It's only April, but September will be here in no time and people will be asking, "So, what did you do over the summer?" For some of you, the answer might even involve an essay.
My answer will be two simple words: "Beer Tours."
The Michigan Brewers Guild has organized a series of special VIP tours and tastings at member breweries around the state this summer. They're free, but to participate, you've got to be a Michigan Brewers Guild "Enthusiast" member, which costs $25 but also gets you a nifty "Beer Nut" T-shirt, discounts on beer at member Brewpubs, VIP status at Brewers Guild events and some other perks. While there is no additional charge for the summer tours, reservations are recommended and attendees must show their Enthusiast card.
In a few cases, the number of tour members is limited so check out the information below, which is provided to REVUE by the Brewers Guild.
The Summer 2010 schedule begins April 24 at Jamesport Brewing Company in Ludington and ends Saturday, July 31 at New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, and visits more than a half dozen Guild member breweries.
The tour lineup includes:
Saturday, April 24 (1-6 p.m.)
Jamesport Brewing Co
410 S James St., Ludington
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-2522
Tom Buchannan, brewmaster will teach beer school 101, pairings and a tasting starting at 1 pm. $1 off pints, $1 appetizers and $1 off flights of beer. Enthusiast members will receive $1 off their first pint. RSVP to Tom: 231-723-2526
Saturday, May 8 (3 p.m.)
The Livery
190 5th St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Saturday, May 15 (Noon)
Saugatuck Brewing Company Inc.
2948 Blue Star Hwy.
Douglas, MI 49406
(269) 857-7222
Join Barry Johnson, brewmaster and owner of Saugatuck Brewing Co., for a guided tour of the brewery. Enthusiast members will get $1 off their first pint. RSVP to Barry Johnson:
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Saturday, May 22 (1 p.m.)
Founders Brewing Co.
235 Grandville SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 776-1195
This will be a guided tour of Founders, lead by their brewing team, and is limited to the first 25 people. This tour will offer $1 off first pint for enthusiast members as well as a tasting for tour goers. RSVP to Dave:
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Saturday, June 19 (1-2 p.m.)
Arcadia Brewing Co
103 West Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
(269) 963.9520
A guided tour by Brewmaster Josh Davies through Arcadia’s production facility. $1 off first pint for Enthusiast members only. RSVP to Josh Davies:
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Saturday, June 26 (1 p.m.)
DarkHorse Brewing Co
511 S. Kalamazoo Ave.
Marshall, MI 49068
(269) 781-9940
Join the jolly crew at Darkhorse Brewing for a tour of their new space, brewery and tap room. Bryan Wiggs will lead you through the brewery to educate your mind and soul of the DarkHorse nation. $1 off Enthusiast member’s first pint. Many beers on tap as well as food if you are hungry available in the pub.
Saturday, July 31 (1 p.m.)
New Holland Brewing Tour
690 Commerce Court
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-6422
