Get ready to raise a glass—our first-ever Beer Release Party. Barrel + Beam is brewing up something truly special, and you won’t want to miss it!

Barrel + Beam’s Taste of Life In Michigan

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting our first-ever “Beer Release Party” on September 12, 2024, at Withington’s in Chelsea, Michigan.

Thanks to our friends at Barrel + Beam, we’ve crafted a beer that truly embodies the spirit of Life in Michigan. This isn’t just any beer—it’s a stunning amber farmhouse ale made entirely from Michigan-sourced ingredients. The malt comes from Great Lakes Malting, the hops are from MILocal, and the water is straight from the Upper Peninsula. That’s right—all the ingredients are grown, processed, and pumped out of Michigan soil!

We would love for you to join us in Chelsea on September 12, where we’ll be pouring this beautiful farmhouse amber ale and celebrating friendship together. You can even take home your own can of Life In Michigan to enjoy. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Nick Van Court, Kevin McKinney, Joe Thierry, and the entire Barrel + Beam team for making this event possible.

How It All Began

The story of this beer began at the Michigan Brewers Guild’s 2023 Detroit Beer Festival. It was there that Kevin casually asked us if we’d be interested in brewing a beer with Barrel + Beam. I can’t recall the exact words, but our response was undoubtedly something along the lines of, “Hell yes!” After a flurry of text messages, we finally set a brew date for June 2024.

Brew day at Barrel + Beam was more than just a beer-making session—it was filled with camaraderie, storytelling, and a shared passion for the craft. Nick and Joe talked about the challenges of the brewing process. They touched on the broader brewing industry landscape, with Nick highlighting how Barrel + Beam’s success lies not just in making great beer but in maintaining consistency and standing out in a crowded market. But for us, the day was about something even more important—friendship. What a gift to be able to call these wonderful people our friends.

The Journey Continues

The story of our beer doesn’t end at Withington’s on September 12. We’re excited to share that Barrel + Beam will be bringing “Life in Michigan” to the Detroit Fall Beer Festival, completing the circle that began at last year’s festival.

About Barrel + Beam 

Barrel + Beam, owned by Nick Van Court and Marina Dupler, specializes in crafting world-class farmhouse and barrel-aged real ales. Located on the bike path between Marquette and Negaunee, Michigan, Barrel + Beam is housed in the historic former Northwoods Supper Club, the second-oldest restaurant in Michigan. Don’t worry, though—there’s plenty of parking for your automobile!

Photos

More Barrel + Beam Brew Day photos are in our gallery. 

Become a Supporter!

We warmly invite you to join our Life In Michigan community. Your support is not just appreciated—it is essential. It enables us to continue sharing the unique and captivating stories that showcase Michigan in all its vibrant glory. Whether you buy us a beer or provide ongoing support through Substack, every contribution enhances our mission.

If our content resonates with you, we encourage you to become ambassadors of our stories. Share our work on your social media or forward a link to someone who would appreciate it as much as you do. Your support, in any form, breathes life into our cause and keeps the spirit of Life in Michigan thriving.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community.

Stay Connected

We’d love it if you’d like our Facebook page. Better yet, subscribe to our Sunday Sip newsletter through Substack. You can also find us on Instagram. 

Cheers!