It is with great trepidation that I am about to share the following, because I consider it a personal secret. On the 2nd Thursday of each month Arbor Brewing Company in Ann Arbor does a themed beer tasting. When September rolls around that theme is Michigan Beers and definitely a good time.
First let’s talk logistics. This tasting is the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7pm – 9pm. They take over the tap room, game room and the cellar at ABC and check tickets at the door. Pre-buying your ticket prior to Thursday will net $5 off the price, which is usually $30-35 (depends on the beer they get each month). This ticket will you get as much tiny cups of beer as you can drink in 2 hours, an excellent selection of food ( Sausage & Peppers, Wings, Pierogies, Cheese Tray, Veggie Tray, and Pretzels) served buffet style, and entry into the door prize drawing. On average, there are about 24 beers for tasting.
The list of Michigan beers available this month:
The last 3 beers on the above list were found in the basement, a small room usually reserved for aging barrels and storage. For these tasting, they move some furniture and place some of the stronger and more unique beers downstairs, a place where some new people neglect to visit. We were fortunate enough to have the Violin Monster beer readily available, fresh off it’s recent release. It’s a tribute beer to a particular violin playing werewolf that frequents Ann Arbor, and it’s a very delicious and strong beer.
Bell’s frequently shows up with free stickers, always a treat! 2 hours pass and much beer is consumed before everyone gathers in the game room. This is when Casey typically stands up on a bench and pulls out names for the door prize. Prizes include shirts, hats, pint glasses and a free ticket to next month’s tasting! It just so happened that on this night I walked out with an ABC baseball style T-Shirt, so everyone has a chance to win!
