Derek "Chumly" Anderson, left, of The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery in Marquette, receives the Tom Burns Award from a Michigan Brewer's Guild official. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — Earlier this year, 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 was presented to Anderson during a reception on Sunday April 12 at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave., 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.

Anderson 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 Anderson 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 Anderson and his business partner, Joey Gleason.