The 50 States of Beer - Michigan

Michigan

Bell's Brewery Inc. - Kalamazoo, MI
Best Beer:

Two Hearted Ale

Last year I went to Chicago with Nick, JJ and some other friends and we decided to go out to some bars. Nick had been talking about this Bell's brewery for a few months, and so he was elated to find that they had Two Hearted Ale at the perticular bar we were at.

This was back before my obsession with IPA's and subsequent rejection of them.

Two Hearted Ale is a delicious IPA. When I made my own Nag Nag Nag Pale Ale, I was hoping to get a taste similar to the Bell's version. It's hoppy but not in an obnoxious way (which my IPA turned out to be, not that there is anything wrong with that) and it has a slight orange-y flavor, which I love. Or at least, I did love before the dark times began where I cannot drink IPA's anymore. Someday, someday the flavors will come back to me.

I am excited that Bell's beers are showing up more and more in Iowa. I am looking forward to the Oberon and Third Coast Ale.

For more information on Bells Brewery Inc., go here.
Visit the official Bells Brewery Inc. website, here.

Up Next: New York

The 50 States of Beer - Minnesota

Minnesota

Summit Brewing Company - St. Paul, MN
Best Beer:

Summit Extra Pale Ale

So I was at Old Chicago. I don't remember exactly what the occasion was, but there was a bunch of us there. Cassada, Schenck and I (of course), and then Sellars, Artie, Alister and Emilie. We were all having lunch (I think) and I had just finished an Iron City Lager (in the aluminum bottle, fyi) and asked the waitress to surprise me. I got Summit EPA.

Since, I have always used it as a quick go-to beer. It never fails, and is perhaps one of the only beers I can safely say I like just as much out of a bottle as I do on tap.

Summit also makes an India Style Rye Ale, which I think just sounds wonderful. However, it's a seasonal beer, so I am going to have to find my way up to Sweet St. Paul (man, that must be the hardest luck Saint of 'em all) to get one.

I also recommend the Summit Porter, it's pretty damn good. Honorable mention for the land-o-lakes state: Granite City Food and Brewery's Duke of Wellington India Pale Ale is pretty good, but I haven't technically had it. I drank it in Cedar Rapids at a chain.

Also, for good measure, here is a shout out to Midwest Supplies where I get the majority of my Home brewing supplies, located in Minneapolis.

For more reading on Summit Brewing Company, go here.
And visit the official Summit Brewing Company website, here.

Up next, Oregon