Alpha Michigan Brewing Company

The Alpha Michigan Brewing Company (AMBC) is a nanobrewery located in the village of Alpha in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Described as the smallest U.S. village with a brewery, Alpha has a population of 105-115 residents, which initially raised skepticism about the business's viability. AMBC's beers are named after local landmarks like Porter School, Mastodon Township, and Iron County, featuring logos designed by artist Tracie Wayman since 2019. The brewery emphasizes local sourcing, obtaining barley, oats, and hops from nearby farms, one within a mile. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they donated $200 plus 20% of Saturday sales to local St. Vincent de Paul locations. Established in 2012 by Stu Creel, AMBC opened in May 2018 under the ownership of Stu and Julie Creel, along with Mike and Mary Bjork. In July 2023, the Creels sold their stake to Dan and Jackie Rosek. AMBC faced high demand in 2019, leading to a beer shortage after Independence Day sales. In 2021, they added heated outdoor tents using funds from a Michigan weatherization grant. The brewery hosted an "Ice Bowl" disc golf event in 2022 to support a food bank and brewed a pilsner for Ukraine during the Russian invasion. They celebrated their fifth anniversary over Memorial Day weekends in both 2023 and 2024. Situated at 303 E. Center St., AMBC operates in a former bus garage attached to the historic George F. Porter Public School, part of the Alpha Public Buildings Historic Complex. The school, last used in 1967 and sold in 2005, ...