(This post has been updated to reflect the price increase of Enthusiast Memberships)
One of the benefits of membership in the Michigan Brewers Guild “Enthusiast” program is special VIP tours and tastings at member breweries around the state. To participate in one of these special tours, one must be a current Enthusiast member – a group dedicated to celebrating the growing craft beer industry in the Great Lakes State.
Enthusiast memberships are $35 each as of January 1st, 2011 and are available online at
www.michiganbrewersguild.org/beernut.asp. There is no additional charge for the tours, but reservations are recommended and attendees must show their Enthusiast card.
The Winter 2010 schedule includes tours in November, December and January:
Saturday, Nov 13 (1-3pm)
Liberty Street
149 W. Liberty St.
Plymouth, MI, 48170
Join Joe Walters for a guided tour of Liberty Street Brewing. RSVP for more information:
Joe@libertystreetbrewing.com
Saturday, Dec 4 (1-3pm)
Copper Canyon
27522 Northwestern Hwy
Southfield, MI 48034-4723
248-223-1700
Join Todd Parker for an inside look of Copper Canyon brewery. RSVP:
beertodd@yahoo.com
Saturday, Dec 11 (11am-1pm)
Short's Brewing Company
121 N Bridge St.
Bellaire, MI 49615
231-533-6622
Get behind the scenes of this popular brewery – ask questions, sample beer and get a chance to experience the other side of the bar stool. Join Jon Wojtowicz - Beer Liberator from Short’s, for a pre-holiday tour. RSVP: 231-533-6622 (
jon@shortsbrewing.com).
Saturday, Dec 11 (TIME 3-5pm)
Right Brain Brewery
221 Garland St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-944-1239
Get behind the scenes of this popular brewery – ask questions, sample beer and get a chance to experience the other side of the bar stool. Join Dayna A. H. Valpey for a pre-holiday tour of Right Brain Brewery. RSVP: 231-944-1239 (
dvalpey@gmail.com).
Saturday, Dec18 (1pm)
Original Gravity Brewing Company440 County Street
Milan, MI 48160
734-439-7490
Join Brad Sancho for a guided tour, with all enthusiasts receiving $1 off their first pint. RSVP: 734-439-7490.
Saturday, Jan 8 (2-4pm)
Corner Brewery
720 Norris St Ypsilanti,
Michigan 48198
734-480-2739
Hosted by brewer Logan Schaedig, featuring a private tour, complimentary tasting and light snacks. RSVP:
beth@arborbrewing.com
Saturday, Jan 15 (Noon-2pm)
Arbor Brewing Company
114 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1905
734-213-1393
Hosted by brewer Bill Gerds, featuring a private tour, complimentary tasting and light snacks. RSVP:
beth@arborbrewing.com
Saturday, Jan22 (1-3pm)
Old Hat Brewery & Grill114 North Main St
Lawton, MI 49065
269-624-6445
Join Tommy Fuller for a guided tour through Old Hat. Email for more information:
Oldhatbeer@gmail.com
At just $35, a Michigan Brewers Guild “Enthusiast” membership makes a locally-focused, affordable holiday gift for the craft beer lover on your list. Benefits include VIP status at our various festivals with early admission, discounts at participating membership brewpubs, special VIP brewery tours, and a free t-shirt proclaiming your Michigan Beer Nuttiness. Purchase your Enthusiast membership online at
www.michiganbrewersguild.org/beernut.asp.
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