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CLAIRA SUDDUTH: ASSISTANT BREWER
and creator of International Women’s Collaboration Brew
MEET THE BREWER
VoL. 1 ISSUE 3
By Mike Lerchenfeldt for mibrew trail
microbreweries are two different and separate companies but same ownership. She splits her time equally between both locations. As their first and only female brewer at these popular microbreweries, she is said to be a breath of fresh air in the world of craft brewing. These are two of the best places to be in the Metro Detroit Area to meet up and lap up a beer. They both have great atmospheres and plentiful beer selections made with tasty local ingredients.
They are perfect spots to go to after the Detroit Lions let you down. Rain or shine – it’s always pouring. In two vibrant communities, she helps brew beers for the masses to experience. Being able to create something out of raw grains that people can enjoy is a great feeling. Her favorite beers on tap are low ABV and crisp. They have clean, easy drinkability for a hot or cold day. Perfect for Michiganders who never know what to expect weather-wise, and perfect for health conscious, outdoor runners like Sudduth.
laira Sudduth is an assistant brewer at Eastern Market
Brewing Company and Ferndale Project. These
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When she is not at work, you will find her creatively cooking at her home in Royal Oak, hanging out with her partner Georg, and their all black, Belgian shepherd mix. They also have two kittens. It is this support system and the great group of people that she works with that keeps her going.
Sudduth is a 26-year-old from Ypsilanti, who just recently moved the Metro Detroit Area to start her brewing career. She is creative with her beers and thinks outside the box. Sudduth is a great role model for anyone interested in learning more about brewing some ale or a career in the craft beer industry. She has worked alongside other brewers, producing and learning about a variety of beers. Sudduth also does cellar work where she transfers and carb (carbonate) up beers.
She did not always know that she wanted to brew beer. This barista turned brewer earned her bachelor’s of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Eastern Michigan University. When Sudduth realized the medical field or labs were not for her, she began to entertain serious thoughts for taking her passion for craft beer to another level. Sudduth decided to use her knowledge, passion, and talent to produce ales locally in small batches.
When Sudduth realized the medical field or labs were not for her, she began to entertain serious thoughts for taking her passion for craft beer to another level. Sudduth decided to use her knowledge, passion, and talent to produce ales locally in small batches.
She worked at Aberrant Ales in Howell right after she earned her Brewing and Distillation Certificate from Schoolcraft College. Now her labs are in the breweries where they crank up the music and stoke up the boiler and brew kettle. Brewers are fermenters who experiment with richness, heaviness, and ‘hoppiness.’ The next logical step for scientists who enjoy cooking and experiments. Sudduth loves the science behind creating fermented beverages.
In the spirit of cooperation and collegiality shared by small brewers, Sudduth has collaborated on some mighty fine, high quality brews with other breweries giving her the opportunity to help put Eastern Market Brewing Company and Ferndale Project on the map. Ferndale Project is known for its sours in addition to its alamode and cocktail series. Eastern Market Brewing Company is known for its flagship beers: Elephant Juice New England IPA, White Coffee Stout, and Primavera Pilsner. They recently started a brewer’s series where each brewer gets to create their dream beer.
Sudduth recently created a Lavender Lemon Blonde with Simcoe hops. It is definitely an original brew with floral aromas of fresh lavender, bright lemon, and fresh notes of honey. Her latest brewing project, With Her:
A Michigan Collaboration for International Women’s Brew Day, was a collaboration with the nonprofit organization Fermenta, A Women’s Craft (Brewing) Collective that helps women brewers by providing scholarships and resources.
Sudduth created the open source recipe making it available to anyone who wants to brew a
DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE
beer to celebrate women. She designed this recipe with inclusivity and flexibility in mind. According to Sudduth, it can be brewed with common ingredients so everyone can participate, from the casual homebrewer to the largest brewery. International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day is just one of the ways the craft beer industry celebrates women and shows this commitment. Use the hashtag #WithHerBeer on social media.
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Check out Hearst’s newest brand showcasing Michigan Breweries at MiBrewTrail.com.
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A FAN Favorite: ThUMB BREWERY
“Thumb Brewery is one of those essential businesses in a resort town,” Formicola said. “There aren’t a lot of breweries locally, so to be able to continue its legacy meant a lot.”
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MEET THE BREWER
VOL. 1 ISSUE 3
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