Grand Rapids Named Best Beer City in the U.S. Again

News Summary

Grand Rapids has been awarded the title of Best Beer City in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights the city’s vibrant brewing community, which boasts over 40 craft breweries. Students at Grand Rapids Community College have contributed to this theme by creating a mango sour beer called ‘School’s Out’ in collaboration with Big Lake Brewing. The city’s thriving beer scene significantly boosts local tourism and serves as a training ground for future brewing professionals.

Grand Rapids has made headlines once again as the city has been awarded the title of Best Beer City in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Renowned for its vibrant brewing community, Grand Rapids is home to over 40 craft breweries, which have significantly contributed to its status and identity. This recognition coincides with a new venture from students at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), where students have created a mango sour beer named ‘School’s Out’ in collaboration with Big Lake Brewing in Holland.

The ‘School’s Out’ beer, which is currently available for sale in both cans and on tap, is a testament to the practical skill development that GRCC offers through its craft brewing program. Established in 2016, the program includes hands-on instruction in brewing microbiology, sensory analysis, and industry certifications. Students also operate the on-site Fountain Hill Brewery, further enriching their experiential learning.

Beyond brewing techniques, the curriculum includes courses in brewery management, offering insights into the operational aspects of managing tap rooms, understanding the legalities surrounding brewing, and navigating the process of beer licensing. This comprehensive education not only prepares students for careers in brewing but also emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the industry through collaborations, such as the one with Big Lake Brewing.

Grand Rapids’ brewing scene has become a substantial part of regional tourism, highlighted by the official “Beer City Ale Trail”, which lists over 80 breweries in the area. This extensive range of offerings showcases the diversity and creativity within the craft beer industry and solidifies Grand Rapids’ reputation in the brewing landscape. The city benefits from the economic prosperity and cultural experiences tied to its craft breweries.

This year, Grand Rapids’ City Built Brewing Company received additional recognition in the realm of craft alcohol production. The company’s ‘Homeslice’ beer was honored for having one of the best beer labels in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The ‘Homeslice’, a West Coast Pilsner brewed in collaboration with homebrewer Nick Rodammer, features a distinctive label design showcasing a colorful rabbit wielding swords against a striking black background.

USA Today’s poll aims to celebrate the best in travel and lifestyle, leveraging both expert recommendations and public voting to curate a comprehensive list of commendable achievements. As Grand Rapids continues to earn accolades in the beer realm, it emphasizes the city’s growing influence in crafting exceptional brews that resonate with both residents and visitors alike.

With the intersection of educational initiatives at GRCC and the thriving brewing industry in Grand Rapids, the city continues to enhance its status as a beer-centered destination and a training ground for the next generation of brewing professionals.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Celebrating 175 Years of Grand Rapids History
Discover Grand Rapids’ Culinary Scene with Strolling Dinner Tours
Old Nation Brewing Co. Crowned Michigan Craft Beer Champion
Grand Rapids Music Scene Thrives with Stellar Performances
Grand Rapids Readies for St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Grand Rapids Continues Its Reign as Best Beer City in the U.S.
City Built Brewing Company Wins Award for Beer Label Artistry

Additional Resources

• WZZM 13
• Wikipedia: Craft brewing
• Free Press
• Google Search: Grand Rapids best beer city
• American Craft Beer
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Beer
• MLive
• Google News: Grand Rapids craft breweries