LANSING (WWJ) -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of a Michigan-based craft beer -- and just in time for spring.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 21 as Oberon Day as a way to celebrate the start of warmer weather and the American wheat ale made by Michigan's oldest operating craft brewery, Bell's Brewery.
Since 1992, Michiganders have celebrated the release of Oberon every spring, the governor's press release stated, adding that it's one of the most iconic craft beers in Michigan and recognized by beer coinsurers as the first sight of spring and warmer weather.
“As we welcome warmer weather, I want to raise a cold glass of our beloved Oberon to my fellow Michiganders who are looking forward to a Pure Michigan summer full of time with family and friends," said Whitmer.
Just in 2021, the state of Michigan enjoyed 14,067,074 pints of Oberon Ale.
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“Michigan is home to some of the best breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs in the world,” said Whitmer. "Let us kick off our unofficial start to the better weather season by celebrating the craft beer industry for creating jobs, building a sense of community and supporting small business owners throughout the state."
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According to the Michigan Brewers Guild, Michigan has nearly 400 breweries and is sixth in the country for the number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs.
According to an economic impact report from the Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association, Michigan had 1,924 brewing jobs and a total economic output of $9.9 billion as of 2020.