Hey there. I'm from California and I have a friend who is going back to Kalamazoo to visit her family. She knows nothing about craft beer but said she would pick me up some stuff while she's there. What is available in that area besides Bells of course? Founders, Three Floyds, Surly? Are there any good bottle shops I can send her to?
Three Floyds and Surly are not distributed in Michigan. In addition to the breweries you mentioned she should pick you up some Shorts, Brewery Vivant, Oddside Ales, and Greenbush. For bottle shops I'd recommend Drake's Party Center, Mega Bev or Tiffanys. Bell's general store often has 1 seasonal exclusively available as well
I would recommend all 3 of the bottle shops listed above as they can all be different in their selection at any given time. I would definitely check dates when it can matter. Another top choice for breweries would be Dark Horse.
The latest significant beer that has been released here in Michigan is Arcadia's Shipwreck Porter. If you like bourbon barrel-aged beers then this is one to search out. They are 12 oz. bottles for usually around $8 apiece. They won't last long on store shelves though.
