At the end of September, Mlive.com, Michigan's primary news source, released a list of Michigan's Best Breweries. The list is ranked based on overall experience, including the feel of the brewery, the knowledge of the staff, and of course, the beer.
They visited breweries based on Michigander votes over the course of nine short days with the assistance of Amy Sherman from The Great American Brew Trail television show. This was the list they compiled.
1. Short's Brewing Company
2. Greenbush Brewing Co.
3. Dark Horse Brewing Co.
4. Kuhnhenn Brewing Co.
5. Founders Brewing Co.
6. Bell's Brewery, Inc.
7. Arbor Brewing Company
8. Arcadia Brewing Company
9. Right Brain Brewery
10. Cranker's Brewery
More information about why they chose the breweries can be found here.
But (and isn't there always a "but), I politely and respectfully disagree, and will submit my own list in protest, which will mostly be based on the beer.
So here are Beauty and The Brew's Top 10 Michigan Breweries.
1. Short's Brewing Company
They got this one right. They really did, and Short's has earned this title. Short's has worked their way up from a humble start to becoming the craft beer powerhouse that it is today. Only distributing in Michigan has given Short's the opportunity to expand their beer selection enormously and they frequently venture into the realm of flat out bizarre (but somehow delicious) territory with some of their more experimental beers, such as their Key Lime Pie, Bloody Beer (inspired by Bloody Mary flavors), and their OMGWTFBBQ. Short's is located in Bellaire, MI, a sleepy lake town up north that provides all the charm that you'd expect to suit a local brewery. There's great beer to choose from, a staff that clearly loves their jobs, and a deli menu to die for thanks to Joe Short's wife Leah. This brewpub really has it all.
2. Brewery Vivant
I'll try not to go on and on about this one, even though I easily could. Brewery Vivant was actually the brewpub I vouched for when I sent my email to Mlive, mostly knowing that Short's wouldn't need any help getting to number one. But Brewery Vivant is certainly newer, and a little more elusive as it's located in a building tucked back on Cherry Street in Grand Rapids, MI. Honestly, nothing that has come out of that brewery has been anything less than world-class. Everything from their standards to their specialty options have floored me. I am obsessed with their packaging (as a graphic designer), it has the look of medieval woodblock prints from religious texts, and you can always tell a Brewery Vivant can from the consistency and the fact that they choose a single color to represent each beer. Not to mention that fact that it is a can is fantastic for the environment, and I appreciate their commitment to that.
The brewpub itself is a renovated historic building in the East Hills neighborhood in Grand Rapids. The building looks like an old Abbey, complete with exposed beams and stained glass behind the bar. Most seating is community style, so you get a great chance to talk to the people around you about the food and beer. The whole building in LEED certified.
And now we get to talk about the food. They have taken bar food to a whole new level with some serious treats. From artisanal cheese plates to upscale bar favorites like oysters and belgium fries (complete with truffle oil on request), they've got all your main faire covered, as well as some really unique twists on some old favorites. Like their bar nachos are made with duck and brie. Their chicken and waffles are made with cornish hen and a cheddar bacon cornbread waffle.
Again, I could go on and on. But I won't. Just go there yourself, it's worth it.
3. Greenbush Brewing Co.
Who would have thought that Sawyer, MI was the perfect location to sustain a craft brewery. Situated closely to Chicago but not too far for most Michigan cities, Greenbush has been an attractive destination for many in their very short lifespan. They are expanding so quickly, it's hard for anyone, even their employees, to keep up, but that is simply the price of serving up great beer. Their staples, Anger, Closure, Brother Benjamin, and Distorter, all get high marks from me in their respective styles. Their food sources great local ingredients, and all people can do is rave about their brisket (for good reason). Looking at the outside of this tiny brewpub, you'd never guess how bustling it is inside! It's a beer lover's haven.
4. Jolly Pumpkin
Approaching a very dark and historic looking line shop in a college town with a Nightmare Before Christmas style logo and awning has never been so appealing. In Ann Arbor, MI, they have a very discerning clientele of professors and students attending the prestigious University of Michigan, so you know if they've managed to keep their supreme location then they are doing something right. Jolly Pumpkin has some world-class beers, consistently scoring 90 or above on Ratebeer.com regardless of style, though they excel at sours.
5. Founders Brewing Co.
Founders is one of those breweries that needs no introduction, even among a national audience. Their beer has made it across the country, from north to south, purely running on awesome. I have been there many times, and despite enormous crowds have always thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, especially after their recent renovation where they have expanded immensely and increased outdoor space including outdoor fire pits for heating because, let's face it folks, Michigan gets really damn cold. They also have a pretty neat little gift shop in there, so kudos for that addition. Founders is constantly outdoing itself, especially with their Backstage Series beers, which are always interesting as well as incredibly delicious and limited in supply. Founders makes nationally appealing not because they are some sort of toned down version of Michigan beer, but it's because they are a superb example of what makes our state's craft beer so great and people are starting to take notice.
Founders is one of those breweries that needs no introduction, even among a national audience. Their beer has made it across the country, from north to south, purely running on awesome. I have been there many times, and despite enormous crowds have always thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, especially after their recent renovation where they have expanded immensely and increased outdoor space including outdoor fire pits for heating because, let's face it folks, Michigan gets really damn cold. They also have a pretty neat little gift shop in there, so kudos for that addition. Founders is constantly outdoing itself, especially with their Backstage Series beers, which are always interesting as well as incredibly delicious and limited in supply. Founders makes nationally appealing not because they are some sort of toned down version of Michigan beer, but it's because they are a superb example of what makes our state's craft beer so great and people are starting to take notice.
The renovations are so new, I can't find pictures of the new building anywhere!
7. Arcadia Brewing Company
Arcadia, my love, what can I say about you that hasn't already been said in any of my other blog posts. They make it on this list not simply because their brewpub in Battle Creek is just a lovely experience all together and their food alone is worth the trip, but their Kalamazoo location sounds like it will top my list for next year. So far the feel of the building seems very similar to Founders with the open loft feel and the large garage doors to open to the outside, where they will put a pet friendly beer garden with river access. But THE MENU. Can I just take a second and drool over the menu? They are drawing inspiration from South American barbeque, Turkish inspired spice rubs, house cured meats and fresh fish! Those are a few of my favorite things! And to top it all of, Arcadia is serving up some of my favorite beers, from their Loch Ness to Cocoa Loco, and they will be able produce 60,000 barrels annually in this new facility.
Arcadia, my love, what can I say about you that hasn't already been said in any of my other blog posts. They make it on this list not simply because their brewpub in Battle Creek is just a lovely experience all together and their food alone is worth the trip, but their Kalamazoo location sounds like it will top my list for next year. So far the feel of the building seems very similar to Founders with the open loft feel and the large garage doors to open to the outside, where they will put a pet friendly beer garden with river access. But THE MENU. Can I just take a second and drool over the menu? They are drawing inspiration from South American barbeque, Turkish inspired spice rubs, house cured meats and fresh fish! Those are a few of my favorite things! And to top it all of, Arcadia is serving up some of my favorite beers, from their Loch Ness to Cocoa Loco, and they will be able produce 60,000 barrels annually in this new facility.
Arcadia (Battle Creek)
Arcadia West (Kalamazoo)
8. New Holland Brewery
Fact: New Holland actually came out publicly during the search for Michigan's Best Brewery and stated that they really don't believe the competition is what the craft beer industry is about. I found that to be incredibly admirable, honestly. I was disappointed to see that New Holland wasn't even an addition to the list that Mlive put out, likely due to their statement, but they have so much public support because their beers are fantastic and they do a wealth of good for the Holland community. As an independent blogger I can only say that all lists, such as my own, have a bias towards personal taste. Your favorite brewery may not be mine, and who really cares? Much like New Holland, I'm sure a lot of these breweries know better than to take the competition to heart and know that everyone has a preference, but in the end it doesn't matter because it all is for the good of the industry as a whole. So here is my "hats off" to the creators of Mad Hatter, New Holland, my hometown brewery. I remember when they opened in 1997, and I couldn't drink then, but I remember that awesome pizza. I remember thinking it was a great restaurant. And now that I'm older, I know that was just a sign that it was also going to be a good brewpub. It has the kind of atmosphere that allows anyone to walk in and feel comfortable and happy. They also distill their own artisan spirits, which, to be frank, kick ass. Their Knickerbocker gin not only is a staple for my personal bar, but it also makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside thinking back to when I used to see shows at The Knickerbocker Theater, the gin's namesake. Don't even get me started on their Beer Barrel Bourbon.
Fact: New Holland actually came out publicly during the search for Michigan's Best Brewery and stated that they really don't believe the competition is what the craft beer industry is about. I found that to be incredibly admirable, honestly. I was disappointed to see that New Holland wasn't even an addition to the list that Mlive put out, likely due to their statement, but they have so much public support because their beers are fantastic and they do a wealth of good for the Holland community. As an independent blogger I can only say that all lists, such as my own, have a bias towards personal taste. Your favorite brewery may not be mine, and who really cares? Much like New Holland, I'm sure a lot of these breweries know better than to take the competition to heart and know that everyone has a preference, but in the end it doesn't matter because it all is for the good of the industry as a whole. So here is my "hats off" to the creators of Mad Hatter, New Holland, my hometown brewery. I remember when they opened in 1997, and I couldn't drink then, but I remember that awesome pizza. I remember thinking it was a great restaurant. And now that I'm older, I know that was just a sign that it was also going to be a good brewpub. It has the kind of atmosphere that allows anyone to walk in and feel comfortable and happy. They also distill their own artisan spirits, which, to be frank, kick ass. Their Knickerbocker gin not only is a staple for my personal bar, but it also makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside thinking back to when I used to see shows at The Knickerbocker Theater, the gin's namesake. Don't even get me started on their Beer Barrel Bourbon.
9. Bell's Brewery
You can't even do this thing without talking about Bell's. The big daddy of Michigan craft brewing has so many diverse spaces in their brewpub, from the Eccentric Cafe to the brewery store, from the outside beer garden and music venue to the inside bar and music venue. You can see people from all over the United States in a single night at Bell's, it's just that much of a destination for beer-lovers. Everything from the food to the staff to the music follows the same standard as their famous beers; world-class.
You can't even do this thing without talking about Bell's. The big daddy of Michigan craft brewing has so many diverse spaces in their brewpub, from the Eccentric Cafe to the brewery store, from the outside beer garden and music venue to the inside bar and music venue. You can see people from all over the United States in a single night at Bell's, it's just that much of a destination for beer-lovers. Everything from the food to the staff to the music follows the same standard as their famous beers; world-class.
10. Dark Horse Brewing Co.
Dark Horse is almost too eclectic to summarize. On the outside, this Marshall establishment looks remarkably biker bar-esque, as the exterior is a blend siding painting army green and wood shingles. The ceiling is so lined with mugs that some of them have started to spill onto the walls for lack of space. Dark Horse also boasts an expansive beer garden that is definitely.... different than others. The entire complex is something you will have to see to believe. Dark Horse brews are unapologetically flavorful and hugely diverse in style. The brewers are literally fearless and it shows in everything they put out. They've got relatively standard fare as far as food is concerned, but it hits the spot.
So that's it. There is my list and I'm sticking to it. Questions, concerns, complaints. Leave me a comment and argue it up, I thrive on disagreement.
