The Michigan Brewers Guild invites residents around the state to join them in celebration of American Craft Beer Week® (May 11-17, 2020) – the nationwide recognition of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The week-long salute, organized since 2006 by the Brewers Association, provides an opportunity for craft brewers to share their creativity and passion for the beverage they love.
“This year is quite different than years past,” says Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, “but it has never been more important to support your local Michigan breweries. We encourage people to safely venture out for to-go orders of beer and food, gift cards or merchandise from their local brewery, or to pick up Michigan beer from local retail shops.”
Throughout the state, breweries are finding unique ways to stay connected to their customers and communities, while helping their staff through this unprecedented time. In addition to offering to-go options for the public, many are also donating meals to front line service workers and partnering with local distilleries to produce much-needed hand sanitizer. And, as Michigan slowly works toward re-opening, these breweries will play an integral role in rebuilding the state’s tourism industry.
Formed in 1997, the Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its more than 270 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis).
The Michigan Brewers Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20% of all beer sales in the state by 2025.
Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 21,000 full-time jobs and $872 million in labor income, with a total economic impact of over $2.5 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”