Pure Michigan, Founders Brewing craft beer contest ends Friday

With summer fast approaching, Pure Michigan and Founders Brewing Co. have teamed up to give craft beer enthusiasts a chance to choose their own adventure. The contest? Pick a Founders beer style that best represents Pure Michigan. The beer chosen by fans will be featured in the Founders tap room in downtown Grand Rapids throughout July as part of Michigan Craft Beer Month.

Running through May 3, fans can vote between the following three beer styles — Vanilla Stout, Apple Ale and Wheat IPA — to choose the one they want to try in the Founders taproom. To vote, visit michigan.org/blog. Individuals can vote once a day for the duration of the contest and the winning beer will be announced in May. Participants must be 21 years of age to vote.

“Michigan has a thriving craft beer industry that is building on our tourism efforts by offering visitors unique flavors and memorable experiences,” said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “Founders is a vibrant and growing company here in Michigan and we are excited to work with them on this fun, beer-inspired contest. And we encourage fans to stop in at the Founders taproom this summer for a taste of Pure Michigan craft beer.”

Home to more than 100 breweries, Michigan is fifth in the nation for the number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. Grand Rapids, home of Founders, shared the designation of Beer City USA with four-time winner Asheville, N.C., in 2012. Michigan’s craft beer industry grew by 20 percent in 2012, outpacing the national industry growth rate by 12 percent, and has a total economic impact of more than $133 million in the state. Michigan’s craft brewers are also part of a close knit community, promoting all that the Great Beer State has to offer.

“On a given weekend in our taproom, our staff will check the IDs of people from Grand Rapids to Detroit to Chicago to Louisville and beyond,” said Dave Engbers, co-founder and vice president of brand and education at Founders Brewing. “Having so many great beer destinations in Grand Rapids and across the Great Beer State brings new people into town and keeps others coming back.”

For rules and regulations or for more information on voting, please visit michigan.org/blog.