Brewery Profile

Upper Hand Brewery

In Escanaba’s beer scene, this is a production brewery rather than a neighborhood taproom. A visitor who heads to the facility should not expect bar seating, flights, growler fills, or a retail counter; the site is not set up for public on-site consumption. Upper Hand operates as a division of the larger Bell’s Brewery organization, with a role that is regional and practical: producing beer for distribution, especially across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its presence gives Escanaba a recognizable craft brewing operation, but the experience for most travelers happens away from the brewhouse, through cans or draft served elsewhere in town or around the U.P.

Travelers in this part of Michigan often look for beer that reflects the realities of the region: something available on a road trip, easy to find with a meal, or practical to take back to a cabin, campground, or hotel. Upper Hand fits that pattern by focusing on accessible, year-round styles packaged in kegs and cans. Since specific daily offerings are not served at the production site, the best way to encounter the beer is to check local bars, restaurants, and stores that carry Upper Peninsula-distributed craft beer. The brewery’s model is less about a destination tasting room and more about making regionally focused beer available where visitors and residents already gather.

The facility is in the Delta Landing business park, about two miles southwest of downtown Escanaba, near the Delta County Airport. Access is via Airport Road off M-35, which makes the building easy enough to locate, but it should be treated as an operating production site rather than a visitor attraction. There is no public taproom or retail space, and amenities for guests are not part of the known setup. Anyone hoping to try the beer should plan around local availability instead of arriving at the brewery for pours. Distribution is centered on the Upper Peninsula, with some reach into select areas of the Lower Peninsula, so availability is most likely to be confirmed through nearby retailers, restaurants, or bars.

Upper Hand Brewery operates as a division of the larger Bell's Brewery organization, focusing its production and distribution primarily within Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Established to serve the unique regional market, the brewery facility is situated in the Delta Landing business park, approximately two miles southwest of downtown Escanaba. This location places the operation near the Delta County Airport, accessible via Airport Road off M-35. The site functions exclusively as a production facility and does not maintain a public taproom or retail space for on-site consumption. Upper Hand focuses on accessible, year-round styles distributed through kegs and cans across the U.P. and select areas of the Lower Peninsula.

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3525 Airport Rd, Escanaba, Michigan, 49829-1096

Phone: 2693822338

Website: https://www.upperhandbrewery.com/

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Upper Hand Brewery.

Beer Styles at Upper Hand Brewery

Upper Hand Brewery brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes American Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Stout, stout, Amber Lager, Pale Ale, Black Ale, Cherry Wheat, Barrel-Aged Sour, Double India Pale Ale, and Finnish-Style BBA Stout. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • Trivia Night @ Upper Hand Brewery

    Aug 26, 2026

    Join us every Thursday from 7-8:30p for brain teasers, prizes, and great beer. Free to Play with prizes for top 3, round winners, and best team name.

  • Music in the Yard @ Upper Hand Brewery

    Aug 27, 2026

    Starting June 1st through August live music every Sunday 2-5p and Friday 5-8 at Upper Hand Brewery. Enjoy live music performances in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Hand Brewery located?
Upper Hand Brewery is located at 3525 Airport Rd, Escanaba, Michigan, 49829-1096. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Upper Hand Brewery's hours?
Taproom hours are not posted to Beer.Social. Call 2693822338 to confirm before visiting.
How can I learn more about Upper Hand Brewery?
Visit https://www.upperhandbrewery.com/ for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.