rochester Mills Beer Co. brands for distribution, began as a startup brewery in Auburn Hills in 2012, quickly becoming one of the top craft beer producers in the state. Their Lagers and Ales packaged in 16-ounce aluminum cans are currently featured in grocery stores as well as independent and franchise convenient stores, and specialty beverage merchants statewide. Additionally, their core brands, which include Milkshake Stout, Pine Knob Pilsner and Rochester Red Ale, along with their rotating IPA series and seasonal offerings, can be found flowing from more than 1000 taps at bars and restaurants across Michigan and Northern Ohio.

 

More information can be found on their website at: www.BeerCos.com.

Press Release Follows:

Last year, North Peak Brewing Company released its first East Coast IPA called Stormy. An Oat IPA full of haziness unlike any other IPA in their portfolio. Stormy came in with a force and quickly became one of the brewery’s most well received beers ever produced.

“You asked for it and we listened,” said North Peak partner Jon Carlson. “While Diabolical will always be our favorite Midwest IPA, Stormy has quickly become our favorite East Coast-style IPA. The response to this beer has been incredible and everyone wants more. So, we’re going to make more.”

Initially released as a seasonal beer, the popularity of Stormy has led the brewery to develop a year-long Stormy Series schedule to launch early June 2017.  The series will feature five new variations of Stormy. All East Coast or New England-style IPAs, these beers will vary in hop additions but all have the same hazy, juicy mouth feel reflective of the style.

The Stormy Series will include five new beers: Thunder, Cloudy, Zephyr, Torrent and Murky, available in specialty six-packs and draft. The first will debut in June and the remainder of series will release throughout 2017/2018.

North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally-sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin, in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor and Jolly Pumpkin in Detroit. North Peak can also be found outside of Michigan, in select markets.

Remember the news a couple of months ago about the Craft Beer Cruise being offered by the Traverse Tall Ship Company?  That time is fast approaching.  Traverse Tall Ship Company’s 4 day Michigan Craft Beer Cruise  is taking place from Sept 15th thru the 17th, and will feature great food and beer from around the state while sailing aboard the luxurious Schooner Manitou.
 
The cost of $769 per person covers food and drink and accomodation in a double bunk cabin on board the ship. Along for the tour is Chef Amy Sherman who will be your guide on the cruise, offering beer and food pairings, hors d’oeucres, and beer advice.
 
There is plenty more information in the press release below.

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It’s time to look forward to something new from North Peak Brewing Company.  Mellow Cherry Hibiscus.  You might know North Peak as “That beer in the short stubby bottles that isn’t Red Stripe” or something more like “That Michigan Brewery that makes those damn fine IPAs.”  They have announced their plans to release a new strong cherry beer to honor it’s Traverse City home.  Clocking in at 7% ABV and 21 IBUs, Mellow sounds like it will be a bit of a heavy hitter, and the word mellow wouldn’t be my first assumption.  But North Peak promises a balanced beer with a “sweet flavor” and “gentle tartness” to please your palate.  Balanced or not, a sweet fruit beer with 7% ABV is a recipe for trouble in my life, and I can’t wait give it a try.

Now you may say, “That sounds great and all, but I am always missing these new releases, and then I can’t get them when the go out of season.”  To you I say, “Did you read the headline? You missed the best part!” This beer is going to be available year-round.  Starting at the end of the summer, you will be able to  start picking up bottles of Mellow Cherry Hibiscusin stores that sell North Peak beers (which if you are living here in Michigan should be easy to find).  But if you want to make more of an event of this beer, you are in luck!  North Peak is going to be holding release events accross the state beginning in September to mark the occasion. Continue reading →

Brewers come together from Michigan Breweries to make great beer, and great music together, and take both on tour.

Mashpaddle is the name of both the beer, and the band, that are going to be traveling on tour to selected stops in Michigan this summer.  Brewers from New Holland Brewing Company, Old Boys’ Brewhouse, Lake Charlevoix Brewing, Rare Bird Brewpub and Big Hart Brewing, have come together to produce this collaborative brew.  They will be taking the beer to a series of events ant each of their respective pubs.  beginning beginning on Wednesday June 29, and continuing through July 3rd you will be able to hit up one of these brewpubs to find Mashpaddle.

Along with the beer, you Will also find Mashpaddle the Band.

Mashpaddle includes, Adam Engelman from Lake Charlevoix on guitar, Steve Berthel from New Holland on pedal steel, Jesse Jett on vocals and The Beervangelist Fred Bueltmann on bass and sousaphone.  Alternating with them will be sets played by The Strapping Owls, An energetic trio made up of Chicago music veterans, Nicholas Barro, Larry Beers and Fred Bueltmann.  The will be bringing thier unique sound they call “Live Wire Soul”, a “melding influence and improvisation into raucous interpretations of traditional tunes and lively original & spontaneously composed music.”

The full schedule is included in the following press release, So be sure to check it out and try to make it out to see these events, hear this great music, and taste this great new beer.

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The Shed Beer Garden Grand Opening June 3

Look around you my friends in the north. If you wander about Traverse City, Michigan you may just find a new Beer Garden to try out, The Shed Beer Garden.  Personally, I love enjoying the out of doors while partaking a refreshing brew.  There is really something about the fresh air and the sun on my face that makes it all taste so much more satisfying.  I hear what you’re saying, “But Kristoffer, I can’t trust you.  Your taste in beer sucks.”  Well to that good sir, (or madam), all I can say is, “shut your face.”  But also, don’t worry.  The Shed is tapping a fine variety of beers for you. North Peak, Shorts, Petoskey, and Bells.  And being in Traverse City the are of course featuring a selection of wonderful wines for your wine friends.  To go with those beers you will find a wide variety of sliders and fries.  And for your sweet tooth, s’more kits for roasting over either of their two large fire pits.
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Is one day a long enough holiday to really celebrate?  Not for me.  I’m willing to bet, not for you either.  Luckily for us, this week is just what we ordered.  Welcome to America Craft Beer Week!

This is the week to expand your tastes and look for some great new craft beers.  I challenge everyone to go out this week and, responsibly, try to gether a sample of new craft beers that you have never tried before.  At least one for each day of the week.  Take it easy though, you can’t apprecieate new beer if you’ve already killed your pallet, so leave that tripple IPA for later.  Follow me on untappd if you want to see what I’m drinking, and I’d love to see what you’re having too.

Special message from The Michigan Brewers Guild

Here in the Great Beer State, the Michigan Brewers Guild has a special message for everyone.
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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(MARSHALL, Mich)—As part of American Craft Beer Week, Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub is hosting a release party for Dark Horse Brewing’s new summer seasonal, Kamikaze Kaleidoscope, onWednesday, May 18 from 5-9pm in Winston’s Pub. American Craft Beer Week (May 16-22) is sponsored by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent breweries.

 

Kamikaze Kaleidoscope (5% ABV | 16 IBUs) appears hazy straw in color with a bright white head thanks to the healthy amount of wheat in this friendly summer wit. Sweet wheat and citrus aromas come to the scene next with a slight hint of wit yeast that makes this such a unique and drinkable beer. Subtle flavors of orange and lemon lace in nicely with a big wheat mouthfeel and a slight tartness thanks to the wit yeast used in this beer. Finishing dry and clean, this beer will definitely be on your list of summer beers to crush from now on, available May through August on draft at Schuler’s.

 

Dark Horse Brewing is one of more than 215 members of the Michigan Brewers Guild, the official state trade association representing craft breweries. Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $277 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

 

Michigan has identified craft beer as one of its marketing “passions” for the year, according to Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation)—creators of the Pure Michigan and Michigan.org brand. As part of this promotion, the state released a video, voiced by actor Tim Allen, titled “Here’s to the Curious”. It is the second video from Pure Michigan focused on this growing craft beer industry. The first video, “Michigan Craft Beer& Breweries” was released in 2013.

 

Schuler’s itself has a long-standing history of supporting Michigan craft beer. All eight draft taps in Winston’s Pub feature Michigan craft beer, including Schuler’s Brew. These draft features change seasonally, but always include at least one selection from nearby Dark Horse.

 

Dark Horse can also be found on the Schuler’s menu, as a key ingredient in the Swiss Onion Soup and the batter for beer-battered Fish & Chips. Dark Horse even delivers spent grain to the Schuler’s bakery team weekly. This brewing byproduct is added to several of the homemade bread and roll recipes, adding to the texture and complexity of the baked goods. These items not only are used in various menu items at Schuler’s, but at Dark Horse as well.

 

Since opening in 1997, the award-winning Dark Horse has gained a hold in the craft beer industry – with a portfolio of 19 unique products, distributed in 13 states and Europe. The brewery is ranked byRateBeer.com as one of the 100 Top Craft Breweries in America.

 

Founded in 1909, the iconic Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub epitomizes hospitality excellence as a family-owned and operated business. Located at the crossroads of south-central Michigan near the intersection of I-94 and I-69, this world-class Pure Michigan destination has built its 107-year reputation by offering guests quality food and excellent service, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.