5 Beers from Metro Detroit Breweries to Try This Winter

Check out brews from Royal Oak Brewery, Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Brew Detroit, and more.
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Conflict of Interest photograph courtesy of Griffin Claw

Looking for a new go-to drink this winter? Check out some of these seasonal beers crafted by metro Detroit breweries. From award-winning dark stouts to traditional ales, these local breweries have a pour for just about every taste in winter and beyond.

Drafting Table’s Buzz Blanket

On the sweeter side of things, Drafting Tables’ Buzz Blanket is made from lactose and coffee from Higher Grounds in Traverse City. This cream stout has a 7 percent ABV and a sweet, latte-like flavor profile. Drafting Table, 49438 Pontiac Trail, Wixom; 248-956-7279; draftingtablebeer.com.

Brew Detroit’s Winter Lager

This lager has a 5.7 percent ABV and mixes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with a hint of sweet malt for a drink that goes down easy and will keep you warm all winter long. Brew Detroit, 1401 Abbott St., Detroit; 313-344-7185; brewdetroit.com

Rivers Edge Brewery’s Dirty Frank Stout

The Dirty Frank Stout won the Gold Medal at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, and the Bronze award at the 2016 World Beer Cup. It’s a full-bodied stout with an ABV of 6.9 percent that features mild rye, brown rye, smoked malt, and a smidge of molasses to create a smooth “roasty and chocolatey” flavor.  Rivers Edge Brewing Co., 125 S Main St. Suite 400, Milford; 248-685-1625; riversedgebrew.com.

Griffin Claw Brewing Co.’s Conflict of Interest

Juicy with fruity, tropical notes, this New England style IPA has a 6 percent ABV. The brewers use Nelson Sauvin hops, known for adding grape-like flavoring to beers. Griffin Claw — which was named the 2020 No. 1 Brewery by Best of Detroit voters — offers their beer in pint sizes, as well as in flights or growlers to-go. Griffin Claw Brewing Co., 575 S. Eton St., Birmingham; 248-712-4050; and 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills; 248-289-6093; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com.

Royal Oak Brewery’s 90 Shilling Scotch Ale

This Scotch Ale by Oakland County’s oldest brewpub has an 8 percent ABV and keeps with Scottish breaking tradition by keeping a low hop bitterness and flavor profile. It’s brewed with Scottish Golden Promise mash and a dash of roasted barely, which delivers rich, malty, and sweet flavors. The beer’s copper color comes from a longer boil that caramelizes the malt. Royal Oak Brewery, 215 E. Fourth St. Royal Oak; 248-544-1141; royaloakbrewery.com.

This post has been updated for 2024.