Backwoods Lore

Since our beers are made of pure “Up North” goodness, we wanted them to be represented by icons of the region. From an airborne rodent to a canine cross-breed, North Peak beer is truly Northern Michigan.

 

Learn a little about the stories behind the symbols below.

 

Jackalope — Diabolical IPA

As striking an appearance as the hop profile of Diabolical IPA, the jackalope is a mythical animal of North American folklore described as a rabbit with deer antlers. It’s possible that the tales of jackalopes were inspired by sightings of them in Northern Michigan for many years.

 

The jackalope legend includes many claims as to the creature's habits. For example, it’s said that a jackalope may be caught by putting a flask of whiskey out at night. The jackalope will drink its fill making the critter easier to hunt. We say, put a pint of Diabolical out and the little critter will be knocking on your door for more.

 

Temptress of the North — Siren Amber Ale

The Greeks aren’t the only ones serenaded by the intoxicating voice of beauty incarnate. Many a woodsman has befell her call, lured by the promise of what may be. Long winters of lonely isolation created such a legend to warm the heart and soul.

 

Today, her elusive song still can be heard on quiet nights, but her namesake Amber Ale offers warm comfort to all those that seek it.

 

 

Flying Squirrel — Majestic Wheat Ale

Some would say that the majesty of Northern Michigan is captured best in the soaring beauty of a raptor. But, it’s been given the finest tools. No, we’ll take a small varmint that bests the odds and does what shouldn’t be possible. Anyone who ever gets to witness the wonder of a flying squirrel sailing from tree to tree will undoubtedly agree. It represents the unspoiled, “can-do” attitude that resonates between the tall pines that it calls home.

 

Dog Man — Vicious Wheat IPA

Back in the 1860s, a warrior group of Cheyenne called the Dog Soldiers or Dog Men who were revered as the “Special Forces” of their time. Like wolves or wild dogs, they were resolute in their pursuit of their prey and would come back again and again and again until they won victory.

 

The Cheyenne Dog Men supposedly were wiped out by a foe. But their vicious tenacity didn’t end with their mortal lives. These souls actually took on many of the features of the real dogs that they mimicked in battle. It’s this snarling spirit we endeavor to instill in each pint and bottle of Vicious.

 

Gaurdian of Adventurers — Archangel Summer Wheat

Ever-present and always watchful, Archangels are found in the canon of all major religions. In the North where adventure is as plentiful as the waves on the bay, these stewards keep an unblinking eye on those below. And as the sun swaths the land in light and warmth during the summer months, the Archangels tend to those who seek to push their physical limits and test their mettle. It’s for these people, and in tribute of their ethereal guardians, that we brew Archangel Summer Wheat.

 

Northern Hooligan — Hooligan Hoppy Pumpkin Ale

So who is this Hooligan you may ask? He is a legendary and impish figure who appears but once a year on Devil’s Night, October 30 – the night before Halloween. He lurks through the darkness, traipsing in the shadows from house to house with a rogue gait and a devilish grin on his face. This scoundrel is more mischievous than wicked, yet his reputation for mayhem is wildly known. Anyone who has woken up on Halloween morning to find their pumpkins smashed or yard toilet-papered is familiar with the antics of the Northern Michigan Hooligan.

 

Lake Superior Serpent — Sinuous Celtic Ale

The legend has been passed down for generations – 100 years or more, of a massive 75-foot long serpent-like creature seen lurking in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior. Containing 10 percent of all the Earth’s fresh water, Lake Superior – at about 350 miles long, 170 miles wide and some 1300 feet deep – is more than ample in size to be home to a large and mysterious creature such as this.

 

With its long neck and whale-like body, the creature is said to resemble that of the Loch Ness Monster, of Scotland notoriety. Often spotted in the deep, rocky waters off the Isles of Presque, some have suggested this creature is actually a giant sturgeon or even an extremely large Northern Pike. Yet those who have had personal encounters with the nautical beast say that simply is impossible.

 

Fur Bearing Trout — Furry Black IPA

The stories that we were told growing up in Northern Michigan suggest that as the weather grows warmer during the spring, the fur-bearing trout sheds its fur, only to regrow its coat as winter returns

“One of our very close childhood friends, Brad Warren, is an avid fisherman. He says that he's caught so many fur trout over the years that he sewed his own pair of pants with the pelts he's collected,” says partner Greg Lobdell. “No one has ever seen these pants, but we've never forgotten his description of the fur bearing trout and decided to name our Winter Seasonal Black IPA after his fish story.”

 

Half Man Half Goat — Wanderer Session India Pale Ale

The Wanderer has been seen in Northern Michigan since the late 1800s. It's rumored that in a prior life he went by the name of Donald Key and was a baron of industry. Then something happened. In an effort to escape the stress of his previous life, he traveled to Northern Michigan and set out on a simple hike. So began one man's personal transformation.

Soon after his trip, Don metamorphosed to a slower, simpler pace of life – one filled with hiking the wilderness and opening his mind, body and spirit to any and all impressions that would bring him personal happiness. The story goes that Don soon left all of his worldly possessions behind to hike the hills and backwoods of Northern Michigan like a goat. In fact, some say that he is actually half goat half man.

Over the years, word spread of Don’s story and a loyal group of followers that share the Wanderer’s simplistic philosophy has since formed. Their motto is: "Give me a clear blue sky over my head, green grass under my feet and a great beer at my destination."

 

Hoodoo - Hoodoo Midwest Wet Hop IPA

Hoodoo is a form of traditional folk magic that developed from the blending of a number of separate cultures and magical traditions. It incorporates practices from African and Native American customs, as well as some European magical practices. While the Hoodoo man is trans-cultural phenomena, his roots run deep in Northern Michigan. He is often seen dancing and chanting, drinking up brew that bears his name, as if under some type of mystical spell.

 

The Third Yeti - Burly Belgo IPA

Inhabiting the furthest reaches of the snow-covered hills and forests of the Northern Michigan backwoods is a burly beast that stands nearly as tall as the giant hardwoods trees among which it lives. Known as the Third-Yeti or the Abominable Snowman, the human-like creature is believed to be a direct descendent of Sasquatch, otherwise known as Bigfoot.

 

Conservation-Conscience Drifter - Nomad Dry Hard Cider

It was during the early 1800s when this conservation-conscience drifter, dressed simply in farmer's attire and a well-worn tin utensil atop his head, was often spotted. This Nomad- Appleseed (or someone with an uncanny resemblance to him) - was seen from dawn 'til dusk, toiling in the rich Michigan soils where ripe fruit trees later blossomed and produced bushel after bushel of sweet, crisp apples which are still harvested today.