With the long month of March behind us, it’s time to look forward the April showers that we’re destined to get in Michigan. As we look forward to warmer temperatures and sunny days, let’s reminisce about the team’s favorite beers from March. All of the beers ended up being from Michigan this month. The list is in alphabetical order by brewery.
Citrus Blonde
Brew Detroit | Detroit, MI | Blonde Ale | 4.7%
Selected by Dani | Better on Draft Blog Writer
“Never in my life did I think I’d be drinking – and enjoying – a Blonde Ale, but here we are. Citrus Blonde from Brew Detroit was so refreshing and smooth and easy with just the slightest hint of citrus to give it a little bit of tang. I’ve never liked this style of beer and, to be honest, I don’t know what made this one break every mold for me. Maybe its the low ABV of 4.7% or maybe its the fact that it doesn’t taste like Blonde Ale I’ve ever had. Whatever the magic formula, I’m absolutely here for it. I’m sure its already been said, but I’m going to call it anyway: This is the Beer of the Summer.”
Unprofessional Pils
Drafting Table Brewing Company | Wixom, MI | Imperial/Double Pilsner | 8.5%
Selected by Rob | Better on Draft Podcast Co-Host
“Typically, when you have a Pilsner, you expect a crisp, clean beer that is refreshing any day of the week. When Drafting Table Brewing Company decided to drop Unprofessional Pils, an Imperial Pilsner at 8.5%, I thought it would be too harsh and lose itself from the style. Without a doubt, I was wrong. The cleanliness and crispness didn’t go away. It didn’t lose its Pilsner character. The only difference was that it punched you in the face. It is a dangerous brew if you tackle too many of these. And you won’t know it until it’s too late. Hopefully, this is one that will stay in the rotation.”
Good for the Soul
Erratic Ale Co | Dexter, MI | American IPA | 6%
Selected by Ed | Better on Draft Editor in Chief and Lead Blog Writer
“I’ve been using the Michigan Brewery Map App like crazy to try and find Michigan breweries to visit no matter what I’m doing and where I’m going. A recent trip to visit Ken to pick up more Better on Draft swag was no exception. I decided to stop by Erratic Ale Co in Dexter and was in the mood for an IPA. The bartender was quick to recommend Good for the Soul and the rest is history. This IPA was hoppy and juicy. It tasted like there was a stick of Juicy Fruit in this beer and it was good. I will need to stop by again to see what this not-even-a-year-old brewery is making up the next time I’m in the area.”
Jamaican Rum Barrel Aged Porter – 2020 Barrel Aged Reserve
New Union Brewery | Lowell, MI | Porter | 10.8%
Selected by Bill | Better on Draft Webmaster
“Porters started out as a working man’s drink, but was a step up to more flavorful beer over more basic styles. New Union Brewery‘s Jamaican Rum Barrel Aged Porter – 2020 Barrel Aged Reserve took that robust porter and brought it to a new, luxurious level – as if that “working man” won the lottery. Full of rich, chocolate and coffee flavors, the beer took on the oak aging from the rum barrels quite wonderfully. Then top it off with the slight sweetness and booziness of the rum … this is a flavor combo that hits me just right! It’s a great way to end winter. If you happen to be traveling to or living near the west side of the state, I highly recommend stopping in Lowell to New Union and sampling this beer.”
El Dankerino
Odd Side Ales | Grand Haven, MI | Imperial/Double IPA | 9.5%
Selected by Jessica | PorchDrinking Michigan Regional Editor
According to Untappd, El Dankerino is a “west coast style DIPA that packs a hoppy punch with a smooth, citrusy finish. Brewed with Citra, Amarillo and Simcoe hops, this is sure to please even the hoppiest hop head.” Sounds like a winner from Odd Side Ales, Jessica!
RELATED – Better on Draft and PorchDrinking Announce Partnership
She The Queen
Wax Wings Brewing Co | Kalamazoo, MI | Triple IPA | 10.5%
Selected by Wendy | Better on Draft Podcast Co-Host
“Selecting a Beer of the Month is normally a hard decision for me. In March, I was able to get my hands on a can of She The Queen from Kalamazoo’s Wax Wings Brewing Co. I’ve had the chance to sample their beers at sharing in the past and I’ve seen the buzz about them in beer groups. I didn’t really understand how good their beer was, though, until I opened this can. This Triple IPA smelled of orange flowers and peaches, poured a beautiful deep hazy orange, and was so unbelievably smooth that I wished I had another can. At 10.5% ABV its probably a good thing I didn’t because I may have kept drinking. Wax Wings has done what they can to spread out the love at their releases during the pandemic. With a trip to Kalamazoo required to pick it up and with no proxies, you have to make the trip yourself. My advice? Do it! As for me? I can’t wait to make the trip over!”
Cheers!
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