With over 100 Craft Breweries in Michigan, that can only mean one thing; brew lovers live in the Mitten. Being residents of the mitten state and brew lovers ourselves, we have done a lot of beer tastings while traveling around this great Midwest state. We have compiled a Michigan brewery map that lists the must-try beers within Michigan with the hopes that every traveler can leave having tasted the most delicious brews.
Michigan Brewery Map
1. Bell's Brewery
Recommended Brew: Oberon (Wheat Beer 5.8% ABV)
Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Bell's is an iconic Michigan brewery that should be high on your list to try when visiting the mitten state. Famous nationally for their Two Hearted IPA which is named after the Two Hearted River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is full of pine and grapefruit aromas with Pacific Northwest hops.
However, if time only allows for one beverage, you must try Bell's Oberon. So important to Michiganders, Oberon has its own "opening day" in late March. Known as a refreshing summer drink with mild fruity aromas, Oberon can only be found on tap from late March through September. See what all of the hype is about and grab an Oberon to enjoy beachside on your next trip to Michigan!
Oberon Opening Day: Late March
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2. Griffin Claw Brewery
Recommended Brew: Norm's Raggedy Ass IPA (American IPA 7.2% ABV)
Griffin Claw Brewery. Where do we start with our most favorite Michigan brewery of all time? Located in Birmingham, MI (Southeast MI), this brewery has the most delicious selection of brews, along with a fun and entertaining sense of humor.
Their most recognizable year-round brews are El Rojo (Red Ale), Mr. Blue Sky (Wheat), Haze Force (Hazy IPA), You Figure It Out (Coconut Vanilla Milk Stout), and Norm's Raggedy Ass (IPA). Norm's Raggedy Ass is their flagship (not to mention 2010 World Beer Cup gold medal recipient) that is a hoppy, smooth, and sweet IPA. If you happen to stop by their taproom, pair a brew with an excellent appetizer and/or entrée!
J&L Recommended: Favorite Michigan Brewery
3. Shorts Brewery
Recommended Brew: Bellaire Brown (American Brown Ale; 7% ABV)
If you have not had a Short's beer before, than you are missing out. Established in 2004, this veteran brewing company has been delighting beer enthusiasts for years. They are located in Northwest Lower Michigan in the quaint village of Bellaire.
At their pub, there is always at least 20 different beers and Starcut Ciders on tap. With a variety of experimental brews, there is something for everyone to try. One of their staple beers is the Bellaire Brown, which is a full-flavored brown ale that tastes like sweet caramel with toasted notes. It is very dark and rich in flavor, which makes it stand out uniquely from the others browns on the market.
J&L Recommended: Unique & Rotating Brews
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4. Founders Brewing Co.
Recommended Brew: All Day IPA (Session/ India Session IPA 4.7% ABV)
Located in Grand Rapids, MI (Southwest MI), Founders is worth stopping on your trip through the mitten state. Founders has been around since 1997 and does not plan on leaving anytime soon. This iconic brewery sold over 115k barrels in Michigan in 2018 to reaffirm its position as the second largest brewery in the state. Founders' All Day IPA is an easy drinking lower ABV that will satisfy your taste buds while allowing you to keep your senses sharp. Each empty glass or can will leave you wanting more!
Also Read: Best Coffee Shops of Michigan
5. Supernatural Brewing
Recommended Brew: CocoMallow Monsoon (Milkshake IPA 7% ABV)
Supernatural Brewing was founded by three engineer friends (Ernie, Dan, and Chris) who met through a a robotics competition. Clearly, all three of these gentlemen understand the math and chemistry behind the brewing process as all of their brews are unique and extremely tasty. Located in Livonia, MI (Southeast MI) this brewery also has excellent food offerings.
We recommend pairing your beer with a juicy burger or a simple appetizer of pretzels with beer cheese. CocoMallow Monsoon is brewed with coconut, marshmallows, vanilla, and lactose. If you are not a coconut fan, they have many more experimental beer options so do not hesitate to ask one of their friendly bartenders!
J&L Recommended: Great experiential brews
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6. Saugatuck Brewing Company
Saugatuck, MI & Kalamazoo, MI
Recommended Brew: Blueberry Maple Stout (American Stout 6.0% ABV; 26 IBU)
Located in Saugatuck, MI, Saugatuck Brewery's Blueberry Maple Stout tastes like a stack of blueberry pancakes topped with maple syrup was crammed into a pint glass. A sweet, rich stout with malty notes and a unique twist, this beer is available year-round. Saugatuck Brewery has locations both in Saugatuck and Kalamazoo, offering a variety of pub food along with their tasty brews. After looking at the menu, you will likely settle for a beer flight as there are too many unique flavors worth trying!
Also Read: Sleeping Bear Dunes Complete Guide
7. New Holland Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: Dragon's Milk (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout 11.0% ABV) or Tangerine Space Machine (Hazy IPA with Tangerine 6.8% ABV)
With its flagship brewery in Holland MI, New Holland Brewery is famous for their bourbon-barrel-aged Dragon's Milk stout (among many other brews). If bourbon barrel-aged brews are your thing, visit dragonsmilk.com for their limited releases and multiple varieties of Dragon's Milk. Another popular brew is their Hazy IPA Tangerine Space Machine. So crisp and refreshing, you may be temped to get a full liter! Head to New Holland Brewery on a Wednesday and get a stein of select brews for only $7.
Wednesday Deal: $7 Steins
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8. Draught Horse Brewery
Recommended Brew: Peanut Butter Stout (American Stout 7.0% ABV)
Located in New Hudson, MI, Draught Horse's Peanut Butter Stout is rich, creamy, and tastes like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in liquid form! Pair with some of their amazing cast-iron build-your-own mac n cheese and enjoy at their outdoor biergarten.
Founded by beer enthusiast Brad Tiernan, Draught Horse Brewery was created to mimic the easy-going pace of the country life. Draught Horse Brewery is one of our personal favorites. Once word gets out about their Peanut Butter Stout, this brewery will be on every Michigan brew tour list.
Also Read: Pictured Rocks Complete Guide
Michigan Beer Map
To use the below interactive map while traveling, select the star next to "Michigan Brew Tour" below. This map will then be saved under your "Maps" tab of "Saved" under your Google Maps account.
Happy Adventuring!
J&L
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