What We’re Drinking | May 29, 2020

Another week of the global COVID-19 pandemic has ushered us out of the month of May, and we are starting to see some states (and breweries!) open back up and some new restrictions to aid in our safety while we explore this new stage in our country’s history. Continue to stay safe, shop local and do your part in stopping the spread of this disease. And while we typically use this site to bring a positive reprieve away from the real world, it’d be hard not to acknowledge the horrific scene of racism and police brutality that continues to flood our headlines. RIP George Floyd. We can do better as a community… without further ado, Here’s What We’re Drinking.

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What We’re Drinking | January 17, 2020

Seventeen days into 2020 and it’s already been a year so far—Australia is on fire and we seem to have adverted WWIII (I know, super amazing topics!). Our staff is also getting back to a normal work week, tending to their families, and churning out amazing articles. So, grab a cold one and see what we’re drinking.

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Exploring the Haunted History of Jolly Pumpkin’s Traverse City Location

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is most known for its well-crafted array of sour ales, but it’s Traverse City brewpub location is known for something else. The brewpub is attached to Bowers Harbor Inn, home to upscale restaurant, Mission Table, and gorgeous views of the waterfront. It might also include a haunted spirit. Just in time for Halloween, here’s what you need to know about this Jolly Pumpkin location’s haunted history, which may be one of spookiest brewpub spots in the U.S. 

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Event Preview | Traverse City Craft Beer Week

Known for beautiful scenery, cherries and wine, Northern Michigan’s Traverse City has also become a hotbed for craft breweries. With a population of just over 15,000, the city has 10 breweries and even more in the surrounding towns. The Traverse City Craft Beer Week is an opportunity to explore the region’s expanding craft beer offerings.

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Michigan’s Jolly Pumpkin Creates Neighborhood Feel in Chicago’s Hyde Park

As more and more breweries pop up, the idea of the neighborhood brewery is becoming increasingly popular. To wit: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales’ only location outside of Michigan, their Hyde Park location which opened in 2017, is quickly become a gathering space for the community.

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Celebrating National Pizza Day with Michigan’s Best Craft Beer & Pizza

In honor of National Pizza Day on February 9, I am overjoyed to be writing about two of my favorite things: craft beer and pizza. Seriously–is there anything better than taking a bite of a hot, tantalizing slice of your favorite pizza and chasing it with a sip of a cold IPA or a refreshing pale ale? Just thinking about it makes my stomach rumble and my mouth begin to water.

In our explorations of Michigan’s craft brewery scene, my husband and I have tasted a lot of amazing food paired with some exceptional beer. However, nothing seems to top the beer and pizza combination for us, and we find ourselves returning to some of our favorite Michigan breweries again and again simply to indulge ourselves in this dynamic duo. If you don’t have a location to celebrate National Pizza Day already chosen, here are my recommendations for the best of Michigan’s craft beer and pizza scene to inspire you. Maybe we will see you there!
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The Weekly Buzz | May 11 – 17

I’m far too tired to give you a witty introduction. My body is aching. Migraine symptoms are setting in. I know that these are probably related to the amount of time I spend on Twitter, but I’m just too darn committed to compiling this dumb list of tweets for your enjoyment. My own well-being comes second to you. Submitted for your approval, this is The Weekly Buzz.
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Ultimate 6er | Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Photo Courtesy of CNN.

There are some television shows, for whatever reason, I only watch while enjoying a beer or two. It’s as if the quality of the program is somehow diminished if I’m not cradling one of my favorite brewery-branded snifters, nursing a beer for the entirety of the episode, really drinking in the experience – pardon the pun. Call it tradition. Call it habit. Call it whatever you want, but there’s just some intrinsic link between the two – an association that immediately transports me to a happy place few other combinations have the power to do.

Sure, ask those closest to me, my wife or good friends, and they’ll tell you Anthony Bourdain is my spirit guide, and his CNN travel show Parts Unknown, now in its seventh season, is just the program I eluded to in the opening passage. When I sit down to stream the newest episode, a beer is almost always in-hand. Read More

14 Valentine’s Day Beers To Try This FeBREWary

Valentines Day sneaks up on everyone. You’ve just finished recovering from the holiday season and now you’re scrambling to find a gift for your Valentine. There are the standard gifts that are often bought: last minute flowers and a cheesy chocolate box from a CVS. To avoid getting that eye roll from your craft beer-lovin’ special someone, check out our 14 Valentine’s Day Beers To Try This FeBREWary. Read More

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales | Persimmon Ship

5% ABV

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is about halfway over. I only bring it up because it’s time to carpe the summer diem! All those things you said you wanted to accomplish this summer, well, time to get after it. Including that trip to the park for some good old-fashioned outdoor drinking you’ve been putting off, probably because it’s been raining so damn much (sorry California, we’d LOVE to send some your way…). If you’re a Chicagoan, that means a trip to Ravinia or checking out one of the countless free shows at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (check out the summer film series!).

And while wine seems to be the drink of choice at these events, a collaboration beer between two of the Midwest’s sour powerhouses could easily convince wine drinkers to make a switch. Michigan’s Jolly Pumpkin teamed up with Indiana’s Upland to brew a Persimmon and Dragonfuit infused wild ale that ends up being very reminiscent of a sparkling white wine. But of course, there’s plenty of nuance for beer drinkers to love too. Read More

Anchorage Brewing & Jolly Pumpkin | Calabaza Boreal

Anchorage Brewing & Jolly Pumpkin | Calabaza Boreal

ABV: 7.0%

In honor of our collaboration roundtable this week, I figured I’d showcase a recent collaboration from a pair of breweries that I love to death. Calabaza Boreal is a team-brew by Anchorage Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin, and I’ll spoil the article early to reveal that this beer is delicious. If you like sours, you were probably excited when you read the title.

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12 Beers of Christmas | Day 5- Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza

ABV: 9.0%

What better adjective to describe the holiday spirit than Jolly? Jolly Pumpkin brewery delivers their holiday beer with great complexity to the tune of Brettanomyces funk. This malty brew is best served with many leather bound books and an abode that smells of rich mahogany. Enjoy this sophisticated Noel de Calabaza. Read More