How to Drink Good Beer and Still Pay Your Rent

The Greater Grand Rapids Area has a special way of making me fall in love over and over again with craft beer. But at times I have to decide between buying groceries for the week and a night out at a microbrewery trying new brew. Good thing Grand Rapids has ways of letting us drink great beer for a good price. 

First, I bought a four-person beer flight Groupon from New Holland Brewing for $18. When you divide the total cost between my three roommates and myself it means I get to try multiple beers on the cheap. Seriously though, go sign up for a Groupon account. People might laugh at you at first, but then they'll be jealous as they watch you save some serious cash. I always see discounts at microbreweries and on anything else you think you want but probably don't need. That's just how Groupon works.

Also today, my aforementioned roommate brought me the latest issue of Revue Magazine—which is the  free West Michigan Entertainment Guide. This month the issue is all about Michigan beer, baby. We're kind of a big deal. People know us.

I realize that I talk about Michigan beer constantly. But I can't help but get excited about Michigan's rise to fame in the world of craft beer. Even though I did absolutely nothing to get GR on the map, I have the tendency to talk to people from my hometown like I was some sort of Sacajawea figure in The Grand Rapids Journey to Beer Stardom. Truth is, I wasn't even 21 when Grand Rapids was honored with the title last year. Now that I'm of age, I can see how much the Michigan beer industry deserves to be called "The Great Beer State."  

The unending stream of hard work and great product from Michigan Brewers is why the October Revue decided to devote an entire issue to our beer. The contributors of this issue covered all of their bases. One of the reasons I mention it on today's blog is because it has coupons, promotions and upcoming events all throughout West Michigan—not just in Grand Rapids. But it's also jam packed with places to buy beer and beer making supplies. Plus, there are articles on the history of old and new microbreweries from across this side of the state. Most importantly, I found out that Bell's Brewery sells hooded onesies with side pockets to hold not one, but two beers. Groupon better have a promotion on these soon, because I need one in every color.

I kid you not, it has a butt-flap.

Now you have just two things left to do:

1. Get a Groupon. Even if it's only to day drink with your friends for a discounted price—it'll be worth it. Right now there's an offer for 63% off of a sampler at The Hideout Brewery, you know you want to go.

2. Regardless of where you live, if you like craft beer you have to read about Michigan beer in the Revue. But if you live around here, feel free to take advantage of the promotions. And if you can't find the Revue nearby, or live outside of its distribution, don't fret. You can read it as many times as you'd like online, right here:  http://revuewm.com/current-issue

As an English major I've already come to terms with my future of financial instability. Groupon and special beer promotions are the only way to drink for less while still being able to pay my rent. Without the options of saving money on beer, I would most likely be living in a van down by the river by now. Thanks Groupon!