Ann Arbor, Michigan boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that has been steadily growing since the 1980s. This college town, home to the University of Michigan, offers beer enthusiasts a diverse array of breweries, taprooms, and beer-centric establishments. From sour beer specialists to kombucha beer brewers, Ann Arbor’s craft beer landscape caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Visitors and locals alike can explore the city’s beer culture through self-guided tours, brewery hopping, or by participating in local beer events. The Ann Arbor Area Craft Pass, a free mobile passport, provides an excellent starting point for those looking to discover the best beverage artisans in the county.
With numerous breweries within a short drive of downtown, Ann Arbor has established itself as a notable craft beer destination in the Midwest. Beer lovers can enjoy everything from traditional ales and lagers to experimental and innovative brews, all while experiencing the unique atmosphere of this charming university town.
Ann Arbor’s Craft Beer History
Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene has deep roots dating back to the 19th century. The city’s brewing tradition has evolved from early commercial operations to today’s thriving craft beer culture.
Early Beginnings
Ann Arbor’s first commercial brewery opened in 1838, marking the start of a rich brewing heritage. German immigrants played a crucial role in shaping the local beer landscape throughout the 1800s. Their influence brought traditional brewing techniques and beer styles to the area.
The Ann Arbor Brewing Company, established in the late 19th century, became a prominent local brewery. Their 1899 advertisement boldly claimed to offer “The Best Beer You Can Drink,” reflecting the city’s growing reputation for quality brews.
Prohibition in the 1920s temporarily halted commercial brewing activities. However, the passion for beer remained ingrained in Ann Arbor’s culture.
Growth of Craft Breweries
The modern craft beer renaissance in Ann Arbor began in the 1980s and 1990s. This period saw a surge in local breweries and brewpubs opening their doors to eager beer enthusiasts.
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, founded in the early 2000s, gained cult-like status for its unique sour beers. Their success helped put Ann Arbor on the map as a craft beer destination.
The city’s brewing scene continued to diversify, with establishments like The Beer Grotto offering extensive selections of local and national craft beers. Ann Arbor’s downtown area became a hub for beer lovers, featuring charming taprooms and beer bars.
Today, Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant craft beer community. The city is home to numerous breweries, each contributing its own flavors and styles to the local beer landscape.
Guide to Ann Arbor Breweries
Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. Each offers unique flavors, atmospheres, and experiences for beer enthusiasts to explore.
Arbor Brewing Company
Arbor Brewing Company, founded in 1995, is a pioneer in Ann Arbor’s craft beer landscape. Their downtown brewpub features a rotating selection of house-made beers, including popular options like Strawberry Blonde and Sacred Cow IPA.
The brewery offers a cozy atmosphere with exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings. Visitors can enjoy beer flights to sample multiple brews.
Arbor Brewing also serves pub-style food, making it a great spot for both drinks and dinner. Their outdoor patio is perfect for warm weather sipping.
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co has been a staple of Ann Arbor’s beer scene since 1995. Located in a historic building downtown, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with its wooden bar and cozy booths.
The brewery produces a range of year-round and seasonal beers. Popular options include the Bear Paw Porter and Steelhead Red.
Grizzly Peak is known for its excellent food menu, featuring wood-fired pizzas and hearty pub fare. The brewery offers tours on weekends, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process.
Wolverine State Brewing Co
Wolverine State Brewing Co specializes in lagers, setting it apart from many craft breweries. Founded in 2006, it has become known for its unique and flavorful lager creations.
The taproom offers a casual, industrial-chic vibe with plenty of seating. Visitors can try popular brews like the Gulo Gulo India Pale Lager or the Premium Lager.
Wolverine State doesn’t have a full kitchen but often hosts food trucks. The brewery also offers tours, allowing guests to learn about their lager-focused brewing approach.
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Jolly Pumpkin, founded in 2004, is renowned for its sour ales and wild fermentation techniques. Their downtown Ann Arbor location combines a brewery, taproom, and restaurant.
The atmosphere is eclectic and artistic, reflecting the brewery’s creative approach to beer. Visitors can sample unique sours like Bam Bière or La Roja.
Jolly Pumpkin’s food menu focuses on artisanal pizzas and sandwiches, designed to pair well with their beers. The brewery occasionally offers tours, providing insight into their unique fermentation processes.
HOMES Brewery
HOMES Brewery, opened in 2017, has quickly become a favorite among Ann Arbor beer enthusiasts. The name is an acronym for the five Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
The brewery is known for its innovative beers, particularly New England-style IPAs and fruit-forward sours. Their spacious taproom features a modern, minimalist design.
HOMES offers a Korean-inspired food menu, creating unique pairings with their beers. The outdoor beer garden is a popular spot during warmer months.
Blue Tractor
Blue Tractor combines a brewery and barbecue restaurant, offering a unique experience in downtown Ann Arbor. The rustic, barn-inspired decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The brewery produces a range of styles, from light lagers to robust stouts. Their Bumper Crop IPA and Bearded Pig Pilsner are local favorites.
Blue Tractor’s food menu focuses on smoked meats and classic barbecue sides. The restaurant often features live music, adding to the lively ambiance.
Ypsilanti’s Contribution to Local Craft Beer
Ypsilanti, a vibrant city neighboring Ann Arbor, has made significant contributions to the local craft beer scene. The city boasts several noteworthy breweries that have gained popularity among beer enthusiasts.
734 Brewing Company
734 Brewing Company, located in downtown Ypsilanti, has quickly become a local favorite. The brewery focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers using locally sourced ingredients.
Their taproom offers a rotating selection of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews. 734 Brewing also produces a housemade root beer and Apple Wine, catering to non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts.
The brewery’s commitment to community involvement is evident through their collaborations with local artists and organizations. They often host events and live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
Pileated Brewing Company
Pileated Brewing Company has carved out a niche in Ypsilanti’s craft beer landscape. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to beer-making and experimental flavor combinations.
Their taproom offers a diverse range of beers, from traditional styles to more adventurous brews. Pileated takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and precise brewing techniques to create consistently excellent beers.
The brewery’s name, inspired by the Pileated Woodpecker, reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship. They implement sustainable practices in their brewing process and actively support local conservation efforts.
Stony Lake Brewing Co
Stony Lake Brewing Co brings a taste of northern Michigan to Ypsilanti. The brewery’s name pays homage to the owners’ family cottage on Stony Lake, infusing their beers with a sense of nostalgia and adventure.
Their tap list features a variety of styles, including lagers, ales, and seasonal specialties. Stony Lake Brewing Co is particularly known for their crisp, refreshing beers that are perfect for Michigan summers.
The brewery’s taproom provides a cozy, laid-back atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their beers. They also offer growler fills and cans to-go, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite brews at home.
Popular Beer Styles and Selections
Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles and flavors. Local breweries showcase their creativity through unique ingredients and innovative brewing techniques.
Locally Sourced and Unique Flavors
Ann Arbor breweries pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales incorporates Michigan-grown fruits in their sour ales, creating distinctive flavor profiles. Homes Brewery experiments with unconventional ingredients like tea and herbs in their beer recipes.
Many breweries collaborate with local farms and orchards to source fresh produce. This farm-to-glass approach results in seasonal specialties that capture the essence of Michigan’s agricultural bounty.
Biercamp, known for its small-batch brews, often features beers made with foraged ingredients from nearby forests and fields. These unique flavors provide beer enthusiasts with truly local taste experiences.
Michigan’s Notable IPAs and Sours
Michigan’s craft beer scene is renowned for its IPAs and sour beers. Wolverine State Brewing Co. offers a range of hoppy IPAs, from classic West Coast styles to hazy New England varieties.
Sour beer enthusiasts flock to Jolly Pumpkin for their barrel-aged wild ales. The brewery’s signature tart and funky flavors have gained a cult-like following among beer connoisseurs.
734 Brewery in nearby Ypsilanti produces small-batch IPAs that showcase different hop varieties. Their rotating selection allows beer lovers to explore the diverse world of hop flavors and aromas.
Ann Arbor’s craft breweries also excel in creating fruit-infused sours. These beers often feature Michigan-grown cherries, blueberries, and apples, adding a local twist to traditional European sour styles.
Beer Bars and Gastropubs
Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant beer scene with several standout bars and gastropubs. These establishments offer extensive craft beer selections, knowledgeable staff, and inviting atmospheres for beer enthusiasts.
Ashley’s and HopCat
Ashley’s, a local institution since 1983, features over 70 taps and hundreds of bottled beers. The bar’s cozy, wood-paneled interior creates a welcoming environment for patrons to explore their vast selection.
HopCat, located on East Liberty Street, offers 100 taps with a focus on Michigan craft beers. The gastropub is known for its “crack fries” and beer-centric menu items that pair well with their extensive draft list.
Both venues host regular tap takeovers and beer events, providing opportunities to sample rare and limited-release brews.
Beer Grotto and Corner Brewery
The Beer Grotto combines a tasting room, bottle shop, and bar into one unique experience. Visitors can sample beers before purchasing, with knowledgeable staff guiding them through the selection process.
Corner Brewery, located in nearby Ypsilanti, offers a spacious beer garden and a diverse range of house-brewed beers. The brewery is known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
These establishments provide distinct atmospheres and beer selections, catering to various preferences within Ann Arbor’s craft beer community.
Outdoor Spaces and Beer Gardens
Ann Arbor boasts several inviting outdoor spaces where beer enthusiasts can savor local brews while enjoying the fresh air. These venues offer unique atmospheres and seasonal experiences for craft beer lovers.
Biercamp and Townies Brewery
Biercamp combines a butcher shop with a taproom, featuring an outdoor seating area perfect for sampling their house-made sausages and craft beers. The rustic picnic tables provide a casual, laid-back environment for patrons to relax and socialize.
Townies Brewery offers a spacious beer garden with a cozy, neighborhood feel. Their outdoor space includes fire pits and string lights, creating an intimate atmosphere for evening gatherings. Visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of handcrafted beers while taking in the local ambiance.
Both venues prioritize using locally-sourced ingredients in their brewing processes, reflecting Ann Arbor’s commitment to supporting regional producers.
Enjoyment Throughout the Seasons
Ann Arbor’s beer gardens adapt to Michigan’s changing seasons, ensuring year-round enjoyment for patrons. In warmer months, these spaces buzz with activity as people gather to sip cold brews and bask in the sunshine.
During fall, many beer gardens embrace the cooler weather by offering seasonal beers and hosting Oktoberfest-inspired events. Some venues provide heated outdoor areas or enclosed spaces with large windows, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere even as temperatures drop.
Winter doesn’t deter die-hard beer enthusiasts. Several establishments maintain their outdoor spaces by adding warming lamps, fire pits, and cozy blankets. This dedication to outdoor drinking spaces highlights Ann Arbor’s vibrant beer culture, regardless of the weather.
Events and Entertainment
Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene comes alive with exciting events and entertainment options. The city offers a vibrant mix of live music performances and beer festivals, as well as unique brewery-hosted gatherings that showcase local brews.
Live Music and Beer Festivals
Ann Arbor hosts several craft beer festivals throughout the year, combining live music with beer tasting experiences. The Ann Arbor Summer Beer Festival, held annually in July, features over 100 Michigan breweries and live performances by local bands. Beer enthusiasts can sample a wide variety of craft beers while enjoying music across multiple stages.
The Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival, though not in Ann Arbor, attracts many local breweries and beer lovers. It takes place in nearby Grand Rapids each February, offering a chance to taste unique winter brews.
Local brewpubs and taprooms regularly feature live music acts. Venues like Arbor Brewing Company and Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery host weekly music nights, pairing craft beer with performances by local artists.
Brewery-Hosted Events
Ann Arbor’s breweries organize various events to engage beer enthusiasts and showcase their products. HOMES Brewery hosts monthly beer release parties, introducing new flavors and limited-edition brews to eager patrons. These events often include food pairings and brewery tours.
Wolverine State Brewing Co. offers “Brew School” sessions, educating participants about the brewing process and beer styles. Attendees can learn about ingredients, brewing techniques, and beer tasting methods.
Many breweries participate in Ann Arbor Beer Week, a city-wide celebration of craft beer. This event features tap takeovers, beer dinners, and special brewery tours across multiple venues.
Ypsilanti’s 734 Brewing Company organizes community-focused events, including charitable fundraisers and local artist showcases, combining craft beer with social engagement.
Emerging Trends in Ann Arbor’s Craft Beer Industry
Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene continues to evolve with innovative offerings and new brewing techniques. Local breweries are expanding their repertoires to meet changing consumer preferences and explore unique flavor profiles.
Session Meads and Kombucha Beer
Bløm Meadworks has pioneered session meads in Ann Arbor, creating lower-alcohol versions of traditional honey wine. These lighter meads appeal to beer drinkers seeking new flavors without high alcohol content. Session meads often incorporate local fruits and herbs, showcasing Michigan’s agricultural diversity.
Unity Vibration has introduced kombucha beer to the area, blending fermented tea with traditional brewing methods. This probiotic-rich beverage offers a tangy, effervescent alternative to standard beers. Kombucha beer appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for gut-friendly alcohol options.
Microbreweries and Innovation
Ann Arbor’s microbreweries are at the forefront of experimentation. Many are crafting small-batch brews with unique ingredients and flavor combinations. Some breweries collaborate with local coffee roasters, like RoosRoast, to create distinctive coffee-infused beers.
Seasonal and limited-edition releases keep the craft beer selection fresh and exciting. Microbreweries often use locally-sourced ingredients to create beers that reflect Ann Arbor’s terroir. This focus on innovation helps smaller breweries stand out in a competitive market.
Sustainable Practices and Community Impact
Ann Arbor’s craft breweries are leading the way in eco-friendly initiatives and community engagement. These efforts focus on reducing environmental impact while supporting the local economy.
Eco-Friendly Brewing Techniques
Many Ann Arbor breweries have adopted water conservation methods to minimize waste. They use efficient cleaning systems and recycle water where possible. Some have installed solar panels to power their operations, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Packaging choices also reflect sustainability concerns. Several local breweries use recyclable cans instead of bottles. Others offer refillable growlers to cut down on single-use containers.
Waste reduction is another priority. Spent grains from the brewing process are often donated to local farms as animal feed or compost. This practice creates a circular economy and reduces landfill waste.
Supporting Local Economies
Ann Arbor’s craft breweries prioritize locally sourced ingredients. They partner with Michigan farmers for hops, barley, and fruit. This supports local agriculture and reduces transportation emissions.
Many breweries host events showcasing local artists, musicians, and food vendors. These collaborations strengthen community ties and boost the local economy.
Job creation is another significant impact. Craft breweries employ locals in various roles, from brewers to taproom staff. This contributes to the city’s economic growth and provides career opportunities in the brewing industry.
Some breweries participate in charitable initiatives, donating portions of their profits to local causes. This direct reinvestment in the community further enhances their positive local impact.
