Mitten Miracles: The Beers of Michigan
I didn't really start drinking beer until I dove into coffee headfirst like Michael Phelps in Beijing. However, since then I have really had a healthy obsession with drinking exceptional beer regardless of the cost. I went up to Frankfort, IL to do a training last weekend and had the pleasure of hanging out in the city with my friend Jordan, an employee of Alinea who keeps the wine cellar and makes purchasing choices for their food pairings. He knows his wine/beer/spirits like no one I know. We had a chance to go out and enjoy a new place called "little bar" that was aptly named, but its size was not reflective of its selection. At least a dozen taps and another 2 dozen in the bottle of the Midwest's finest and beyond.
Now, I grew up in Michigan so I have a thing for Michigan craftsmanship. However, I don't think I was misguided when I ordered Bell's Two Hearted to start things out. Crisp, sweet, developing into a bitter, hoppy, citric finish; an amazingly complex beer. It was the point of a great discussion on all the factors that lead to taste. Earlier that day I was able to have Bell's Amber with dinner. The Amber is an easy drinker: pleasantly sweet and a little spicey with notes of caramel and a bit of apple. They were both notable to me for different reasons, but both great beers.
Anyone else a Michigan beer fan? Bells and Founders?
Now, I grew up in Michigan so I have a thing for Michigan craftsmanship. However, I don't think I was misguided when I ordered Bell's Two Hearted to start things out. Crisp, sweet, developing into a bitter, hoppy, citric finish; an amazingly complex beer. It was the point of a great discussion on all the factors that lead to taste. Earlier that day I was able to have Bell's Amber with dinner. The Amber is an easy drinker: pleasantly sweet and a little spicey with notes of caramel and a bit of apple. They were both notable to me for different reasons, but both great beers.
Anyone else a Michigan beer fan? Bells and Founders?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kevin Ayers on
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Try the bells hopslam, best double IPA ever. Or, if they ever make it again, make sure to get a "double" two hearted. Also amazing hoppy goodness.
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Permalink Reply by Trevor on
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Is that a serious question Demarse? Come on. Hopcat is brewing their own beer now. They have a very tasty Honey Saged Ale right now. A little sweet for my tastes but very well done. They have a pretty good Rye Stout right now that is remniscent of a reuben sandwich. When you gonna come up so we can hit that?
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Permalink Reply by Bryan Wray on
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Bell's is located in Kalamazoo.
Bryan is located in Kalamazoo.
New Holland Brewing Co is located in Holland.
Bryan's girlfriend is located more or less above New Holland Brewing Co.
I'm a minor fan of Michigan Beers. :0)
If you enjoy Two Hearted you should definitely give Crooked Tree from Darkhorse (Marshall, MI) a try.
If you enjoy Amber from Bell's try Sundog from New Holland.
Founder's Red's Rye is probably my favorite summer beer.
-bry -
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Permalink Reply by Chris DeMarse on
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kevin, i'm not sure i have the cajones for hopslam... i only ever make it half way through one.. it's over the top hop.
Kevin Ayers said:Try the bells hopslam, best double IPA ever. Or, if they ever make it again, make sure to get a "double" two hearted. Also amazing hoppy goodness. -
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Bryan,
My sister went to Western for college and lives there with her husband. As such, sweetwater doughnut mill and bells are a great reason to visit. I have only had a little new holland, but i hear nothing but good.
Bryan Wray said:Bell's is located in Kalamazoo.
Bryan is located in Kalamazoo.
New Holland Brewing Co is located in Holland.
Bryan's girlfriend is located more or less above New Holland Brewing Co.
I'm a minor fan of Michigan Beers. :0)
If you enjoy Two Hearted you should definitely give Crooked Tree from Darkhorse (Marshall, MI) a try.
If you enjoy Amber from Bell's try Sundog from New Holland.
Founder's Red's Rye is probably my favorite summer beer.
-bry -
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I'm coming soon my good friend... i have yet to see the shining beacon of Madcap amongst the dark scene of grand rapids coffee in its glory... you will be informed when I make the trip.
Trevor said:Is that a serious question Demarse? Come on. Hopcat is brewing their own beer now. They have a very tasty Honey Saged Ale right now. A little sweet for my tastes but very well done. They have a pretty good Rye Stout right now that is remniscent of a reuben sandwich. When you gonna come up so we can hit that? -
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Chris, the best beer from New Holland is Dragon's Milk. If you haven't had one yet you are painfully missing out.
-bry -
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Permalink Reply by Sam Granger on
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I am a fan of Bell's Double Cream Stout with a shot of espresso. It's pretty syrupy, but that's where the espresso comes in. ;)
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Permalink Reply by Adam Ptasnik on
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Any one else had the Keweenaw red jacket amber yet? Unreal. And in a can..... -
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