After a long, cold winter, west Michiganders emerge from hibernation to find paradise on the sandy shores of the Big Lake. However, in the blink of an eye, those precious days are slipping away and I find myself clinging tightly to the refreshing flavors of one of my favorite summer golden ales, Lost Dune. This New Holland Brewing Company seasonal should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a beer that truly represents the flavors and history of the craft beer scene in west Michigan. Not only are the blueberries in the brew grown on Michigan’s West Coast, but the beautiful artwork on the can brings to life the experience of climbing our sandy mountains and dipping your toes in the water on our shores.

According to New Holland Brewing’s website, Michigan natives Brett VanderKamp and Jason Spaulding opened their first location on Fairbanks Avenue in Downtown Holland in 1997 (fun fact: the mug club for the current Pub is named the “The Fairbanks Society” in honor of this). By 2005, they had relocated to the Pub on 8th Street, had expanded distribution and began distilling. A second location, The Knickerbocker Pub, opened in Grand Rapids in September 2016. NHBC is now working on a third location in Battle Creek, due to open in 2019. Because Holland is home, I find myself loyal to the brewery’s original location in downtown Holland (and it holds a special place in my heart since this is where my husband and I had our first date!).

Although New Holland has several tasty brews whose names and flavors are generated from local inspiration, Lost Dune, which was first brewed in 2016, tops my list in the summer months. The first sip of this golden ale is delightful and refreshing; the subtle tastes of blueberry and coriander that follow evoke all of the good feelings and memories that summer exudes without overwhelming your taste buds. It is the perfect brew to bring to a barbecue as the magnum and mosaic hops add just enough flavor to please the most loyal IPA drinker and the hints of fruit will satisfy the sweet tooth of cider lovers.

Last summer, my husband and I enjoyed a birthday barbecue celebration on the back deck of his grandmother’s home on the shores of Lake Michigan. Nana made a homemade blueberry pie for dessert and, as the notes on the bottle claim, Lost Dune was the perfect companion for this tasty treat. Today, I still think of that quintessential night watching the sunset over Lake Michigan every time I taste the sweet blueberry that lingers in this ale.

Sadly, summer is slipping away. While I’m clinging to my memories and my Lost Dune tonight, you should grab a can and savor these final days of the summer before the sun sets on Lost Dune for the season. Cheers!

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