The Michigan Brewers Guild presented the 2017 Tom Burns Award to Rex Halfpenny, publisher of the Michigan Beer Guide, at its annual conference on Thursday, January 12 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. This is the 20th Anniversary of the Michigan Beer Guide and the Michigan Brewers Guild.
 
The Tom Burns Award is given to a person who embodies the pioneering spirit of the Michigan brewing industry. This is an individual whose hard work, passion, and perseverance has been a guiding force in creating the Great Beer State while being supportive of the entire craft beer industry in Michigan. Nominees can be brewery owners or employees, can be affiliated with a beer wholesaler or beer retailer or otherwise involved in the industry. Nominees can be part of the industry now or in the past and do not need to be currently living.
 
It is named after Detroit & Mackinac Brewing Company founder and brewer, Tom Burns, who passed away of cancer May 1, 1994. Burns, a “recovering attorney” whose passion was brewing, is credited with many of the advancements in brewing legislation, rules, and regulations in the 1990s which paved the way for a thriving industry.
 

Peach was one of the first fruits selected to add to Upland's base beer when we they began the new adventure back in 2006. Starlight, Indiana is home to Huber's Orchard and Winery, where they get the peaches, and they de-stone the pits by hand (yep, every damn one of them) before adding to the barrels in early fall. Look for this sour beer soon!

Overview
Peach is a fruited lambic-style ale, which showcases the distinct fruit characteristics of free stone peaches melded with a mildly tart base of sour ale. Gold and straw colors shine upon pouring, with zesty amounts of carbonation. Fresh peach aromas meld with floral and wine-like notes. Wonderful peach flavors follow in the taste, accompanied by refreshing tartness. Finish is dry, with mouth-watering tanginess and peach flavor. Peaches sourced from Huber’s Orchard & Winery in Borden, IN.

ABV's: 6%
IBU's: 10

Link to beer

When Terrapin Beer Co and Skybound collaborated to re-release The Walking Dead Blood Orange IPA in 6-pack cans this year, one beer wasn’t enough to satisfy. Raising the stakes they have added a second more limited edition brew to the project.

Inspired by Negan and Lucille, his weapon of choice, Terrapin Beer Co. and Skybound’s super limited release is sure to be a hit. Lucille, a Blackstrap Molasses Stout will be released in 500 ml bottles with a label that does the barbed wire wrapped bat justice.

You don’t have to live in The Sanctuary to get ahold of Terrapin Beer Co and Skybound’s second collaboration beer, but this one won’t stick around long. The limited release will be available in late February.

In keeping with the tradition of honest ales and lagers, Bear Republic Brewing Co. has released fan favorite IPA, Hop Shovel, in six-packs. Previously only available in draft, Hop Shovel joins the ranks of its brothers Racer 5, Grand-Am, Pace Car Racer, and Double Aught in the year-round lineup.

This pale and hoppy IPA was brewed with a high proportion of wheat and rye for a smooth, well rounded flavor and mouthfeel. Overflowing scoops of hop varieties Mosaic, Meridian, and Denali were added to create huge tropical and citrus notes.
Master Brewer, Peter Kruger, states “Hop Shovel is one of our favorite beers to brew. We are very happy to add this to our year-round lineup and hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.”

A great beer to enjoy by yourself or with friends, Hop Shovel pairs perfectly with spicy foods and barbecue, such as wings, burgers, and grilled vegetables.

A silver and bronze medal winner at the 2015 and 2016 California State Fair in the American India Pale Ale category, Hop Shovel has become one of Bear Republic’s most desired offerings.

Hop Shovel is available in draft and 6-packs.
Bear Republic Brewing Company was founded over twenty years ago by the Norgrove family to create quality handcrafted beers, while maintaining a sense of loyalty and tradition. With a growing portfolio of craft beers, Bear Republic has become one of the largest independent craft breweries in Northern California.