103 Breweries & 1035 Beers Make 10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival BIGGER and BETTER than Ever Before!

A record 103 breweries and 1035 beers will be featured at the 10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival, coming up Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at Fifth-Third Ballpark just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The impressive list of breweries and beers can be viewed here.

Tickets for Friday’s session, which will run from 3-7pm (2pm entry for Enthusiast Members), remain available for $45 each at MiBeer.com. Overall, 1000 fewer tickets are available for Friday meaning slightly smaller crowds and shorter lines. Friday will also feature special beer releases and tappings, a live ice carving demonstration by The Ice Guru Randy Finch, sideshow acts and street performers, musical entertainment and fireworks (weather permitting). If the Friday session does not sell out prior to the event, tickets will be available at the gate for $50 the day of. There will NOT be tickets at the gate on Saturday.

Earlier last summer, the Guild announced the expansion of its wildly popular Winter Beer Festival to a two-day event to accommodate growing demand for tickets. Tickets went on sale on December 4 and Saturday’s sold out in record time—6500 tickets sold in less than a half-hour.

“We are pleased to offer a second day to allow more thirsty Michigan craft beer fans an opportunity to experience this festival,” says Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. “I don’t ever want to take for granted how enthusiastic our fans get when it comes to attending our festivals. It is both humbling and overwhelming that our festivals are so popular. It’s a testament to Michigan’s great craft brewing culture.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its more than 150 member breweries. The Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for the number of craft breweries – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

MiWinter Beer Fest Tickets Sell at Record Pace

Saturday Tickets SOLD OUT!
Friday Tickets Remain Available at MiBeer.com

Saturday tickets for the 10th Annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival, held the end of February at Fifth-Third Ballpark north of downtown Grand Rapids have sold out in record time, once again. Tickets went on sale at 10am today (Thursday, December 4) and were sold out in less than a half-hour.

“We are pleased that we have added the second day to this popular event,” says Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

Earlier this summer, the Guild announced the expansion of its wildly popular Winter Beer Festival to a two-day event to accommodate growing demand for tickets. The Friday session will be held from 3-7pm. Tickets for Friday remain available, at $45 each, at MiBeer.com.

“I don’t ever want to take for granted how enthusiastic our fans get when it comes to attending our festivals,” Graham says. “It is both humbling and overwhelming that our festivals are so popular. It’s a testament to Michigan’s great craft brewing culture.”

Earlier this week, Enthusiast Members were offered a pre-sale period to purchase 1 ticket per person, per festival day, as a benefit of membership. Enthusiast membership also allows individuals the opportunity to one-hour early admission to all festivals, among other benefits.

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its nearly 140 member breweries. The Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for the number of craft breweries – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

Michigan's Arbor Brewing Company’s Beers Named Best in the United States by BeerInfo.com

The craft beer news service Beer Info has placed three brands brewed by Ypsilanti-based Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery at the top of their category in its annual list of the “Top 10 Ales and Lagers in the USA”. The top 10 lists are compiled based on the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and RateBeer.com.

The three beers named best in the US are Arbor Brewing Company’s Jackhammer in the Old Ale category, Bliss in the German Hefeweizen category, and Sodibo in the Barrel Aged Beer category.

ABC founder and brewmaster Matt Greff called the announcement “an amazing honor”. “With the sheer number of craft beers in the market it would be incredible to be recognized for making the best beer in the US in one style category, but taking top honors in three of the 62 styles is kind of mind-blowing”. The complete list of Top 10 Ales and Lagers can be found at www.beerinfo.com.

“The timing of the announcement couldn’t be better” according to ABC co-owner and marketing director Rene Greff “because the Jackhammer Old Ale just got a packaging makeover and is scheduled for release in mid-October.” The Bliss beer is nearing the end of its season but is still available in some stores. Sodibo will be back in stores in the spring.

Arbor Brewing Company was among the first 5 brewpubs to open in Michigan after final passage of the state’s brewpub law in 1993. In 2006 ABC founders Matt and Rene Greff opened the Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery (aka Corner Brewery) in Ypsilanti to brew and package ABC brands for distribution throughout Michigan. This month they also expanded distribution into northwest Ohio and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.arborbrewing.com.

Frankfort Beer Week Launches in Benzie County

The new Frankfort Beer Week will be held in Frankfort Michigan from October 6-11, celebrating all that is great about Michigan Craft Beer and the excellent “foodie” scene evolving in the quaint harbor town on Lake Michigan.

Over a dozen establishments are participating in the inaugural event, bringing a variety of signature menu items made specifically for the week, combined with beer dinners, tastings, baked goods and other specialties incorporating Michigan Craft Beer as an ingredient.

On Monday, October 6, Stormcloud Brewing Company will kick off the week by tapping their annual Harvest Tripel — a Belgian-Style Tripel made with freshly-picked Glacier hops from Empire Hops Farm. They’ll cap off the week on Saturday, October 11 with a hybrid Belgian/German Oktoberfest batch, brewed specifically for the occasion.

On Tuesday, October 7, New Holland Brewing Company will hold a beer dinner at Coho Café. Then, on Thursday, October 9, the historic Garden Theater will screen “The Michigan Beer Film” — a feature-length documentary centered on the exploding craft beer industry in Michigan,

In addition to area restaurants turning up their creative culinary skills, the renowned Paul Starr from "I’m a Beer Hound" will be in Frankfort to provide three nights of educational beer tastings paired with Michigan-made Mindo Chocolate, Hilltop Ice Cream made in Benzonia and locally-smoked bacon.

A homebrew competition featuring fall-inspired beer is also slated for the week, with the winner of the contest invited to bring their skills to Stormcloud to brew their beer to be put on tap in the pub for all to enjoy.

The Frankfort Bookstore is also getting in the game, featuring beer books and oddities.

Those looking to spend the night in Frankfort can take advantage of the Frankfort Beer Week package at Harbor Lights Resort, where guests will receive a welcome amenity upon arrival geared just for the occasion which includes a growler fill at Stormcloud.

Frankfort Beer Week bridges two weekends of Fall Festival Activities in Benzie County. It's the perfect time to be in Frankfort.

Information for the weeklong event including all the participating organizations can be found at www.frankfortbeerweek.com and on Facebook.

Raise a Glass to July — Michigan Craft Beer Month

The craft beer culture is brewing in Michigan like never before – and in celebration of this long-standing beverage industry, the Michigan Brewers Guild is once again proud to announce July as Michigan Craft Beer Month, as recognized by the state legislature (#MiBeerMonth).

Since it was officially organized in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG) has seen its brewery membership grow from 35 to 124 (as of June 26, 2014). Additionally, eleven “brewery in planning” members are also part of the current membership.

According to Scott Graham, MBG Executive Director, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation in the number of overall breweries, and the industry provides a direct impact of more than 5100 jobs, more than $144 million in wages and more than $277 million in total output. A copy of the Guild’s latest economic impact study can be found here.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the craft brewing industry in Michigan,” says Scott Graham, MBG Executive Director. “I would like to invite everyone in Michigan to join us in celebration of Michigan Craft Beer Month by hoisting a pint of fresh, local hand-crafted beer.”
The Michigan Brewers Guild encourages residents and visitors of the Great Beer State to celebrate Michigan Craft Beer Month by visiting area brewpubs and microbreweries, asking for Michigan craft beer at retail outlets and restaurants and attending regional celebrations like the 17th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival (July 25-26) at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town – featuring more than 90 breweries and more than 700 award-winning, special release and original craft beers. Limited Friday tickets for this festival remain available at MiBeer.com (Saturday tickets are already sold out).

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

www.facebook.com/MichiganBrewersGuild
www.twitter.com/MiBrewersGuild

Grizzly Peak Launches 4-Pack Limited-Release Bottle Distribution with Hellion Midwest IPA

Ann Arbor-founded Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. is taking its artfully crafted beers to new levels with this summer’s release of four-pack stubby bottles. Hellion – a 9.99%ABV/99.9IBU Midwest India Pale Ale – will be the first in the Grizzly Peak Series to hit store shelves the week of June 23.

“It really is a dream come true to see this Grizzly Peak Series released in bottles.” says Jon Carlson, who – along with Greg Lobdell, Ron Jeffries and Tony Grant – are the managing partners of the Northern United Brewing Co. (NUBCo). “Ron is a true artist, and these beers have been in the making since 1995 when Grizzly Peak served its first beer.

“We were really fortunate to be one of the first brew pubs to open in the state of Michigan and we really appreciate the Grizzly Peak family and friends that have made Grizzly Peak the #1 brew pub in the state when it comes to beer sales,” Carlson says. “Ron was one of the original brewers at Grizzly Peak when it first opened in 1995. He and Duncan Williams, the Grizzly Peak Pub Brewer, have collaborated on these recipes over many years. Now, we’re excited to release them in our trademark stubby bottles.”

In creating the new Grizzly Peak Series, the intent was to create beers that reflect the Midwest region: bold, hoppy and strong. For Hellion, the devil is in the details. Light touches of pale and wheat malts are blended with massive amounts of Amarillo, Cascade, Simcoe and Chinook hops, which create a wicked bitterness and the intense floral aromas of citrus and lush tropical fruits.

“These Grizzly Peak beers hold a special place in my heart,” says Jeffries. “This is where it all started for me and it has been great to collaborate with Duncan to create this Grizzly Peak series.”

All Grizzly Peak bottle distribution will be produced in at the NUBCo facility in Dexter and will be available in limited release. Next on the docket – Humongous, an Imperial Red Ale (9.6%ABV) and Berzerker, an Imperial Stout (10%ABV).

NUBCo encompasses the Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and North Peak brands, Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines, all dedicated to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. 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.

www.NUBCo.net
www.GrizzlyPeak.net

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and folk rocker Brandi Carlile Headlines 2014 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival.

Two-day event scheduled for August 22-23 at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Highlights 200+ craft beers, cider, mead and wine and a focus on Michigan breweries - Plus over 100 musicians, marching bands, food pairing, and Rare & Sour Beer Tours!

The 7th Annual 2014 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival will take place at The Village of Grand Traverse Commons August 22-23, 2014. Traverse Magazine’s yearly Red Hot Best awards honored the Summer Microbrew & Music Festival again this year and Porterhouse Productions is looking forward to hosting another sold out event in Traverse City. Last year’s Festival raised $20,000 for the CherryT Ball Drop, local food banks, and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center and hopes to continue doing so for years to come. Tickets to the popular regional event will be on sale Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m.

Tickets include five 8oz. pours, a custom tasting glass, 40 carefully selected national and international breweries with a large focus on Michigan craft brews, 200 varieties of microbrews, wines, ciders and meads, representatives or brewers from each brewery, craft beer education, live musical acts, marching bands, a silent disco DJ dance tent, and local food vendors.

Brandi Carlile will headline Friday at the 2014 Summer Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival. On tour with her band, her emotionally powerful songwriting and acoustic guitar work soon is the dominant component of their sound, and they tour regularly, headlining venues and opening shows for artists like Dave Matthews, Shawn Colvin, and India.Arie. Friday talent will also include Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, with more to be announced. Headlining Saturday will be Nahko & Medicine For The People. In addition, Orgone and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers will take the stage Saturday. Weekend festivities also include the Silent Disco tent, where Robert Lux, DJ DomiNate, DJ Terri Ray, and Stepdad will perform. More acts will be announced.

For Early Bird and VIP ticket buyers, doors open Friday at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday at 3:00 p.m., and General Admission doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Shuttle transportation to and from the event will be provided by BATA. VIP tickets include side-stage viewing, Home Brewer’s Tasting/Judging, early VIP entrance into the festival, private bathrooms & handwashing station, Custom VIP glass, Food & Beer Pairing created by featured chef, custom beer-flavored cake, non-alcoholic Michigan-made Hop Soda, snacks and refreshments, seated dining area, lawn games featuring Kan Jam, and private hammock lounge area.


General Admission Tickets for Friday August 22: $40
General Admission Tickets for Saturday August 23: $40
General Admission 2-Day Combination Tickets: $70
VIP Tickets for Friday August 22: $90
VIP Tickets for Friday August 23: $90
VIP 2-Day Combination Tickets: $150

The Microbrew & Music Festival educates, celebrates, and inspires community collaboration through the joy of craft brew and great music while raising funds for non-profits.100% of net alcohol proceeds from the event will benefit CherryT Ball, a Traverse City non-profit organization.

Tickets are available at www.microbrewandmusic.com. Festival announcements, giveaways, and other information can be found at www.facebook.com/microbrewandmusic. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as the festival has sold out in past years. Ticket buyers must be 21 years old.

Palace Sports & Entertainment Presents 2nd Annual Michigan Beer Fest - Saturday, June 14 - DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston

Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) is celebrating great beers from nearly four dozen breweries and hosting an online contest to name an exclusive craft beer at the second annual Michigan Beerfest at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Saturday, June 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets, $30 in advance and $35 at the door, are on sale now at Palacenet.com, The Palace Ticket Store and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets may be also charged by phone to American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard by calling 800.745.3000. Parking is included in the price.

Patrons receive tickets for 10 four-ounce beer samples to taste beers from over 50 regional and national breweries. There will also be a “designated driver” ticket for $10 that includes two non-alcoholic beverages. Beerfest will also showcase craft beer seminars; live music; and a variety of food trucks.

Detroit-based Atwater Brewery and PS&E are co-hosting a contest to name an exclusive craft beer, awarding the winner “Beer for a Year” and two passes to this year’s Michigan Beer Fest. Applicants 21 years and older submitted their name for the craft beer and a panel of judges will narrow the entries down to three finalists. The public will decide the grand prize winner by voting online until May 21. The three finalists and one randomly selected voter will receive two passes to this year’s Michigan Beer Fest.

“As Detroit’s brewery, Atwater is excited to participate and partner with the 2014 Michigan Beerfest and showcase our award winning products to the best beer drinkers in the country,” said Mark F. Rieth, Atwater Brewery Owner. “We enjoy collaborating with other local companies like PS&E to make the experience even better for the public and this is going to be a great one!”

FEATURED BREWERIES

51 North Brewery
Anchor Steam
Angry Orchard Hard Cider
Arbor Brewing Company
Arcadia Ales
Atwater Brewery
Bell’s Brewery
Blue Moon Brewing Co.
Boston Beer Co,
Boulder Beer
Brewery Vivant
Brooklyn Brewery
Cheboygan Brewing Co.
Cranker’s Brewery
Dark Horse Brewing Co.
Dragonmead Microbrewery
Falling Down Beer Co.
Founders Brewing Co.
Frankenmuth Brewery
Goose Island Brewery
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co.
Griffin Claw Brewing Co.
Harpoon Brewery
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.
Latitude 42 Brewing Co.
Liberty Street Brewing Co.
Magic Hat Brewing Co
McKenzie's Hard Cider
Millking it Productions
Mt. Pleasant Brewing Co.
New Belgium Brewing Co.
New Holland Brewing Co.
North Peak Brewing Co.
Perrin Brewing
Right Brain Brewery
Rochester Mills Beer Co.
Round Barn Brewery
Saugatuck Brewing Co.
Shiner Bock
Short’s Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Stone Brewing Co.
Superior Lakes Mead
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
Tommyknocker Brewery
Uncle John's Cider Mill
Unibroue
Vandermill Ciders
Vermont Hard Cider Co.
Virtue Cider

But there’s more than beer:

• Select breweries will participate in a “Tap Takeover” – every hour a different brewery (to be announced) will be highlighted at the “takeover,” offering samples of a limited supply of a featured brew;

• Food trucks from Dago Joe’s, El Guapo Grill, Mac Shack, People's Pierogi Collective, Shimmy Shack and strEAT mobile bistro;

• And vintage truck lovers will get a chance to check out refurbished and repurposed, mint condition trucks from Powers Distributing – the only drivable 1946 Mack Truck in the world, a 1936 Chevrolet and a 1952 Dodge.

Proceeds from the Michigan Beerfest will benefit Lighthouse PATH, one of the three program subsidiaries of Lighthouse of Oakland County empowerment program which provides two years of transitional housing in a safe and structured environment that offers homeless mothers an opportunity to rebuild their lives by helping them gain the skills needed for future success. They will have representatives on site to provide craft beer samplings. For more information on Lighthouse PATH, go to www.lighthouseoakland.org.

Michigan Beerfest at DTE Energy Music Theatre is part of the Belle Tire Concert Series.

About Lighthouse of Oakland County: Lighthouse of Oakland County and its three program subsidiaries (Lighthouse Emergency Services, Lighthouse PATH and Lighthouse Community Development) have been providing services to low-income individuals, seniors and families in southeast Michigan since 1972. They offer a continuum of programs and services to help people reach their goal of financial stability and self-sufficiency. Lighthouse PATH is a transitional supportive housing program designed to help homeless women and children gain the skills and confidence needed to live safely and independently.

Lansing Beer Week & Lansing Beer Fest Coming Up Mid June (Fest tickets on sale May 14 - 10am)

I’m a Beer Hound and Motor City Brew Tours presents the 3rd Annual Lansing Beer Week will take place from June 20 to June 28, 2014. This weeklong celebration will feature Michigan craft beer themed events throughout the greater Lansing area. The goal of Lansing Beer Week is to raise awareness of the craft beer industry while promoting patronage to local establishments and stimulating the greater Lansing area’s retail economy and Michigan made products.

Local breweries and beer centric bars will be offering craft beer themed events ranging from beer dinners to tap takeovers to special giveaways. Participating establishments include Zoobies Tavern, REO Town Pub, Midtown Beer Company, Reno's East and Reno's West, BAD Brewery, Tin Can, Taps 25, Nuthouse Sports Grill, Lansing Lugnuts, That's How We Brew, HopCat - East Lansing, Eagle Monk Brewery & Pub, What Up Dawg and Peppino's - East Lansing.

Lansing Beer Week concludes with Lansing Beer Fest in the Reo Town area of downtown Lansing on Saturday June 28th. The second annual Lansing Beer Fest is an outdoor beer festival occurring on Washington Avenue between South and Elm streets. The beer festival will feature 30 Michigan Breweries and nearly 100 craft beers and hard ciders. To see the full list of breweries attending, please visit the Lansing Beer Fest website. In addition to the great beer selection, the festival will feature live music by Mark Wayne Warner, Joe Wright and Lights & Caves. Food and vendors will be available to all attendees. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Reo Town Commercial Association.

Lansing Beer Fest tickets will officially go on sale Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 10am.

Learn more about all of the Lansing Beer Week events at: http://LansingBeerWeek.com

Learn more about all of the Lansing Beer Fest at: http://LansingBeerFest.com

About I'm a Beer Hound
I'm a Beer Hound is a Michigan Beer News Website, Membership Card and Event Promoter.
Find us online: http://ImaBeerHound.com

About “Motor City Brew Tours”
Guided Bus, Bike & Walking Tours to Michigan Breweries.
Find us online: http://MotorCityBrewTours

Rochester Mills Beers Now Available in Meijer Stores Across Michigan

Michigan-based Rochester Mills Beer Co. and Production Brewery announce expanded distribution of two of its core brands, Lazy Daze Amber Lager and Milkshake Stout, to 99 Meijer stores across Michigan.

“Meijer is committed to supporting Michigan breweries, as evident in the growing number of quality, locally brewed craft beers they offer,” said Mike Plesz, founder of Rochester Mills Production Brewery. “It is especially gratifying to see Rochester Mills beers added to shelves of stores we have shopped at for years.”

Lazy Daze Amber is a Vienna Style Lager. A clear filtered beer that boasts a rich amber color and medium-bodied flavor from a combination of German hops and Munich malt for a subtle sweetness. Milkshake Stout is a deep dark beer featuring a smooth texture and surprisingly light body. The combination of four different malts with a low hop level creates rich, sweet roasted chocolate, caramel and coffee flavors.

“We’ve focused on a careful and controlled rollout of Rochester Mills brands beyond the brewpub with a consistent supply to our wholesalers,” said Earl Smith, CEO of Rochester Mills Production Brewery. “We have also continually made significant investments to increase the capacity of our brewing operations to meet the demand for our beer as its popularity grows.”

The Rochester Mills Production Brewery, brewers of Rochester Mills Beer Co. brands for distribution, began as a startup brewery in Auburn Hills, Mich. in 2012, quickly becoming one of the top craft beer producers in the state. Their Lagers and Ales packaged in 16oz. aluminum cans are currently featured in grocery stores as well as independent and franchise convenient stores, and specialty beverage merchants statewide. Additionally, their four core brands, which include Milkshake Stout, Lazy Daze Amber Lager, Cornerstone IPA, and Rochester Red Ale, along with rotating seasonal offerings, can be found flowing from more than 500 taps at bars and restaurants across Michigan and North West Ohio.

ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO. & PRODUCTION BREWERY:
Rochester Mills Beer Co. has been one of the top producing brewpubs in Michigan since it opened in 1998. The pub offers a diverse beer menu with eleven different styles of beer consistently available as well as a number of reoccurring seasonal offerings. In 2012 the Rochester Mills Production Brewery was opened and began producing select year-round and seasonal offerings that are distributed across Michigan on draft and in 16oz. aluminum cans and remains one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the State.

More information can be found on their website at: www.beercos.com.

For media inquiries, please contact David Youngman at (248) 797-6012.

For retailers looking to carry Rochester Mills brands contact Eric Briggeman at (248) 377-3130.

Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 204 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com.

Inaugural Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival Coming Up April 18-19 at Adado Riverfront Park

Craft brew, music and culinary lovers will gather at Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing for the inaugural Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19.

The festival will feature 50+ carefully selected Michigan, national and international craft breweries, 250+ craft beers, ciders, meads and wines as well as more than 100 musicians, marching bands, Homebrewer’s Challenge, food and brew pairings, rare and sour beer tours, and local food vendors.

Rockville, Maryland, band O.A.R. and reggae and hip hop musicians Dirty Heads will headline the Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival, festival producers announced today. Dirty Heads will play on Friday, April 18, and O.A.R. will perform on Saturday, April 19.

To celebrate the eleventh Microbrew and Music Festival, the popular regional event will tour to Lansing to host the event on the banks of the scenic Grand River. VIP and GA tickets include five 8oz. pours and custom tasting glass and feature 50+ carefully selected Michigan, national, and international craft breweries, rare beers including a unique festival edition, representatives and brewers from each brewery, 250+ flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads, live musical acts, including headliners O.A.R. and Dirty Heads, marching bands, a silent disco DJ dance tent, and local food vendors. Festivities are scheduled to take place from 5-11 p.m. daily. In addition, VIP ticket buyers will gain early admittance and have access to entertaining lawn games, a heated VIP area, private restrooms, a dining area, hydration station, and custom food and beer pairings.

Microbrew & Music Festival will be working in conjunction with the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Xero Waste Events to bring you a wonderful event. 100% of proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit both of these non-profits. GLFB provides emergency food to individuals and families in need in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Clare, Isabella and Gratiot counties. Food is distributed through an extensive network of food pantries and community kitchens located throughout the region. The Food Bank annually serves tens of thousands of people, many of them seniors and children. Our recipients also include the “working poor,” those individuals who are employed but don’t earn enough to meet housing, health, transportation and food needs. Xero Waste Events, is a Michigan non-profit organization providing comprehensive recycling services and educating communities on sustainable event practices. With the help of XWE, the 2013 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival helped raise over $20,000 for Traverse City non-profit CherryT Ball which directly supports local food banks and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center. We are proud to partner with Xero Waste, as they also contribute an annual portion of its revenues to local charities.

Sam Porter, founder of the Microbrew & Music Festival, anticipates the festival will provide a burst of energy to the central Michigan region. “We’re excited to launch our eleventh festival as the first annual Lansing Microbrew and Music Festival. We have welcomed over 50,000 ticket buyers to ten [Traverse City] Microbrew and Music festivals over the past five years to experience the craft brew culture and great music of Michigan. Our goal is to have another sold-out festival and help drive thousands of residents and visitors into area businesses, bars and restaurants during an otherwise slower week in April,” he says. Porter adds that after-parties at downtown establishments will further connect festival attendees with the retailers.

The Microbrew & Music Festival at Adado Riverfront Park will take place under a 4,000 capacity mobile tent – the first of its kind in the US. It will house the main stage and provide cover and protection from the elements, if needed. Previous patrons have compared this spectacular structure’s appearance to the Sydney Opera House. Visit Tent Venue’s Facebook page for more information.

The Microbrew & Music Festival educates, celebrates, and inspires community collaboration through the joy of craft brew and great music while raising funds for non-profits.

Tickets and festival details are available at www.microbrewandmusic.com/lansing-tickets. Festival announcements, giveaways, and other information can be found at www.facebook.com/microbrewandmusic. Attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as the festival has sold out in past years.

Ticket buyers must be 21 years old.

Inaugural Beerfest at the Ballpark Tickets On Sale Now - Event Planned for April 5 in Lansing

The tickets went on sale Monday at 10am for the inaugural Beerfest at the Ballpark scheduled for Saturday, April 5th at Cooley Law School Stadium. Festival hours are scheduled from 1pm-6pm with a special VIP entry starting at noon.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and include entry, a logoed tasting glass, and 10 tasting tickets. Special VIP Tickets may be purchased for $35 in advance and include early entry to the festival at noon, a logoed tasting glass, and 15 tasting tickets. Tickets are available at BeerfestAtTheBallpark.net, lansinglugnuts.com or by visiting the Cooley Law School Stadium Box Office.

“There’s been a great deal of excitement about this event since we announced it last month.” said, Nick Grueser, General Manager of the Lansing Lugnuts. “I would encourage everyone to get their tickets immediately.”

Beerfest at the Ballpark is the result of a joint effort between the Lansing Lugnuts and I’m A Beer Hound. It will be a unique experience providing attendees the opportunity to sample over 100 craft beers, ciders and meads from over 32 Michigan Breweries while enjoying the ballpark’s atmosphere.

“The level of interest in Beerfest at the Ballpark is unprecedented for a first time event. We’ve added eight brewers in the past three weeks and doubled the number of beer, cider and mead selections we initially planned.” said Paul Starr, creator of I’m A Beer Hound.

You must be 21 years of age to attend. Ground transportation will be readily available from iCab Taxi Service and a $5 Designated Driver ticket will be offered on the day of the event. Area hotel accommodations can also be found at Lansing.org.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Old Newsboys, a local charity that provides shoes for deserving school children.

For more information including a full list of the attending brewers, visit BeerfestAtTheBallpark.net

About the Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, 'Go Nuts' as they enter their 19th season in Michigan's Capital City . Featured in USA Today and on CNN for their successes, the Lugnuts make their home at beautiful Cooley Law School Stadium. Built in 1996, Cooley Law School Stadium continues to be a key component in revitalizing Lansing's downtown while providing fun, affordable, family entertainment to fans in Mid-Michigan and beyond. Find them online: lansinglugnuts.com

About I’m a Beer Hound
I'm a Beer Hound is a Michigan Beer News Website, App, Event Promotion Group & Membership Card featuring discounts at over 90 Beer Bars, Breweries, and Restaurants statewide. Find them online: ImaBeerHound.com or Facebook.com/ImaBeerHound

Michigan Brewers Guild Announces 2014 Board of Directors

2014 Michigan Brewers Guild Board of Directors (l-r): Steve Berthel, Aaron Morse, Eric Briggeman, Scott King, Isaac Hartman, Brad Stevenson, Scott Newman-Bale. (Photo Credit: Marty Dunham)


The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2014 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 8, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

This year, the Board of Directors was increased to seven members, so four people were elected to the board.

• Steve Berthel, Pub Brewer at New Holland Brewing Company in Holland was elected to a fourth term on the board of directors. Steve will serve as Events/Entertainment Chair for 2014.

• Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, was elected to a third term and will continue to serve as Treasurer.

• Brad Stevenson, Vice President of Operations for Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, was elected to his first term on the board. Brad will serve as the Membership Chair for 2014.

• Aaron Morse, CEO at Dark Horse Brewing in Marshall, was elected to his first term on the board. Aaron will serve as the Marketing Chair for 2014.

Additional board members include:

• Eric Briggeman, Brewmaster at Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, continues his fifth term on the board and will serve his sixth year as Guild President.

• Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, was elected to his third term on the board of directors and will continue to serve as Secretary and also as the Enthusiast Membership Chair for 2014.

• Scott King, owner of MIP Brewing Company in Royal Oak, and past Board Member, continues his two-year term and will serve as the co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee for 2014.

Founded in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild 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 in Marquette, and Detroit Fall Beer Festival in October, as well as its annual Winter Conference in January. Currently, the Guild represents 119 member breweries – the highest number since the organizations inception.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively 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 community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.MiBeer.com.

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— UPCOMING EVENTS —

Saturday, February 22
Michigan Winter Beer Festival (SOLD OUT)
Fifth-Third Ballpark, Comstock Park (Grand Rapids)

May 12-18 – Craft Beer Week

July – Michigan Craft Beer Month

Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26
Michigan Summer Beer Festival
Riverside Park, Ypsilanti Depot Town

Saturday, September 6
UP Fall Beer Festival
Mattson Lower Harbor Park, Marquette

Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25
Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Eastern Market

Saugatuck Brewing hosts a “Celebration Women and Craft Beer” (Sunday, May 5 | 2-5pm)

In recognition of the growing trend of craft beer consumption by women, Saugatuck Brewing Company is hosting an afternoon “Celebration of Women and Craft Beer” on Sunday, May 5 from 2-5pm in its Singapore Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Annette May – the first female Certified Cicerone in the United States and beer manager at Merchant’s Fine Wine in Dearborn will share the story of her life journey, the Cicerone program, trends in the industry and will also offer a session on beer styles, with samples.

A Cicerone is a term used to classify a guide who is well versed in the styles, history, flavors and complexities of the craft beer world – with various levels offered (Certified Cicerone, Master Cicerone) and is comparable to a sommelier in the wine industry.

Amy Sherman – chef and host of “The Great American Brew Trail” – which premiered in 2012 on WOTV4 in West Michigan – will host a beer and cheese pairing around 3:15pm. Some 40 guests will have the opportunity to participate in this experience (a minimal fee will be charged).

Other featured guests include:

• Liz “ET” Crowe – Owner of Wolverine State Brewing Company and award-winning romance novelist.

• Laura Houser – Brewer at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Beer City USA.

• Kati Spayde – Certified Cicerone, award-winning homebrewer and blogger/staffer at Siciliano’s Market in Grand Rapids.

• Dianna Stampfler – President of Promote Michigan and publicist for the Michigan Brewers Guild.

In addition to the featured guests, displays will focus on classic beer styles – including history and tastings; discussions on pairing beer with food; information on cooking with “beergredients”; discussions about career opportunities in the craft beer industry; information on becoming a Certified Cicerone; tips on how to survive a craft beer festival; insight into Michigan: The Great Beer State, beer tourism, ties to Michigan agriculture and more.

A drawing will also be held at the end of the day, for a variety of Michigan beer related items – including two (2) tickets to the popular Summer Beer Festival coming up in July in Ypsilanti.

A highlight of the day will be the all-event brewing by Laura Houser of Founders and Jenny Vonins of Saugatuck Brewing of a celebration brew with sales of bottled proceeds donated to Sylvia’s Place, Allegan. Also, commemorative women’s shirts will be available with proceeds to benefit Sylvia’s Place.

According to an article that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in late March, beer has passed wine as the beverage of choice for women ages 18 to 34. Julia Herz, craft beer program director for the Brewers Association trade group, said women in their 20s and 30s are in "the sweet spot" for craft beer consumption. They're the same quality-minded people who are buying artisanal cheeses and fair-trade coffees and who don't mind waiting for a bartender to shake a craft cocktail.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. is a microbrewery with a traditional family style pub and upscale banquet room, “The Singapore Room” featuring hand crafted beer, wine, food, and service. Fifteen unique beer styles, all brewed in house, plus wine and hard cider are served daily in the Pub. “SBC” also distributes eleven styles in 6 and 4-packs, plus kegs throughout Michigan and metro Chicago. The brewery also features the only active brew-on-premise facility in Michigan, utilizing five copper kettles and an array of natural ingredients and recipes, for the public to become “Brewmaster for a Day.”

Saugatuck Brewing Company
2948 Blue Star Hwy. – Douglas, MI 49406
sbrewing.com 269-857-7222

www.saugatuckbrewing.com www.facebook.com/saugatuckbrewingcompany