With businesses like Bell’s Beer and Founders Brewing, Michigan has positioned itself as one of the top craft brewing states in the nation. Last week, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) launched a new website that hopes to provide support and resources to the growing industry. Luke Lyons from Earl Smith Distributing, a local company to St. Clair County said, “The new MCBC website will connect industry resources into one single point of contact which will better serve Earl Smith’s beer, wine, cider, and spirits producers and consumers.”
The website is divided into four sections: research, grow, craft, and drink. The research section has a searchable database that new makers can use to learn more about topics ranging from invasive pests that could pose a risk to hops and new grape varieties to hops production just to name a few. The “grow” part of the site shares grower news, resources, and conferences. In the craft area, business support is the focus. It helps to connect crafters with licensing requirements and organizational partners. Crafters are really the people behind the product. Last are some wine and beer trail maps that can be located by clicking on the drink button, as well as transportation and events statewide. Locally, St. Clair County is home to hops farms like Hoppily Ever After at the southern end of the county and Harsens Island Brewery in Marysville just to name a few.
Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv
