| Features
|
Last Updated:
Feb 2nd, 2010 - 13:42:13 |
Mibeerbuzz.com
Tapping Into Michigan
“We beer geeks are social creatures,” Kevin Nash says as he explains how mibeerbuzz.com, a blog that examines all things Michigan craft beers, assembled in 2007. Kevin and his wife, Sarah, toured Michigan breweries and documented their travels and tastings on Sarah’s original blog that focused on supporting local businesses. This caught the eye of fellow beer enthusiasts, Rob Gorczyca and John Nasers, and a new blog was born.
“We’ve also used the blog to highlight little known history about breweries in Michigan and how the (Michigan) brewing industry built itself back up after prohibition and the dominance of the big national breweries,” says Kevin Nash. The writers host an annual beer tasting and have also founded muskratmashers.com, a Michigan beer networking site. The staff hipped Real Detroit to Michigan Beer Month and the best ways to celebrate all month long.
What is your favorite Michigan Beer?
Kevin Nash: This is a tough question. I can’t pick one. My current favorite session beer is Golden Cap Saison, which has become my summer beer of choice.
Sarah Nash: I really can’t pick just one. If I do, I feel like I’m betraying all the other great breweries and beer. In summer, it’s a Bell’s Oberon or New Holland Full Circle Kolsch.
John Nasers: Bell’s Expedition Stout - Russian Imperial Stout. Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree - Double IPA. Jolly Pumpkin Perseguidor - American Wild Ale. Dragonmead Final Absolution - Trippel. I really have a problem with “favorite.”
Rob Gorczyca: My favorite is the Huma Lupa Licious India Pale Ale from Short’s Brewing Co. in Bellaire.
Where is your favorite spot in MI to sit down for a pint?
KN: Our local brewery is Original Gravity in Milan. I also love outdoor areas at Dark Horse in Marshall and The Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. In the Detroit area? I love Motor City Beer Works’ atmosphere.
SN: This is a tough question. I agree with all the places Kevin mentioned. But I’d also have to say I’d give anything to go back to some of the breweries we visited in the UP.
JN: Dark Horse Brewing Co. in Marshall.
RG: Michigan Brewing Company is still one of my favorite places to hang out.
What's the strangest Michigan beer you’ve ever had?
KN: At a demonstration of ancient brewing techniques near Hastings, we brewed beer in a caldron and instead of hops we used things foraged from the property, like rosemary, mugwort, sage, black spruce and juniper.
SN: One of the best and most uniquely delicious beers I’ve had is the Smoked Jalapeno Amber from Original Gravity in Milan.
JN: Right Brain in Traverse City made an Asparagus beer.
RG: Several years ago, I tried Jolly Pumpkin beers and thought they were the most obscure and strangest thing I ever tasted. About a year later, I tried them again, and now, they are one of my [favorites]. | RDW
Get buzzed: mibeerbuzz.com
|
|
|
 |
