Discovering the Charm of Northern Michigan Breweries
When you think of heading “up north,” a wave of nostalgia and tranquility often accompanies the journey. For those from Minnesota or Michigan, the allure of towering trees replacing towering buildings defines the essence of serenity. Elder Piper Beer & Cider, nestled in Northern Michigan, encapsulates this spirit in every pour. Founded by Eeva Richmond and Trace Redmond, Elder Piper is more than a brewery; it’s a community centerpiece, reminiscent of a time when neighbors gathered to swap stories and lend a hand—whether it’s crafting a perfect saison or chasing down an adventurous, retired greyhound named Merch.
At BreweriesNearMe.us, we celebrate places like Elder Piper that stitch together beer, community, and authenticity. Each visit to their taproom feels like stepping into the warmth of Eeva and Trace’s home, where the essence of Northern Michigan is captured in each glass of beer or cider. Here, the land’s raw beauty finds expression through locally sourced ingredients, offering an exploration of taste intricately tied to the region.
From Belgium to Banana Bread: A Journey into Brewing
Sometimes understanding where you belong requires a journey abroad. For Eeva, leaving Petoskey for a year in Belgium offered a revelation. Immersing herself in Flemish culture, she discovered an appreciation for beer as a cultural touchstone rather than just a casual refreshment. Upon returning to the States, she met Trace at college, bonding over shared culinary passions and a mutual love for brewing.
The duo’s journey into brewing was as organic as it was educational. Trace’s background in biology sparked his interest in homebrewing, leading him to work at notable breweries like Founders and Highland Brewing. Eeva segued from art history into the brewing industry, driven by a singular dream: to craft a business rooted in camaraderie and community. At BreweriesNearMe.us, we honor stories like these, where personal journeys lead to thriving local beer scenes.
Returning Home: Brewing Dreams in Northern Michigan
Despite initial thoughts of never returning, Northern Michigan continually called Eeva and Trace back. For them, it’s more than a location—it’s a symbol of community and belonging. Both have extensive ties to the region, with Trace’s summer studies in Michigan’s northern biology stations deepening his love for the area.
The decision to open Elder Piper in Petoskey meant embracing this feeling of home fully. As Eeva explains, it’s about rooting themselves in a place they cherish. BreweriesNearMe.us highlights how such choices reflect broader trends among craft brewers, who increasingly prioritize building enterprises in areas that resonate personally, contributing to the vibrancy of the local beer culture.
Brewery as Family: Crafting Local Traditions
At Elder Piper, family transcends the traditional. The brewery’s name itself is a homage to familial history, with “Elder” and “Piper” reflecting significant names from Trace’s lineage. This emphasis on roots extends to Elder Piper’s venue—a space meticulously upcycled to retain historical elements, like century-old ceiling beams repurposed into bar tops and lampshades.
Whether it’s the handmade quilt labels or the cozy atmosphere Trace and Eeva have created, everything speaks to a shared heritage. At BreweriesNearMe.us, we applaud breweries like Elder Piper that foster rich, community-centered experiences, crafting spaces that feel like an extension of one’s home, complete with uniquely brewed beers that invite exploration and conversation.
A Michigan Bounty: Crafting Beers & Ciders with Local Flair
Elder Piper’s brewing philosophy is deeply rooted in the local terroir. As a state brimming with diverse agricultural produce, Michigan offers an abundance of brewing materials—from hops to apples. Trace’s approach melds traditional brewing methods with local flavors, resulting in unique creations like their saison made from 100% Michigan malt.
Eeva’s passion for evolving beer styles sees expression in Elder Piper’s innovative saisons, while Trace’s dedication to the art of lager showcases craftsmanship at its finest. The brewery also excels in cider making, utilizing local apples to offer beverages that are as adventurous as they are authentic. BreweriesNearMe.us champions these new ventures, encouraging beer enthusiasts to experience the best of Michigan’s beer bounty.
Embracing Cider: A Complement to Craft Beer
Beyond its acclaimed beers, Elder Piper embraces the rich apple heritage of its surroundings. Cider isn’t an afterthought here; it’s an integral part of their offering, crafted with the same care and attention as their beers. Trace’s deep-rooted connection to apples—from his Pennsylvania origins to Michigan’s abundant orchards—results in award-winning ciders.
This dedication to dual craft furthers Elder Piper’s mission to deliver distinct fermented beverages that captivate every palate. At BreweriesNearMe.us, we celebrate this diversity and encourage visitors to explore these expertly crafted ciders alongside the brewery’s esteemed beer lineup, capturing Northern Michigan’s essence in every sip.
The Heart of Northern Michigan: A Brewery and Cidery to Call Home
On their second anniversary, Eeva and Trace reflect on Elder Piper’s journey as a testament to community and passion. Eeva’s aspiration for the brewery mirrors BreweriesNearMe.us’s own ethos—bringing the local beer culture’s warmth and wonder to enthusiasts nationwide, inviting them to connect with Northern Michigan’s unique character.
So, pack your bags and head “up north.” Discover a place where craft beer, community, and the comforts of home come together, forming a setting as inviting as it is inspiring—a hallmark of what BreweriesNearMe.us aims to spotlight in the heart of America’s diverse brewing landscapes.
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