I've sampled/imbibed in 80 MI microbrewed beers since my start last Thursday at MBC. The only brews now consumed at the brewery was the one Shorts brew (Huma-lupa-licious, a 140 IBU single IPA) and I got 3 different New Holland beers from Cork 'n Ale to shave some gas money off the trip. The breweries I've visited consist of: Midland Brew Co, BARTS, Mt. Pleasant Brew Co and Mt. Town Station (same owner), Founders, Hop Cat, Hideout, Sullivans, Frankenmuth, and Bell's. I may hit Arcadia on my way out of the state, depending on timing.
Strange spices/adjuncts (so not including things like coriander, orange peel, etc.) I've tried include molasses, french wine oak barrel chips, carrots, parsnips, hemp seed, a ginger beer, and probably some that I'm missing.
Someone at Bell's asked me today if there were any highlights, my answer was simple. I've not yet had a beer that I sent back to the bar. I've had some that I've had some friends finish, but they were true to the style...it just wasn't a style I enjoy a lot. I've has so many good IPAs (both of the Frankenmuth breweries had excellent IPAs) that I've lost track (except for my notes). I've noticed that the French Farmhouse style is coming back into favor here in MI, and I expect that to start spreading through the midwest.
As far as Bells...it was almost a religious experience. The Eccentric Cafe is a must go for any midwest beer geek. Plain and simple.
Done with new places for this trip (probably). Time to wind down, make my brothers bonfire Friday night awesome and accept that it's time to go back to lafayette and get back to work.
-James
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