PETOSKEY, MI—Nestled just outside downtown Petoskey, Elder Piper Beer & Cider is redefining craft brewing with an emphasis on creativity and exploration. Owners Trace and Eeva Redmond, industry veterans with experience at renowned breweries such as Founders, Highland, and Sierra Nevada, returned to Eeva’s hometown with a vision to bring their unique approach to beer and cider making.
At the heart of Elder Piper is a passion for experimentation. Over the years, Trace has developed hundreds of recipes, incorporating ingredients like herbs, spices, bark, coffee, and fruit. However, in large-scale breweries, consistency takes precedence over innovation. The direct-to-consumer model at Elder Piper allows the Redmonds to break free from those constraints.
“They sell six-packs in stores, so you have to hit a certain price point and volume,” Trace explains. “Since our business model is direct to consumer, it allows us flexibility.”
Eeva, a certified cicerone and international beer competition judge, describes Elder Piper as their own “Island of Misfit Toys”—a home for the many ideas they have developed but never had the chance to bring to life.
The name Elder Piper has historical roots, derived from one of Trace’s ancestors from the 1800s, discovered during a genealogy project. “We really like the way Elder Piper inspires curiosity,” Eeva says. “It makes you ask, ‘What’s that about?’ And that’s the way we want people to approach us—with curiosity.”
Located in Petoskey’s Old Town Emmet neighborhood, the brewery sits in a charming 1930s cinder block building, once home to a Bell telephone switchboard. Just a short walk from a baseball field and a trailhead leading to the North Country Trail, the space features a 24-tap system and an inviting beer garden. On select days, visitors can enjoy offerings from Stiggs Barbecue Wagon, including smoked wings, brisket plates, and an exclusive panko-crusted catfish sandwich.
What to Try: The Beach Grass Helles Lager and Apple Blossom Cider are among Elder Piper’s standout offerings, known for their simple yet refined flavors.
Upcoming Celebration: Elder Piper marks its first anniversary the weekend of June 6. Guests are invited to join from Friday through Sunday for special releases and community festivities.
For those seeking craft beverages with a touch of the unexpected, Elder Piper Beer & Cider offers a destination where curiosity is always on tap.
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