Patrons celebrate the success of Old Nation Brewing Co. in the Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge.
Old Nation Brewing Co. has emerged victorious in the inaugural Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge, beating out 63 other breweries. The champion, known for its hop-forward IPAs and seasonal fruit beers, celebrates this achievement alongside the upcoming National Beer Day on April 7. Fans eagerly anticipate the pre-release of the popular Tart Strawberry M-43 IPA, expected between April 30 and May 5. This recognition underscores the brewery’s commitment to quality and community engagement, propelling them into a prosperous future in the craft beer scene.
In the charming city of Williamston, Michigan, a local favorite has emerged as the new champion of the craft brewing scene! Old Nation Brewing Co. has just bagged the title in the very first Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge, competing against a staggering 63 other independent breweries from across the state. A big shoutout to the brewery that specializes in hop-forward IPAs and delightful seasonal fruit beers!
The competition kicked off in mid-March, opening the doors for readers to nominate their favorite craft breweries, followed by a thorough selection process by Detroit News staff. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride, filled with votes, cheers, and maybe a few debates over which beer reigns supreme. But in the end, it was Old Nation Brewing taking the crown, much to the delight of their fans.
It’s an exciting time for Old Nation Brewing Co. and its talented team, who have poured their hearts into creating not just great beer, but a fantastic community atmosphere. The owner and head brewer, along with his dedicated crew, couldn’t be more thrilled about this recognition. They see it as a huge milestone that speaks volumes about their hard work and passion for brewing.
As if winning the competition wasn’t enough good news, the brewery’s victory coincides perfectly with National Beer Day on April 7. And guess what? That’s also the pre-release date for one of their most beloved creations, the Tart Strawberry M-43 beer! For this year, beer lovers can look forward to this fruity IPA hitting the shelves a bit earlier than usual, expected to be available in stores between April 30 and May 5.
Consumers have fallen in love with the M-43, known for its hazy appearance and juicy flavors reminiscent of pineapple and orange, all while offering a less bitter experience than traditional IPAs. The brewery proudly uses Michigan-grown ingredients such as oats, barley, and hops, although they do have to source their strawberries out of state. It’s all part of their dedication to quality and regional prominence.
Old Nation Brewing Co. has quickly become a household name, distributing around 4,000 cases weekly, with an impressive projection of over 20,000 barrels of total production for the year. In their early days, the brewery had its fair share of ups and downs, struggling while they tried to find the right niche in the market. But their transition to the trendy New England IPA style was a game changer that has now fueled their success.
What sets Old Nation apart is the brewery’s close-knit relationship with the local community. Engaging with beer enthusiasts through social media and inviting them to participate in brewing sessions has led to a deliciously fruitful partnership. As they continued to perfect the M-43, the community rallied around them, helping the brewery to achieve a solid financial footing and eliminate existing debts.
This accolade is just the cherry on top for this remarkable brewery. With their brewpub located at 1500 Grand River in Williamston, Old Nation Brewing Co. remains open every day except Tuesday, welcoming all beer lovers to try their award-winning brews. As they continue to ride the wave of the New England-style IPA trend, it appears that the best is yet to come for this dedicated team of brewers.
So, if you’re in the area, make sure to swing by and raise a glass to Old Nation Brewing Co.—the champions of the Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge and purveyors of one of the most sought-after beers in the state!
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