Pumpkin brew on tap in Beer City USA

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As Grand Rapids continues to celebrate its newest title as Beer City USA, 11 local breweries, along with Experience Grand Rapids, have teamed up and created signature pumpkin brews.

This is the second time in recent months that area breweries have come together to create a specialty beer. In July, soon after Grand Rapids finished in a statistical tie for the title of Beer City USA via an online poll, 10 breweries joined together to create Beer City Pale Ale.

"Our breweries continue to have great success and are a prime reason why Grand Rapids continues to grow in popularity as a staycation and vacation destination," said Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids. “People who love craft beer, no matter where they live are hearing more and more about Grand Rapids. Many of them are visiting as a result."

Michigan ranks  fifth in the nation for the most microbrews with a more than 100 across the state, according to the Brewers Association.

Microbreweries currently employ about 100,000 Americans, according to the Brewers Association.

Microbreweries also pour million of dollars into local economies.

As of 2008, Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $24 million in wages with an economic contribution more than $133 million, according to the Michigan's Brewers Guild. Each brewery has produced its own version.

The breweries use different ingredients and techniques to create their own versions, while all paying homage to the seasonal pumpkin flavor.

“The brewing culture is very collaborative in West Michigan,” said Barry VanDyke of Harmony Brewing Company. “We enjoy each other’s company and we enjoy testing our skills against one another in a fun way. We’re hopeful that beer lovers will test out a few different versions and let us know what they think of them."

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Participating breweries include:

-- HopCat, 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
-- The B.O.B’s Brewery, 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
-- The Mitten Brewing Company, 527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
-- Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
-- Harmony Brewing Co., 1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
-- The Hideout Brewing Co., 3113 Plaza Drive NE, Grand Rapids
-- White Flame Brewing Co., 5234 36th Ave. SW, Hudsonville
-- Pike 51 Brewing Company, 3768 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville
-- Jaden James Brewery, 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Kentwood
-- Schmohz Brewing Co., 2600 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
-- Michigan Beer Cellar, 500 E. Division St., Sparta