Cold weather, hearty holiday cooking and in-laws demand the democratic comforts of Northern Michigan beer. Here are some of this season’s exciting local brewskis, originally published in the December 2015 issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.

Short’s Brewing Company Good Humans

This coveted seasonal release from Joe Short and company is a malty, toffee-rich double-brown ale with just the right measure of dry hop aromatics.

Beards Brewing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Unifying the two universal beer and cookie cravings in a delicious liquid media, the boys at Beards have a cult following for this brown ale brewed with oatmeal, cinnamon and, yes, raisins.

Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company Pine River Porter

This smooth, black beauty from the fledgling Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company shows rich coffee and cocoa notes derived from black patent, chocolate and caramel malts offset by a pleasant bitter note and a slightly smoky finish.

Upper Hand Brewery Christmastime

Larry Bell’s exciting new Escanaba brewing venture debuts this rich and roasty oatmeal stout with the texture and fortitude to tackle cold air and contemplative sits by the fireplace.

Stormcloud Brewing Arturo’s Talking Dog

This month’s featured brewmaster, Brian Confer, unleashes a signature cherry rye Belgian dubbel. Local tree fruit accents a caramelly base with distinct spiciness imparted by the rye and Stormcloud’s house yeast.

Watch as Brian Confer walks us through Stormcloud’s Belgian-style brewing operation in this MyNorth Media video!


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