There's a lotta beer in Michigan

Author Patti Smith joins us this week to talk about her book, Michigan Beer: A Heady History.  If you've been with for a while, you may remember our episode with Ron Smith and Mary O. Boyle discussing their book, Atlanta Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Hub of the South.  This is like that, but with much more Michigan.

We start with the early days of brewing where, like most of the US, Bavarian immigrants had heavy influence.  Except in the Upper Peninsula where French-Canadians helped make spruce beer a hot item.

There were a few powerhouse brewers in the 19th century across the state, many wiped out by Prohibition.  Michigan was an early-adopter of state prohibition - but also the first to ratify the 21st Amendment to end it.  I hope they learned their lesson.

Modern brewing in Michigan saw the state peak at over 400 breweries, they've taken a bit of a hit with the pandemic, but their still going strong.

We just brush the surface in the show so make sure to pick up the book if you want to know the full story of Michigan beer.  (The link goes to the publisher's website, 'cause they get more money that way, but it's also available on Amazon.)

The Michigan Beer List

• Bells Tequila Barrel Aged Flamingo Fruit FightFounders KBS HazelnutOld Nation B43Jolly Pumpkin Bam Noir

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