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View the Great Beer State Documentary Trailer

 

 

(LANSING, Mich) – In honor of its 25 Anniversary, the Michigan Brewers Guild has announced the release of its Great Beer State Documentary which draws from more than 60 interviews gathered over four years. Building on the work from the 2019 book A Rising Tide – The Story of the Michigan Brewers Guild and Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast which was launched in 2020, the film was produced by The Beervangelist, Fred Bueltmann, author of A Rising Tide and co-host of the Guild’s podcast.

“Besides celebrating 25 years, this film shows stark differences between then and now, when it comes to locally brewed beer and its contribution to community culture. From before the Michigan Brewers Guild in the mid-eighties, to the formation of the Guild in 1997 and up until the present day, there has been a cultural transformation,” stated Bueltmann. “The storyline is loosely held, shared through stories and observations from dozens of brewery folks who have been a part of the brewing scene; past, present, and future.”

The documentary premiered at the Michigan Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti last weekend with a private viewing for brewery members on Friday evening and a VIP screening for Enthusiast Members on Saturday morning. A series of public viewings is being organized across the state at member breweries, Allied Member locations and community friends of Michigan beer. The schedule will be posted on MiBeer.com and shared via the Guild’s Facebook page. This is an essential element in the 25th Anniversary campaign which will culminate in a “Wrap Party” on October 22 following the Detroit Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market (the actual 25th Anniversary of the Guild).

“The film is a fun and engaging look inside the Michigan beer community,” says Scott Graham, the Guild’s executive director. “After 25 years local beer is truly part of our culture and fabric; it is part of what makes Michigan great.”

It was October 22, 1997 when a surprising collection of 49 people representing 30 operating breweries gathered at a pub in Saginaw to discuss how they could collectively promote Michigan-made beer. A consensus arose out of that meeting that a formal association of Michigan brewers should be organized and on December 3, 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild was officially formed.

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 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.”

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis). Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State” ranking #6 nationally for the number of breweries.

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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 #6 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 #6 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 #6 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.”

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – Nearly 150 Michigan breweries will celebrate “Michigan Craft Beer Month” July 26-27 at Riverside Park in downtown Ypsilanti as the Michigan Brewers Guild gears up for their 22nd Annual Summer Beer Festival. More than 1,100 beers will be on tap during the two-day outdoor event, which is held rain or shine.Festival hours 6-9pm on Friday and 1-6pm on Saturday, with one-hour early admission for current Enthusiast Members. Special beer offerings are also planned during that first hour.

This year’s entertainment includes Ryan Dillaha and The Miracle Men on Friday, July 26 (6:15-7:15pm and 7:45-9pm) and Stone Clover(1:30-3pm) and Black Tie Circus (4-5:50) on Saturday.

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 almost 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, $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 – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – Legislators in Lansing have recently declared July as “Michigan Craft Beer Month” with the introduction of House Resolution No. 135 and Senate Resolution No. 61, noting the brewing industry’s long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural interests and the ongoing contributions to the overall economy of the state.

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild operates as the non-profit trade organization representing craft brewing interests around the state. With more than 290 member breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs spread out from coast to coast to coast – throughout both Peninsulas, in rural and urban areas – it’s no wonder Michigan is known as “The Great Beer State.” Currently Michigan ranks #4 nationally for the overall number of breweries, at 350+, according to the Brewers Association.

The highlight of “Michigan Craft Beer Month” is the 22nd Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival, July 26-27 at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town – along the banks of the Huron River. Featuring nearly 150 breweries and more than 1,000 unique beers, this is the largest of the Guild’s four annual festivals (the others being the UP Fall Beer Festival, September 7 in Marquette; Detroit Fall Beer Festival, October 25-26 at Eastern Market in downtown Detroit; and Michigan Winter Beer Festival, February 21-22 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, just north of downtown Grand Rapids). More than 35,000 people collectively attend the Guild’s annual festivals.

SR61 was introduced by Senator MacGregor and HR135 was introduced by Representatives Farrington, Chirkun, Clemente, Crawford, Garza, Gay-Dagnogo, Haadsma, Jones, Kuppa, Lasinski, Love, Manoogian, Sabo, Shannon, Slagh, Sneller and Warren. The House Resolution reads:

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan’s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 17,000 workers; and

     Whereas, Our state has craft brewers in every region of the state and more than 300 craft brewers statewide; and

     Whereas, Michigan ranks fifth in the nation for overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs; and

     Whereas, The Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates Michigan Craft Beer Month each year by hosting a Summer Festival in July; and

    Whereas, Craft brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables grown here; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to our state by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry; and

     Whereas, Striving to educate legal drinking-age residents, Michigan craft brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking; and

     Whereas, Craft brewers in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting our state’s tourism; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers have shown a successful business model by contributing more than $700 million in labor income with a total economic contribution of more than $2.4 billion, thriving and expanding by furthering their economic importance to the state; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including not-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research; now, therefore, be it

     Resolved by the Senate and House, That the members of this legislative body commemorate July 2019 as Craft Beer Month and recognize the contributions that Michigan craft brewers have made to our state’s communities, economy, and history; and be it further

     Resolved, That we commend Michigan craft brewers for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the history and culture of beer, while promoting the responsible consumption of beer as a beverage of moderation.

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.

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MBG Board of Directors

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2019 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 10, at the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

This year, three people were elected to the Guild board:

  • Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, was elected to his sixth term.
  • Rick Schmitt, Co-Owner of Stormcloud Brewing in Frankfort, was elected to his first term after being appointed in April 2018 to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board.
  • Aubrey Martinson, Co-Owner of Chelsea Alehouse in Chelsea, was elected to her first term.

Additional board members include:

  • Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, continues his fifth term and remains the Guild’s President.
  • Ryan Cottongim, Owner of Witch’s Hat Brewing Company in South Lyon, continues his second term and remains the Guild’s Vice President.
  • David Ringler, Owner of Cedar Springs Brewing Company in Cedar Springs, continues his first term and remains the Guild’s treasurer.
  • Chas Thompson, Beer Engineer at Schmohz Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, continues his first elected term after being appointed in 2017 to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board. He will remain the Guild’s secretary.

The conference was a record-breaker in many ways for the organization, with more than 750 attendees including nearly 130 vendors in the Allied Member Trade Show. The Guild also reported 256-member breweries at the close of 2018, up from 245 at the end of 2017.

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 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 14,000 full-time jobs, $662 million in labor income / wages with a total economic impact of over $2 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #4 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

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Michigan Breweries brought home 9 medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Competition last weekend.  The competition in Denver, Colorado collected over 2,400 breweries from all over the country.  293 judges looked at over 8,500 beers and awarded a total of 312 medals to beers that demonstrated excellence in their style.

Big congratulations to The Mitten Brewing Co from Grand Rapids for their gold medal in American Style Amber/Red Ale with their West Coast Swing Amber.  Founders Brewing Company brought home two silver medals for their Breakfast Stout (Coffee Stout or Porter) and Porter (Robust Porter). Also winning silver medals were Wolverine State Brewing Company from Ann Arbor with NZ Pilz (American Style Pilsener), Bastone Brewery from Royal Oak with Kung Fu Smurf (Belgian Style Dubbel or Quadruple), Bell’s Roundhouse (Double Hoppy Red Ale), and Thornapple Brewing Company’s My Brown Eyed Girl (English Style Brown Ale).  Bronze medals were also awarded to Brew Detroit’s Cerveza Delray (International Style Pilsner) and Wolverine State Brewing Company’s Raucher (Smoke Beer).

More information about the competition and the winners below:

Continue reading →

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild has once again designated July as Michigan Craft Beer Month. With more than 250 member breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs spread out from coast to coast to coast – through both Peninsulas, in rural and urban areas – it’s no wonder Michigan is known as “The Great Beer State.” Currently Michigan ranks #4 nationally for the overall number of breweries, according to the Brewers Association.

Legislators in Lansing annually recognize July as “Michigan Craft Beer Month,” noting its long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural industries, and the ongoing contributions to the economy of the state:

  • Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan’s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 5,000 workers;
  • Craft brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown in Michigan;
  • Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to Michigan by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry;
  • Striving to educate legal drinking-age residents, Michigan craft brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; Michigan craft brewers have been a successful business model by contributing well over $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million, thriving and expanding in furthering their economic importance to the state;
  • Craft brewers in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting Michigan tourism;
  • Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including not-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research.
  • Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking;

The Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four eco-conscious festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its members breweries, which attracts more than 35,000 people collectively each year. Upcoming festivals include:

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.