With the return of less frigid temps and the occasional ray of sunshine, Michigan Brew Tours is preparing to get back on the road to great beer!
As excited as we are to start taking folks like you to the best breweries in the area, the start of the season is bittersweet. Since the start of last tour season, Michigan has seen several former brewery tour stops close their doors, including:
Ascension Brewing Co., Novi
Brew Detroit, Detroit
8 Degrees Plato, Detroit
North Center Brewing Co., Northville
Jamex Brewing Co., St. Clair Shores
Third Monk Brewing Co., South Lyon
Wolverine State Brewing Co. (ownership change), Ann Arbor
Perhaps you'd visited one of these businesses on a Michigan Brew Tour, or maybe you'd patronized it on your own. Perhaps some were on your to-do list to visit, or maybe you'd never heard of some of them. Regardless, it's devastating to see a member of the local craft beer community go out of business.
Remember that it's not just another business closing; it's a person's dream coming to an end. It's a person's or family's livelihood put in jeopardy. All the waitstaff and brewery workers lose their jobs and the community loses a valuable hub of activity and a vibrant meeting place.
Unfortunately, 2025 won't be any easier for local craft breweries. Like seemingly everything else, the prices of brewing ingredients have risen steadily, and, with federal tariffs looming, those costs could soar on items like Canadian grain and European hops. Aluminum and steel tariffs could also negatively impact the cost of equipment like fermenters and packaging materials.
What can YOU do? Well, if you have a favorite local brewery or brewpub, support them with your patronage. Instead of eating or drinking out at a national chain, spend those precious dining dollars locally. Instead of buying national brand beer from a large retailer, get some to-go cans or a growler from your local taproom. If you have a favorite place that you frequent, see if they have a mug club you can join. And use social media like Instagram and beer apps like Untappd to share your positive experiences and spread the word.
So, let's get back on the road and back to helping support all those great local breweries that we love!
See you on a tour soon!
Cheers,
John from MBT
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