Ford, Chrysler, and Kellogg’s are all recognizable names in their respective industries and are all Michigan born. While the Great Lakes state has been known for driving the country, there is one underrated industry that doesn’t get as much respect outside of the region: craft beer and the microbrewery industry.

Breweries like Dragonmead, Kuhnhenn’s, Rochester Mills and Bastone are looking to make their mark on a growing culinary arts community in metro Detroit.

Three retired automotive workers, Earl Scherbarth, Larry Channell and Bill Wrobel, who had a passion for creating an authentic product, opened Dragonmead in Warren in 1997.

“The owners goal was to have all the different types of styles of beers and wines recognized,” said Sherry Hopkins, the bartender at Dragonmead for six years,”so they chose a selection from all over the world to represent the regions.”

To maintain some of the German and European influence, the Dragonmead pub has glass windows that are similar to those in European castles, along with tile mosaics behind the tap and elaborate, handmade tap handles that feature dragons and Excalibur.

While Dragonmead was established as one of the premier microbreweries through their distribution across the state, creating another microbrewery in the same city was quite a challenge.

Two brothers, Eric and Bret Kuhnhenn, started Kuhnhenn Brewery Co. in Warren in the same building that was the home of the hardware store their dad opened 35 years ago.

When Lutz Hardware in Warren was forced to close because it couldn’t compete with that new Lowes in the area, Eric and Bret decided to take their passion for home brewing and evolve it to something more. But like any new business, starting up can be an expensive venture, and parts and supplies can bring up a large cost.

“We started scavenging stuff all across the country and by using eBay,” said owner Eric Kuhnhenn. “We bought up whatever we could get used.”

Like paints on a canvas, the Kuhnhenn brothers use various ingredients to create a recognizable flavor.

“I liked the flavored coffees that were out,” said Kuhnhenn, “so I caramelized brown sugar and added vanilla beans and created the Crème Brulee Java Stout.”

If these breweries are the artists, then businesses like Paint Creek Tavern in downtown Rochester are the gallery. They serve over 18 Michigan-brewed beers, including popular brews like Erik the Red of Dragonmead and Loonie Kuhnie of Kuhnhenn.

Paint Creek Tavern opened in 1934, but did not start serving Michigan brews as their major selling point until new ownership took over the business six years ago.

“A lot of the Michigan breweries have fallen to corporate buyouts due to the economy,” said Cody Jacobson, bartender at Paint Creek Tavern. “It keeps the buyers local by making them feel like they are at home here.”

While Michigan might be famous for the passion and pride of the automotive industry, the various microbreweries share a lot of that same drive for creation that put the best cars on the road but instead, they are pouring very best in your glass.

Rochester Mills Beer Company

Beers on Tap: 10+

Average Price of a Pint:  $4.25

Spotlight Beers: Lazy Daze, Water Street Wheat, Brickshot ESB

Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill building, located on Water Street between 3^rd and 4^th street in Downtown Rochester, provides for a great environment for a night out. From original hardwood floors, a stage featuring live entertainment, along with pool tables, and extensive lunch and dinner menus, Rochester Mills has something to satisfy any attendee.

Paint Creek Tavern

Beers on Tap: 40+ (18 Michigan Beers)

Average Price of a Pint: $4.50

Spotlight Beers: Dragomead’s Erik the Red, Bells Best Brown, Anchor Steam, Tommy Knocker

Opened in 1934, Paint Creek has always been on Main Street. When new ownership took over 6 years ago, they became a primary source for a showcase of Michigan craft beers.  With a large number of beers on tap, along with a menu that includes burgers, specialty pizzas among others things, Paint Creek Tavern may be a good spot to serve as an introduction to the microbrewery industry.

Kuhnhenn’s Brewing Co.

Beers on Tap: 22-24

Average Price of a Pint: $5.50

Spotlight Beers: Loonie Kuhnie, Simcoe and  Crème Brulee Java Stout

One appealing thing that will attract the beer connoisseur is the diversity of the beer menu.  Opened by brothers Eric and Bret Kuhnhenn, these two brothers have different style. While Bret has more of a traditional brewing style with Belgian, American, and various European influnces, Eric has more of an experimental style with Tangerine Wit, Wild Blueberry Pancake Ale, and Crème Brulee Java Stout. The menu also includes an extensive wine and meade menu, but small food menu including personal pizzas and soft pretzels.

Dragonmead

Beers on Tap: 45-48

Average Price of Pint: $5.83

Spotlight Beers: Final Absolution, Under the Kilt, Erik The Red

If you’ve been to a bar that has beers from across the metro Detroit, chances are you’ve seen one of their hand-made taps there. But the Dragonmead pub is the only oneof its type in the world that has 35-40 beers on tap ranging from German, English, American, Scottish and American styles. Dragonmead offers pub-style food like hamburgers, chicken bites, french fries, onion rings and poppers are available.  Unlike the other breweries, Dragonmead allows you to order or bring your own food in.

Bastone Brewery

Beers on Tap: 8 (6 Regulars & 2 Seasonals)

Average Price of a Pint: $5.00

Spotlight Beers: Nectar Des Dieux Triple, Dubbel Vision, Monumental Blonde

Bastone opened its doors in downtown Royal Oak 2004. in a 1930’s era style building, which the exterior has been restored to its original look with the help of the State of Michigan Historical Society.  To follow the Belgian name, the microbrewery has a menu that also features Belgian-Style favorites along with thin-crust pizzas, seafood, salads and more. Within the same building Bastone shares space with wine bar Vinotecca and the Cuban-style Café Habana.