These 7 scary-looking Michigan craft brews aren't waiting for Halloween

Sharon Dargay
Hometown Life
New Holland Brewing Company features a scary trio on its Ichabod beer.

There’s no need to wait until Halloween to get your scare on. 

Some craft beverage makers add a little anxiety to their ales, some horror to their honey mead, and screams to their stout.  At least that’s the impression you get looking at some of the labels on a few Michigan brews.

Witch's Hat, for example, keeps beer lovers in "Fear of the Dark" at its South Lyon location.

Ray Leibal, brewer and manager, says a song, rather than monsters under the bed, inspired the scary-sounding brew. It's a beer in the black barley wine style with a high alcohol content.

The brewery's Bear Witch Project came from a collaboration between Grizzly Peak in Ann Arbor and Witch's Hat.

 "It's not as popular as Fear of the Dark because it's a Lichenhainer, which is soured. It's smoky and soured. Not everyone likes that style," Leibal noted. 

But those who do, like it a lot, he said. 

Time for a little liquid nightmare? Just pop open the cap or order on tap, and drink. See you in hops hell...

Witch’s Hat, South Lyon

Beer: Barrel Aged Fear of the Dark

Their description: "Black barley wine aged in Wild Turkey barrels"

Our take: The 15 percent ABV will make you forget the boogeyman. Just drink up. 

Grisly graphic: Scary monster with long, sharp teeth

Beer: The Bear Witch Project 

Their description: "Lacto soured smoked wheat ale brewed Lichtenhainer style"

Our take: Sounds like a movie sequel

Grisly Graphic: Angry-looking, red-faced bear in a witch hat

Griffin Claw, Birmingham 

Beer: Screamin’ Pumpkin Ale

Their description: "The perfect beer to celebrate Halloween."

Our take: Better to drink that jack-o-lantern than to smash it. 

Grisly Graphic: Green, orange and screaming pumpkin

Griffin Claw's Rail District Bohemian Pilsner features a graphic of a woman tied to the railroad tracks.

Beer: Rail District Bohemian Pilsner

Their description: "You gotta like hops to like this beer."

Our take: Train signal crossings are there for a reason.

Grisly Graphic: Woman screaming, tied to railroad tracks

ROAK Brewing Company, Royal Oak 

Beer: Blow Your Face Out

Their description: "Crafted to maximize the dark character of hops with piney, tropical and stone fruit aromas and flavors. This beer is going to blow your face out."

Our take: Face lift with a twist 

Grisly Graphic: Screaming man, his mouth overflowing with hops

Atwater Beer, Detroit

Beer: VooDoo Vator Dopplebock

Their description: "Traditional extended lagering makes the VooDoo Vator deceptively smooth though high in alcohol. Be warned. A stronger, darker version of the Bocks of Germany, dopplebocks were designed in monasteries for sustenance during fasting.”

Our take: Looking forward to Lent next year

Grisly graphic: Scary man with glowing eyes holding a skull

B. Nektar, Ferndale

Mead: Black Fang

Their description: "Sweet and smooth with a full-bodied, dark berry wine character. Reminiscent of Spanish sangria and Garnacha grape wine."

Our take: Goes well with cheese, olives, ham ... and a necklace of garlic

Grisly graphic: Creepy vampire and victim with bloody teeth marks on her neck 

Black Fang sits on the store shelf, along with other B. Nektar meads

Short's Brewing Company, Bellaire

Beer: Ben's Asthma

Their description: "Despite the sweet initial flavors, an immediate mouth warming sensation caused by the high alcohol content lingers well beyond the finish."

Our take: No need for albuterol

Grisly graphic: Asthma inhaler with beer bottle on one end, flames shooting out the mouthpiece - ouch!

New Holland Brewing Company, Holland

Beer: Ichabod

Their description: "...combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert."

Our take: You might lose your head over this seasonal brew.

Grisly graphic: Horseman with scary jack-o-lantern, on a horse with glowing eyes

sdargay@hometownlife.com