Motor City Brewing Works - Michigan Craft Beer Part I

The city of Detroit (close to where the Booze Whisperer and I originally hail from) filed for bankruptcy in federal court this week. Detroit has been the subject of much attention in the past several years. From Time Magazine's year long study of the city, its history and current state to documentaries galore ("Detropia", "Detroit in Overdrive", "Beyond the Motor City") to books from residents and visitors alike ("Detroit City is the Place to Be," "Detroit: a Biography.")

In honor of a city whose struggles continue, but whose spirit is far from dead, I wanted to start this series with a Detroit brewery that starting brewing before brewing was cool (at least in Michigan). Motor City Brewing Works began brewing near Wayne State University in 1994. I first encountered MCBW brews around 1996 at the Traffic Jam and Snug, a great little pub just across the parking lot from MCBW that was the first brewpub in the state of Michigan.

Motor City's brews span several 'series'.  The Flagships include the Bohemian Lager, Ghettoblaster, Nut Brown Ale, Motor City Pale Ale, Honey Porter and India Pale Ale. Other series include Seasonals, the Heritage Series (available exclusively at Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum) and the Muscle Series. MCBW also makes hard cider, wine and even its own line of sodas. The brewery now boasts its own tap room - very industrial in feel with a host of quirky and interesting pizzas.

I haven't had the opportunity to try the full beer lineup, but the Motor City Pale Ale and the Honey Porter are both delicious.  The Bohemian Lager is also uniquely tasty, MCBW claims that the clean taste comes from "pure Detroit water." Have to admit, that may be the first time I've seen those three words put together quite that way ;-)

I tried the Ghettoblaster for the first time at Slow's Barbeque this summer and fell in love. It's malty and smooth with low hoppiness, but not heavy so it's great for summer drinking. I suspect this one would serve as a good intro beer for someone just getting into craft beer. Definitely worth checking out.

For now, MCB is only available in Michigan so I'll have to content myself with picking up some on my frequent trips to Detroit. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the 313!

Cheers! from the Bar Fly