We're in the last two days of voting for Beer City this year, and there's no better time to cast your vote! Now is the time! Remember, you can vote once a day on each web-capable device you own.

There is no question 2012 was great year for Grand Rapids and beer. A record number of brewery openings included Eastown’s Harmony, Mitten Brewing, and Grand Rapids Brewing Company as well as both Pike 51 and White Flame in Hudsonville, Perrin in Comstock Park and Rockford Brewing Company. Additionally Grand Rapid’s most successful brewery Founders celebrated their 15-year anniversary in style which included the release of their 15% Bolt Cutter Barleywine. But perhaps the defining moment in 2012 was the nomination and securing of the title Beer City USA in a tied vote along with previous year victors Asheville, North Carolina.

The breweries of Beer City USA are at it again! Stop in the week of February 18th to try the next big thing at participating breweries - The Beer City Grand Series!! The Grand Series is a brewer’schoice Imperial beer that showcases the talents of your local micro brewers. Visit facebook.com/grsob for a up to date list of participating breweries.

In celebration of Beer City U.S.A.’s (GrandRapids’) 2nd Annual Beer Week, The BOB will be hosting a craft beer dinner featuring14 Michigan breweries and food from Gilly’s on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6:00 p.m.

On October 13th, the Grand Rapids Public Museum officially opened a fabulous and unique exhibit called “Thank You, BEER”. Mostly focusing on Michigan brewing, especially the Grand Rapids area, “Thank You, BEER” is collection of items and stories that show just how much beer has done for the West Michigan area. Even to those already knowing a lot of the history of beer in this area will be pleasantly surprised as to what this exhibit has to offer.

If you enjoyed the Beer City Pale Ale promotion awhile back, 11 Grand Rapids area breweries have returned with the new Grand Pumpkin - and this time each one has something a little different to offer. Brewery Vivant and Harmony Brewing Company in Easttown have both participated. Harmony’s Grand Pumpkin is a 7.4% ABV Chai beer. Also on special here when I visited was the Goatoberfest pizza with sausage, goat cheese, basil, and pumpkin sauce. Perhaps you’ve heard of the White House honey ale? Harmony has brewed their own version “Ale to the Chief” and I can attest to the deliciousness. If you are out on 28th Street in Kentwood / Cascade area, you can check out Schmohz experimental Pumpkin Rye and Jaden James has their Pumpkin Ale on tap now also.

Cascade Winery, open since 2003, continuously continues to evolve and expand their offerings to include more and more varieties of fermented beverage. One significant step in their evolution has been the introduction of their Jaden James Brewery component offering several beer varieties on tap in the tasting room complemented by a few hard ciders. Current tap selections range from a cream ale to a porter, with a seasonal Oktoberfest and the Beer City Pale Ale being a couple of the current highlights.

Hideout Brewing Company was my first stop on my list to try the new Beer City Pale ale, as their brewmaster Wob is a ringleader of sorts for this new Grand Rapids collaborative brew. The hoppy new beer was an immediate hit among my friends and I, and the focus of many conversations overheard throughout the well attended brewhouse - the Michigan hops being a key factor for many, like myself, who prefer to keep things fresh and local.

Grand Rapids has yet another reason to toast the town. Ten area breweries have teamed to create Beer City Pale Ale, a new craft beer produced in celebration of both the city's newest title and Craft Beer Month beginning July 1.