Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image
Scroll to top

Top

One Comment

A Year in Michigan Beer | 52 Brews for All Seasons

New Holland Dragon's Milk
Zach VanderGraaff

Michigan is known as the “Great Beer State” for good reason. With over 400 breweries spread through two peninsulae, there’s no shortage of Michigan beer to try. You could spend an entire year drinking your way through the state and still not see all there is to offer. 

Come to think of it; that’s not such a bad idea. Let’s take a look at some of the best beers in Michigan month by month and set you up with a schedule to make your year quite the happy one. 

Disclaimer: The selections on this list are largely based on the author’s personal experiences and shouldn’t be taken as a judgment on any brew left off the list. Drink your way through the state and form your own opinions if you disagree! 

New Holland Brewing Dragon's Milk
Photo by New Holland Brewing

January | B.B.A. to Keep You Warm at Night

Let’s start our year right with some strong Bourbon Barrel Aged goodness. For those who like to participate in Dry January, more power to you! But if you’re not, then this list of beers we’ll keep you going during the dark and chilly month. 

Saugatuck Brewing Neapolitan Milk Stout
Photo by Saugatuck Brewing

February | Love, Chocolate & Sweet, Sweet Beer

The weather outside is cold and snowy, but the love in your home is (hopefully) keeping you warm. Why not let your beer do the same? Pick up some of the strong, warm and sweet beers to make your February a delight. 


March | Kiss Me, I’m Irish! 

Michigan may not be the first state you think of when it comes to celebrating Irish heritage, but we still party down with the best of them. Whether it’s an Irish Stout, Red Ale or Amber, we’ve got exactly what you need to get in touch with your green side. 


April | A Beer in the Hand is Worth Two in the Wheat Field 

April showers bring May flowers. If you’re going to be stuck inside while winter thaws and the rains come in, you may as well engage your taste buds with some flavorful Michigan wheat beer.


May | Smooth & Toasty Browns

May is a weird time in Michigan. We can be 40° F one day and 90° F the next! As such, you need a beer that’s good for all weather, with heavy and light food, and that beer is a solid Brown Ale. Michigan has more than enough for what you need! 

Bell's Brewery Two Hearted Stovepipe
Photo by Bell’s Brewery

June | IPAs Aren’t Going to Drink Themselves

The most popular craft beer style in the nation is certainly at home in the Mitten State. We’ve got some of the most influential brews around, and here is where you need to start. 


July | Summer Lovin’

Summers in Michigan are among the best in the world. With over 11,000 inland lakes on top of the four Great Lakes, there’s no shortage of fun when you’re out and about in July. For this month, we recommend drinking some summer-themed beers from local breweries such as these. 


August | Crispy Light Lagers & Ales

August in Michigan is often even hotter than July! It’s time to lighten up our drinking with some of the crispest Lagers and brews out there. Stay cool in the sun; just don’t let that pesky sun skunk your beer!  

Petoskey Brewing Oktoberfest
Photo by Petoskey Brewing

September | Oktoberfest & Ein Prosit! 

Some of you ranting may be ranting,“Oktoberfest in September? It’s literally in the name! What’s wrong with you?”

Oktoberfest runs from mid-September through the first Sunday in October, so this beer—drinker’s holiday is more of a September one. Almost every Michigan brewery puts out its version of the beer, but here are five of the best to prost with your buddies. 


October | Pumpkin Season Ahead

Not everyone loves pumpkin ale, but there are enough of you out there that it makes its rounds every fall. What better time to enjoy than when the air grows cold and the leaves change color? All in all, they make for a fun, yet unusual, experience. 


November | Family Dinners Deserve Strong Beer

Thanksgiving is one of the best, and yet most stressful, holidays. Family you don’t see very often, gathering together, discussing life, making judgments, awkward political claims—no, wait, is that not normal? 

In all seriousness, a strong and versatile beer may not be the best way to cope with the stress, but it’ll certainly make the time go by faster and your dinners taste even better! 

Frankenmuth Brewery Christmas Town
Photo by Frankenmuth Brewery

December | Christmas Beers Galore

What makes a Christmas beer? Seasonal flavors like clove, ginger, orange, cinnamon, dried fruit, cranberry and others make the list. We love Christmas here in Michigan, and there are some excellent beer options to enjoy along with your cookies and food! 

Did we miss a Michigan beer you absolutely love? Obviously, there’s no way to share every great MI beer out there, so post a comment on this article with your favorite to add to the list!


Can't visit the site everyday like us? Bummer! No worries, we've got you covered. Submit your email below to receive our monthlyish newsletter on reviews, tours, events and more!

Comments

  1. Hello
    Interesting list. We have a stout for St Patrick’s Day that our customers love. St Patrick’s Snake Banisher Stout. Being Irish, we like to have a little fun. We have an Irish Red called Hooligan. How can we post events on your site?
    We are located in Dearborn in an old industrial area.
    Thanks! 🍻

Submit a Comment

one × five =