MiBrew Trail - Issue 7, Summer 2022

ISSUE 7, SUMMER 2022 FREE

BrewTrail MICHIGAN

DOW DIAMOND SITE OF NEW CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL TIPS TO SURVIVE YOUR FIRST (OR YOUR 50TH) BEER FEST

A BEER DRINKER’S GUIDE TO CORNHOLE

NEW HOLLAND BREWING FOUNDER REFLECTS ON HOMETOWN ROOTS

mibrewtrail.com

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MI Brew Trail |Summer 2022

in this issue ON THE COVER

Mibrew trail

8 .................... Dow Diamond Site of New ....................... Craft Beer Festival

Publisher

10 .................. Tips to Survive Your First ....................... (or Your 50th) Beer Fest

Advertising

14 .................. A Beer Drinkers Guide ....................... to Cornhole

Jessica Frey

30 .................. New Holland Brewing Founder ....................... Reflects on Hometown Roots

Ed Fritz

Tony Garant

Julie Wiersma Contributors Jon Becker Amy Sherman Mary Lanaux Katzman Lisa Dawson Angela Mulka Design & Layout Emalie Schuberg Cover art

FEATURES 16 ..................................Bayne’s Expands its Hard Cider Project to Cement Status as Regional Tap House 18 ..................................Three Brothers and a Brewery in Oak Park

Emalie Schuberg MiBrew Trail Magazine is designed and printed in Big Rapids, Michigan

22 ..................................Batter Up for Beer and Baseball 24 ..................................Michigan Brothers Ahead of the Beer Curve

For advertising rates and information call:

26 ..................................Fur-Ever Friends in Midland County

989-839-4226 or email: MiBrewTrail@hearst.com

28 ..................................Connecticut-Based Craft Cocktail Brand Now Available in Michigan 32 ..................................A New Chapter has Unfolded in Mackinac Island’s Fabled History Volume 7 | Summer 2022

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From the Publisher Welcome to the Summer edition of Michigan Brew Trail Magazine. The summer is off to a busy start for the Michigan craft beer scene. The craftsmen and craftswomen of the industry are fast at work providing the summer brews that provide the backdrop for another Michigan summer.

Summer 2022 is proving to be an exercise in getting back to what we’ve come to know, expect, and look forward to in our state with parties and festivals across towns small and large.

This year, the team at Michigan Brew Trail and the Hearst family of brands is excited to host the inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival. We are proud to partner with our friends at the Great Lakes Loons to put forward an exciting festival at the beautiful Dow Diamond in Midland.

Did You Know?

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Michigan Cornhole will be on hand to coordinate an on-field cornhole tournament and Excellency Music will provide the entertainment.

The response from Michigan craft brewers and distributors has been tremendous. We hope you can join us on August 20 to enjoy a day in the sun experiencing the fellowship of other Michiganders drinking some beers, having some laughs, and soaking in the sights and sounds of the ballpark.

As always, I’d like to remind our readers that we are out on the Michigan Brew Trail looking for the stories to share of the people, the places, and the history of craft beverages. If you know of a story we need to tell, please feel free to reach out and let me know.

ED FRITZ

Cheers!

Ed Fritz edward.fritz@hearst.com

Michigan ranks #6 in the U.S. with 408 craft beer breweries. California is #1 with 931. Mississippi is last with only 18.

-Statista 2022

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On the Trail…

Tony Garant MiBrewTrail Summer on the Michigan Brew Trail is here! That means beer festival season is in full swing and there is quite the lineup of beer events for this summer. Including the inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan. The festival is hosted by yours truly, the Michigan Brew Trail.

We are beyond excited and cannot wait to serve you up a wide variety of Michigan made beers at a world class facility.

opportunity to enjoy their craft beers on the same ball diamond that the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, and many other MLB players once honed their own craft.

Michigan Cornhole will be holding a cornhole tournament in the outfield and local musicians provided

by Excellency Music will be performing behind home plate. Concessions will be open and dishing out your favorite ballpark food.

Beer lovers from all over the state are going to be flockin’ to Dow Diamond and you will not want to Dow Diamond is home of the Great miss out! So, mark your calendars Lakes Loons minor league baseball for August 20th and visit www. team, a Single-A Affiliate of the greatlakesbeerfestival.com for tickLos Angeles Dodgers. However, on ets and more information.

August 20th from 2pm – 7pm it Cheers, is going to be home of 60+ local Tony Garant breweries and cideries. Attendtony.garant@hearst.com ees will have field access and the

YOur Beer Map just got a whole lot better CHECK OUT THE NEW AND IMPROVED BEER MAP ON MIBREWTRAIL.COM CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL TO GREAT BEER! 6 | www.MiBrewTrail.com

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Did You Know?

MALTED BARLEY

Most common brewing grain followed by wheat, corn, rice, rye, and oats.

SEPTEMBER

The month Oktoberfest officially starts in Germany.

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Dow Diamond Site of New Craft Beer Festival Jon Becker MiBrew Trail There is something quintessentially American about ballparks and beverages. The two go together like a bat and a ball. And when you consider the setting at Dow Diamond in Midland, one of the finest minor league parks in the land, it’s easy to understand why there is a growing sense of anticipation surrounding the new Great Lakes Beer Festival.

Dow Diamond, home of Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate Great Lakes Loons, will be the site of the August 20th Beer Festival that will feature more than 60 Michigan craft breweries serving their

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specialties right inside the stadium.

“Michigan Brew Trail has been looking for over a year for the right place to hold our inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival,” said Brew Trail Publisher Ed Fritz.

“What a perfect venue. Dow Diamond is beautiful. Great Lakes Loons and Dow Diamond have been fabulous to work with.”

The festival takes place from 2-7 p.m.

In addition to a wide variety of beer to choose from, festival-goers have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Cornhole League’s tournament stop that day at Dow Diamond. Anyone can enter the two-person competition. Given all that is happening in downtown Midland

on August 20, that day is shaping up to be a wonderful opportunity for families to experience some of the very best the city has to offer. There are many lovely shops and restaurants within walking distance of the ballpark—so make a day of it.

“This is the first time in many, many years that we are hosting a Beer Festival in the ballpark,” said Tyler Kring, assistant general manager of business development for the Great Lakes Loons. “This is a great event paired with the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in downtown Midland and the Farmers Market that we host from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. that Saturday.

This should be a fun, exciting day at the

ballpark.”

The Loons are on the road that weekend, opening up the stadium to serve as the site of the Great Lakes Beer Festival.

“We’re always looking to bring exciting new entertainment to the ballpark outside of Loons games when they are away,” Kring noted.

Michiganders’ passion for ballparks and beer doesn’t take a backseat to anyone or any place.

“There has always been a large appetite from Michiganders for beer festivals,” Fritz said. “The feedback we’ve gotten over the pandemic is that the appetite is bigger than ever.”

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The Great Lakes Bay Region is in for a real treat on August 20. One of the perks of being part of the Michigan Brew Trail team is the opportunity to meet the men and women of the state’s teeming craft beer industry. The masterpieces they create are something to savor on a sultry summer day.

21 years of age to gain admittance) will also enjoy live music at the event.

For ticket and other information go to www.GreatLakesBeerFestival.com.

Scan for Tickets

“We are excited to showcase so many of the craftsmen and artisans that we meet every day out on the Michigan Brew Trail,” Fritz said. “The people that make these craft beers put their heart and soul into their work. The Great Lakes Beer Festival will be an exciting event for people around the Great Lakes Bay region to try them all. This is a premier summer event.”

It will take place rain or shine and your favorite concessions at Dow Diamond will be available. Guests (you must be

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Tips to survive your first th (or your 50 ) beer fest Amy Sherman MiBrew Trail It’s beer fest season time, which makes it pretty much the most wonderful time of the year. From long-established festivals, like the Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summer Fest, which is holding its 23rd annual celebration this year in Ypsilanti, to brand new ones like the Great Lakes Beer Festival being held on August 20 in Midland, Michigan loves it’s beer fests. Whether it’s your 50th beer fest or your very first one, a few tips and tricks can help make sure your experience is awesome.

Here are a few that we’ve found through years of attending beer festivals. Overall, remember the goal is to have fun, to widen your beer knowledge a bit, and to always taste and drink responsibly. We hope to see you out at one of our great Michigan beer fests this year.

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DRINK AS MUCH WATER AS YOU CAN We honestly cannot stress this enough, it is like the cardinal rule of beer fests. No matter the season, this tip rings true, but it is incredibly important during the warmer months. Even though sample pours might only be 3 or 4 ounces, those can quickly add up, and sometimes unexpectedly add up. Throw in standing out in the hot sun for hours, and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration. I’ve read some suggestions to have a glass of water after every sample, which sounds like a nice, very smart, and responsible idea. My goal is to usually get a glass after every 2 or 3 samples, which seems a bit more practical, as you’ll find yourself unexpectedly sucked into another tent or randomly handed another sample from a friend. Be the leader, and potential hero, of your group, by insisting on water breaks throughout the day, and taking breaks out of the sun. No one wants to be THAT festie goer who has obviously had way too much. Drink enough water and you won’t be.

Remember to stay hydrated!

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THE FOOD IS USUALLY PRETTY GOOD, AND YOU SHOULD EAT SOMETHING. In line with the above advice, eating both before and during the festival helps you lay down a bit of a base for all those samples. And this is far from hard when you are at the festival, most pride themselves on offering great food to enjoy while you are there. Whether it’s local food trucks that have been booked or delicious offerings from the local host, there is typically a wide range of things to enjoy. At the Great Lakes Beer Festival, which is being held at Dow Diamond Stadium in Midland, you’ll be able to indulge in all the classic ballpark specialties that they are known for, and we all know there is not much better than a cold beer with a hot dog. So don’t be shy, eat away.

It’s all part of the experience.

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BEER FESTS ARE TYPICALLY HELD NO MATTER THE WEATHER, SO COME PREPARED. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, blazing hot or freezing cold, your beer fest will be held pretty much no matter what unless it’s a life-threatening situation. So that means come prepared, and dressed appropriately. For hot days, lube up with sunscreen, wear a hat and most definitely wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. For days when the weather might change, an extra sweatshirt for later. Depending on where your festival is held, you may have to deal with the lovely Port-A-John, so put that thought in your head when you are getting dressed. Meaning, nothing too complicated to get off, there is nothing worse than struggling in a steaming hot closet of death trying to get your overalls back on. Think practical, easy, and above all, comfortable.

BE A TURTLE, NOT A HARE. Pace yourself. It’s not a race, although you might see people running when the gates open to go and find their “whale beer” right away. That’s fine, although probably not necessary. What we are talking about is sampling throughout the day. The beer will be there, so slow down and savor the one you have in your glass. Chat a bit, meet new people, ask about the brewery. Taking the time to enjoy each beer will help you slow your roll a bit, which in the end will create a much better experience overall.

TEAM UP WITH A BEER BUDDY SO YOU CAN TRY EVEN MORE SAMPLES. This is my trick at every festival because I really do want to taste a lot of beers. Find a friend, and split your order at each brewery. Maybe you get the IPA that sounded spectacular, while your buddy gets the barrel-aged stout. Sip and swap, then of course keep the one that you prefer. This way you won’t overindulge, but you will get to try more Michigan beers. Plus, it makes for great conversation as you discuss the aroma, flavor, mouth feel and finish of each sample.

A BIT OF A PLAN IS A GOOD IDEA, BUT BE PREPARED TO DITCH IT. It’s your very first beer fest, and you’ve printed out the list of breweries, all the beers, and even a map of the layout of the festival. Good for you! So organized, with a plan in hand, and you are going to get to try every single beer you’ve marked off. Also, a total sign of a newbie. And while we bless your attempts, we veterans know that for the best beer fest experience, there comes a time to just zap that plan. Because most of the fun of a festival comes from just going with the flow. Maybe a new brewery had a really great fruit ale, and now you want to try another one from them. Perhaps you’ve decided it’s too hot for all those barrel-aged beauties you had on your list, and what really sounds good now is a classic German Kolsch. Totally cool! Sometimes not following the plan is the very best idea, and we suggest you embrace it. If you feel like it, you can still keep track of what you are trying, but even this plan usually falls through midway through a festival. Again, the goal here is to have fun, so just don’t worry about it. But if you are, one easy way to do that is a quick voice memo on your phone. No need to write, no need to try to figure out the Untapped app after a couple, instead click and record, and you can revisit your beers later.

DON’T SWEAT A SUPER LONG LINE, JUST FIND ANOTHER BREWERY TO ENJOY. Again, your best-laid plans might just include skipping a line snaking away from a popular brewery with a special release, to stepping right next door to a lesser-known, but possibly equally great, brewery to try something new. I’ve found some of my best festival beers doing this, and the surprise and delight of finding a new favorite is one of the finest things about a beer fest.

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IT’S TOTALLY OK TO DUMP A BEER. It really is. Just don’t be a loser about it and dump it right in front of the brewery. Be cool, saunter away, and then find a bucket or spot of lawn to dispose of it quietly. There are bad beers out there, unfortunately, or there are beer styles that just aren’t your style, and that’s totally fine. Life is too short to drink beer you don’t like, so just don’t, and move on to find one that you do.

IT MIGHT BE WORTH IT TO BUY THE VIP TICKET. Yes, they cost a bit more, but you usually get a whole lot more. Depending on the festival, you might get early admission, which means you can enjoy a few beers before the masses arrive. You might get extra sample tickets, or some food included with your entry. Some festivals offer a special VIP area, which might sound a bit pretentious, but when you realize what it really means is air conditioning and separate indoor bathroom facilities, you think, I can be pretentious. In fact, I might even really like it. Or even love it. You’ll pat yourself on the back for making such a great choice, while you bask in meat locker cold air, and indulge in a private buffet. If you can afford it, consider the VIP pass.

PLAN YOUR RIDE HOME BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. It should go without saying that you should always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. We’re going to say it again, never drink and drive. Planning your ride home ahead of time is the smartest move you can make. Uber and Lyft are great but will be overbooked at the end of the festival, with surge pricing in effect. If you can take public transport, plan that out ahead of time and have your fare money ready. Plan a ride with a friend prior to the festival, and carpooling is encouraged. There are designated driver tickets available at a discounted rate for all Michigan beer fests, this can be a great option. Whatever you decide, having a plan in place for a way home ahead of time will make your beer fest experience much more relaxing and fun in the end.

festival!

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A BEER DRINKER’S GUIDE TO WINNING AT CORNHOLE Mary Lanaux MiBrew Trail

Congratulations. You’ve graduated from college-era pastimes of Beer Pong and Flip Cup and entered the upper echelon of competitive party games performed with a beer in hand. Of course, at the top of that category is Cornhole – a game whose professional competitors sip ice-cold brews right up until the stakes get hot.

For you, seasoned beer drinker and amateur cornhole player, the stakes are much lower. But that doesn’t mean the competitive fire can’t get lit at backyard BBQs or for Michigan Cornhole’s Tournament at the Great Lakes Beer Festival. To help in your quest for cornhole domination, here are a few tips to keep the bags on the board and the beer cold in your hand.

First, select the right brew for the field of play.

Take a look at the Cornhole set-up with a critical, competitive eye. Is there a table to set your drink down? Is there a stocked cooler nearby, or will you have to leave to replenish? You’ll want to have a keen focus on the game, so plan ahead for your next beverage. Then, consider your skill level and mitigate the risk of spillage accordingly. For some, a can or bottle is the better choice over a pint glass or Solo cup. And, please, don’t forget a koozie.

Balance is key

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The mechanics of the bag toss are a matter of personal preference. You can take a small step forward or keep your feet planted. You can lob it underhanded or flick it cross-body like a frisbee. There might be some trial and error to determine which strategy is best for you. But, as you test tosses, make sure your beer-holding posture stays consistent.

For right-handed tossing, keep your beer in your left hand and your left foot forward to lean into the throw. Stepping can mean sloshing, as mentioned above, so a few sips of a full beer is a solid strategy.

Of course, too many sips over the course of the game might throw off your balance.

Bags, not beer, should be flat The ultimate goal of your toss is to have the bag land flat on the board. Tossing it with a bit of an arc and without a lot of force means the bag doesn’t bounce or slide off – leaving you with zero points.

The pros will add some spin to their toss, but since this is an amateur’s guide, we’ll let you practice that method on your own. But holding the bag is not unlike holding your beer. Grip the center of the bag with your index, middle, and ring fingers, and place your thumb on top. So….pinkies up?

Smack talk as a strategy What’s a competition among friends without a little harmless banter? And by banter, we mean See cornhole on 33

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Bayne’s expands its hard cider project to cement status as regional tap house Angela Mulka MiBrew Trail Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm, a fall destination known for doughnuts, caramel apples and pies aims to become a regional destination as it expands its tap house offerings two years after launching its hard cider project.

The seasonal apple orchard and family-owned bakery, cafe and gift shop, located at 5395 Midland Road, M-47, in Saginaw County, was bought by the Coughlin family, originally from Saginaw, four and a half years ago.

Owners Shawn and Jenean Coughlin knew they wanted to acquire a liquor license after purchasing Bayne’s to help transform it into an “experiential apple orchard” where people can bring their family and friends to spend the day.

Their son Ben helps bring this dream to fruition.

“I knew that this could be a big deal,” Ben said. “Bayne’s, for the 52 years before we bought it, was a place where

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you come in and get your donuts and cider and leave in five or 10 minutes.

Now people stay for hours on end with the drinks that we have and the food that we have and the experiences we’re providing.”

continued. “But since we get all of our apples for cider from Grand Rapids, I’m not as connected to the actual apple itself, compared to most other cideries.

So that means I can kind of play around with the juice that we press.”

Ben makes seven of his own hard ciders with the juice that is pressed at Bayne’s.

His brand is called the Bayne’s Cider Project and the ciders are only available at Bayne’s tap house. But Ben is working to get his product into cans to be sold statewide within the next year.

For example, one of Ben’s latest creations is a blueberry, raspberry-flavored hard cider with blue raspberry Dum Dum Lollipops dissolved into it.

Another is a pineapple, mango-flavored hard cider with a bunch of Mexican spices like ghost peppers and reaper peppers.

His ciders are made in 500-gallon batches and are processed in a facility north of Detroit.

“The gentleman that I make it with, his name is Paul, he is one of the most decorated cider makers in the country, and he and I get to do some really fun things together,” Ben said.

“If you come to the Traverse City area, for instance, a lot of the places up here do relatively similar things because they’re trying to emulate their own apples that they grow on-site,” Ben

Additionally, Ben’s ciders are based on song titles. For instance, the pineapple passionfruit cider is called “Tropic like it’s Hot” after the Snoop Dogg song. And, the blackberry lemon rhubarb cider is called “Back in Blackberry” after the AC/ DC song.

“That’s another way we distinguish ourselves,” Ben said. “We’re having a lot See Bayne’s on 34

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THREE BROTHERS AND A BREWERY IN OAK PARK Jon Becker MiBrew Trail They may have fun with their establishment’s conversation-starting name, but the family that owns and operates Dog & Pony Show Brewing in Oak Park, don’t have to rely on gimmicks or overblown messaging to attract attention and customers.

There is a new craft brewery & taproom that has burst on the scene in Metro Detroit. Dog & Pony Brewing Company, a family-run and operated business located in Oak Park, celebrated its 1-year anniversary on June 1.

The brainchild of three brothers--Kyle, Aaron and Josh Gierada--Dog & Pony always has 12 beers on tap and brewed a total of 41 beers in its first year. The Gierada brothers are working on establishing their own canning line and would like to double their beer production this year to 1,000 barrels.

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On June 11 the craft brewery and tap room celebrated its 1-year anniversary.

Anyone who has launched a business will tell you that the first year or two is clearly the most challenging and the folks at Dog & Pony viewed the milestone as a cause for celebration. They had a big bash featuring live music, special beer releases and a who’s who of Food Trucks to mark the occasion.

“It’s been an incredible year,” said Kyle Gierada, who along with his wife Stephanie is the microbrewery’s majority owner. “No complaints. It’s gone as

good as we could have hoped.”

Gierada’s two younger brothers, Aaron and the youngest, Josh, are also part of the family business. The three run Dog & Pony together. Kyle takes care of the business side of the operation, while Aaron handles social media, merchandising and design work and Josh is the head brewer.

“We’re a 3-headed decision maker,” said Kyle Gierada. “We all switch roles from time to time. We respect each other’s roles and since we grew up together we know how to make it work.”

Childhood experiences with their Marine father were how the brothers came up with Dog & Pony for their brewery’s name. The boys, as boys do, got a bit rambunctious from time to time.

“Our Dad would come home to 3 rowdy boys running around the house and he would ask ‘what is this dog & pony show?’ We get a lot of questions about our name.”

They also field a lot of compliments for the 12 beers they always have on tap.

The commitment to producing quality products and putting out the red carpet for its customers always stands out.

“We’ve been so lucky to have Oak Park and neighboring Berkeley behind us,” Gierada said. “We’ve had a ton of support from them. This is a special community.”

Gierada likes to give credit where credit is due and he’s quick to point out the difference Dog & Pony consultant Doug Dozark has made. A good friend, Dozark owns Cycle Brewing Company in St. Petersburg, Florida. Having his experience to rely on, especially in the early stages of the Gierada business, has been invaluable.

Recognition from your peers may be the highest form of praise and Dog & Pony has received positive feedback from See three brothers on 34

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MICHIGAN BREW TRAIL learn more from our local partners by scanning the QR codes

WELCOME TO THE TRAIL! As Michigan’s emerging craft beer scene continues to grow and evolve, the craft beer lovers of the state are growing in numbers and evolving too. And as we do, it’s not just our palate for craft beer that is changing, it is our desire to seek out the craft beer experience. With Michigan now ranking sixth in the number of breweries in the USA, there are plenty of great experiences to be had.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

More details about these and other events at MiBrewTrail.com/events

Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival July 22 • 5pm Ypsilanti

Straits Brew Bash

August 5 • 6pm St. Ignace

Bourbon Brews & BBQ

August 12 • 5pm Algonac Waterfront Park

Beerfest on the Bridge

August 12 • 3pm Downtown Portland

Great Lakes Beer Festival

August 20 • 2pm Dow Diamond, Midland

Burning Foot Beer Festival

August 27 • 3pm

Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon

Great Lakes Loons Beer Run

September 3 • 5pm Midland

Mt Pleasant Craft Beer Festival

September 24 • 4pm Downtown Mt. Pleasant

Cadillac Craft Beer Festival

September 24 • 2:00 PM Cadillac Commons

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Batter up for Beer and Baseball Lisa Dawson MiBrew Trail When the first pitch gets thrown at Dow Diamond for the Great Lakes Loons game each Spring, fans know they’re in for a season of fun. The Loons are Midland County’s favorite minor league baseball team, not only because they’re a great team but because they’re about more than just baseball.

From fireworks and the crowd-rousing team mascot Lou E. Loon to Thirsty Thursdays and Paws and Claws, there’s something for everyone at a Loons minor league baseball game.

Named after Michigan’s prolific aquatic bird, the Loons are now in their 15th season and have qualified for this year’s 2022 Midwest League Playoffs. One of 120 minor league baseball teams across the U.S., the Loons are a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The

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team is owned by the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. The foundation was established to promote investment and vibrancy to downtown Midland and also supports local youth organizations.

If you’re a Loons fan, you probably know Thursdays are one of the most popular nights out at Dow Diamond, thanks to Thirsty Thursdays. Starting two years ago, the park offers halfpriced beer from local craft breweries and special promotions at the park’s concourse level bar, The Cove on this night each week. “Thirsty Thursdays have been a big hit with the fans,” says Tyler Kring, Assistant General Manager for the team. He says the craft beer selection provided by the John P. O’Sullivan Distributing, Inc. offers fans a taste of the best craft beers in the Michigan area. “Besides our fireworks display, Thirsty Thursdays has become our second most popular promotion.

It’s another way we provide stellar entertainment and activities beyond baseball that help us attract a greater audience.”

But the Loons don’t limit the fun to just the ballpark. The popular container bar situated just outside the entrance to Dow Diamond is an extension of the events at every game. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Larkin Beer Garden is another area fans can enjoy local craft beers, ciders, music and food trucks, all in a great outdoor ambiance. The garden serves local craft beers from Midland Brewing Company, Atwater Brewing Company, Saugatuck Brewing Company and more, provided by distributor partners Fabiano Brothers and John P. O’Sullivan. “We carry a little something for everyone,” says Kring.

“The beer garden provides just another See Batter Up on 36

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LaGrow Organic Beer Company is the only commercially distributed organic beer in the Midwest.Two of its products, Citra Blonde Ale and a Midwest Style IPA, can be found in about 90 Meijer stores across the state of Michigan.

MICHIGAN BROTHERS AHEAD OF THE BEER CURVE Jon Becker MiBrew Trail

something about it. Jack, Jamie and Sam LaGrow, three college graduates who grew up in South Lyon, founded Chicago-based LaGrow Organic Beer Ever notice that organic restaurants usuCompany, in 2016. The small, family-run ally have an organic wine list but good business (5 employees) is the only comluck finding an organic beer there? Or you can visit literally dozens and dozens mercially certified organic beer company in the Midwest—and Chicago’s first of stores with a tremendous selection USDA certified organic brewer. of beers to choose from, but not one single organic brand among them?

“It all started when the brothers were at an organic restaurant,” said the Three Michigan born and raised brothcompany’s Michigan Sales Executive, ers certainly noticed the discrepancy and, with a commitment to community Doug Britton. “There was a noticeable and the environment, decided to do presence of organic wine but not a

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single organic beer. The brothers had a passion for craft beer and had been home brewing in the basement but that restaurant experience led to some serious discussions about opening their own organic craft brewery.”

In the beginning, they only brewed one beer, a Midwest Style IPA. Today they produce 5 beers, including an American Pale Ale, Citra Blonde Ale, an all Malt (no corn) Lager and an Imperial Stout.

“We’re small but we still have a lot of product,” Britton noted. “I think there are 9 beers licensed to be sold organically

in the state of Michigan and we have 5 of them.”

Two of their beers, Citra Blonde Ale and the IPA, can be found in about 90 Meijer stores across the state. They also distribute in Illinois and Puerto Rico, with plans to expand its distribution network to New York and Puerto Rico.

Their beers—which the LaGrows describe as “pure, premium and uncompromising-“ are produced, seeds to See Beer Curve on 36

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Fur-ever Friends in Midland County Lisa Dawson MiBrew Trail Since 2011, The Midland County Humane Society has been caring for cats, dogs and even the occasional bird and goat as the only ‘no kill’ shelter in Midland County. Their dedicated staff helps heal and nurture animals back to health when they come into the shelter after being abandoned or neglected.

They also take in loved family pets that are surrendered after their owners can no longer take care of them.

Their motto: forever begins here, sums up their dedication and passion for animals and for helping owners with

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services needed to keep their pets safe and healthy. After taking over the facility over ten years ago from local animal control services, the shelter has consistently maintained its mission to provide temporary shelter and care, and in doing so, Midland County’s pet population is healthy and thriving. In 2021, the Bissell Pet Foundation recognized the humane society for their work and partnership during the Empty the Shelters Campaign, a national pet adoption event that focuses on finding loving homes for needy pets.

Shelter Director Beth Wellman says The Midland County Human Society wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated team of workers and thousands of volunteers throughout the years.

In 2021, the shelter took in approximately 2,200 animals. “Over the years, we’ve facilitated almost 25,000 animal adoptions and helped place pets into forever homes,” she says. Wellman has

been with the humane society for over 25 years and says the facility started with just a handful of employees and has now grown to a full-time staff of eleven. “I’ve dedicated my life to animal welfare,” she says. “Of course, burnout can happen from seeing so many pets that are in need of medical care or have been neglected. But turning that situation around and finding a home for those animals is why I do what I do and why I get up every morning.”

Wellman says one of the main priorities for helping the Midland Community with animal population is spay and neutering services. “We’ve never euthanized or ended an animal’s life based on cost, and that’s something our community can be very proud of,” says Wellman.

The society offers programs to help pet owners with low and no-cost spay and neutering through various programs.

They offer services through Rhoda’s Fund and Papa’s pups for cats and dogs

to help offset or eliminate veterinary costs and end pet overpopulation. Both funds are named after dedicated donors and volunteers who were active at the humane society and devoted animal lovers. They also implement a trap, neuter and release program to help the overpopulation of feral cats in the community. These programs have been critical for the animal community in Midland and are made possible by generous donations from members, events, volunteers and fundraising.

“We fully understand that pet owners have needs and challenges, and sometimes they need to surrender animals for various reasons,” says Wellman.

“That’s why early in the pandemic, we quickly figured out a way to stay open and safely place animals into homes. be safe and still place animals into See fur-ever friends on 36

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CONNECTICUT-BASED CRAFT COCKTAIL BRAND NOW AVAILABLE IN MICHIGAN Jon Becker MiBrew Trail

The canned cocktails, made with premium liquors, come in either a 4 pack or the variety pack with 8 cans.

at a Mexican restaurant, you might see an option for a ‘skinny margarita’, well now you can enjoy a skinny Mule!”

A Connecticut-based brand with a unique twist on canned cocktails is fast becoming a popular choice in Michigan.

‘Merican Mule, founded by University of Connecticut graduate Dean Mahoney in 2015, has grown its distribution network to 18 states, including Michigan where its new variety packs are fast becoming a hot seller during the summer months.

The company’s craft mule cocktails are available in five different flavors: its original Moscow Mule, a vodka drink made with 4X distilled vodka, ginger and lime; Mexican Mule, a margarita-like refreshing beverage made with tequila from Mexico, ginger, citrus and lime; Tropical Mule, a beach-bound choice made with Florida rum, ginger, tropical notes and fresh pineapple; and Southern Mule, the boldest of its Mule family that’s made with [BOURBON] ginger, orange and a hint of cherry. All come in at 7% ABV and all are gluten-free.

To that point, the company is in no rush to have their products distributed to all 50 states. It takes time to produce a quality product, and organic growth is key.

“We are different from any beverage out there,” said Adam Sclafani, ‘Merican Mule’s National Sales Manager. “We have created a platform we like to call Mules for the Masses. Our variety pack with 4 spirits (rum, vodka, bourbon and tequila) is the first and only one of its kind.”

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For the calorie conscious, “We just released a 99 calorie, vodka-based mule that is the first of its kind. If you sit down

most popular choice in the Mule line.

That’s changed a bit, though, since ‘Merican Mule released its variety pack, said Hailee Parenteau, the company’s

“We don’t rush products out,” Sclafani said. “All of our liquid takes years to develop, including our own proprietary ginger base. You do see some brands that rush their products to market to keep up with trends. And the quality just isn’t there. We do it the right way at ‘Merican Mule by getting liquid to lips and creating a loyal consumer fan base.”

Historically, owing largely to its name recognition, the Moscow Mule was the

MI Brew Trail |Summer 2022

Marketing Brand Manager.

Our variety pack is quickly becoming our number one seller, Parenteau said.

“We are a pioneer in Mule space,” Sclafani said. “Our whole new light line of Blood Orange, Blackberry, Mango and Watermelon appeals to the health-conscious consumer that tend to stay away from heavier beverages with higher calorie counts.”

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‘Merican Mule is one of the sponsor partners for the inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival 2022, to take place at beautiful Dow Diamond, in Midland, on Saturday, August 20, from 2-7 p.m. The festival will feature more than 60 Michigan craft breweries inside the stadium, home of the Great Lakes Loons, minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The event is strictly for those 21 years of age or older. No children or dogs will be permitted to enter.

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New Holland Brewing founder reflects on hometown roots AND CELEBRATES 25 YEARS FOR MICHIGAN’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT BREWER Amy Sherman MiBrew Trail

now Michigan’s largest independent brewery.

The original location, now known as Pub on 8th, started off with a small brew system in the basement.

Sometimes it’s where you get started that matters the most. For New Holland Brewing owner Brett Vanderkamp, his childhood spent in Midland, Michigan was one step in setting the stage for running a hugely successful business and brewery.

“It’s where both my wife and I went to high school,” he said. His wife Pam’s parents still live in town, so “we go back pretty often, a couple of times a year.”

“Midland was a great place to grow up,” Vanderkamp said. “It was a great place to go to high school, and a great place, and I’m not sure how this ties in, but I’m telling you it was a great place to be an athlete when you were a kid as well. I learned a lot through athletics.”

When asked if he went to Dow High School, Vanderkamp laughed. “If you know Midland, you know that there is a pretty big divide in town, and everyone asks which high school you went to. So no, I went to Midland High.”

He explained that in Midland when he was growing up it was just a huge rivalry between the schools. “They were our nemesis in the league so to speak,” about Dow High

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School. “It was just a big rivalry in town.”

Vanderkamp started his athletic career in the little league baseball system in Midland, then went on to play soccer at the Midland soccer club, and eventually joined the local organized travel soccer club. He was quick to add that “it was really ahead of its time.”

Vanderkamp ended up continuing his soccer career in college at Hope from 1990 to 1994.

“That competitiveness and team building was really ingrained in me through that,” he said.

New Holland Brewing was founded by Vanderkamp and his original partner Jason Spaulding in 1997, a few years after they both had graduated from Hope College. Spaulding went on to create Brewery Vivant, while Vanderkamp grew New Holland into what is

From these humble beginnings, New Holland expanded the pub and brewing capacity on-site, and then added a huge production campus on the outskirts of Holland.

They began making spirits in 2005. In 2016, the company built a verifiable temple to beer and spirits in Grand Rapids. Known as The Knickerbocker, this multi-level space towers over the Bridge Street corridor, and offers scratch-made food, cocktail flights, outdoor space for dining and games, a hidden event room, and of course, plenty of beer. You can also find spirits tasting rooms in both Saugatuck and South Haven, and the company has plans to open a new brewpub in Battle Creek sometime in 2023.

Through a distribution deal they signed in 2016 with Pabst Brewing Company, New Holland currently distributes all across Michigan, as well as to 46 other states. The brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Not bad for a boy from a town that his fatherin-law, and current Midland resident, Jack Starling describes as “the biggest small towns in America.”

MI Brew Trail |Summer 2022

New Holland Brewing Owner Brett Vanderkamp

Starling had a hunch that Brett would work out for his daughter Pam as a husband, but he wasn’t quite sure at the time about the brewing thing. “I wasn’t that sure,” he admitted. “They were going after the big guys, and not just Brett, but people like Larry Bell, too.”

He was kind of surprised with the new craft offerings that “people enjoyed the taste of the beer, and that they drank it not just to quench your thirst, but for how it tasted as well.”

different times of the year, or different beers during different times of the day, they would satisfy me better during that time. A nice brown ale is just heartier in the winter. The variety of craft beers is just amazing.”

Starling fully admits that “I was a Bud Light guy when I first met him. Brett came to meet us and he brought some samples, and I certainly, at that first meeting, I thought these were outliers in the beer industry. But I really got liking to try the different styles of beers, the brown ales, the lagers, the IPA’s.”

“I’m searching the stores for the last of Cabin Fever because every season is Cabin Fever in my book,” he said. “It’s just good in every season. Cooler Michigan nights, it’s just perfect for it.” Starling has been running a campaign with Vanderkamp to rename the brew Campfire, but Starling said “that’s just not happening.”

Starling’s journey into craft beer might have been motivated by a familial connection, but it reflects our journey as a whole I feel.

“Bud Light is a Bud Light no matter when you drink it,” he said with a laugh. “I started drinking seasonally, different beers at

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Starling’s favorite New Holland beer is their Cabin Fever brown ale, a late fall seasonal release. That’s not stopping Starling from drinking it year-round. He feels that on a cool summer night, sitting around a warming campfire, this beer just hits the spot.

The link to the athletic scene for Brett and his success is not lost on Starling, who originally moved to Midland in 1975 when he was See New holland on 38

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A NEW CHAPTER HAS UNFOLDED IN MACKINAC ISLAND’S FABLED HISTORY Jon Becker MiBrew Trail Michigan’s top tourist attraction, fabled Mackinac Island, has added a new dimension to its historic allure. The Northern Michigan gem is now home to the island’s first and only craft brewery & distillery, Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery, and Mary’s Bistro Draught House, both downtown favorites located right on Main Street.

“Very popular places,” said Steph Castelein, content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “Mary’s has over 50 options on tap and Great Turtle has Mackinac Island themed names for their beers and beverages.”

For all it’s noted for, from its world famous fudge, horse drawn carriage rides, fine dining and historic forts, to transportation limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, this water-surrounded gem still seemed to be lacking something. A few years ago that missing element became as crystal clear as the Straits of Mackinac to a handful of local visionaries with a bent toward business.

It was time, Island Time, to hop aboard Michigan’s exploding craft beer scene that was seeing microbreweries, each

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unique to its owners’ predilection and financing, popping up all over the state.

“I think people like variety and trying new things,” said Castelien of the emergence of craft breweries and distilleries on an island already teeming with bars and restaurants. “Plus, Mackinac Island specific or Michigan made food and drinks are always a fun way for people to experience the island.”

Both businesses have worked hard to embody the spirit of Mackinac Island.

As they like to say at Great Turtle, “Relax and Slow it Down. You’re on Island Time.”

Because of the island’s unique infrastructure, Great Turtle and Mary’s Bistro Draught House don’t brew or distill on site. No worries though.

Thanks to partnerships with two fine family-run Michigan businesses, Great Turtle Creek, formerly the site of Goodfellows Italian Chop House, is serving a variety of signature cocktails and beers.

Right Brain Brewery, an award-winning Traverse City craft brewery, was “tapped” to provide the beers & Les Cheneaux Distillers, an Eastern Upper Peninsula Distillery, was “hand-selected” to create private label spirits. The result is the advent of a whole new chapter in the island’s dining and brewery scene.

Whether you are a microbrew fan or like

your locally-sourced cocktails neat or mixed, Great Turtle’s upscale yet relaxed atmosphere has something for everyone.

“We don’t have any breweries that make beer on location on the island, but Mary’s has over 50 craft beers and cocktails from all over the state and country on tap. Great Turtle has partnered with an off island brewery and distillery to serve special Mackinac Island beverages.”

Great Turtle also features an expansive menu you don’t always see at a brewery.

Its flash fried parmesan Brussels sprouts with diced bacon, shaved parmesan and drizzled in balsamic glaze are said to be unlike any other. Its famous Great Turtle Wings, the jumbo variety marinated for hours in its own secret blend of spices and then fried to perfection is another popular choice.

On the entrée side of things, the establishment’s pretzel crusted whitefish and no car allowed beer can chicken and short rib risotto are sure to please the palate as well.

Mary’s knows a thing or two as well about serving up some quality cuisine.

Known for its wood-grilled meats and rotisserie chicken, the bistro knocks it

out of the park with its artisanal pizza, selection of burgers and house-made chicken pot pie. Enjoy a pre-meal or after dinner cocktail, perhaps its signature Mackinac Mule, from the waterside patio or indoors while catching the game on the big screen.

MI Brew Trail knows that a family’s pet can often make or break a potential vacation destination, so we’re happy to report that Mackinac Island is a pet friendly destination—and that includes Mary’s and Great Turtle.

If you visit the island, we recommend checking out Mary’s and Great Turtle, two establishments that have gone the distance to provide unique Mackinac Island fun for its guests. Since there are no cars allowed on the island, chances are you will have worked up a thirst and an appetite during your visit. Let the folks at Mary’s and Great Turtle show you what Mackinac Island hospitality is all about. If we’ve learned one thing on the Brew Trail about the men and women who pour their hearts and souls (and money) into opening their own breweries and distilleries, it’s that they make a concerted effort to capture the essence of the location’s history and character. Mary’s and Great Turtle have done all that—and more.

MI Brew Trail |Summer 2022

cornhole from 14 talking some smack. It’s a legitimate tactic that is allowed in league play, as long as it doesn’t cross a hard line. So, use it judiciously and strategically to throw an opponent off his game.

No one is immune to losing focus, especially when beer is involved.

To test your skills and try out these tactics for superior cornhole playing, enter Michigan Cornhole’s on-field tournament at Dow Diamond during the Great Lakes Beer Festival on August 20. Entries for two-person teams can be purchased in advance at: Greatlakesbeerfestival.com.

Great Food Menu!

DRAFT LIST, NEWAYGO WINES, HARD CIDERS, AND MORE! 19 State Rd, Newaygo, MI 49337

231-452-6551

OPEN: SUN, MON & THURS 12-8PM • FRI & SAT 12-9PM

www.newaygobrewing.com

Volume 7 | Summer 2022

Free Parking on side & back lots! www.MiBrewTrail.com | 33

Bayne’s from 16

Michigan as Bayne’s works with 18 cider companies statewide.

of fun. We started two years ago and it has come a long way from just making ciders to now being able to say we’ll be in cans soon.”

“I’m not doing the normal ciders, I guess you could say,” Ben continued. “My family wants to own this for the next 50 years hopefully so we wanted to put our own spin on it and give it its own feel.”

Guests can find traditional fall favorites like cider doughnuts in addition to 24 taps in Bayne’s tap house. The taps consist of craft beer and hard ciders from across Michigan. Ten of the taps stay cider 100% of the time with two being ciders created

by Ben. The other eight hold ciders were made from across

On top of the alcohol, Bayne’s works with 55 Michigan vendors to sell candles, clothing and food from companies like the Cherry Republic based in Traverse City. And it finished construction on its full-service kitchen a few weeks ago so “it’s

three brothers from 18 well-established Michigan brewers, such as Griffin Claw, Ferndale Market and the Eastern Market, to name a few.

“It’s nice to get recognition from your peers,” Gierada said. “The craft beer community is tight-knit and we support each other.”

When Michigan Brew Trail caught up with Kyle Gierada it was a few days before the big 4th of July weekend and the Dog & Pony founder was hard at work.

“We’re brewing a corn lager this morning,” he said. “We’re also bottling barley wine that rested on vanilla beans. We’re going to release it over the 4th of July holiday.”

They produced 500 barrels of beer in their first year and have a goal of reaching the 1,000 barrel threshold this year.

“That’s not bad for our first year,” Gierada said. “We currently outsource our canning, which kind of limits us. We have a goal of starting our own canning line, so we are working on that.”

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only going to get bigger and better,” Ben said.

Over the next half-decade or so, Bayne’s is looking to branch out across the state of Michigan, Ben said. For now, visit Bayne’s Apple Valley in Freeland to taste its ciders and many others created in the Mitten.

Give Bayne’s Cider Project a try at the Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond in Midland on August 20. Details and tickets at www.GreatLakesBeerFestival.com.

They have also made it a point to be a company that is civic minded, giving back to a community that is supporting their business. People who walk through the doors at Dog & Pony often become much more than customers to the Gierada Family. That’s part of the beauty of being part of the craft beer industry in Michigan.

If you think dreams, even ones some might consider outlandish, don’t come through you may want to ruminate over a brew or two with the Gierada boys at Dog & Pony.

“We plan to continue to do this for years to come,” Gierada said. “The entire team at Dog & Pony are extremely grateful to Oak Park and the many surrounding communities for not only a memorable one-year anniversary event but for making our first year in business special.”

Check out Dog & Pony Show Brewing and many other Michigan breweries at the Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond in Midland on August 20.

Details and tickets at: www.GreatLakesBeerFestival.com.

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Batter up from 22 great entertainment option for fans during and off-season,” he says. “It’s a great space for Loons fans to start their game experience and, when it’s over, wrap up the night with a cold beer and live music.”

Loons fans may have a lot to celebrate this season’s end. The team is scheduled to play in the Midwest League Championship playoffs, one of only a handful of times the team has qualified. The team had one championship win back in 2016. “We have the home-field advantage in the playoffs, so we are thrilled,” says Kring. “In my ten-year-long career with the Loons, this is one of three times we’ve clinched the playoffs. We’re excited, and so are the fans. We’re really hoping for a second

Midwest championship.”

Over 200,000 Loons fans frequent their games each year. And while baseball and the love of the sport is definitely a major attraction, the Loons know that sports, entertainment and a strong sense of community are what win fans’ hearts. “Our fans come to see us for fun and entertainment,” says Kring. “For us, it’s all about all the things associated with baseball: fun, family, summer and a great Michigan night out.”

Check out Dow Diamond on August 20 for the inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival. The event includes a chance for festival goers to go on the field, participate in a corn hole tournament, and enjoy Michigan craft beers from more than 60 breweries. Details and tickets at: GreatLakesBeerFestival.com.

(L-R) Michigan natives Jamie, Jack and Sam LaGrow, founded a Chicago-based Organic Beer Company that bears their name. The brothers, who grew up in South Lyon, embrace a clean lifestyle in food and drink, a commitment that is reflected in the five beers they produce using only 100% organic ingredients.

Beer curve from 24 suds, with 100% organic ingredients.

“The LaGrow brand does something positive for the community and the environment,” said Britton. “It’s not just about making money. For every 4-pack we sell, there is a 4X4 plot of land that is preserved from herbicides, petroleum based pesticides and industrial fertilizer runoff.”

If more people gardened organically and the practice was more widespread

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agriculturally, “We wouldn’t have environmental disasters like the toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie. It’s pretty terrible.”

LaGrow Brewing Company said its unadulterated products make for a better tasting beer. Pure and simple. The way nature intended it.

LaGrow Organic Beer Company plans to be at the inaugural Great Lakes Beer Festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 20, at Dow Diamond, in Midland.

Details and tickets at: www.GreatLakesBeerFestival.com

fur-ever friends from 26 homes.” She says there was a rise in pet adoptions and fostering during the pandemic, but now more and more families are returning to life and working outside of the home, and there’s been an uptick in pet surrenders.

“There’s definitely a need right now, and our team works tirelessly to help provide the best care possible for all our animals.” In the true spirit of animal wellness and advocacy, The Midland

County Humane Society also maintains a pet pantry on their property to help community members who have difficulty feeding their pets.

The Midland Humane Society will be a proud charity partner of Michigan Brew Trail’s Great Lakes Beer Festival on August 20. Come out and join the festival at Dow Diamond and enjoy live music, corn hole on the field and Michigan craft beer from more than 60 breweries. Details and tickets at GreatLakesBeerFestival.com.

MI Brew Trail |Summer 2022

Did You Know?

The age group of craft beer drinkers most likely to drink craft beer weekly in the United States were 35 to 44 year olds. In 2020, 59 percent of craft beer drinkers within that age range stated that they drank the beverage weekly.

-Jan Conway July, 2022

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new holland from 31 recruited to play competitive men’s fast pitch softball for the McArdle Pontiac Cadillac team. “It was a local team,” he said, and then proceeded to school me on the huge sports scene in Midland. “Amy, did you know that men’s fast pitch softball in the ’50s, ’60s, and ‘70s was a huge sport in America?” No, I had no idea. I replied. “I grew up in Saline, a small town near Ann Arbor,” Starling said. “We had 6 teams there. There were over 100 teams in Midland when I moved there.”

My surprise registered. Starling then shared the history of professional basketball in the area with me as well, which Vanderkamp had referenced during our interview.

“There is a real deep organized athletic connection with Midland,” said Vanderkamp, referencing one of the first pro basketball teams in the nation, the Midland Dow A.C.’s which were part of the National Basketball league starting in the 1940s, which eventually morphed into the NBA. Starling proudly said that “Midland was the smallest town to ever have a franchise of any team that went on to become a current day professional team.”

And speaking of pros, Starling’s softball team won the national championship in 1979, and the world championship in 1980. No big deal.

I asked him what he thought the connection was between sports, and success in business, like Vanderkamp, has experienced.

“Being part of a team and seeing the process of team building is so important,” he said. “Having empathy for all team members, and understanding that everything you remember from a game is valuable. Everyone on the team contributes to the outcome in some way, and while clearly, some are more visible than others, all are important. They are more than the sum of their parts.” I’m betting that Vanderkamp’s almost 500 employees would agree with this sentiment. “Everyone makes a contribution, some get more pats on their backs maybe because they are more visible, but they are no less important,” Starling said.

Starling is quick to pat Vanderkamp on the back, as he loves heading out in Midland and seeing New Holland beers on tap all over town.

“We like to go to (local beer bar) Whichcraft, where we see people that we see everywhere,” he said. “Everybody has some of Brett’s beer and it’s fun for us to see it out there. It’s fun to see how he’s affected beer sales in Midland.”

“It is nice to see,” the development of the brewing scene in Midland over the last few years, said Vanderkamp. “You’ve got Tri-Cities, you’ve got Midland Brewing Company there, and you have a burgeoning scene in terms of a loyal following around the evenings where they do a pop-up beer garden downtown. It’s great to see. When I was growing up, we didn’t have any of that. There wasn’t any type of a beer scene in Midland, so I see that as really positive.”

Vanderkamp is also a fan of all that Whichcraft does. “They are doing a tremendous amount of great work,” he said.

“We’re featured regularly there, and they are doing a great job educating folks on what really great beer is.”

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This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the release of New Holland’s popular Ichabod pumpkin ale. “It’s the oldest continuous beer that we’ve made,” Vanderkamp said. “It continues to perform really well, and that’s a big deal for us this fall.” As a fan of Ichabod, I salute this fun seasonal offering’s incredible run and look forward to this year’s release.

The brewery is planning lots of special events to celebrate this major anniversary, including special beer re-releases throughout the next few months. Of course, Starling is anxiously awaiting the new batch of Cabin Fever. Other fans might look forward to the return of Mad Hatter, one of their original beers, as well as Zoomer wheat ale, another NH legacy beer. Coming up in October, look for special parties in both Holland and Grand Haven on the weekend of the 7th and 8th.

“This is truly a time for celebration,” said Matt Hoeksema, President of New Holland Brewing, said via a press release.“Reaching 25 years is a major milestone and we wouldn’t be here without our dedicated employees or our loyal fans, so it’s time to show them our appreciation.

While we reflect on the past 25 years with great pride, we’re also looking ahead to the next 25 years. We have so much planned and we can’t wait to give our fans more quality products and experiences for many years to come.”

We can’t wait either and are thankful that Vanderkamp got such a good start in Midland. “For a town of about 40,000 we have so many opportunities,” Starling said about Midland. “Sports have been a really big influence here, whether it’s the communities commitment to sports and then there are the athletes themselves. Sports have a lot of the same attitude of life. The sacrifices you make, the teamwork, whether it’s building a family, or, a business like New Holland or a sports team, there’s a lot that’s the same.”

“It was kind of a disruptive innovation that people really enjoy now,” he said about the Michigan craft beer scene. With good reason, Starling is clearly very proud of where both Vanderkamp and New Holland have ended up, and I think he takes a little bit of ownership for having done his part.

“When we got into it, it was kind of unknown and new,” said Starling. “Then as it’s developed, as it’s changed through the years, it’s hard to swing a cat through Michigan and not hit a brewery now.” It’s definitely hard to miss New Holland.

New Holland Brewing newhollandbrew.com Pub on 8th 66 E 8th St Holland, MI (616) 355-6422 The Knickerbocker 417 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI (616) 345-5642 Saugatuck Spirits Tasting Room 201 Culver St Saugatuck, MI (616) 294-3436 South Haven Spirits Tasting Room 253 Center St South Haven, MI (616) 294-3432

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