It’s no surprise we’re fans of good, bold beer. So naturally we went around the Cat Footwear HQ to survey our co-workers for International Beer Day. See what they had to say about local Michigan brews.

What’s your favorite local beer? Why?

(via @PerrinBrewing)

Fruity Beers:

• Perrin Grapefruit (Top Pick!)
  • Kelsey, Marketing Specialist – It’s sweet, but not too sweet and always refreshing no matter what season it is!
  • Mason, Graphic Designer – It’s got a light taste with a great finish.
• Bell’s Oberon
  • Courtney, Marketing Manager – So incredibly refreshing on a hot Summer Day and I could never find it when I was living in St. Louis…absence makes the heart grow fonder!
• Mitten’s Teddy Raspberry
  • Katey, Marketing Comms Manager – It’s slightly sweet with a crisp sour finish.

IPA’s & Sour Beers:

• Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza
  • Shalee, Senior Product Manager – Summertime has me craving the sours!
• Bell’s Two Hearted
  • Tasha, Demand Planner – I really enjoy IPAs and like that Two Hearted is packed with hops and a nice citrus flavor. It’s very drinkable so when I’m not trying something new on a menu it’s my go to beer.

Easy Drinking:

• Ski Patrol Brewery Vivant
  • Joe, Ecomm Marketing Manager – It’s a great Belgian style Wit with hint of citrus.
• Perrin Black
  • Dylan, Design Director – Interesting smoky and chocolaty/coffee oriented flavors in an easy to drink vehicle.
• Perrin Gold
  • Jared, Sales Director – It’s so good when it hits your lips! Slightly sweet with a crisp sour finish.

Favorite place to crack open a cold one?

(via Rockwell Republic)

Joe – At the bar on the altar of taps at Brewery Vivant.

Kelsey – Patio at Rockwell Republic or my own patio at my apartment overlooking Grand Rapids!

Tasha – Logan’s Alley in Grand Rapids. I like that it’s kind of a dive bar but they always have a great lineup of beer on tap and offer a menu that’s different from your typical dive bar food offerings.

Jared – On a hot day during a wake surf session on an inland lake in Michigan!

In your opinion, what makes a great beer?

Joe – Passion and care for the craft. I’ll try anything at places that do that.

Kelsey – Strong taste, the right amount of hops and a balance of sweetness that’s not too sugary.

Mason – The right combination of temperature and flavor.

Shalee – A great beer always tastes best when it’s shared with friends.

Dylan – Not too heavy, not too watery, interesting complex flavors while being easy to drink and refreshing.