Legends of the North Woods
It all starts with a simple story–
A moment in time that sparks something bigger. Ours started in Downtown Traverse City, Michigan, when the entrepreneurial Carlson, Lobdell, and Czaplicka families took a chance on a long-abandoned candy factory. Within those cavernous brick walls, North Peak Brewing Company was born in 1997, built on a commitment to crafting exceptional beer and food.
As the years passed, that passion only grew– leading to a collaboration between Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell of North Peak, and Ron Jeffries of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. What began as a shared vision became Northern United Brewing Company in 2008.
Tucked away on Old Mission Peninsula, their “secret forest hideaway” became the backdrop for something special. In 2009, brewer Mike Hall joined the team, completing a group dedicated not just to brewing great beer, but to growing the North Peak legacy.
By 2013, demand had outgrown their original space, and production moved to a 70,000 square foot facility in Dexter, Michigan. Every detail of the brewing system was carefully designed to meet Ron Jeffries’ exacting standards– standards that continue to shape and refine North Peak’s beers today.
No matter where it’s brewed or poured, the soul of North Peak remains rooted in Northern Michigan. Our origins in Traverse City– and the “Up North” culture– are at the heart of everything we do. It’s a way of life centered on slowing down, getting outside, and appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds us.
That’s why our mantra is simple: Get Outside. Whether it’s biking, fishing, hockey, hiking, or hunting, North Peak is inspired by the adventures that define life in Northern Michigan. Every sip is meant to take you there.
That connection to the outdoors also drives our commitment to conservation. We brew with a simple philosophy: respect the environment, and it will reward you in return. By minimizing waste, using resources thoughtfully, and recapturing energy wherever possible, we aim to protect the very landscapes that inspire us. Because at the end of the day, good stewardship just makes sense– and it helps ensure the beer keeps flowing for generations to come.