The Top Three Microbrews in Michigan

For beer lovers, the microbrew revolution has been the single greatest event since the first hops plant was cultivated. No more do we have to put up with weak, watery, and generally tasteless suds from the megabreweries.

Michiganians are no slouches when it comes to the production and consumption of beer. Michigan boasts 65 microbreweries(source) which produce a wide range of beers ranging from the somewhat generic to true Midwest classics. Here are my favorite three:

3) 90 Shilling: Produced by Dragonmead Microbrewery in Warren, Michigan, this Scottish-style ale doesn't kill you with bitterness the way some ales can(although there is a mild bitter flavor). Instead, this ale relies upon its powerful but mild malt taste. It is dry, sweet, and just musky enough to let you know that your ale has some kick,

While not overly creamy, 90 Shilling does have a pleasant "thickness" that makes is full-bodied. It's color is reddish-brown, and it contains 6% alcohol. You can purchase it at their location at 14600 E. 11 Mile Road in Warren. They are open until 11 or 12 on weeknights and Saturday and until 8 on Sunday. They also sell a few bottled beers, but 90 Shilling is available only in the pub.

2) The Magician: Located at 121 N. Bridge Street in Bellaire, Michigan(this is in the northwestern section of the lower peninsula), Short's Brewing Company produces this incredible beer that will vanish before your eyes after you try one sip.

This ale is auburn in color and has a toasty, malty taste and aroma with a vaguely dark chocolate flavor. Light hops let the dark, mildly bitter taste come through. It has a full body and a smooth finish. It goes perfectly with barbecued food or Cajun dishes.

You can find The Magician "performing" nightly at the pub and a fair number of Michigan restaurants or, if you're extremely fortunate, at your local beer retailer. Here is a link to where you can find this one-of-a-kind brew(beerfinder).

1) Whitetail Ale: Should you ever find yourself in the upper peninsula of Michigan, make sure and pay a visit to Hereford and Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub. It is located at 624 Ludington Street in Escanaba, Michigan. Aside from an excellent meal, prepare yourself for one of the best beers in Michigan or anywhere else.

Whitetail Ale is more like an "American style" beer than the other two I have listed, as it is golden in color and less full-bodied than darker beers. This allows for a very easy drinking experience but does not sacrifice flavor in the least. There is a very mild hoppy taste present, but that does not interfere with the finish, which is quite dry and clean. It has a subtle, "just right" amount of malt for a mild beer that is perfectly balanced with its medium body. If you have ever wanted an American style beer that does not suffer from the watery, ultra-light body commonly found in the major brands, you will find beer Nirvana in Whitetail Ale.

Unfortunately, you have to actually go to Escanaba to taste this delicacy, as it is not bottled and(that I know of) available anywhere else. Depending on your level of beer fandom, you may actually want to consider making the trip to try this beer, as well as the others from Hereford and Hops. Of course, you can also cite the beautiful scenery of the upper peninsula if you need a more reasonable excuse for making the trip.

If you are a beer connoisseur, give one(or all) of these world-class Michigan beers a try. They just might make you wonder why you continue to drink the mass-produced brews that clog the beer aisles of your neighborhood beer mart.