Michigan is known for our love of beers, and the large amount of craft breweries you can find in the state.

Founders Brewing Company FB
Founders Brewing Company FB
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We're also the home of Beer City, USA: Grand Rapids

Perrin Brewing Co., Instagram
Perrin Brewing Co., Instagram
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But, what happens if the beer stops flowing in Beer City? That's a real possibility due to a recent nationwide shortage for one key ingredient.

📷 Facebook/Beer City Brewers Guild
📷 Facebook/Beer City Brewers Guild
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What if I told you that part of the reason for the shortage isn't the usual "supply chain" excuse, but rather... an extinct volcano in Mississippi.

Volcano
Storyful News, YouTube
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it's true, a carbon dioxide production shortage caused by natural contamination at the Jackson Dome, which is a Mississippi reservoir of CO2 from an extinct volcano, has caused a nationwide shortage of CO2.

Why do breweries need CO2?

While it's not a great thing to have in your home, carbon dioxide is the main ingredient when it comes to carbonating beer. Some larger breweries, like Anheuser Bush, are able to reuse their own emissions for this process.

Bell's on Instagram
Bell's on Instagram
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Some breweries are using nitrogen for this process when they are unable to get (or afford) CO2, while some smaller craft breweries are unfortunately having to close their doors because they can no longer brew.

Has this affected any West Michigan breweries yet?

As of now- no one has stopped or slowed down production of beer in Michigan, however that doesn't mean they won't in the near future.

RANDALL ROBERTS
RANDALL ROBERTS
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While the shortage has only been happening for a few months, experts say there is no end in sight for the shortage due to the nature of the incident. So unfortunately, it may start to affect consumers in their wallet (and coolers) soon.

Here's hoping that our breweries find inventive ways to work around this, and if you see shortages or price increases, be patient. It's not their fault.

25 Local Breweries to Try During Your Next Visit to Grand Rapids

Michigan is filled with 100's of great craft breweries. Both large and small companies, there is no beer shortage here. Check out 25 breweries in Grand Rapids here. 

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