A frothy head of profits and prestige crowns the expanding craft beer industry locally and statewide, business writer Michael Martinez reports in The Detroit News.
Seventeen craft breweries — independent beer-makers who produce less than 6 million barrels a year — opened in Michigan in 2012, helping the industry grow by 20 percent and outpacing the national average by 12 percent.
Michigan is home to more than 100 craft breweries, ranking the state fifth in the nation and contributing some $133 million to the state's economy.
"There's definitely a beer explosion in Michigan right now," said Nate Walser, head brewer at Perrin Brewing Co., which opened in September near Grand Rapids. . .
Kalamazoo-based Bell's, known for its Oberon and Two-Hearted Ale, is the seventh-largest craft brewery in the nation.
The state, which had fewer than 50 craft beer manufacturers in the early 1990s, crossed the 100-brewery mark in 2011, Martinez writes.
"That kind of proved Michigan was clearly on the map. It's a leadership state," said Paul Gatza, director of the Colorado-based Brewers Association.
The News reporter notes that craft beers increasingly are available at stores,, restaurants and sports arenas.
Popular eateries such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Bagger Dave's have added craft beer to their selections. . . .
Detroit's sports venues are pouring craft beers, too.
Motor City Brewing Works of Detroit even plans to supply Motown Lager and other brews for the Broadway theater where "Motown the Musical" opens Sunday after a month of previews, Louis Aguilar reported Thursday in The News.
And next Saturday, the Red Wings host the second annual Hockeytown BrewHaHa Street Eats and Craft Beer Fest from 1-5 p.m. outside the Joe. Cosponsors are Cheli’s Chili Bar and Vienna Beef.
Here's a video from Detroit's Atwater Brewery:
