A Love Affair for Michigan Beer is Brewing…Just in Time For Valentine’s Day

Chocolate is the consumable most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, but many may not be aware that certain craft brews – especially those with chocolaty undertones – make the perfect treat for beer lovers. Of course, the addition of certain fruits and other flavors (like cherry, vanilla and even the spiciness of jalapeno) also brings out a bit of passion as well. As you head out with your sweetheart this year for Valentine’s Day, consider ordering up a pint of one of these deliciously romantic Michigan made libations.

 ARBOR BREWING COMPANY, ANN ARBOR
www.arborbrewing.com
Espresso Love is made with cold-brewed locally roasted coffee and oatmeal for a smooth and creamy texture and rich coffee and chocolate flavor without the coffee bitterness. Espresso Love is currently available at Corner Brewery and is sold in bottles around the state from February through May. Also look for Milestone Cask Porter – a rich, dark, complex, full-bodied porter with hints of dark chocolate, raisins, black licorice, and currents on the palate, and a smoky, sour finish. Faricy Fest Irish Stout is winner of the gold at the World Beer Championships, where judges described it thusly: "Dark coffee-like appearance with a creamy head. Medium-bodied. Mild bitterness. Peaty, smoky, roasted grain aromas. Rich and creamy on the palate with chalky, burnt flavors that never turn too dry through the smoky finish. A full flavored, smoky style with plenty of chocolate and espresso notes." Created by brewery owner Matt as a home brew to celebrate the life and honor the memory of best friend Michael Faricy on the first anniversary of his passing. (It's a brewer's nature to mark all important occasions and honor their favorite people with beer).

 ARCADIA ALES, BATTLE CREEK
www.arcadiaales.com
The award-winning Cocoa Loco Triple Chocolate Stout gets its rich flavor from Simpson Chocolate, Weyerman Chocolate and Crisp Chocolate malts. The addition of lactose lends the beer a creamy quality- not unlike a milkshake- while the Blackstrap Molasses adds rich, burnt, syrupy flavors. Flavors of baker’s chocolate and espresso dominate, while rich malty flavors and a subtle kiss of hops add nice balance, making this a truly one-of-a-kind BIG beer.

 ATWATER BREWING, DETROIT
www.atwaterbeer.com
Vanilla Java Porter is the featured beer for Valentine’s Day. Vanilla and coffee with chocolate malt is sure to please during anyone’s Valentine’s dinner. Combine this with the sweet taste of a Michigan Cherry salad and the night is almost complete! Or, try Cherry Stout featuring juicy red Michigan grown Montmorency cherries.

 BASTONE BREWERY, ROYAL OAK
www.bastonebrewery.com
Nectar des Dieux Triple – a nectar of love – is a Belgian-style strong golden ale with light fruit notes and hints of sweetness. Have a glass, and you are sure to fall in love!

 BELL’S BREWERY, KALAMAZOO
www.bellsbeer.com
Features two appropriate brews fit for Valentine’s Day. Two Hearted Ale is a 100% Centennial hop IPA, grapefruit & pine aromas, solid malt balance. Bursting with hop aromas ranging from pine resins to grapefruit notes, Two Hearted Ale remains one of the defining American-style India Pale Ales. The Cherry Stout is rich and smooth, matching malty dark chocolate flavors with the tartness of 100% Montmorency cherries grown in Michigan’s Traverse City region.

 BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD
www.bigbuckbrewery.com
Presenting Love Potion Porter – a lovingly created porter kissed with rich, deep chocolate. Perfect for Valentine lovers or for relaxation after enjoying the beautiful snow of Michigan's North.

 BLUE TRACTOR BREWERY, ANN ARBOR
www.bluetractor.net
Featuring two beers coming up for Valentine’s Day. The award winning Schakolad Weizen is a wheat beer made with real chocolate from our neighbors at the Schakolad Chocolate Factory. Also, Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout is a rich stout brewed with chocolate and cherries!

 DRAGONMEAD, WARREN
www.dragonmead.com
Redwing Raspberry Wheat Beer is a light wheat beer brewed with natural Raspberry extract and puree. This beer starts with a subtle sweetness and moderate tartness, and finishes with a palate-cleansing raspberry flavor that will leave you begging for more.

 FORT STREET BREWERY, LINCOLN PARK
www.fortstreetbeer.com
Celebrating its 6th birthday on Valentine's Day, and like every other year, they'll spend a week celebrating it. Amongst other things, expect the release of at least one new beer each night (6 total), Febrewary 14-18. The traditional "Valentine's Beer" is called "6 Years of Love" and is made with white chocolate and hibiscus flowers. It’s creamy and buttery, from the use of cocoa butter, and slightly tart and fruity from the hibiscus. You'll fall in love at first sip!

 FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY, GRAND RAPIDS
www.foundersbrewing.com
Founders Porter – “Dark, Rich and Sexy” pours silk black with a creamy tan head. “The nose is sweet with a strong chocolate and caramel malt presence,” says Director of Marketing and Partner, Dave Engbers. No absence of hops gives this beer the full flavor you deserve and expect…it’s cozy like velvet. “It’s a lover, not a fighter,” Engbers says. Won a silver medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup.

 JOLLY PUMPKIN, DEXTER / ANN ARBOR / TRAVERSE CITY
www.jollypumpkin.com
iO Saison is the latest release to capture the hearts of art and artisan beer lovers alike, following last year’s introduction Ale Absurd. Drawn in by the historic elegance of the label design and then held tight by the rapture of flavors, it will be released in limited quantities, appropriately just in time for Valentine’s Day. iO Saison is brewed in a lovely fashion, with rose hips, rose petals and hibiscus. Yet, don’t be easily deceived by her looks, for like love – she can be oh so dangerous.

 JOLLY PUMPKIN, NORTH PEAK & RIGHT BRAIN, TRAVERSE CITY
A collaborative labor of love, the Passion Brew special Valentine’s beer is crafted to benefit local food banks. Each brewery is using the same recipe to create a Warm Winter Brown Ale. Participating breweries will start offering this “Brew with Benefits” on tap Friday, February 11 and it will also be prominently featured that evening at the 2nd Annual Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival in downtown Traverse City, outside of Blue Tractor Cookshop & The Shed.

 LIBERTY STREET BREWING COMPANY, PLYMOUTH
www.LibertyStreetBeer.com
Don’t miss the release of Red Velvet on Valentine’s Day, based on the delicious chocolate cake with the rich, red color.

 NEW HOLLAND BREWING COMPANY, HOLLAND
www.newhollandbrew.com
The Poet is a romantic offering for Valentine’s Day. This beer reveals a rich, smooth malt character enveloped in tones of roast and chocolate. A soft mouth-feel brings luxurious flavors and soothing aroma. The Poet is as versatile as it is delicious – the perfect accent to any chocolate dessert.

 NORTH PEAK BREWING COMPANY, TRAVERSE CITY
www.northpeak.net
The Valentine's inspired FLO IPA (“For Lovers Only) will be on tap by the weekend before Valentine's Day. It's got a nice touch of Chocolate malt in it for sweetness, along with Crystal malt for a bittersweetness to marry the wonderful hoppiness.

 ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO, ROCHESTER
www.rochestermillsbeerco.com
Paint Creek Porter is a robust beer that features a rich, velvety chocolate malt flavor that will compliment any chocolate dessert. The featured seasonal beer is a Scotch Ale. The rich, malty flavor profile, featuring the use of peat smoked malt for a subtle smoky flavor, and the higher alcohol content, make this beer the perfect choice for warming your heart and soul during the cold winter months.

 SAUGATUCK BREWING, SAUGATUCK
www.saugatuckbrewing.com
Vanilla Nutmeg Oatmeal Stout is brewed with fresh ground nutmeg and pure vanilla extract. The vanilla, nutmeg, and oatmeal flavors play off of each other to make this a very surprisingly drinkable beer…perfect for sharing with your sweetie.

 SHERWOOD BREWING COMPANY, SHELBY TOWNSHIP
www.sherwoodbrewing.com
Burning Love – a VD Beer – is being released February 12. This extra pale ale is aged on Jalapeño peppers and is only available in limited supply at the pub.

 WALLDORFF BREWPUB, HASTINGS
www.walldorffbrewpub.com
This year, serving up Cobain’s Double Dark IPA – a Gold Medal winner and Best of Show at the 2010 World Expo of Beer – this beer is a nicely balanced black IPA for the hop-head love birds. Java Brown is a nice winter-time treat combining coffee and beer. A malty, brown ale infused with Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Coffee, this local winter favorite pairs greatly with chocolate desserts on Valentine’s Day!

The MBG board oversees the organization’s administrative and promotional affairs, including four annual public events: Winter Beer Festival in February in Grand Rapids, Summer Beer Festival in July in Ypsilanti, UP Fall Beer Festival in September and Detroit Fall Beer Festival in October, as well as its annual Winter Conference in January. Currently, the Guild represents 81 member breweries – the highest number since the organizations inception in 1998.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state.

For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Set Sail with Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Michigan’s Brys Estate Featured on Touring & Tasting Magazine’s
“Taste of the Vineyard’s” Mediterranean Cruise, July 25-Aug 6

Touring & Tasting Magazine and Wine Club President, Paul Arganbright, are hosting a “Taste Of The Vineyards” Mediterranean wine cruise, July 25 to August 6, 2011 aboard the new Celebrity Solstice®. Featured wineries include Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Sonoma County’s Rodney Strong Vineyards.

This exclusive 12-night wine cruise visits some of the best wine regions in the Mediterranean: Barcelona, Spain; Nice, France; Italy’s Pisa, Rome, Naples and Venice; and UNESCO World Heritage sites Dubrovnick, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.

Guests on this excursion will have the opportunity to mingle with Arganbright, Walter & Eileen Brys, representatives from Rodney Strong Vineyards and other leading wine experts as they travel from port to port.

“We are extremely pleased to be part of this exclusive tour,” says Walter & Eileen Brys, owners of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. “It will provide an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to join us as we taste our way through the amazing and historic communities that skirt the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, we’re also excited to share our award-winning wines with these individuals during private tastings aboard the Solstice as well!”

The cruise features a private welcome aboard reception; three private wine tasting events including one focused solely on Brys Estate, an exclusive Rodney Strong tasting and private shore-excursion to an Italian winery; experiences on the art of food and wine parings, including a special three-course wine-pairing luncheon with a sommelier in the Tuscan Grill; and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Solstice’s 1800-bottle, two-story glass wine tower.

Guests are also invited to check out the ship’s unique Cellarmasters Wine Bar; half-acre, real-grass Lawn Club; Hot Glass Show; Elemis spa and a variety of dining venues and entertainment – all while being wined and dined with other like-minded individuals.

Cost for the cruise, which departs from Barcelona, is $3119 per person (less than $260 per day) and includes visits to eight ports, meals, entertainment and wine events. Book by February 15 and receive a complimentary bottle of wine and copy of Touring & Tasting Magazine.

For more information: www.touringandtasting.com/winecruise

VIP Touring & Tasting guests will also be treated to daily hors d’oeuvres delivered to your Concierge Class stateroom with private veranda, welcome aboard bottle of sparkling wine and early embarkation and debarkation.

For reservations and more information, contact booking agent Sue Cook, Travel cruise Connections, at 800-213-7777.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is centrally located in the heart of the Old Mission Peninsula – situated on 80 acres with breathtaking views of East Grand Traverse Bay –in Traverse City, Michigan. This boutique winery began with the planting of 32 acres of European vinifera grapes in 2001 and opened the tasting room in May of 2005. Using the highest quality standards, Brys hand picks its grapes and hand crafts its small batch, single vineyard wines, giving attention to every detail during the crushing, fermenting, aging and bottling process. You are invited to visit Brys Estate's old world-style tasting room and new outdoor patio this summer to sample their International award-winning estate wines.
www.BrysEstate.com
www.Facebook.com/BrysEstate

Jolly Pumpkin’s Baudelaire Series: Introducing iO Saison

Jolly Pumpkin’s Baudelaire Series – first introduced in 2010 – celebrates the deep, dark and often dangerous side of love, as a story of art and beer unfold. The series is created in the spirit of French poet Charles Pierre Baudelaire (1821-1867).

Widely-known as a controversial figure (much like his fellow writer, Edgar Allen Poe), Baudelaire’s name has become the epitome of literary and artistic debauchery. Through these distinctive beers, Jolly Pumpkin presents a liquid narrative, steeped in romantic tendencies – with just a hint of tragedy.

iO Saison is the latest release to capture the hearts of art and artisan beer lovers alike, following last year’s introduction Ale Absurd – a rye triple ale. Drawn in by the historic elegance of the label design and then held tight by the rapture of flavors, iO will be released in limited quantities, appropriately just in time for Valentine’s Day. She is brewed in a lovely fashion, with rose hips, rose petals and hibiscus. Yet, don’t be easily deceived by her looks, for like love – she can be oh so dangerous. Only 850 cases of iO (ABV 6.8%) are expected to be released. The 750ml bottles will be available nationwide to select wholesalers.

Ron Jeffries (aka Captain Spooky, General Mischief Maker, Chief Squeegee Operator and head of the Jolly Pumpkin Motley Brew Crew) exudes the pure essence of a modern-day brewmaster. He has garnered global recognition as the consummate creator of beers displaying the utmost in world-class art and grace, a philosopher of all things beery, and an outspoken advocate of the slower, finer life. Through these practices, Jeffries has honed his craft and is widely revered for his abilities to blend traditional brewing elements with the most unique complimentary ingredients. Some believe, there is no finer example of this than the Beaudelaire Series – which to some, embody true aphrodisiac qualities.

To open yourself up the true character of this beer, perhaps it is best to let the back label do the talking:

“Let’s face it. Beer is an art form that excites our sense and stirs our imagination. This truth gave Jolly Pumpkin an idea. We’d create a limited series of beers by throwing caution to the wind and following our creative muse no matter where it leads. This is how we discovered Baudelaire beer. A romantic world, dimly lit by distant memory, yet alive and inspiration to us pursue beauty at any cost. In the world of Baudelaire, label and beer come together in character and taste, influencing the drink to take upon the spirit of creativity and thin the veil between life and art. Let the muse guide you. ‘A breath of air from the wings of madness.’ – Charles Bauledaire.”

Forman’s artwork is reminiscent of what might be found in a Tim Burton movie – elegant with a hint of sinister etched deep within – much like the beauty that is iO. A long time friend of Jolly Pumpkin’s Ron & Laurie Jeffries, Foreman is a world-traveler and tattoo artist. His creative exploits have helped shape iO and Ale Absurd, giving them depth of character as the ambassadors of the Baudelaire Series.

The Jolly Pumpkin is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and North Peak Beer Co. craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table restaurant (former Bowers Harbor Inn) or at the original Jolly Pumpkin brewing facility in Dexter.

Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.

Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Company
www.JollyPumpkin.com

The Homestead to Raise Funds for Father Fred Foundation

The Homestead will donate $50 to Traverse City’s Father Fred Foundation for every “Ski for a Cause” package sold through March 6, 2011.

“We are so excited to have the Homestead ‘double up’ with us this month,” said Father Fred’s David Abeel. “The Frostbite food drive has taken on a whole new personality with The Homestead’s ski pass promotion tied to donations at Fox Motors. The Ski for a Cause package takes us to a whole new level.”

Abeel went on to explain that the timing of the extra promotion is especially opportune for Father Fred: “All gifts received in the month of Feb will be matched dollar for dollar by two very generous donors who have challenged us to raise $75,000 in the next 28 days.” Every February sale of a Ski for a Cause package at The Homestead, then, will mean a total of $100 for the much-loved Foundation, which has been an indispensable lifeline for more struggling families and individuals than ever since the recession began in 2008.

“Last year,” says Abeel, “the Father Fred Food pantry helped over 3,900 families facing utility shutoffs or needing help with groceries. We are so thankful for this promotion helping us during what is a difficult season for many.”

The Homestead’s Jamie Jewell says the resort is thrilled to be able to help Father Fred again. “We continue to hope that our relationship with them will grow in the future since our promotions for them have been so successful. Father Fred means a lot to everyone in our organization and we’re always trying to find new ways to support such great work.”

For more information on Ski for a Cause, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com/specials.php or call 231.334.5000.

To learn more about the Father Fred Foundation, visit www.fatherfred.org or call 231.947.2055.

The Wintery Legends Continue with Release of North Peak Brewing Company’s Burly Belgo IPA

Inhabiting the furthest reaches of the snow-covered hills and forests of the Northern Michigan backwoods is a burly beast that stands nearly as tall as the giant hardwood trees among which it lives. Known as the third-yeti or Abominable Snowman, the human-like creature is believed to be a direct descendent of Sasquatch, otherwise known as Bigfoot.

Its story is well known around the world in different mythologies, folk tales and legends, dating back hundreds of years. Yet, its existence remains one of the big mysteries – or some may say debates – of the modern day. Considered one of the most debated creatures, its history runs as deep as its footprints in the Northern Michigan backwoods.

Accounts of this creature have continued to surface at routine intervals throughout the past few centuries. In each case, there are reports of the mysterious creature being spotted darting in and out of the trees, leaving behind its tracks in the snow throughout the forests of Northern Michigan.

Steve Bell and Trev Gillow are bird hunters, and are also good friends with Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell, who – along with Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall – are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company.

“These guys had an encounter with a large creature while hunting the elusive Ruffed Grouse in Northern Michigan back in 1989,” Lobdell recalls. “Both men saw an enormous, hairy, man-like creature that resembled the legendary Sasquatch disappear into the brush.”

That was the only sighting the two ever had, and most of their friends – Carlson and Lobdell included – question the validity of the story.

“They stick by their story and return to the same hunting spot every year,” Carlson says. “They both often say, ‘Knowing it's out there, keeps us coming back.’”

In honor of this mystical creature and the oft-told story by Bell and Gillow, Northern United Brewing Company has released Burly Belgo IPA – the latest seasonal in its line of hand-crafted microbrews. Burly will be available in early February in six-packs, 1/2bbls and on tap at pubs around the state – including Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing, Blue Tractor and other fine establishments.

The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter.

Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.

Northern United Brewing Company
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery | Mission Table at Bowers Harbor Inn
13512 Peninsula Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 223-4222
www.NorthPeakBeer.com
www.MissionTable.net