It’s easy to get ‘all hopped up’ on Michigan beer – but what are some of the main ingredients in your favorite ales? Like all beer, Michigan classic brews consist of hops, grain, yeast, and water but it’s where and how those ingredients are grown that contributes to a unique sip.
What are Hops?
Hops are the flower (cone) of a plant called Humulus lupulus and what gives beer its characteristic bitter taste and robust flavor. Brewers utilize different varieties and quantities of hops in brews to create enjoyable and distinct beers. You may be familiar with the term “hoppy,” especially in regard to India Pale Ale (IPA) beers. That just means there’s a higher concentration of hops in what you’re drinking!
Hops grow on unique farms that utilize tall trellises to support the plant’s long vines or twining stems. The hop industry in Michigan is relatively young but growing thanks to eager farmers and support from groups like the Hop Growers of Michigan whose core mission is to educate, instruct, promote, market, and advocate for the utilization of Michigan hops. Interested in growing hops of your own? MSU Extension has some great resources for getting started. Who’s growing hops in Michigan? Find a list of growers in Michigan Craft Beverage Council’s Craft Beverage Grower Directory.
Michigan Malts
Besides hops, state-grown grains like barley, rye, and other niche products used for malting are essential to beer making and contribute place-based flavor to Michigan brews. You may associate a ‘malty’ flavor with beer styles such as porters and English ales. What is malting? It’s when grain is introduced to water, germinates, and is ultimately dried with hot air. The malted grain is used to make beer, but also other products like whiskey, malted milk, and malted vinegar. You can learn more about malting barley from MSU Extension.
Michigan is home to more than 300 breweries, so you don’t have to go far to find the perfect brew for you; search our Find Local Food & Farms Directory to discover local craft beers in your area.
This story was sponsored by the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, a 10-member, governor-appointed board advisory to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Their work supports craft beverage research, education, and marketing for Michigan agricultural products that support the Michigan craft beverage industry.
Further Reading:
- Craft Beer Month in Michigan
- Without Craft Malt, It’s Just Beer!
- Summer Suds with Up North Buds
- Exploring Beers in Berrien County – Part I & Part II
Emily Row is the Brand and Media Manager at Taste the Local Difference. You may contact her via email [email protected].