The Every Two Weeks in Beer: The Rest of the Story

Beer judges Annette May, Mike Bardallis, and Fred Rouse at the May 12
Grizzly Peak Mug Club Brew-Off.

You already know all about what's going on for American Craft Beer Week. Now here's... the rest of the story.

Saturday, May 17

» If you’re a Michigan Brewers Guild Enthusiast member, head over to Unity Vibration Kombucha Tea, 93 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti, for a free tour from 12-2 p.m. See how the unique kombucha/beer hybrid is produced and ask owners Rachel and Tarek Kanaan all about their future plans. RSVP to info@unityvibrationkombucha.com.

» It's a double header! Next, get over to the Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main, Chelsea,, for a second MBG Enthusiast tour from 4-6 p.m with founder and head brewer Christopher Martinson. RSVP to chris@chelseaalehouse.com.

Monday, May 19

» New Holland is taking over the taps at Red Rock Downtown Barbecue, 207 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, beginning at 5 p.m. for Beer Enthusiast Monday. Tap list is TBD, and be on the lookout for a possible appearance from Randall the Enamel Animal, who loves to add fresh new flavors to select draft brews.

Tuesday, May 20

» The latest Michigan Beer Happy Hour at Whole Foods Cranbrook, 990 W. Eisenhower, features the enticing stylings of Short’s from 5-7 p.m. along with various cheeses to go with them! On tap: Alien Einstein, Anniversary Ale, Bellaire Brown, Bludgeon Yer Eye, Bourbon Barrel Huma Lupa Licious IPA, ControversiALE, Publican Porter, and Soft Parade.

Wednesday, May 21

» Over at Ashley’s, 338 S. State, get ready for the 31 flavors of Short’s. That’s right, 31 taps are being given over to various beers from everyone’s favorite brewery from Bellaire, including the usual standbys like Huma Lupa Licious to I-don’t-even-know like Yosemite Scooter and Juicy Tree. The full list is here. Short’s-o-philes will not want to miss this event, which begins at 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 22

» Just to switch things up a bit, Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar, 3411 Washtenaw Ave., is hosting the Craft Brew Ha-Ha dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m., featuring beers from Arbor Brewing and Great Lakes Brewing matched with a locally inspired early summer menu. Tickets are $50 (plus tax and tip) and reservations are required. Call 734-971-0484.

Wednesday, May 28

» At Carson’s American Bistro, 2000 Commonwealth Blvd., Bell’s is the featured brewery for a four-course dinner. Beers include: La Pianiste Biere de Garde, Oberon Ale, Amber Ale, and Java Stout. Tickets are $40 (plus tax and tip); call 734-622-0533. See the full menu here.

Notes on the Napkin

• Congratulations to Tony Arruda, winner of the 2014 Grizzly Peak Mug Club Brew-Off, held on May 12. His Belgian Blond Ale beat out 20 other entries, including the runner-up Russian Imperial Stout by Kim and Bob Barrett. Tony will be brewing a commercial batch of his beer next month with head brewer Duncan Williams, to be served in the pub, and Kim and Bob will get to take home a free sixth-barrel keg of the Grizzly beer of their choosing.