Close your eyes and imagine a place where the blue sky meets the sparkle of a Northern Michigan lake. Here, a day bobbing in a kayak is just as satisfying as the campfire with friends at night. Let’s complete the picture with a sense of taste: Local’s Light, Michigan’s favorite craft easy-drinking lager.
Made by the shores of the Chain of Lakes in Elk Rapids, Michigan, Local’s Light is a crisp, refreshing lager that pleases the palate. Dubbed ‘Beer in Its Simplest Form’ by its creator, Joe Short, Local’s Light uses only water, hops, malt, and yeast — none of the rice or additives you’ll find in many mass-produced light brews. Unlike a lot of options, Local’s Light is a true light beer, with only 115 calories and 3 carbs in each 12-oz can. And while Joe initially brewed the beer in 2004 to appease folks who weren’t as familiar with craft beer styles, Short’s signature Lager is now their top-performing brand, in cans and on draft. Those who love the lager can experience fun ways to indulge in a series of specialty editions like Local’s Lime and Local’s Light Honeycrisp, coming this fall.
“Local’s Light (and most recently Local’s Amber) are my go-to beers, they’re light and so crushable,” says Christa Brenner, Marketing Director with Short’s. “Once beach season is here, I’ll probably switch gears to Local’s Lemonade Shandy, we finally put it in cans and I can’t get enough!”
Choose Craft Beer: Pick Up Local’s Light
What separates Local’s Light from its shelf-mates is its position as a torch bearer for the craft beer industry. While many well-known breweries were gobbled up by overseas corporate conglomerates angling to diversify their portfolios, Short’s remains a family-owned company, with over a hundred year-round employees and an active stake in major area causes. Short’s mission is to leave the planet better than they found it, and they fill the cup of their community, much more than just from the tap. Their meaningful investments strengthen community missions, from trail development and natural resource protection to workforce housing to supporting Michigan’s music scene. Check out their free outdoor concert series and watch their events page for collaborations with area non-profits like Paddle Antrim, Grass River Natural Area, Up North Pride, and the much-anticipated Nakwema Trailway project.
The next time you find yourself prepping for the cabin or bellying up to the bar, look for the can with the boats on the side. You’ll not only treat your tastebuds to a clean, bright lager, but you’ll also be supporting your neighbors and actively investing in a delicious Northern Michigan.