July named Michigan Beer Month with proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The Michigan Brewers Guild has announced that July has once again been named Michigan Beer Month, with a formal proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“Governor Whitmer has been a longtime supporter of Michigan breweries, helping create a culture which celebrates uniqueness and adding to the fabric of society,” notes Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. “She recognizes and actively praises the impact that locally brewed beer has on the state, from the more than $1.8 billion going back into the state’s economy, to the number of jobs – both direct and indirect – tied to our industry.”

As Senator of Michigan’s 23rd district, Whitmer supported the 2014 bill allowing small microbreweries to self-distribute their beer and in 2020, as Governor, signed legislation that more than doubled the limit for self-distributing microbreweries to 2,000 barrels. In 2023, she sat down and drank beer on air with Daily Show host and Kalamazoo native, Jordan Klepper. Earlier this year, she brewed her own Governor’s Whitbier at Bell’s Brewery — incorporating Michigan hops and peaches. This distinct beer was then served exclusively at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism which was held in Kalamazoo in April.

“There is no denying that beer brings people and business together like few other products can—blending elements of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism into a vital economic driver for our communities, large and small,” Whitmer wrote in the 2021 issue of Michigan. The Great Beer State, MBG’s annual publication. “It is an industry thriving with artistic and diverse individuals with a passion for crafting a plethora of beers with bold character, flavors and even names, continuing to push the boundaries to be the best at what they do.”

The highlight of Michigan Beer Month is the 25th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival (Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27) at Riverside Park in downtown Ypsilanti’s Depot Town. During this 2-day event, visitors can sample hundreds of beers from many of Michigan’s finest breweries, while also enjoying local food and music. 

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries. Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State” ranking #8 nationally for the number of breweries. 

The Michigan Brewers Guild is a network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan beer industry. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to realize continued share growth and assure a healthy small business environment for breweries.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than $1.8 billion in total economic impact. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #8 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”