Our beautiful state boasts some of the best beer in the nation. You can’t throw a rock in Michigan without hitting a great brewery these days. Discover a new favorite craft beer, recommended by MCL readers, at these breweries around the state. Cheers!
1Summer Love—Mackinaw Brewing Company, Traverse City
As a northern Michigan pioneer in micro-breweries, Mackinaw Brewing Company in Traverse City has been serving up craft beers for 22 years, and during that time, brewmaster Mike Dwyer has been creating some of the finest brews in all of Michigan. I like Mike because he does a great job at pleasing beer connoisseurs with his Dark Stouts and Red Ales, as well as catering to novice drinkers, like me, with his American IPAs and Belgian Whites. My all-time favorites are his seasonal growlers of Summer Love with a hint of lemon and his Heritage Cherry Lager named in honor of the T.C. Cherry Festival Heritage Day Parade. Rumor has it he will be brewing up a fall seasonal craft named October Fest, which will be a nice multi German Amber Lager. Can’t wait…
-Allys Dreves, Cherryland
2Lake Phantom—Ludington Bay Brewing, Ludington
The best beer on the lakeshore of Lake Michigan is Lake Phantom by Ludington Bay Brewing.
-Mary Campbell, Great Lakes Energy
3 Two-Hearted—Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo
The best brew is Two-Hearted by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. It’s also the #1 Craft Beer in the United States. If you haven’t tried it, you should.
-Jennifer Grosskurth, Midwest Energy & Communications
4Prima Hoparina—BAD Brewing Company, Mason
Go try Prima Hoparina, a double IPA, brewed and served at BAD Brewing Company in Mason. They have lots of awesome craft beer!
-Hilda Wittingen, Great Lakes Energy
5Juicy New England Style IPA—Petoskey Brewing, Petoskey
Juicy New England Style IPA from Petoskey Brewing is my favorite. It has mouthwatering citrus and tropical hop aromas.
-Leland Wolken, HomeWorks Tri-County
6Experimental Ales—Greenbush Brewing Company, Sawyer
Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer offers a large portfolio of house-brewed beer, including experimental Ales.
-Walter Maciaga, Midwest Energy & Communications.
7Walter Gets Buzzed—Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Muskegon
Pigeon Hill Brewing Company in Muskegon makes a tasty brew called Walter Gets Buzzed, a lighter beer with a hint of coffee taste.
-Linnea Miller, Great Lakes Energy
Up Next: Best Bakeries
We’re on a sweet journey to find the best bakeries in the state! Share your favorites. We will publish this member–recommended list in our November/December issue. Submit your favorites by September 20.
