North Peak Beer’s Diabolical IPA Wins First Major International Award

North Peak Beer’s Diabolical IPA garnered its first international award earlier this summer when it was honored with a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition, for best English-Style India Pale Ale.

“We’re excited for our first major international award for the North Peak Beer brand,” says Jon Carlson, who – along with Greg Lobdell, Ron Jeffries and Tony Grant – are the managing partners of the Northern United Brewing Co. (NUBCo). “Diabolical is our flagship beer and to have it recognized as top of its class, on an international scale, speaks volumes to the quality of this Michigan brew.”

The Michigan-based North Peak Brand was launched in bottle distribution in its home state in 2009, with Diabolical being one of the original offerings. From there, the brand was introduced to Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. California was the seventh state to add North Peak to the market, during the first quarter of 2014.

Available year round as one of North Peak’s signature beers, Diabolical IPA (6.6% ABV / 66.6 IBUs) has hops from nose to tail. This IPA is unfiltered and dry-hopped, with Michigan-grown Chinook and Cascade hops. It has a smooth malt character, with citrus and pine aroma.

As with all beers in the North Peak portfolio, Diabolical is steeped in legend, as represented by the jackalope—best described as a rabbit with deer antlers.

It is possible that the tales of the mythical jackalope were actually inspired by sightings of them in Northern Michigan, generations ago. Folklore offers many claims as to the creature’s habits, including an almost un-quenchable thirst. It is commonly believed that a jackalope may be caught by putting a flask of whiskey out at night. Drawn by the rich aroma, and a need to drink, the creature consumes its fill, thus making it easier to hunt.

“We actually encourage people to set out a pint of Diabolical to lure the little critter,” Lobdell says. “He’s sure to be knocking on your door for more.”

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 Civilized line of spirits and Bonafide Wines. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication 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, in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor. Brands may also be found outside of Michigan, in select markets.

Northern United Brewing Company
2319 Bishop Circle East — Dexter, MI 48130

www.NorthPeakBeer.com
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www.twitter.com/NorthPeakBeer

"Summer in Northern Michigan" Collaborative Video Focuses on Traditions of Water, Friends and Craft Beer in the Great Lakes State

North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City is longing for warm summer days filled with fun in the sun. In anticipation of such days to come, they’ve introduced a true Michigan collaboration!

Michigan artist/singer/songwriter Jetty Rae lends her words and gritty vocals to an inspiring new video by filmmaker Evan Joling – featuring the high-in-the-sky aerial skills of local kiteboarding icons Matt and Keegan Myers (aka “The Broneah Brothers”) and their M-22 branding, paired with North Peak’s seasonal brew Archangel Summer Wheat.

“Everyone at North Peak is READY for summer,” says Greg Lobdell, who – along with Jon Carlson, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall, are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company. “We think this video is a great representation of Summer in Northern Michigan – passionate and creative individuals having fun with family and friends. We can’t wait to share it with everyone!”

The complete video (1:48), shot in the skies over the sparkling waters and along the shoreline of West Grand Traverse Bay, is available for online viewing here.

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 Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication 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.

NORTH PEAK BEER
www.NorthPeakBeer.com
www.facebook.com/northpeakbeer
www.twitter.com/northpeakbeer

Northern United Brewing Company Hires John Walsh as Head Brewer

In anticipation of the opening of its new 75,000-square-foot brewery in Dexter, Northern United Brewing Company has hired John Walsh as its new Head Brewer for the Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak brands. Walsh comes to Michigan most recently from Maui Brewing Company in Hawaii. Over his brewing career, Walsh has racked up a more than two dozen awards while crafting beer for Hawai’i Nui Brewing Company, Keoki Brewing Company and Oak Creek Brewing Company.

“The first time I drank a Jolly Pumpkin beer, I knew there was something different about them,” Walsh says of his first introduction more than 10 years ago. “There is literally like nothing else like it on the market. Other breweries make sour beers, but these are different.”

While visiting his home state of Michigan in 2005, Walsh stopped to visit Jolly Pumpkin and meet with owner/brewer Ron Jeffries.

“The thing that struck me about Ron was how humble he was about everything,” Walsh recalls. “He acted as if these amazing beers were just part of a day’s work.”

Walsh said he returned to Arizona, drinking JP beer whenever and wherever he could find them. And, he kept in touch with Jeffries with periodic emails. A few years later, the two reconnected at the Kona Brew Fest in Kailua-Kona, HI. There began discussions about a possible collaboration brew and by 2010, those talks began to take shape.

Walsh was working at Maui Brewing Company when the owner, Garrett Marrerro, asked him for input on who they should partner with for their first ever packaged collaboration beer. When Walsh suggested Jolly Pumpkin, Marrerro (a fan of JP and a friend of Jeffries’) gave the green light.

“He told me I had no boundaries or limits, cost restrictions or anything for the beer – just make something great,” says Walsh. “The next day while at a West Maui Beach, I texted Ron and asked him if he was really up for it – he was, so we began working on the recipe and tossing ideas back and forth.”

The two brewers worked together to come up with the recipe, while visiting each other’s brewing facilities. They then used their own brewing styles to create two distinct versions of the beer. Maui Brewing used standard fermentation while the Jolly Pumpkin version was an open-fermented, barrel aged and bottle conditioned sour ale, using naturally occurring wild yeasts. The brew, Sobrehumano Palena 'Ole, is a red ale, brewed with liliko'i (passion fruit) and Michigan cherries. The beer was promoted and released and received very positive reviews, winning a medal at the 2011 US Beer Open.

“I’m excited to join Ron in his efforts to expand both the Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak Brands,” says Walsh. “The new facility offers a lot of opportunities and possibilities.”

“John is a great brewer, and over the last few years has become a great friend,” says Ron. “Needless to say, our entire staff is super excited to have him join our family. Adventure awaits!”

NUBC encompasses the Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, North Peak and Grizzly Peak beer 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.

Hop Harvest Scheduled for this Week for North Peak's Hoodoo Midwest Wet Hop IPA

Crafting rich IPAs is second-nature to the brewers at North Peak Brewing Company, and the new Hoodoo Midwest Wet Hop IPA is no exception. Brewed exclusively with fresh-from-the-farm Cascade and Nugget Michigan hops – grown and nurtured just a stone’s throw up the peninsula at the Old Mission Hop Exchange – Hoodoo proudly displays an unparalleled flavor just begging to be experienced. It registered a 99IBUs with a 9.0%ABV.

“Given its strong malt-backed spine, we gave this Hoodoo hops to run,” says brewer Ron Jeffries, who along with brewer Mike Hall bring a combined 40 years of brewing experience to their North Peak beer recipes. “It starts hoppy, ends hoppy and is nuthin’ but hops in the middle. Well, okay, a little malt in the middle – just enough to keep this Hoodoo from getting fussy. But, it’s pretty much nuthin’ but hops.”

The brewing team at North Peak has taken a different approach to Hoodoo, making it the first wet hopped beer in their repertoire. Wet hopping involves utilizing raw, unprocessed hops that are used straight from the vine within hours of harvesting. Due to the moisture content, one ounce of fresh hops is much less bitter than a comparable mass of dried hops.

Keeping it local is vital to brewing culture and as such should be recognized and celebrated. North Peak is openly dedicated to a circle of beer making on the peninsula. The hops are sourced locally for beer making…beer produces spent grain (rich in nutrients) which is fed to Angus and highland cattle at Leggitt Farms on the peninsula…cows make manure, which is turned into fertilizer that is sent to Marigold Farms and Old Mission Hop Exchange for their hopyards…which produces the quality hops.

Not to mention the cattle which finds its way on the menus at both Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin, part of the Northern United Brewing Company operation on Old Mission Peninsula. Imagine yourself sitting down for a juicy Leggitt burger (topped with local cheese, lettuce and tomatoes), paired with a cold North Peak brew. It doesn’t get much more local than that!

So where did the inspiration for Hoodoo originate? Hoodoo is a form of traditional folk magic that developed from the blending of a number of separate cultures and magical traditions. It incorporates practices from African and Native American customs, as well as some European magical practices. While the Hoodoo man is a trans-cultural phenomena, his roots run deep in Northern Michigan. He is often seen dancing and chanting, drinking up brew that bears his name, as if under some type of mystical spell.

Hoodoo will be available on draft and in the brand’s trademark 12-ounce stubby-bottle 6-packs starting late September through the harvest season. Find it throughout Michigan and Ohio, wherever your favorite North Peak beers are sold.

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 Civilized line of spirits and Bonafide Wines. 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 its 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, in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.

Hooligan Strikes Again! North Peak's Pumpkin Ale Returns...in Bottle Form

The shenanigans continue as North Peak Brewing Company announces the return of Hooligan – a hoppy 5.5ABV/35IBU pumpkin beer, just in time for the fall harvest season. For the first time, Hooligan makes is arrival not only on draft but also in the brand’s trademark 12-ounce stubby-bottle 6-packs.

“It’s no trick. This brew delivers all the spicy pumpkin goodness one could ask for, along with a kick of hops,” says brewer Ron Jeffries, who along with brewer Mike Hall bring a combined 40 years of brewing experience to their North Peak beer recipes. “Hooligan is brewed with real pumpkin and fresh spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice, oh my). And, did we mention…hops? Hooligan is brimming with locally-grown hops.”

So who is this Hooligan you may ask? He is a legendary and impish figure who appears but once a year on Devil’s Night, October 30 – the night before Halloween. He lurks through the darkness, traipsing in the shadows from house to house with a rogue gait and a devilish grin on his face. This scoundrel is more mischievous than wicked, yet his reputation for mayhem is wildly known. Anyone who has woken up on Halloween morning to find their pumpkins smashed or yard toilet-papered is familiar with the antics of the Northern Michigan Hooligan.

Hooligan is available now through October when the last pumpkin is smashed. Find it throughout Michigan and Ohio, wherever your favorite North Peak beer is sold.

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 Civilized line of spirits and Bonafide Wines. 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 its 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

North Peak Carves Out Latest Brew with Hooligan: A Hoppy Pumpkin Ale

Tired of having to choose between your favorite pumpkin beer and your favorite IPA when fall comes around? Well, fret no more. Enter the Hooligan – the new hoppy pumpkin beer from North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City. Coming in at 5.5%ABV with 35 IBUs, Hooligan is a real treat for beer lovers – just in time for the harvest season.

“It’s no trick. This brew delivers all the spicy pumpkin goodness one could ask for, along with a kick of hops,” says brewer Ron Jeffries, who along with brewer Mike Hall bring a combined 40 years of brewing experience to their North Peak beer recipes. “Hooligan is brewed with real pumpkin and fresh spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice, oh my). And, did we mention…hops? Hooligan is brimming with locally-grown hops.”

So who is this Hooligan you may ask? He is a legendary and impish figure who appears but once a year on Devil’s Night, October 30 – the night before Halloween. He lurks through the darkness, traipsing in the shadows from house to house with a rogue gait and a devilish grin on his face. This scoundrel is more mischievous than wicked, yet his reputation for mayhem is wildly known. Anyone who has woken up on Halloween morning to find their pumpkins smashed or yard toilet-papered is familiar with the antics of the Northern Michigan Hooligan.

Hooligan is available only on draft, now through October when the last pumpkin is smashed. Find it throughout Michigan and Ohio, wherever your favorite North Peak beers are sold.

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.
www.NorthPeakBeer.com

Lake Superior Holds Deep Secret of Serpent Lore

Michigan's North Peak Brewing Company Celebrates the Legend with its Seasonal Sinuous Celtic Ale -- Available March 1

The legend has been passed down for generations – 100 years or more, of a massive 75-foot long serpent-like creature seen lurking in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior. Containing 10 percent of all the Earth’s fresh water, Lake Superior – at about 350 miles long, 170 miles wide and some 1300 feet deep – is more than ample in size to be home to a large and mysterious creature such as this.

With its long neck and whale-like body, the creature is said to resemble that of the Loch Ness Monster, of Scotland notoriety. Often spotted in the deep, rocky waters off the Isles of Presque, some have suggested this creature is actually a giant sturgeon or even an extremely large Northern Pike. Yet those who have had personal encounters with the nautical beast say that simply is impossible.

As far back in time as 1894, crews of two steamers spotted the creature protruding seven to eight feet out of the water about halfway between Whitefish Bay and Copper Harbor. In July 1895, three members of steamer crew caught sight of a dark and scaly creature keeping pace with their boat. They claim it had a jaw at least a foot wide, with a 15-foot-long arched neck.

A Detroit man fell overboard and was attacked by a large serpent near Duluth, Minnesota in 1897 and while three of his shipmates witnessed the horrific event, they were unable to pull him from the jaws of the giant creature.

Two fishermen spotted a serpent near Pictured Rocks in the mid 1930s. They said as the creature swam, it created a wake so large it rocked their boat from side to side. As recent as May 1977, a hiker reports being menaced by a large serpent with a horse-like head and long catfish whiskers as he walked the rocky Lake Superior shoreline.

In honor of this mystical creature, Northern United Brewing Company has released Sinuous Celtic Ale – the latest seasonal in its line of hand-crafted microbrews. Sinuous will be available in early March 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 Sinuous name came from a close childhood friend, Mike White, who is the only person we've ever known to have had an encounter with this creature,” says Greg Lobdell, who – along with Jon Carlson, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall – are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company. “Like almost everyone from Northern Michigan, Mike is an outdoorsman – with an appreciation for all aspects of nature.”

It was his passion for snapping turtles that actually lead Mike to his first and only life-altering encounter with the Lake Superior creature.

“It was a trip to Marquette while we were in high school,” recalls Carlson. “Mike was walking the shore of Lake Superior in search of the snappy reptile when he spotted the massive creature skulking in the crystal-clear waters. While he was too shocked to get a photo with his camera, the image of the hideous creature remains burned into his brain to this day.”

www.NorthPeakBeer.com

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

North Peak Brewing Reaches into Ohio Market Beginning February 1

Beginning February 1, craft beer lovers throughout Ohio will be able to enjoy a selection of North Peak beer thanks to a distribution program managed by Premium Beverage Supply. This is North Peak’s first venture outside its home state of Michigan.

“We are very excited to add North Peak Brewing to our existing portfolio of strong Michigan breweries,” says Ron Wilson, Owner of Premium Beverage Supply. “Its lineup of year-round and seasonal beers makes for an excellent selection for the Ohio craft beer stores to choose from.”

The majority of Premium’s craft retailers around the state of Ohio will add North Peak beer – Vicious, Diabolical and Siren, for starters – to their line-up. They will be available in both bottles and on draft.

"For a long time we have been eyeing Ohio as our first expansion market due to its consumers’ knowledge and support of not only craft beer but specifically Michigan craft beer," says North Peak Brewer Mike Hall. "We are very excited about bringing our exceptional lineup of delicious North Peak beers to such a savvy craft beer market.”

“North Peak Brewing appears to be well structured to make a strategic run at its first out-of-state market,” Wilson says. “The Premium Beverage sales staff is extremely excited to hit the market with a quality lineup from an up-and-coming brewery such as North Peak.”

Based out of Hilliard, OH, Premium Beverage Supply has been distributing the world’s finest craft and specialty ales, lagers and spontaneously-fermented beer throughout Ohio since 1994.

"From the moment I met with Premium Beverage I knew they would be an excellent partner to embark on this journey with us,” says Mike Turiff, North Peak Vice President of Sales. “Their management and sales force is well versed in not only Craft Beer but especially craft beer for the Great Beer State. We are extremely confident that this will be a mutually beneficial partnership and we can't wait to bring even more Craft Beer to the consumers of Ohio."

Drawing on nearly 50 years of combined brewing experience, Mike Hall and Ron Jeffries collaborate and perfected the North Peak recipes. These clean, classic beers resonated with casual beer drinkers and die-hard aficionados alike.

In late 2009, at its new, secluded, state-of-the-art brewing facility on Old Mission Peninsula, the first bottles of Siren Amber Ale, Diabolical IPA and Majestic American Wheat rolled off the bottling line and quickly found their place on the retail shelves and in the hearts of craft beer enthusiasts. Since then, the North Peak line has expanded to include Vicious – a dry-hopped Wheat IPA, Archangel Summer Wheat, Furry IPA, Burly Belgo IPA (due out in February 2011) and Sinuous Celtic Ale (coming in March 2011).

Distributed as part of a distinctive packaging and visual branding in six-pack retro-style stubbie bottles, each North Peak brew proudly holds a legend steeped in rich Northern Michigan lore behind its creation, its name and its unique label design.

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

Warm Up Your Northern Michigan Winter Nights with North Peak Brewing Company's Furry

As fall turns to winter, North Peak Brewing Company is ramping up to release its latest seasonal beer – Furry. The black IPA is a wonderful winter beer. Its hoppy character is sure to warm you up on a chilly Michigan winter night.

And just where does Furry come from? As with all North Peak beers, its existence is attributed to local lore. Some say that the creature evolved its thick coat to protect itself from the extreme cold of northern waters.

“The stories that we were told growing up in Northern Michigan suggest that as the weather grows warmer during the spring, the fur-bearing trout sheds its fur, only to regrow its coat as winter returns,” says Jon Carlson, who – along with Greg Lobdell, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall – are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company.

This may help explain why trout with full coats of fur are so seldom encountered.

“One of our very close childhood friends, Brad Warren, is an avid fisherman. He says that he's caught so many fur trout over the years that he sewed his own pair of pants with the pelts he's collected,” says partner Greg Lobdell. “No one has ever seen these pants, but we've never forgotten his description of the fur bearing trout and decided to name our Winter Seasonal Black IPA after his fish story. “

Made with Chinook, Columbus and Cascade hops and Pilsner, C-40, Midnight Wheat and Carapils malts, this 50-barrel production beer ranks in at 7.2% IBV (72 IBUs).

Furry will be available mid December in six-pack retro-style stubbie at retail outlets statewide (complementing Siren, Diabolical, Majestic, Vicious and the summer seasonal Archangel). It is also available on tap at restaurants and bars around Michigan.

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