The Michigan Brewers Guild announced that Derek “Chumly” Anderson of The Vierling in Marquette was the recipient of its esteemed Tom Burns Award.
The award will be presented to Chumly during a reception from 6-8pm on Sunday April 12 at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W Baraga in Marquette.
The Tom Burns Award is presented to a person who embodies the pioneering spirit of the Michigan brewing industry.
This is an individual whose hard work, passion, and perseverance has been a guiding force in contributing to the Great Beer State while being supportive of the entire beer industry in Michigan.
Chumly began as a chef at The Vierling in 1987, eventually relinquishing his kitchen responsibilities to become the first full-time brewer in 1995, utilizing a five barrel, 155-gallon microbrewing system direct from Budapest, Hungary. The Vierling became one of the first breweries in Michigan to operate under the new (at the time) microbrew/brewpub laws with Chumly at the helm every step of the way.
He is regarded as the longest tenured brewer at any brew operation in Michigan, even more remarkable as he has been brewing at the same establishment the entire time.
Affectionately known as the “Scholarly Brewer” his fans have formed a loose-knit group called “Club Chumly” to honor him and his passion for his craft. The Vierling itself has been operating as a restaurant since 1883, and in 2023 longtime owners Kristi and Terry Doyle sold the historic property to Chumly and his business partner, Joey Gleason.
Hear more from Chumly in this interview from the Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast.
Past winners of the Tom Burns Award include:
- 2012 – Larry Bell of Bell’s Brewery Inc.
- 2013 – Fred Bueltmann of New Holland Brewing
- 2015 – John Linardos of Motor City Brewing Works
- 2017 – Rex Halfpenny of Michigan Beer Guide
- 2019 – Eric Briggeman of Rochester Mills Beer Company
- 2020 – Ron Jeffries of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
- 2023 – Jack Archiable of the former Traverse Brewing Company
- 2024 – Mike “BrewGyver” O’Brien
- 2025 – Ted Badgerow, Ypsi Ale House
The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries.
The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 17,000 full-time jobs and $700 million in labor income / wages, with a total economic impact of over $2.4 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #9 in the nation—supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”
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