Grand Rapids is an awesome city with great beer. Beer City USA Grand Rapids 2013
hyzershot - 11 years ago
GOtta be Denver! GABF for proof!!!
how can i view current poll status?
CMS008 - 11 years ago
@John - Dude, I have spent a lot of time in NC, and there are places there that make Gary, IN look nice. You've abviously have never been to Michigan... I live in Utah now and would LOVE to move back - the beaches, the fly fishing, the wine tours, the breweries, the nightlife, and the people. Way to bring sheepish misconceptions into a beer poll. Douche.
Tamela H. - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids is Beer City!! Where else can you park your car and walk to some of the finest Beer making facilities?
Justin - 11 years ago
Gotta love GR. Brewery Vivant has some exceptional Belgian style beers. and founders will always be founders but I would love a trip to asheville to drink some beers with good people.
JT - 11 years ago
I do mean SCENE, btw.
JT - 11 years ago
No love for Tampa Bay!? You guys need to get down here, the beer seen is exploding. All really great breweries too. Cigar City leading the way, then you got 7eventh Sun and Dunedin Brewery, then about 10 others recently opened or opening up. Come visit and see for yourself!
Sara - 11 years ago
What's a Michigan summer without Bell's Oberon?
Jeff - 11 years ago
I love Grand Rapids and I love Grand Rapids beers (Founders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Haters gon' hate. This is essentially an internet popularity contest between GR and Asheville, so chill everyone. Dump all your angry comments onto Chive or Reddit.
BeerGeek - 11 years ago
I spent the day in downtown Asheville sampling the beer. While I couldn't hit every brewpub, I did hit four: French Broad, Asheville Pizza and Beer, The Wedge and Green Man. I liked the Barleywine at French Broad, and the wit at The Wedge. My favorite of the day was the NIB Black at Green Man. But, being from Grand Rapids, just visiting the South, I miss my Peanut Butter Stout from the BOB, Menage a Trois from Brewery Vivant, Rosalyn Bliss Blonde from Grand Rapids Brewing Co, Raspberry Blonde from Perrin, Etc. Etc. I gotta stay local with my GR Boys. And I would be remiss not to mention Founders KBS (when I can find it) and Dirty Bastard, and of course, Brewery Vivant's Big Red Coq. I love it when my Big Red Coq is out!
When the dust settles, may the best beer community win, and let's all Relax, Don't Worry and Have a Homebrew!
Johnny T - 11 years ago
@john Your rude comments are not necessary at all. You have obviously never been to Michigan, and you are basing your opinion on what you hear in the news about Detroit.
Jim - 11 years ago
AVL!! People in Asheville are referencing Sierra Nevada, New Belgium and Oscar Blues(Brevard N.C.) because thes companies have moved here for the culture of brewing that exist here. Most people I know have a small basement brewing operation. We would be happy to share the title with Grand Rapids.
Karyn - 11 years ago
@ JohnnyT --very well said!
@ MIBeerDude--agreed!
GR for the win :D
Anne Cusack - 11 years ago
Go Grand Rapids!
Asheville Coolville - 11 years ago
Given my name you should read my comment with a grain of salt. With that said, I've seen some comments that the fact Sierra Nevada and New Belgium are coming to Asheville isn't a plus for us. Well, yes they are just opening new production facilities but they could have done that anywhere! Asheville has a the water for a great brewery, a local technical college willing to train brewers and a population that loves beer! What more could you ask from Beer City. Also, for those of you saying you've never had or liked our beer, most of our breweries are micro and not really even regional, so be sure you've had one of our beers before you knock us too hard.
Michelle Brigman - 11 years ago
BELLS BEER KALAMAZOO!!! Whoooop! Along with other greats!!
Jeff - 11 years ago
It'd be really cool if everyone commenting from Grand Rapids could show some respect in their comments. After all, after we win this, we're going to want people to come visit and experience the great beers here (and the great people here). So put your dicks away gents, you're embarrassing us all.
Ellen - 11 years ago
woohoo go GR :)
John - 11 years ago
To all the MI folks...relax. This is an extremely unscientific poll. Vote and have fun. But I do get it...if I had to live in michigan i would look for anything positive about being there and would hold onto it with all my might. PS. Let's go Asheville, the real Beer City USA!
Patrick - 11 years ago
It's interesting that the Asheville crowd is referencing New Belgium and Sierra Nevada as reasons they should win. Those are simply not Asheville brands. That would be like saying Grand Rapids can claim Bell's over Kzoo because Bell's is opening a brew pub in the GR airport. NBB and SN simply opened East Coast production facilities to satisfy demand on that half of the US. I've seen nothing from either of them that would indicate they were drawn to Asheville because of the beer culture. Or maybe they saw deficiencies they could exploit :)
On another note, I simply haven't enjoyed the dozen or so Asheville beers I've had. And it's not for a lack of trying. I've had different styles and brands, but nothing has really clicked with me.
MIBeerDude - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids - 13+ Breweries, 3 exceptional beer bars (Including 3rd best in the world), The best beer store in the United States (Siciliano's Market)
Kalamazoo - 2 Breweries, 2 exceptional beer bars
STOP THROWING YOUR VOTES AWAY. GRAND RAPIDS AND ASHEVILLE TIED LAST YEAR.
The whole STATE has benefited from GR's title, so HELP US RETAIN IT rather than fighting against the current for the sake of your TWO breweries. If people don't stop being so stubborn, we're going to lose the title as a state and NO ONE WILL BENEFIT.
This is called common sense.
And on a personal note, BELL'S does NOT count as 10 breweries. It counts as one.
Deb Holtz - 11 years ago
GR
Yantz - 11 years ago
Go Kazoo
Ruth - 11 years ago
The organizers of this competition should be more clear on how this works. I hear from one business owner that you can vote from every computer/smart phone you have. From another you can only vote once. When I try to vote from my smart phone 1st thing in the morning it says that I have already voted, but from my computer I can vote. Better communication needs to be in place.
rick kanipe - 11 years ago
GR great city with great beer. Make it 2 in a row.
pader - 11 years ago
To the person who stated Comstock is a part of G.R., that is not correct, Comstock Park is. Comstock is due East and borders Kalamazoo.
dale II - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids MI is Beer City, USA!
Cristin - 11 years ago
Rapids!! Stupid phone!!!!
Cork - 11 years ago
To many brewries and alcoholics in Grand Rapids for it not to be beer city, even though I wouldn't want my city known for that!!
Cristin - 11 years ago
Grand Rapists the best breweries hands down
Marc Drinksalot - 11 years ago
Jax clearly deserves this honor. Seven craft breweries. All of them excellent. Bite me, Tampa.
Deb V - 11 years ago
Kalamazoo
Johnny T - 11 years ago
@fromthemitten I apologize, you are absolutely right that I was thinking of Comstock Park. However, I still feel that Grand Rapids is more deserving of the title. Bell's is, however, opening a bar at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. I realize this is a moot point though because Bell's is still Kalamazoo's thing. Let me just present the case I have for Grand Rapids. According to ratebeer.com Founder's has a slight edge over Bell's (number one and two respectively in the world). They also listed HopCat as the best brewpub and Siciliano's as best beer grocer. Grand Rapids has 17 local breweries and 4 more in the works. It's easy to see why the culture there is worth the vote alone. When they tied for the title last year with Asheville the local brewers worked together to make a few collaborative beers in celebration, and they work together to form a pubcrawl using the HopCat bus. Not to mention, nearly every time I have gone to a brewery I end up talking to people I just met about the different beers made throughout the city. What's more is it is a very kid friendly place to be as it was ranked the number one place to raise a family in the country. Grand Rapids also has one of the best culinary scenes I have ever experienced! What's better with good beer than good food? All of the great breweries I have been to also have some of the best food in the city. With its state-of-the-art, renowned culinary school I would guess that incredible beer and food alike will be staples of Grand Rapids for years to come! Kalamazoo is a great city with an awesome craft beer scene. I just feel that it falls short of Grand Rapids'. If you enjoy craft beer, inventive cuisine, art, music, and a friendly, cultured downtown area Grand Rapids is a place you really have to experience. Oh, and we decriminalized pot. ;)
Gladys Stevenson - 11 years ago
Go Grand Rapids!
Gladys Stevenson - 11 years ago
Go Grand Rapids!
fromthemitten - 11 years ago
@JohnnyT you're getting Comstock Township confused with Comstock Park. While Comstock Park is right outside of Grand Rapids, Bells is made in Comstock Township which is part of Kalamazoo.
John Van Til - 11 years ago
It's not about most alcoholics or who sells the most. It's about service, competition, and having more choices then anyone else. In my opinion with all the micro brews and regular beers you can get in Grand Rapids that makes Grand Rapids #1.
Mister Riddlebox - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids has the most alcohol & the most alcoholics! A vote for GR is a vote for me!
Bryan R - 11 years ago
The Michigan beer scene is over rated. Ok you have Bell's... But most the beer coming out of the northern mid west is over rated. Come to Asheville and get spoiled on good beer then go back to MI and tell me I'm wrong.
There's 20 beer's I'd drink before I'd grab a Bell's and 5 of them are from Asheville...
Michigan is Moet and Asheville is Dom Perignon!
Johnny T - 11 years ago
Bell's now makes more than half of their beer in Comstock according to wikipedia. For those of you who may not know, Comstock is part of Grand Rapids. I just thought I should throw that out there seeing as Bell's seems to be the only argument for Kzoo.
Michelle Ploughman - 11 years ago
Go Grand Rapids!! Make it two years in a row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tracy Holt - 11 years ago
Go Grand Rapids we are proud of this City. Its the greatest city ever!
Kalamazoo gets pretty sloppy on a regular basis...but i think just all the different kinds of beer u can find around town make it very exceptional.
Sabrina S - 11 years ago
For those of you saying that Grand Rapids won last year...it was a tie. Grand Rapids and Asheville, NC shared the 2012 title. Hate to burst your bubble. I'm from Asheville and I respect both, but I think there should have been some kind of tie breaker. Btw...I'm definitely looking forward to our new Begium Brewery "community" that will be developed soon. It's going to be amazing! :)
Brew Pub Nate - 11 years ago
When Grand Rapids won last year, I can tell you one thing - ALL of West Michigan was happy for us. I can tell you another thing. Those of us who live and and around Grand Rapids *gladly* shared the glory with Holland, Kalamazoo, Marshall, Saugatuck, and Battle Creek.
Why? Because we're all from Michigan, and West Michigan is a Great Beer REGION. It's not just Kalamazoo vs. Grand Rapids. It's all of West Michigan. We're doing this to get noticed by national magazines. Guess what? Every magazine article that mentioned Founder's in Grand Rapids also mentioned Bell's in Kalamazoo.
Squirrel Stevens - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids is a great neighbor to the South. Good beers and great bars..The problem is they bash everyone else. This isn't a competition for bashing. It's about the beer and the people in the city that still live there. If you do not live there and drink their beer on a regular basis like us in Kalamazoo..then stop typing you comments.....I am on the streets of KZOO making sure everyone votes for their favorite..I was just in GR and nobody would even talk to me about voting....Think about it...........Is GR worth voting for...I would say NO.
Squirrel Stevens - 11 years ago
No offense, New belgium brewery creamed their pants when they came to Kalamazoo.. I was there at their opening...BiG advertising....They haven't done much here since then...Odell's brewery in Fort Collins..They came to Larry BELL to look for advice and training, It's an easy pick my friends..For Kalamazoo to be put up against these cities is a joke, but her we are and Our beer speaks for themselves..
Honest Habe - 11 years ago
http://missoulabeerweek.com/ Craft beer week was last week in Missoula. We voted with our mugs. Maybe if we teamed up with Asheville, we could find enough votes to compete with cities.
Squirrel Stevens - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids is a great brewery city..That only goes so far. It's about the people who drink the beer. In Kalamazoo, we are a city that drinks and talk about the craft of brew seven days a week.. I go to Grand Rapids on a Sunday and it seems like they take a good long breather before Monday...No offense but, the beer is only as good as its people, and here in Kalamazoo...........We dont need a Sunday to make our Monday look better...haha. Love you guys in GR..It's all for fun..Glad to have you apart of the team..
Squirrel Stevens - 11 years ago
It's nice to know that most of your ego's are getting in the way of what this is all about. It's to voice your opinion and that it.. Where you are from Is great and everything, but it holds no value. This is a vote to show respect about the craft of beer. No city has an advantage on the other. Vote for your favorite city and move on...Stop the bashing and respect each others choice...>easy GR??? Great place to visit for a beer but down here in Kalamazoo..we drink 7 days a week, so please try and open on Sunday, its still a day of the week.
Grand Rapids IS Beer City, USA hands down. All others need to submit their city for Pansy City, USA.
Kevin Allen - 11 years ago
No matter who wins, we all have a bunch of great beer to enjoy! Cheers!
Carleigh - 11 years ago
Vote Kalamazoo because well... BELLS BREWERY!!!
deanrobt - 11 years ago
Oldest brewery in the United States is Yuengling in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Second oldest is August Schell Brewery building in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Check your facts before showing your ignorance.
Shelby Gray - 11 years ago
GR is making its mark!
Savannah Helder - 11 years ago
Go GR!!
Mike - 11 years ago
ASHEVILLE NC ALL THE WAY!!!!!
Loc Mofo Dogg - 11 years ago
No one ever says, "lets plan a brewery hop and go to Kalamazoo!" It is silly it is even in the running! Silly times, you are wasting Michigan's only real chance at winning (Grand Rapids) Damn diggity doggs!
Tom - 11 years ago
Personally would vote for Marshall, MI home of the Dark Horse Brewery, but since its not on the list will go with GR. With Founders, Hopcat, GR Brewing CO, Brewery Vivant, Harmony, and Schmohz. Plus a few others that I haven't made it to yet its hard to top the variety. Next year Kzoo may give it a good run though. With the new Arcadia Brewery Company location joining Bells, Olde Peninsula, and and a bunch of new projects in the works Kzoo will be in serious contention in future. Plus is you count Marshall (Dark Horse), Paw Paw (Paw Paw Brewing Company), and Sawyer (Greenbush) as part of the greater Kzoo area then we are starting to talk Beermetropolis. Regardless, West Michigan has become a beer destination for the Midwest.
John - 11 years ago
Let's go Richmond!
We have an exploding beer scene. Legend had gone to the finals of the Washington Post beer competition, we have like, over 10 new craft breweries this year, and so many places to get different ales, that this place jsut blows away.
RVABeer
Loc Mofo Dogg - 11 years ago
One notable brewery does not Beer City make, kalamazoo. Plus, you're already Cereal City USA, right? No? that is Battle Creek? Whatevs... Grand Rapids is truly becoming a beer mecca!
David west - 11 years ago
Kalamazoo, inspired brewing is the only way to go.
mafo - 11 years ago
Being from Ft. Collins I feel very fortunate. From old stalwarts like Odell and New Belgium to new brews from Funkworks, Grimm Bros, etc, not to mention Boulder and Denver, there never is a shortage of great brews. Too many to count, really. I've sampled the beer from Asheville, Grand Rapids, etc. - it's all good. What are you trying to prove? I mean, if you need a poll to tell you that your beer is best... well... something else must be lacking. Again, it's all good.
MIKE OLSZEWSKI - 11 years ago
State of Michigan has the Best selection of great beer and Grand Rapids in particular is the Best!
Aldon - 11 years ago
Most of my beer loving friends make trips to Grand Rapids for quality and quanity.
brewbabe - 11 years ago
I love Ashville, it is a great place to visit.... Grand Rapids has a TON of new breweries... BUT Kalamazoo has the oldest family owned brewery east of Colorado.... the second oldest privately owned brewery in the U.S. (second to Sierra Nevada) Not to mention... It has a big number of new breweries in the works.....Kalamazoo has many in house breweries that are doing fantastic jobs. Most people can name a few BIG craft breweries in the U.S. but sooooo many more know of Bell's Brewery and their fine craftsmanship!
Matthew - 11 years ago
Kalamazoo is a city that really loves great beer.
karl palma - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids
Krista - 11 years ago
Um, I think Asheville having the most breweries per capita actually DOES mean much, actually. It's quite impressive for such a small town in comparison to other major cities on this list. If it is catching the eyes of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada within the past year, I would say we are doing something correctly. However, I know more people who are Angry about them moving here than they are excited. Mainly because this city is all about keeping it Local, as much as possible. That's what makes this place so special. If GR wins this this year, then good for GR, man! Respect! Good luck, much love to you all :)
Matt Swartz - 11 years ago
GR is without a doubt BEER CITY USA!!!!!!
Mike - 11 years ago
Great town, great beer, and great people.
kim crowner - 11 years ago
Gr all the way!!!!
kim crowner - 11 years ago
Gr all the way!!!!
kim crowner - 11 years ago
Gr all the way!!!!
Josh - 11 years ago
Let's go Kalamazoo too mant comments for GR and Asheville.
Ahnee - 11 years ago
Kalamazoo! People throw release parties when Bell's brewery comes out with Oberon.
mike - 11 years ago
G. R. FOUNDERS ! best beer ! best bars ! best bartenders !
Scott Anderson - 11 years ago
Ben Fede, living in Grand Rapids for most of my 20's, I have done Founder, Bells, and most other breweries. But now I live in Boulder Colorado, and have been amazed. I would like to see GR keep growing, but they still have a ways to go.
Peg - 11 years ago
Gr is the place to have fresh brewed cold one
Cora - 11 years ago
I think the fact that people from Kalamazoo come to Grand Rapids for our winter beer fest says it all........
Robert z - 11 years ago
!
rob Townsend - 11 years ago
Kalamabrewski....!!
Brandon S. - 11 years ago
Bell's Eccentric Cafe is currently serving 18 different reasons to vote Kalamazoo.
Scott - 11 years ago
Gr
David - 11 years ago
Asheville N.C. wins for sure. Such a quaint small city with a whole lot of personality... and such amazing local beers.
Jane A - 11 years ago
ASHEVILLE !!!!!
Tonya Lee - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids is my choice!! BEER CITY GR, MI :)
Martha - 11 years ago
Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI - Oberon is my personal favorite!
Lane - 11 years ago
Hey Ashville...I dont even see your state on here http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/04/21/10-best-craft-brew-states-in-america/2098517/ GRAND RAPIDS ALL THE WAY!!!!!
Ben Fede - 11 years ago
Grand Rapids. hands down. I've been to Colorado, I've been to Asheville. Both have great breweries and beers. Not a single brewery lined up against Founders every day line up, and its ridiculous to say they could match their specialty brews and festivals. Vivant is great. Winter Beer Festival is amazing. The brew tours are awesome. Hopcat, Graydons, Logans Alley are all amazing. I tried the rest, and I enjoyed them, but they just dont compare to what Grand Rapids has going on.
JPATRIX - 11 years ago
IPA in G-RAP. More breweries and more beer coming this year. Hands down Grand Rapids is the epitome of Beer City. Cheers!
Whitney - 11 years ago
Well obviously Grand Rapids...I mean come on even our mayor is promoting this... along with a craft beer pub crawl! https://www.facebook.com/events/573287369371020/ That is the facebook event for it!
Squirrel Stevens - 11 years ago
Last year, I did a color run that was a 5K, in Grand Rapids. I love the city and had a blast...but, the run was done at 11:00 am and no bars or restaurants were open. I just wanted to sit at a bar and drink a beer.... My friends, in kalamazoo we have half off Sunday's. if your going to be a beer city USA, please allow Sunday Funday into your city. Thanks you. Cheers.
Grand Rapids is an awesome city with great beer. Beer City USA Grand Rapids 2013
GOtta be Denver! GABF for proof!!!
how can i view current poll status?
@John - Dude, I have spent a lot of time in NC, and there are places there that make Gary, IN look nice. You've abviously have never been to Michigan... I live in Utah now and would LOVE to move back - the beaches, the fly fishing, the wine tours, the breweries, the nightlife, and the people. Way to bring sheepish misconceptions into a beer poll. Douche.
Grand Rapids is Beer City!! Where else can you park your car and walk to some of the finest Beer making facilities?
Gotta love GR. Brewery Vivant has some exceptional Belgian style beers. and founders will always be founders but I would love a trip to asheville to drink some beers with good people.
I do mean SCENE, btw.
No love for Tampa Bay!? You guys need to get down here, the beer seen is exploding. All really great breweries too. Cigar City leading the way, then you got 7eventh Sun and Dunedin Brewery, then about 10 others recently opened or opening up. Come visit and see for yourself!
What's a Michigan summer without Bell's Oberon?
I love Grand Rapids and I love Grand Rapids beers (Founders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Haters gon' hate. This is essentially an internet popularity contest between GR and Asheville, so chill everyone. Dump all your angry comments onto Chive or Reddit.
I spent the day in downtown Asheville sampling the beer. While I couldn't hit every brewpub, I did hit four: French Broad, Asheville Pizza and Beer, The Wedge and Green Man. I liked the Barleywine at French Broad, and the wit at The Wedge. My favorite of the day was the NIB Black at Green Man. But, being from Grand Rapids, just visiting the South, I miss my Peanut Butter Stout from the BOB, Menage a Trois from Brewery Vivant, Rosalyn Bliss Blonde from Grand Rapids Brewing Co, Raspberry Blonde from Perrin, Etc. Etc. I gotta stay local with my GR Boys. And I would be remiss not to mention Founders KBS (when I can find it) and Dirty Bastard, and of course, Brewery Vivant's Big Red Coq. I love it when my Big Red Coq is out!
When the dust settles, may the best beer community win, and let's all Relax, Don't Worry and Have a Homebrew!
@john Your rude comments are not necessary at all. You have obviously never been to Michigan, and you are basing your opinion on what you hear in the news about Detroit.
AVL!! People in Asheville are referencing Sierra Nevada, New Belgium and Oscar Blues(Brevard N.C.) because thes companies have moved here for the culture of brewing that exist here. Most people I know have a small basement brewing operation. We would be happy to share the title with Grand Rapids.
@ JohnnyT --very well said!
@ MIBeerDude--agreed!
GR for the win :D
Go Grand Rapids!
Given my name you should read my comment with a grain of salt. With that said, I've seen some comments that the fact Sierra Nevada and New Belgium are coming to Asheville isn't a plus for us. Well, yes they are just opening new production facilities but they could have done that anywhere! Asheville has a the water for a great brewery, a local technical college willing to train brewers and a population that loves beer! What more could you ask from Beer City. Also, for those of you saying you've never had or liked our beer, most of our breweries are micro and not really even regional, so be sure you've had one of our beers before you knock us too hard.
BELLS BEER KALAMAZOO!!! Whoooop! Along with other greats!!
It'd be really cool if everyone commenting from Grand Rapids could show some respect in their comments. After all, after we win this, we're going to want people to come visit and experience the great beers here (and the great people here). So put your dicks away gents, you're embarrassing us all.
woohoo go GR :)
To all the MI folks...relax. This is an extremely unscientific poll. Vote and have fun. But I do get it...if I had to live in michigan i would look for anything positive about being there and would hold onto it with all my might. PS. Let's go Asheville, the real Beer City USA!
It's interesting that the Asheville crowd is referencing New Belgium and Sierra Nevada as reasons they should win. Those are simply not Asheville brands. That would be like saying Grand Rapids can claim Bell's over Kzoo because Bell's is opening a brew pub in the GR airport. NBB and SN simply opened East Coast production facilities to satisfy demand on that half of the US. I've seen nothing from either of them that would indicate they were drawn to Asheville because of the beer culture. Or maybe they saw deficiencies they could exploit :)
On another note, I simply haven't enjoyed the dozen or so Asheville beers I've had. And it's not for a lack of trying. I've had different styles and brands, but nothing has really clicked with me.
Grand Rapids - 13+ Breweries, 3 exceptional beer bars (Including 3rd best in the world), The best beer store in the United States (Siciliano's Market)
Kalamazoo - 2 Breweries, 2 exceptional beer bars
STOP THROWING YOUR VOTES AWAY. GRAND RAPIDS AND ASHEVILLE TIED LAST YEAR.
The whole STATE has benefited from GR's title, so HELP US RETAIN IT rather than fighting against the current for the sake of your TWO breweries. If people don't stop being so stubborn, we're going to lose the title as a state and NO ONE WILL BENEFIT.
This is called common sense.
And on a personal note, BELL'S does NOT count as 10 breweries. It counts as one.
GR
Go Kazoo
The organizers of this competition should be more clear on how this works. I hear from one business owner that you can vote from every computer/smart phone you have. From another you can only vote once. When I try to vote from my smart phone 1st thing in the morning it says that I have already voted, but from my computer I can vote. Better communication needs to be in place.
GR great city with great beer. Make it 2 in a row.
To the person who stated Comstock is a part of G.R., that is not correct, Comstock Park is. Comstock is due East and borders Kalamazoo.
Grand Rapids MI is Beer City, USA!
Rapids!! Stupid phone!!!!
To many brewries and alcoholics in Grand Rapids for it not to be beer city, even though I wouldn't want my city known for that!!
Grand Rapists the best breweries hands down
Jax clearly deserves this honor. Seven craft breweries. All of them excellent. Bite me, Tampa.
Kalamazoo
@fromthemitten I apologize, you are absolutely right that I was thinking of Comstock Park. However, I still feel that Grand Rapids is more deserving of the title. Bell's is, however, opening a bar at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. I realize this is a moot point though because Bell's is still Kalamazoo's thing. Let me just present the case I have for Grand Rapids. According to ratebeer.com Founder's has a slight edge over Bell's (number one and two respectively in the world). They also listed HopCat as the best brewpub and Siciliano's as best beer grocer. Grand Rapids has 17 local breweries and 4 more in the works. It's easy to see why the culture there is worth the vote alone. When they tied for the title last year with Asheville the local brewers worked together to make a few collaborative beers in celebration, and they work together to form a pubcrawl using the HopCat bus. Not to mention, nearly every time I have gone to a brewery I end up talking to people I just met about the different beers made throughout the city. What's more is it is a very kid friendly place to be as it was ranked the number one place to raise a family in the country. Grand Rapids also has one of the best culinary scenes I have ever experienced! What's better with good beer than good food? All of the great breweries I have been to also have some of the best food in the city. With its state-of-the-art, renowned culinary school I would guess that incredible beer and food alike will be staples of Grand Rapids for years to come! Kalamazoo is a great city with an awesome craft beer scene. I just feel that it falls short of Grand Rapids'. If you enjoy craft beer, inventive cuisine, art, music, and a friendly, cultured downtown area Grand Rapids is a place you really have to experience. Oh, and we decriminalized pot. ;)
Go Grand Rapids!
Go Grand Rapids!
@JohnnyT you're getting Comstock Township confused with Comstock Park. While Comstock Park is right outside of Grand Rapids, Bells is made in Comstock Township which is part of Kalamazoo.
It's not about most alcoholics or who sells the most. It's about service, competition, and having more choices then anyone else. In my opinion with all the micro brews and regular beers you can get in Grand Rapids that makes Grand Rapids #1.
Grand Rapids has the most alcohol & the most alcoholics! A vote for GR is a vote for me!
The Michigan beer scene is over rated. Ok you have Bell's... But most the beer coming out of the northern mid west is over rated. Come to Asheville and get spoiled on good beer then go back to MI and tell me I'm wrong.
There's 20 beer's I'd drink before I'd grab a Bell's and 5 of them are from Asheville...
Michigan is Moet and Asheville is Dom Perignon!
Bell's now makes more than half of their beer in Comstock according to wikipedia. For those of you who may not know, Comstock is part of Grand Rapids. I just thought I should throw that out there seeing as Bell's seems to be the only argument for Kzoo.
Go Grand Rapids!! Make it two years in a row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Grand Rapids we are proud of this City. Its the greatest city ever!
Asheville 110%!!
Asheville!
Kalamazoo gets pretty sloppy on a regular basis...but i think just all the different kinds of beer u can find around town make it very exceptional.
For those of you saying that Grand Rapids won last year...it was a tie. Grand Rapids and Asheville, NC shared the 2012 title. Hate to burst your bubble. I'm from Asheville and I respect both, but I think there should have been some kind of tie breaker. Btw...I'm definitely looking forward to our new Begium Brewery "community" that will be developed soon. It's going to be amazing! :)
When Grand Rapids won last year, I can tell you one thing - ALL of West Michigan was happy for us. I can tell you another thing. Those of us who live and and around Grand Rapids *gladly* shared the glory with Holland, Kalamazoo, Marshall, Saugatuck, and Battle Creek.
Why? Because we're all from Michigan, and West Michigan is a Great Beer REGION. It's not just Kalamazoo vs. Grand Rapids. It's all of West Michigan. We're doing this to get noticed by national magazines. Guess what? Every magazine article that mentioned Founder's in Grand Rapids also mentioned Bell's in Kalamazoo.
Grand Rapids is a great neighbor to the South. Good beers and great bars..The problem is they bash everyone else. This isn't a competition for bashing. It's about the beer and the people in the city that still live there. If you do not live there and drink their beer on a regular basis like us in Kalamazoo..then stop typing you comments.....I am on the streets of KZOO making sure everyone votes for their favorite..I was just in GR and nobody would even talk to me about voting....Think about it...........Is GR worth voting for...I would say NO.
No offense, New belgium brewery creamed their pants when they came to Kalamazoo.. I was there at their opening...BiG advertising....They haven't done much here since then...Odell's brewery in Fort Collins..They came to Larry BELL to look for advice and training, It's an easy pick my friends..For Kalamazoo to be put up against these cities is a joke, but her we are and Our beer speaks for themselves..
http://missoulabeerweek.com/ Craft beer week was last week in Missoula. We voted with our mugs. Maybe if we teamed up with Asheville, we could find enough votes to compete with cities.
Grand Rapids is a great brewery city..That only goes so far. It's about the people who drink the beer. In Kalamazoo, we are a city that drinks and talk about the craft of brew seven days a week.. I go to Grand Rapids on a Sunday and it seems like they take a good long breather before Monday...No offense but, the beer is only as good as its people, and here in Kalamazoo...........We dont need a Sunday to make our Monday look better...haha. Love you guys in GR..It's all for fun..Glad to have you apart of the team..
It's nice to know that most of your ego's are getting in the way of what this is all about. It's to voice your opinion and that it.. Where you are from Is great and everything, but it holds no value. This is a vote to show respect about the craft of beer. No city has an advantage on the other. Vote for your favorite city and move on...Stop the bashing and respect each others choice...>easy GR??? Great place to visit for a beer but down here in Kalamazoo..we drink 7 days a week, so please try and open on Sunday, its still a day of the week.
Grand Rapids ftw! woot woot
Asheville Baby!
Go Kalamazoo!!!
Grand Rapids IS Beer City, USA hands down. All others need to submit their city for Pansy City, USA.
No matter who wins, we all have a bunch of great beer to enjoy! Cheers!
Vote Kalamazoo because well... BELLS BREWERY!!!
Oldest brewery in the United States is Yuengling in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Second oldest is August Schell Brewery building in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Check your facts before showing your ignorance.
GR is making its mark!
Go GR!!
ASHEVILLE NC ALL THE WAY!!!!!
No one ever says, "lets plan a brewery hop and go to Kalamazoo!" It is silly it is even in the running! Silly times, you are wasting Michigan's only real chance at winning (Grand Rapids) Damn diggity doggs!
Personally would vote for Marshall, MI home of the Dark Horse Brewery, but since its not on the list will go with GR. With Founders, Hopcat, GR Brewing CO, Brewery Vivant, Harmony, and Schmohz. Plus a few others that I haven't made it to yet its hard to top the variety. Next year Kzoo may give it a good run though. With the new Arcadia Brewery Company location joining Bells, Olde Peninsula, and and a bunch of new projects in the works Kzoo will be in serious contention in future. Plus is you count Marshall (Dark Horse), Paw Paw (Paw Paw Brewing Company), and Sawyer (Greenbush) as part of the greater Kzoo area then we are starting to talk Beermetropolis. Regardless, West Michigan has become a beer destination for the Midwest.
Let's go Richmond!
We have an exploding beer scene. Legend had gone to the finals of the Washington Post beer competition, we have like, over 10 new craft breweries this year, and so many places to get different ales, that this place jsut blows away.
RVABeer
One notable brewery does not Beer City make, kalamazoo. Plus, you're already Cereal City USA, right? No? that is Battle Creek? Whatevs... Grand Rapids is truly becoming a beer mecca!
Kalamazoo, inspired brewing is the only way to go.
Being from Ft. Collins I feel very fortunate. From old stalwarts like Odell and New Belgium to new brews from Funkworks, Grimm Bros, etc, not to mention Boulder and Denver, there never is a shortage of great brews. Too many to count, really. I've sampled the beer from Asheville, Grand Rapids, etc. - it's all good. What are you trying to prove? I mean, if you need a poll to tell you that your beer is best... well... something else must be lacking. Again, it's all good.
State of Michigan has the Best selection of great beer and Grand Rapids in particular is the Best!
Most of my beer loving friends make trips to Grand Rapids for quality and quanity.
I love Ashville, it is a great place to visit.... Grand Rapids has a TON of new breweries... BUT Kalamazoo has the oldest family owned brewery east of Colorado.... the second oldest privately owned brewery in the U.S. (second to Sierra Nevada) Not to mention... It has a big number of new breweries in the works.....Kalamazoo has many in house breweries that are doing fantastic jobs. Most people can name a few BIG craft breweries in the U.S. but sooooo many more know of Bell's Brewery and their fine craftsmanship!
Kalamazoo is a city that really loves great beer.
Grand Rapids
Um, I think Asheville having the most breweries per capita actually DOES mean much, actually. It's quite impressive for such a small town in comparison to other major cities on this list. If it is catching the eyes of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada within the past year, I would say we are doing something correctly. However, I know more people who are Angry about them moving here than they are excited. Mainly because this city is all about keeping it Local, as much as possible. That's what makes this place so special. If GR wins this this year, then good for GR, man! Respect! Good luck, much love to you all :)
GR is without a doubt BEER CITY USA!!!!!!
Great town, great beer, and great people.
Gr all the way!!!!
Gr all the way!!!!
Gr all the way!!!!
Let's go Kalamazoo too mant comments for GR and Asheville.
Kalamazoo! People throw release parties when Bell's brewery comes out with Oberon.
G. R. FOUNDERS ! best beer ! best bars ! best bartenders !
Ben Fede, living in Grand Rapids for most of my 20's, I have done Founder, Bells, and most other breweries. But now I live in Boulder Colorado, and have been amazed. I would like to see GR keep growing, but they still have a ways to go.
Gr is the place to have fresh brewed cold one
I think the fact that people from Kalamazoo come to Grand Rapids for our winter beer fest says it all........
!
Kalamabrewski....!!
Bell's Eccentric Cafe is currently serving 18 different reasons to vote Kalamazoo.
Gr
Asheville N.C. wins for sure. Such a quaint small city with a whole lot of personality... and such amazing local beers.
ASHEVILLE !!!!!
Grand Rapids is my choice!! BEER CITY GR, MI :)
Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI - Oberon is my personal favorite!
Hey Ashville...I dont even see your state on here http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/04/21/10-best-craft-brew-states-in-america/2098517/ GRAND RAPIDS ALL THE WAY!!!!!
Grand Rapids. hands down. I've been to Colorado, I've been to Asheville. Both have great breweries and beers. Not a single brewery lined up against Founders every day line up, and its ridiculous to say they could match their specialty brews and festivals. Vivant is great. Winter Beer Festival is amazing. The brew tours are awesome. Hopcat, Graydons, Logans Alley are all amazing. I tried the rest, and I enjoyed them, but they just dont compare to what Grand Rapids has going on.
IPA in G-RAP. More breweries and more beer coming this year. Hands down Grand Rapids is the epitome of Beer City. Cheers!
Well obviously Grand Rapids...I mean come on even our mayor is promoting this... along with a craft beer pub crawl! https://www.facebook.com/events/573287369371020/ That is the facebook event for it!
Last year, I did a color run that was a 5K, in Grand Rapids. I love the city and had a blast...but, the run was done at 11:00 am and no bars or restaurants were open. I just wanted to sit at a bar and drink a beer.... My friends, in kalamazoo we have half off Sunday's. if your going to be a beer city USA, please allow Sunday Funday into your city. Thanks you. Cheers.
Hands Down, Pints Up, GR! Slainte!
Go GR! We hope to have Greenville next.. Vote Everyone