The state of the state’s brewing industry is experiencing continued growth. And part of the credit goes to the Michigan Brewers Guild.
The guild — which is celebrating its 20th anniversary — now has over 220 member breweries whose brewers create distinct versions of beer that run the gamut of recognized styles and flavors in an effort to capture beer drinkers’ minds and palates.
As the industry continues to grow, the economic impact in Michigan continues to increase. Support industries like farming, packaging, distribution, and tourism will continue to see the benefits of a thriving beer industry.
As the MBG pursues its mission to gain 20 percent market share for craft beer in Michigan by 2025, the state will continue to benefit not only from the taxes generated, but the other positive programs, including: green initiatives and sustainability, community outreach programs, and charitable giving.
- Michigan craft breweries provide 5,000+ jobs
- Michigan craft breweries pay more than $144 million in wages with over $600 million in total economic impact
- Most breweries prefer to use locally-grown ingredients such as hops, barley, wheat, beet sugar, and fruits and vegetables
- Many breweries have implemented water preservation systems and techniques, while supporting state and national clean water initiatives
- Renewable energy and sustainable building practices are being utilized more often as the industry continues to grow
Here is a small sampling of craft beer happenings.
Summer Beer Festival
Hosted annually in Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, the Michigan Summer Beer Festival (July 21 and 22) is the largest beer festival in Michigan. Averaging more than 100 breweries with approximately 1,000 beers from which to sample, the summer festival is the easiest way to try the wares from breweries across the state.
Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased online here.
Charity and Community Outreach
Batch Brewing Company, the minds behind the Feelgood Tap program, has teamed up with retailer 8 Degrees Plato to create a collaboration beer called “Enough Said,” with sales proceeds going to pay for a portion of the backlog of previously untested rape kits in the possession of the Detroit police.
The charity event is Saturday, July 15 at 8 Degrees Plato’s Detroit location and includes participation from local businesses Sister Pie, Impasto, and Aunt Nee’s.
8 Degrees Plato Detroit, 3409 Cass Ave, Detroit; 313-888-9972; 8degreesplato.com/detroit/
Batch Brewing Company, 1400 Porter Street, Detroit; batchbrewingcompany.com
Urbanrest Brewing Company
The much-anticipated Urbanrest Brewing company has opened in Ferndale. Urbanrest brews 7bbl batches of beer in the traditional farmhouse style using open-fermentation techniques. Kombucha (fermented tea) is also on the beverage menu.
Initially intending to serve the local community first, Urbanrest does have very limited draft distribution available for special events. As demand and sales grow, more distribution channels will be considered.
The taproom serves 5-ounce, 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes, and offers both 750ml and 2L growler fills to go. They will also fill 32-ounce or 64-ounce growlers from other breweries. Available food is limited to charcuterie boards, although food trucks stop by on Fridays and Saturdays.
Urbanrest Brewing Co., 2615 Wolcott Avenue, Ferndale; urbanrest.com
E&B
Officially re-launching a historic Detroit beer brand this July after a 40-year hiatus, Eastside Brewery has teamed with Motor City Brewing Works to bring back E&B American Lager. Closing its doors in 1975, the E&B Brewery formerly produced beer at the southeastern edge of Eastern Market. The former brewery is now home to the E&B Lofts.
While still growing its distribution network, E&B is currently available at Motor City Brewing Works and select local retailers.
Motor City Brewing Works, 470 West Canfield, Detroit; 313-832-2700; motorcitybeer.com
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