The Best Michigan-Made Beers for Porch Beer Season

While the warm weather may not be here in West Michigan consistently just yet, it's almost prime porch beer season. And what better way to enjoy porch beers with your friends than to knock back a few cold ones that are Michigan-made?

Michigan is full of amazing breweries that put out all kinds of beers, but which are the best ones for those perfect, sunny, porch beer days?

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Top Michigan-Made Summer Beers for Patio Enjoyment

No, Yeah! - Bell's Brewery - I know that many will say that Oberon is the superior summer beer (and I agree that it is good), but my personal favorite from Bell's to sip on the porch is No, Yeah! First of all, the name is the perfect nod to Michigan. But what really makes this beer perfect for porch drinking is that it's light and refreshing (and only 4.5% ABV.)

(Honorable mention, of course, goes to Oberon - as my friend Dave put it, "Wouldn’t be a porch drinking session without an Oberon." But, also, to one of my favorites that I can't seem to find anymore - Pooltime.)

Soft Parade - Short's Brewing Company - When the picture on the can is a person lying on a lawn chair, you know it's a great brew for porch beers. Soft Parade combines fruit flavors like blueberries and strawberries (and a couple of others) to make it super easy to drink, even for people who aren't usually huge beer fans.

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A word of caution, though, this one goes down easily but is also 7.5% ABV, so try to sip slowly. (And if you're into hoppier beers, Huma Lupa Licious is a great option.)

Solid Gold - Founder's Brewing Co. - I can't leave Founder's off of a list of great Michigan-made beers. While many will tell you that All Day IPA and Mortal Bloom are great for a hot summer day, I have another suggestion. No offense to IPA-lovers, but they just really aren't my thing, so my porch beer of choice from Founder's is Solid Gold.

At just 4.4% ABV and with just the right amount of lemon flavor, Sold Gold is a great beer to enjoy on the porch.

The Stretch - Mitten Brewing Co. - I don't know what it is about The Stretch that I love so much, but nothing makes me happier than enjoying one or two while sitting in The Outfield (the outdoor seating at The Mitten.)

It's an easy drink, and at only 4.5% ABV, it won't knock you out for the rest of the day.

Full Circle - New Holland Brewing - IPA lovers rave about Tangerine Space Machine, but as someone who doesn't love the hoppiness of an IPA, my favorite New Holland brew for porch beers is Full Circle.

Solshine - Greyline Brewing - At 6.1% ABV, Solshine packs a punch, but it's a great American wheat beer. Pop into Greyline and pick up a growler or cans to go.

Soo Wheeat! - Soo Brewing Company - This beer is perfect for a warm summer day in Michigan. If you ever find yourself in Sault Ste. Marie, make your way to Soo Brewing and grab a growler or two of Soo Wheeat!

The brewery notes, "If you're looking for a wine cooler, this raspberry beer is NOT it." It's a great mix of raspberry and wheat, and at only 5.1% ABV, it's an easy drink.

Beach, Please - Pigeon Hill Brewing Company - I'm going to contradict myself a bit with this one because I'm generally not a hoppy beer person, but I make an exception for Beach, Please. Mainly because of the name, which is top tier, but also because this beer is crisp and clean and has just a hint of hoppiness.

At 5% ABV, this is a great one to have a couple of while sitting out on the porch.

Great Summer Beers From Mid-Michigan and the Eastern Lower Peninsula

You'll probably notice that there aren't any beers/breweries from Mid-Michigan and the east side of the lower peninsula in this list. It's not because I don't think that they have great summer beers to offer, I've just never personally had them.

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If you're a Michigander in one of those areas (or just have one from breweries in those areas that you love to sip in the summer), shoot me an email and I'll consider adding them to the list!