Lansing, MI Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Essential Directory to the City's Best Brews
Lansing, Michigan, is a hidden gem for enthusiasts of craft beer, offering a vibrant community of breweries that celebrate the art of beer making. With over 20 craft beer producers in the Greater Lansing area, visitors and locals alike have the opportunity to taste a diverse range of artisanal beers. Each brewery contributes its own unique flair to the burgeoning craft beer scene, from traditional ales and lagers to innovative and experimental brews.
Local breweries in Lansing take pride in their Michigan roots, often showcasing locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with regional artisans. Esteemed locales like Ozone’s Brewhouse and EagleMonk Pub and Brewery are just a couple of the must-visit destinations that combine a welcoming atmosphere with quality brews. Whether one fancies a crisp IPA, a rich stout, or something in between, Lansing's breweries are sure to satisfy with their creative and passionately crafted offerings.
The Lansing craft beer experience is further enhanced by a community that values not just the drink but the culture surrounding it. Many of these establishments feature events, tastings, and tours that invite aficionados to delve deeper into the intricacies of craft beer production. This local craft beer guide aims to be a resource for those seeking to explore the dynamic and flavorful world of Lansing's craft beer.
History of Craft Beer in Lansing
In Lansing's rich history, the craft beer scene is a celebrated chapter. The Lansing Brewing Company holds a significant place, having been originally established in the late 19th century. Lansing Brewing Company became a central hub for craft beer, serving a diverse clientele that spanned artisans, laborers, and tradesmen. Its inception in 1898 was pivotal, as it came just a year after Ransom E. Olds' historic automobile ride, marking a period of innovation and community development that would define Lansing.
Year Event
1865 Grand River Brewery's inception
1898 Lansing Brewing Company opens
1914 Lansing Brewing Company's original closure
Considered an institution, the Lansing Brewing Company resumed operations more than a century later to continue its legacy of providing craft beverages to the local community. Over the years, Lansing has seen a variety of breweries establish themselves, including Eaglemonk Pub and Brewery. This local brewery is known for its commitment to providing a variety of traditional and innovative beers, emphasizing a local and personal touch to their craft.
The craft beer landscape in Lansing is not only historic but also dynamic, with Old Nation Brewing playing a key role in the contemporary craft beer movement. Old Nation, known for its meticulous brewing process, has garnered attention with its popular beers that often focus on quality and flavor, which resonate with craft beer enthusiasts.
The impact of these breweries reflects a broader trend within Michigan, with Lansing's craft brewing boom contributing significantly to the state's economy. Their stories weave into the fabric of Lansing, showing the city's transformation and the pivotal role that craft beer has played in its community.
Breweries in Greater Lansing
Greater Lansing offers a diverse beer scene, with each brewery bringing its unique flavor to the table. From historic buildings to vibrant college-town hubs, visitors can find a perfect pint suited to any taste.
Downtown Lansing Breweries
Lansing Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of the downtown beer community, offering visitors a range of house-made beers and a menu that pairs well with their brews. Open every day, it is both a local favorite and a welcoming spot for visitors.
East Lansing and Michigan State University
In the heart of East Lansing, beer enthusiasts can visit Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery. This brewery is not only convenient for those visiting Michigan State University but also provides a unique selection of sour ales sought after by beer connoisseurs.
Breweries in the Surrounding Areas
Old Nation Brewing Co., located just outside of Greater Lansing in Williamston, is known for their acclaimed M-43 IPA, part of their New Orthodox IPA series. They bring innovation and classic brewing techniques together to create beers that have garnered a dedicated following.
Ellison Brewery, a relatively new addition to the scene, has quickly made a name for itself with its handcrafted beers and spirits. Visitors can enjoy their offerings in a repurposed warehouse-turned-clubhouse that exudes a modern and spacious atmosphere.
The Beer Selection and Style Guide
Lansing's craft beer scene presents a diverse array of styles, featuring local favorites such as the renowned M-43 Hazy IPA, and a seasonal rotation that showcases Michigan's agricultural bounty. This guide navigates through the key beer varieties available in the region.
Understanding Ales, Stouts, and Sours
Ales are a staple in Lansing's craft beer repertoire, prized for their versatility and range from light and refreshing to dark and complex. Stouts, characterized by their rich and robust profile, often exhibit chocolate or coffee notes due to roasted malts and are a heartier option for those seeking depth in their pint. Sours have emerged as a popular genre, with their tart and fruity flavors that bring a refreshing twist to the traditional beer lineup.
IPA Varieties and Locally Sourced Ingredients
The IPA, particularly the M-43 Hazy IPA, is a local hero, boasting juicy, fruit-forward hops with a smooth mouthfeel. Lansing brewers often embrace locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste that supports Michigan's agriculture. They have not only mastered the art of the classic IPA but also its numerous variations including:
Double IPAs: Bolder and stronger
Session IPAs: Lighter and more drinkable
Seasonal and Limited Edition Offerings
Craft brewers in Lansing seize the seasonal cycles as an opportunity to innovate, with limited edition offerings that often incorporate regional flavors. Beer enthusiasts can look forward to:
Spring/Summer: Citrus-infused ales and light, crisp lagers
Fall/Winter: Pumpkin ales, spiced stouts, and hearty porters
Each season brings its own reason to explore the dynamic and ever-evolving craft beer culture within the heart of Michigan.
Brewery Experiences
In Lansing, MI, craft beer enthusiasts can indulge in rich brewery experiences, from immersive tours and deluxe tasting rooms to convivial beer gardens and exclusive events with appealing discounts.
Tours and Tasting Rooms
Brewery tours in Lansing offer an in-depth look at the craft beer-making process. Participants learn about the brewing equipment and methods, and usually enjoy a guided tasting session. Tasting rooms provide a more intimate setting where guests can sample the latest brews, often with detailed explanations from knowledgeable staff.
The Patio and Beer Garden Scene
Many Lansing breweries boast attractive outdoor spaces such as patios and beer gardens where visitors can enjoy their beers in a leisurely atmosphere. These spaces are usually outfitted with comfortable seating and ambient lighting, creating an ideal environment for socializing and relaxing with a cold draft.
Ideal for: Sunny days, casual meet-ups, and evening drinks
Typically features: Umbrella-covered tables, string lights, and sometimes live music
Special Events and Discounts
Special events at Lansing breweries might include new beer releases, holiday parties, and themed trivia nights. Breweries also tend to offer discounts, like happy hour pricing or mug club memberships for locals, which provide reduced prices on beer and other perks.
Events might include:
New Flavor Launches
Annual Celebrations
Themed Nights
Discounts can feature:
Happy Hours
Mug Club Memberships
Loyalty Programs
Each Lansing brewery curates a unique atmosphere, but they all share a commitment to providing memorable experiences centered around high-quality craft beer.
Food Pairings and Menus
When exploring the craft beer scene in Lansing, Michigan, enthusiasts are not limited to exceptional brews—the local gastronomy offers a variety of dishes to enhance one's beer experience with thoughtful food pairings.
Gastro Pubs and Craft Beer Pairings
Lansing's gastro pubs pride themselves on menus that showcase classic favorites alongside innovative dishes, all designed to complement the region's craft beer selection. For the hoppy and bitter profile of an IPA, experts typically suggest spicy foods (What wine goes well with spicy food?) to balance the intensity. It's commonplace for Lansing pubs to recommend pairing their locally brewed IPAs with dishes such as hot wings or artisanal burgers, which may include a range of toppings from blue cheese to jalapeños, enhancing the beer's complex flavors.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
The city's commitment to inclusivity is evident with multiple craft beer establishments offering vegan and gluten-free menu options. From hearty vegan burgers made with plant-based ingredients to gluten-free pizzas crafted with alternative flours, Lansing's breweries ensure that dietary preferences are met with quality and flavor. These dishes not only accompany a wide array of brews but also maintain the integrity of Lansing's culinary scene by catering to a diverse clientele.
The Community and Culture
Lansing's craft beer scene is not just about the beverages; it's a movement woven into the community's fabric. Local breweries contribute to the city's identity, fostering business collaborations and creating unique products that travelers seek out.
Local Business and Brewery Partnerships
Lansing's craft breweries actively engage in partnerships with local businesses, bolstering the #lovelansing initiative. These alliances are central to creating a vibrant, sustainable business environment, where breweries often source ingredients from local producers, enhancing the area's economic health. An example of such symbiosis includes Lansing Brewing Co., involved historically in providing beer to the local workforce and having rejuvenated its legacy to support and celebrate the local trades.
Specialty Shops and Gifts
Craft beer enthusiasm in Lansing transcends beyond the breweries and into specialty shops that curate a range of gifts and memorabilia. These shops cater to both passionate locals and curious travelers, offering craft beer-related items that extend the Lansing brewery experience. Gift shops within the brewery vicinity, such as those that might exist in Lansing Brewing Co. or Ozone's Brewhouse, often feature artisanal goods that represent the local spirit and culture.
Diversity of Brews
Lansing, Michigan's craft beer scene offers a broad spectrum of flavors and styles that cater to a variety of tastes. The local microbreweries and taprooms boast a selection that ranges from traditional ales and lagers to more innovative and experimental brews.
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery is known for its Red Eye Rye, a British pale malt with authentic caramel notes.
Lansing Brewing Co. continues to impress with an expansive barrel output, indicative of its variety and capacity.
Craft beer enthusiasts can find a multitude of options, including:
IPA lovers have an assortment of bitter to fruity hop profiles.
Stout aficionados can savor rich, roasted flavors often accompanied by chocolate and coffee notes.
Ciders and hard ciders offer a refreshing alternative, often found on rotation beside the craft beers. These apple-based beverages come in a range from dry to sweet, satisfying those looking for something different from traditional beer.
For those interested in branching out, local offerings can also include mead and nitro beers. The nitro beers present a creamy mouthfeel unique from their carbonated counterparts, while meads offer a honey-based, historic drink that varies from sweet to spiced profiles.
Trainwreck, a flagship beer by a local brewer, demonstrates the innovation in the area, which also extends to spirits, providing an additional layer of diversity to Lansing's alcoholic beverage offerings.
Each brewery in Lansing contributes to the dynamic range of crafted beverages, ensuring that locals and visitors alike can find something to fit their palate.
Brewery Reviews and Why They Matter
Craft beer enthusiasts often rely on brewery reviews to navigate the Greater Lansing Area’s vibrant microbrewery scene. These reviews are crucial because they offer insight into not only the quality and variety of beers available but also the overall experience of visiting the breweries, including aspects like ambiance, service, and additional amenities such as food.
In Lansing's Old Town Neighborhood, the character and charm of the local breweries are often highlighted in reviews, guiding visitors to unique spots that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, a detailed review might reveal which microbrewery offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a group gathering or an intimate tasting session.
Here’s why brewery reviews are an integral part of the craft beer community:
Authentic Feedback: Reviews are typically written by fellow beer enthusiasts, offering an authentic perspective that resonates with like-minded consumers.
Business Improvement: Constructive feedback helps breweries refine their offerings and service, which in turn enhances the customer experience.
Enhanced Discovery: New or small-scale breweries gain visibility through positive reviews, encouraging beer lovers to explore beyond well-known establishments.
The impact of reviews extends beyond personal benefits to the breweries themselves. Positive reputations built through reviews can significantly contribute to a local brewery’s success, helping these small businesses thrive in a competitive market.
Pros of Brewery Reviews Cons of Brewery Reviews
Guide consumer choices May rely on subjective opinions
Provide authentic user experiences Limited samples may not reflect consistency Encourage exploration
Brewery reviews remain a powerful tool for consumers and shouldn’t be taken lightly. As microbreweries continue to flourish in the Greater Lansing Area, these insightful evaluations help foster a knowledgeable and engaged craft beer community.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors can maximize their experience on the Greater Lansing Beer Trail by having a well-structured plan. Attention to brewery hours, transportation options, and accommodation details helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation centered around Lansing's craft beer scene.
Navigating The Greater Lansing Beer Trail
The Greater Lansing Beer Trail offers a diverse range of breweries to explore, each with its own unique offerings. Ozone's Brewhouse and EagleMonk Pub and Brewery are among the many must-visit spots. Patrons should check operating hours, as they vary; for instance, Ozone's Brewhouse is closed Mondays but open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Mapping out a route in advance is advisable and exploring local guides or the Beer Trail map can aid in planning. Utilizing transport services or designating a driver is recommended, especially when traversing multiple locations in a day.
Accommodations and Travel Tips
When visiting Lansing, a range of accommodation options caters to different preferences and budgets, from boutique hotels to bed-and-breakfast establishments. Early booking is advised to secure the best rates and availability. Regarding travel, visitors should consider the proximity of accommodations to the breweries they intend to visit. Renting a car might be beneficial for flexibility; alternatively, Lansing offers public transport and ride-sharing services. For those arriving by air, the Capital Region International Airport provides accessibility to the region. It is essential to factor in Michigan's seasonal weather when planning travel and activities.
