Craft beer festivals are always an exciting experience for beer enthusiasts. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of trying new brews from the vast array of breweries that attend these events. As a self-proclaimed craft beer aficionado, I find myself eagerly scanning the list of breweries attending the next Michigan Brewers Guild seasonal beer festival, making mental notes of the beers I absolutely must try. However, no matter how much I think I know about the craft beer scene, there always seems to be a brewery that catches me off guard.

I can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed when I come across a brewery name that I don’t recognize. It’s like I’ve been living under a rock, unaware of the incredible work being done by these breweries. In an attempt to remedy this, I make it a point to visit their websites and social media pages. Sometimes, it turns out to be a brand-new brewery that has just opened its doors, or perhaps one that is expanding its reach. Other times, it’s a brewery that has been operating for years, and I can’t believe I haven’t heard of them before. This year’s festival lineup, taking place at Detroit’s Eastern Market, was no exception. I found myself in this state of awe multiple times, my excitement for the festival growing with each new discovery.

As a craft beer writer for the Free Press, one might assume that I have my finger on the pulse of all the new breweries popping up across the state. However, with over 400 microbreweries currently operating in Michigan, and new ones opening at an astonishing pace, it is nearly impossible to keep up. The craft beer market in the United States may have hit a plateau, but that hasn’t stopped the growth of breweries here. In fact, the metro Detroit area alone has several upcoming breweries worth mentioning.

Heights Brewing, set to open in Farmington, is a highly anticipated addition to the scene. Although its September opening was delayed, beer lovers are eagerly awaiting its arrival. Corktown will also soon be home to a new brewery called Six Spoke Brewery, while Stumblebum Beer Co. in Troy is set to open its doors in 2024. These breweries, among many others in Michigan, serve as a reminder of why I love attending beer festivals. They provide the perfect opportunity to connect with new brewers, savor unique beer offerings, and discover new destinations to explore on future journeys across the state.

In light of this, I have put together a list of five breweries that are a must-visit at the Fall Beer Festival. Additionally, I have compiled a selection of 20 beers to keep an eye out for based on the list provided by the Michigan Brewers Guild. While I cannot personally vouch for all of these beers, the information I have gathered about the breweries, their styles, and flavor profiles suggests that you are unlikely to be disappointed. However, if you do encounter a beer that doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to move on to the next one. After all, a beer festival is all about making the experience your own.

I would be remiss not to mention that responsible drinking should always be a priority. Please enjoy these beers in moderation and make use of designated drivers or public transportation if needed. Safety should never be compromised in the pursuit of beer-tasting adventures.

Now, let’s dive into these exciting breweries that you won’t want to miss:

1. Great White Buffalo Brewing Co. (Northville) – Founded in 2023 by brothers Eric and Ryan Sokoloski, along with their business partner John Skrabal, Great White Buffalo has transformed a former yogurt shop space in downtown Northville into an elegant brewpub. With an impressive range of lagers and ales, their offerings at the Fall Beer Festival will include an amber ale, a chocolate mint stout, a coconut coffee blonde, and the People’s Champ American IPA.

2. Kognisjon Bryggeri (Marquette) – Long-time followers of the Upper Peninsula beer scene may be familiar with Cognition Brewing Co. What they may not know is that owner Jay Clancey has relocated his operation to Marquette’s Third Street under the new name Kognisjon Bryggeri. Showcasing some exciting creations, their tap list at the festival will feature the Cassephalopod Rocky Road Imperial Stout, Geist Boo Berry Cereal Sour (yes, you read that correctly), and The Hollow Pumpkin Spiced Amber.

3. River Trade Brewing Co. (Constantine) – As I mentioned earlier, stumbling upon unfamiliar brewery names is a common occurrence for me. River Trade Brewing Co. falls into this category. Established just last year, this brewery has already made its mark with its Untappd-rated beers. At the festival, they will be pouring their Well Known Ghosts American IPA, Anamorph New England IPA, Blackberry Sour, and Sunloather Dark Lager.

4. Schoolcraft Brewery (Livonia) – Among the 110 breweries participating in the Fall Beer Festival, Schoolcraft Brewery stands out. What sets them apart is that every single beer is brewed by students of Schoolcraft College’s unique Brewing & Distillation Technology program. I had the opportunity to try their Hefeweizen earlier this year, and it was nothing short of exceptional. While it won’t be available at the festival, you can look forward to tasting their 275 Kolsch, College Pale Ale, Haggerty IPA, and Schwarzbier.

5. Someday Brewing (Grosse Pointe Woods) – This brewery earns its name from the owner and head brewer, Anthony, who had a dream of opening his own brewery one day. Someday Brewing is one of the newest additions to the metro Detroit craft beer scene. Although they are still in their early stages, their dedication to quality and innovation has garnered attention. Keep an eye out for their offerings at the festival!

As you embark on your craft beer journey at the Fall Beer Festival, remember to take it all in at your own pace. With each sip, savor the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into every beer. Immerse yourself in the stories behind each brewery and appreciate the hard work put in by the brewers and their teams. Let this festival be your gateway to discovering the best of Michigan’s craft beer community.

So, raise your glasses, explore the flavors, and enjoy the magic of the Fall Beer Festival. Cheers!

Kilimas’s Long-Awaited Dream Comes True: Opening His Own Brewery

Since 2008, Kilimas has been passionately brewing beer, always answering with a hopeful “someday” whenever asked about opening his own brewery. Well, that “someday” has finally arrived, and Kilimas couldn’t be more excited. This Saturday, he will be presenting the world with five enticing beers, each one unique and crafted with the utmost care.

The first beer on the list is the Coffee at Midnight imperial stout. With its rich and bold flavor, it is certain to awaken the senses. Next up is the CzechMate pilsner, a classic Czech-style beer that showcases Kilimas’s dedication to traditional brewing techniques. For those celebrating Oktoberfest, a refreshing Oktoberfest beer will be available, perfectly embodying the spirit of the festival.

Beer enthusiasts will also have the pleasure of sampling the Stained Glass American IPA and the Riwaka Haze New England IPA. Both these beers offer a burst of hoppy goodness and are bound to leave a lasting impression.

But Kilimas’s brewery is not the only one showcasing its creations at this beer festival. Other notable breweries include Aberrant Ales, Arvon Brewing Co., Baffin Brewing Co., Blackrocks Brewery, Brew Detroit, and many more. With such a wide selection, there is guaranteed to be a beer to suit every palette and preference.

The Michigan Brewers Guild hosts seasonal beer festivals throughout the year, providing a platform for its member breweries to showcase their exceptional offerings. These festivals, including the Winter Beer Festival, Spring Beer Festival, Summer Beer Festival, and Fall Beer Festivals, offer attendees the chance to discover unique beers that often don’t reach distribution beyond their local market.

The Fall Beer Festival in Detroit is just one of these exciting events. Taking place at Eastern Market, this festival promises a memorable experience filled with great beer, lively conversations, and the opportunity to meet the passionate people behind each brew.

Tickets for the festival are available for purchase, and each ticket comes with 15 tokens, redeemable for 3-ounce beer samples. Additionally, MBG Enthusiast members have the privilege of entering the festival one hour before the general admission.

If you’re a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and flavorful experience, mark your calendars for this Saturday and head over to the Michigan Fall Beer Festival. With a wide variety of breweries and beers to try, it’s an event not to be missed.

For more information, consult the FAQ section provided on the festival’s official website. Come and join Kilimas and his fellow brewers as they celebrate their craft and share their passion with beer lovers from all around.

This blog post was originally featured in the Detroit Free Press and showcases the Michigan Fall Beer Festival 2023 – an event that promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of craft beer. Cheers!