Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 21, 2022, as Oberon Day to celebrate the state’s unofficial start to spring, according to an announcement Monday.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Oberon Ale. Since 1992, Michiganders have celebrated the release of Oberon every spring.
The American wheat ale is one of the most iconic craft beers in Michigan and recognized by beer connoisseurs as the first sight of spring and warmer weather.
In 2021, the state of Michigan enjoyed 14,067,074 pints of Oberon Ale.
“Michigan is home to some of the best breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs in the world,” said Gov. Whitmer in a statement. “As we welcome warmer weather, I want to raise a cold glass of our beloved Oberon to my fellow Michiganders who are looking forward to a Pure Michigan summer full of time with family and friends. Let us kick off our unofficial start to the better weather season by celebrating the craft beer industry for creating jobs, building a sense of community and supporting small business owners throughout the state.”
Oberon is produced by Michigan’s oldest operating craft brewery, Bell’s Brewery, which the state said helped pave the way for its craft beer boom.