Join us for a fun conversation with Kevin McKinney, Sales and Distribution Manager at Barrel + Beam. Kevin shares his journey from his time in the military and how his love for travel and beer eventually led him to the Upper Peninsula. We talk about his experiences in the Michigan craft beer scene, the unique farmhouse ales of Barrel + Beam, and the joys (and challenges) of road life as a beer rep. Plus, Kevin gives us some top recommendations for food, outdoor adventures, and must-visit breweries in the U.P.!

We end the conversation with Kevin’s dream Michigan day and the perfect beer to end it with.

Episode Links:

Pasty Fix: Cut River Inn (Naubinway) for one of the best pasties in the U.P.

Classic U.P. Pizza: Congress Pizza (Ishpeming), Tino’s (Negaunee), Vango’s (Marquette)

Great Whitefish: The Veerling (Marquette)

Michigan Breweries: Barrel + Beam, Blackrocks, Ore Dock, Drifa, Kognition, City Built, Archival, Veerlingl

U.P. Destinations: Porcupine Mountain, Lake in the Sky, Pictured Rocks, Cooper Harbor, Soo Locks, Whitefish Point, Mackinaw Bridge

Mountain Biking Trails:

* Potawatomi Trail (Poto) – Waterloo Recreation Area, Southeast Michigan → Michigan DNR Info → MTB Project Map & Reviews

* North Trails – Marquette, MI (part of the Noquemanon Trail Network) → Noquemanon Trail Network – North Trails Info → Trailforks Map

* Brockway Mountain Trails – Copper Harbor, MI (Part of the Copper Harbor Trails Club system) → Copper Harbor Trails Club → Brockway Mountain Summit Trail Info

Park Predators Podcast: June 8, 2021 - The Isle - Two people entered Presque Isle Park (Marquette), only one came out alive.

Where you can find Kevin:

* Kevin McKinney (@k__mckinney) • Instagram photos and videos

* Kevin McKinney - YouTube

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review! Until next time, keep exploring and enjoying Michigan’s craft beer and beautiful landscapes!

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