Beer Around The NFL: Detroit Lions
Football season is upon us and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to beer shops.
And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout (it's OK, we're not judging), then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Detroit Lions.
WHAT TO DRINK
Bell's Hopslam: Six different kinds of hops make this Double India Pale Ale complex and aromatic. But it also has a honeyed maltiness to it and bright citrus notes. Available during the winter months. bellsbeer.com
Founders Brewing Co.'s Kentucky Breakfast Stout: The color of coffee with dark, bitter chocolate aromas and a sweet molasses edge. Aged in bourbon barrels, it has a serious kick – 11.2% alcohol by volume. foundersbrewing.com
Kuhnhenn Brewing Co.'s Fourth Dementia Olde Ale: Also aged in bourbon barrels, this old ale-style beer boasts intense toffee and vanilla aromas, with roasted and caramelized flavors. kbrewery.com
WHERE TO DRINK IN DETROIT
Grand Trunk Pub: Atmosphere is everything in this 19th-century vaulted-ceiling public house. It serves more than 170 craft beers, 100 of which are local to the state. Join the bar's beer tasting passport club and win prizes like free food and T-shirts. 612 Woodward Avenue, 313-961-3043, grandtrunkpub.com
Ye Olde Tap Room: The bar dates from 1912 and was a speakeasy during Prohibition. It reportedly has never stopped serving in all its history. It now boasts more than 150 different brews and hosts live music acts. 14915 Charlevoix Street, 313-824-1030
CK Diggs: A lot of bars can boast a ton of beer. But few places are equipped with 41 draft taps. Plus an old-school stone oven to bake the perfect beer food (pizza, duh). And to top it all off: big screen TVs to watch the game. 2010 West Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 248-853-6600
Ashley's: With a whopping 72 draft options, you can be sure to find something on tap to your liking. There's a strong focus on local beer, but also choice imports and beers from outside the Detroit area. 338 South State Street, Ann Arbor, 734-996-9191, ashleys.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
Beer Baron: Open since 1945, this beer store now specializes in local brews, but also sells imports and just about everything from fine wine to plain old Bud Light. One nice feature: they let you build your own custom six pack. 19610 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, 248-987-6563, beerbaronlivonia.com
Merchant's Fine Wine: The name might say wine, but the shop sells hundreds of beers, with a big focus on local breweries, as well as ciders and meads. Kegs are available for the big game and classes are offered to help you navigate the vast selection. 22250 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, 313-563-8700, merchantsfinewine.com