Upper Peninsula Michigan is known for its picturesque landscapes, natural attractions, and thriving craft beer scene. However, with many breweries, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you don’t want to miss out on exploring the top 10 best breweries in Upper Peninsula Michigan. Our team has researched and tasted their way through the UP beer scene to compile this list. Trust us; these breweries are worth the visit.
One of the breweries mentioned in this article has a unique history and pairs most of its beers with food from local food trucks. Can you guess which one it is? Keep reading to find out! Here are the top 10 breweries in Upper Peninsula Michigan.
- Ore Dock Brewing Co.
- Keweenaw Brewing Company
- Cognition Brewing Company
- Blackrocks Brewery
- Soo Brewing Company
- East Channel Brewing Company
- Upper Hand Brewery
- Barrel + Beam
- Brickside Brewery
- Drifa Brewing Company
The Top 10 Breweries in Upper Peninsula Michigan
Let’s get down to the real thing and see what the above upper peninsula breweries store for us.
1. Ore Dock Brewing Co.
Image Source: Ore Dock Brewing Co.
Ore Dock Brewing Co. is located in Marquette, Michigan, and opened in 2012. Its name was inspired by the ore docks that formerly lined the city’s waterfront. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including its popular Reclamation IPA and Glad Tidings Christmas Ale.
Ore Dock has received numerous awards and recognition, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Imperial Stout in 2019.
Read more: The 11 Best Japanese Beers
2. Keweenaw Brewing Company
Image Source: Keweenaw Brewing Company
Keweenaw Brewing Company, located in Houghton, has been around since April 2004 and is a beloved staple of the Upper Peninsula craft beer scene. Their flagship beer, the Pick Axe Blonde Ale, is a crowd favorite and has won numerous awards.
In 2019, Keweenaw Brewing won the Great American Beer Festival bronze medal for their Bumper Crop Wet Hop Ale.
3. Cognition Brewing Company
Image Source: Cognition Brewing Company
Cognition Brewing Company, located in downtown Ishpeming, was opened in 2015 by two long-time friends who share a passion for craft beer. They offer a variety of brews, including Belgian beers and seasonal selections. Notable beers include their award-winning Belgian Dubbel and their popular Honey Lavender Ale. Cognition has received recognition from numerous beer festivals and competitions, including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Expo of Beer.
4. Blackrocks Brewery
Image Source: Blackrocks Brewery
Blackrocks Brewery is one of the top craft breweries in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Founded in December 2010, it quickly made a name for itself with its delicious beers, including the Honey Lav Wheat and Coconut Brown.
The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including a gold medal from the World Beer Cup. In addition to the great beer, Blackrocks offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying a pint with friends.
Read More: How Many Modelos to Get Drunk? Find Out Here!
5. Soo Brewing Company
Image Source: Soo Brewing Company
Soo Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Sault Ste. Marie, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The brewery opened in 2011 and became an instant hit among craft beer enthusiasts. It offers a variety of delicious beers on tap.
Soo Brewing Company have won several awards for their beers, including the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2017 for their Coconut Brown Ale. Visitors can enjoy the brewery’s offerings within walking distance of the historic district, paired with food from local food trucks.
6. East Channel Brewing Company
Image Source: East Channel Brewing Company
East Channel Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in the heart of Downtown Munising, Michigan. The company focuses on creating unique, flavorful beers using locally sourced ingredients.
Notable beers include Citrus Assassin IPA, Lake Shore Fog Hazy IPA, and Yooper American Lager. With 10+ beers on tap, a friendly atmosphere, and within walking distance of Lake Superior, East Channel Brewing Company is a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast in the Upper Peninsula.
Read More: Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Beer While Driving?
7. Upper Hand Brewery
Image Source: Upper Hand Brewery
Upper Hand Brewery, located in Escanaba, Michigan, was founded in 2014 and is a subsidiary of Bell’s Brewery. It specializes in handcrafted brews using local ingredients and the pristine waters of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Notable beers include Escanaba Black Beer, Laughing Fish, and Upper Hand Light. In addition, the company has earned recognition as a top 10 Michigan brewery by Thrillist.
8. Barrel + Beam Brewery
Image Source: Barrel + Beam Brewery
Barrel + Beam is a brewery in Marquette, Michigan, specializing in Belgian-inspired beers. Founded in 2016, it has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality brews, ranging from traditional styles like saisons and tripels to its unique creations.
Their flagship beer, the Biere de Garde, has won numerous awards at national competitions. In addition, barrel + Beam’s focus on sustainability and local sourcing has also earned them recognition in the craft beer community.
9. Brickside Brewery
Image Source: Brickside Brewery
Brickside Brewery, located in Copper Harbor, has been serving delicious beers since its opening in 2013. This craft brewery offers an excellent selection of seasonal brews and a variety of Belgian beers.
Notable beers include the Blueberry Wheat and Imperial Stouts. Brickside Brewery has won numerous awards and recognition, including being named one of the top 10 breweries in Michigan by TripAdvisor.
10. Drifa Brewing Company
Image Source: Drifa Brewing Company
Drifa Brewing Company is a small craft brewery located in Marquette, Michigan. Founded in 2017 by four friends with a passion for homebrewing, Drifa offers a variety of unique beers that celebrate the beauty of the Upper Peninsula.
Their notable beers include the Marquette Rain IPA, the Yooper Ale, and the Sisu Stout. In 2019, they won a gold medal at the World Expo of Beer for their Marquette Rain IPA.
Read More: How Many IPAs to Get Drunk? Find Out Here!
Brewery Tours and Tastings in Upper Peninsula Michigan
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the craft beer scene in Upper Peninsula Michigan, why not take a brewery tour?
Blackrocks Brewery
Blackrocks Brewery offers guided tours that are available on Saturdays at designated times. The company offers tours at a nominal fee, which includes a tasting flight of their exceptional craft beers.
In addition, visitors can watch out for seasonal events and collaborations featuring unique beer releases and themed tastings.
Ore Dock Brewing Company
Ore Dock Brewing Company offers guided tours upon request. Contact them directly to arrange a tour. Tours are typically free, and they offer reasonably priced flights or pints for tastings. Experience their lively atmosphere during live music performances, trivia nights, and community events at the brewery.
Keweenaw Brewing Company
Keweenaw Brewing Company provides guided tours on weekends and select days. They charge only $3 for the prints. The time and tasting last around 30 minutes. Join them for their anniversary celebrations and festivals, featuring live music and specialty beer releases.
Conclusion
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an excellent destination for craft beer lovers. From the award-winning Barrel + Beam to the iconic Upper Hand Brewery, plenty of amazing breweries exist to explore.
With brewery tours and tastings available, you can get an up-close look at some of the best breweries in the area. So don’t miss out on this unique beer experience when visiting the Upper Peninsula.
