Craft Beer Tours in Michigan

Plan ahead

• Consider the hours of operation for all of the craft beer locations you want to visit so all are open when you arrive
• Understand the total journey time…yes that one brewery maybe a must see but if it is so far away you run out of time to enjoy more than just a couple, perhaps consider highly rated breweries closer to your start point and from one another
• Build in some flex time in case one location wows you so much you want to linger for longer than you planned or have a location you are willing to cut from your itinerary if you fall behind schedule
• If you are taking children and/or pets, inquire about the locations policy and what amenities they have to enhance the experience for your little darlings …knowing they are cared for lowers your stress so you can enjoy yourself more

Don’t overdo it

• Eat plenty of food before you start tasting beers and drink plenty of water. Even though you are not driving, Michigan laws are specific about establishments not serving customers who appear overly intoxicated
• Most locations prohibit outside food being brought onto their premises and the same is true of outside alcohol [per Michigan law] so always leave any leftovers in your charter vehicle

COVID impact

• Understand that COVID rules have altered the experience at most businesses and the experience you had 2-3 years ago may have adapted
• Most breweries offer outdoor seating area and follow Michigan government guidance on mask wearing and regular disinfecting of surfaces but know that the Michigan laws might be different from where you come from

Smell the roses

• Walk the facility first, use all your senses to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of the location first and take photos afterwards, with friends, family and staff members to capture the memories
• You can consume drinks at any of a thousand bars in Chicago so make your trip about more than just the products.
• Keep a journal of what you liked or didn’t like about each location and about each bear so you can refine your current adventure on the fly or give yourself suggestions for ‘next time’
• I know you have been sampling IPA’s for years and you love IPA’s more than life itself but try to put one new beer style or selection on your tasting flight and who knows, you might discover a taste that rivals your trusty IPA!