Saturday, December 4, 2010
The times they are a'changin'
Some of you may have been wondering where we've been as of late. Well, life got a little crazy this summer and we didn't really cross many new places off our list. And then in August, Jeff and I found out that we're going to be parents!!! So, for now, my beer drinking has effectively come to an end. I had every intention to keep updating the blog, but then work and pregnancy-related exhaustion struck and I didn't have the energy. But I feel like we owe it to those interested in learning more about MI breweries (and other random beer facts) to put up some new posts: the blog must go on! So, I'm reviewing some of the places we've already been (but haven't yet reviewed) and next summer, we'll likely go back on tour (with the little one in tow - don't worry, one of us - probably me - will be our DD - we've got some precious cargo).
Ann Arbor Breweries
There are 3 breweries in Ann Arbor literally within a 2 block radius, and several more either in town or near town. Each has its perks, but none would really rank up their as best beer ever.
Ann Arbor Brewing
Definitely a solid combo bar/restaurant. Jeff votes this as the best brewery in Ann Arbor. They usually have around 6 or 8 beers at a given time, with the Sacred Cow IPA being one of their most well known (and most frequently seen in bottles in stores). The menu is pretty big - standard pub fare. The burritos are tasty and massive. Expect most of the plates to be large and calorie-laden (but isn't that par for the course at this type of establishment?). It's a popular locale, so expect a wait and standing room only at the bar during evening/weekend hours.
If you're looking for a little better fare, but don't care quite as much about the beer, check out one of these two breweries:
Blue Tractor
The newest brewery in Ann Arbor, it's the sister restaurant to that of the same name up in Traverse City. The first time we went, Jeff was served the wrong beer (asked for an IPA, got some type of Bock). It's fine beer, but nothing really to write home about. Jeff has since been for food, which has a focus on barbecue and is getting a reputation for a good place to go when in downtown Ann Arbor.
Grizzly Peak
Interestingly enough, this also has a sister restaurant in Traverse City (North Peak). This is definitely the best place for food. Classier options that are more appealing to foodies and those who don't want something fried or stuffed with cheese. It's been quite a while since we've been to Grizzly Peak since usually the beer wins out when deciding where to go (and frankly, we're usually in town during non-eating hours), but the last time I was at Grizzly Peak I remember leaving full and satisfied!
Now, if you just want a really great beer selection but aren't looking for something brewed on premises, get yourself to Ashley's!
Ashley's
I don't know how many beers Ashley's has on tap, but it's a whole hell of a lot! Although, they are usually out of several at any given time. That aside, they easily have the most extensive beer list in eastern Michigan. Their menu is great because it's categorized by beer type, with great descriptions of taste and gravity. The do feature some local beers, but really, it's beer from around the country (as well as around the world - their English Ale selection is pretty fantastic). The food is pretty good too (mmmm...stilton fries....), but the service is usually REALLY slow. Again, it's a hotspot, so expect a wait during peak hours.
And if you need to pick up some beer for home, stop by the Beer Depot for a great selection!
There are two other places we actually haven't been to in the area: Jolly Pumpkin (based in Dexter with a tap room in Ann Arbor) and Corner Brewing (the sister of Ann Arbor Brewing in Ypsilanti). Well, that's not entirely true. I've been in Jolly Brewing and was disappointed by the lack of beer options and uber-pretentious crowd, so I opted not to stay. But for prosperity's sake, we will have to go back.
Ann Arbor Brewing
Definitely a solid combo bar/restaurant. Jeff votes this as the best brewery in Ann Arbor. They usually have around 6 or 8 beers at a given time, with the Sacred Cow IPA being one of their most well known (and most frequently seen in bottles in stores). The menu is pretty big - standard pub fare. The burritos are tasty and massive. Expect most of the plates to be large and calorie-laden (but isn't that par for the course at this type of establishment?). It's a popular locale, so expect a wait and standing room only at the bar during evening/weekend hours.
If you're looking for a little better fare, but don't care quite as much about the beer, check out one of these two breweries:
Blue Tractor
The newest brewery in Ann Arbor, it's the sister restaurant to that of the same name up in Traverse City. The first time we went, Jeff was served the wrong beer (asked for an IPA, got some type of Bock). It's fine beer, but nothing really to write home about. Jeff has since been for food, which has a focus on barbecue and is getting a reputation for a good place to go when in downtown Ann Arbor.
Grizzly Peak
Interestingly enough, this also has a sister restaurant in Traverse City (North Peak). This is definitely the best place for food. Classier options that are more appealing to foodies and those who don't want something fried or stuffed with cheese. It's been quite a while since we've been to Grizzly Peak since usually the beer wins out when deciding where to go (and frankly, we're usually in town during non-eating hours), but the last time I was at Grizzly Peak I remember leaving full and satisfied!
Now, if you just want a really great beer selection but aren't looking for something brewed on premises, get yourself to Ashley's!
Ashley's
I don't know how many beers Ashley's has on tap, but it's a whole hell of a lot! Although, they are usually out of several at any given time. That aside, they easily have the most extensive beer list in eastern Michigan. Their menu is great because it's categorized by beer type, with great descriptions of taste and gravity. The do feature some local beers, but really, it's beer from around the country (as well as around the world - their English Ale selection is pretty fantastic). The food is pretty good too (mmmm...stilton fries....), but the service is usually REALLY slow. Again, it's a hotspot, so expect a wait during peak hours.
And if you need to pick up some beer for home, stop by the Beer Depot for a great selection!
There are two other places we actually haven't been to in the area: Jolly Pumpkin (based in Dexter with a tap room in Ann Arbor) and Corner Brewing (the sister of Ann Arbor Brewing in Ypsilanti). Well, that's not entirely true. I've been in Jolly Brewing and was disappointed by the lack of beer options and uber-pretentious crowd, so I opted not to stay. But for prosperity's sake, we will have to go back.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
These boots are made for brewing
More about women in brewing:
Women in Beer Series
I love that she wears pink rubber boots and has started a whole movement.
Also, this Beer Sessions site is one that my sister-in-law brought to my attention. It's a great site full with immense amounts of information - I've recently friended it on Facebook, which is how the aforementioned article came to my attention.
For those of you wondering why we haven't reviewed any more breweries lately, my only answer is because we've been lazy. And now I hit the road for some work related travel. I promise, more Michigan Brewery reviews to come (many are old, but a few have been freshly checked off the list).
Women in Beer Series
I love that she wears pink rubber boots and has started a whole movement.
Also, this Beer Sessions site is one that my sister-in-law brought to my attention. It's a great site full with immense amounts of information - I've recently friended it on Facebook, which is how the aforementioned article came to my attention.
For those of you wondering why we haven't reviewed any more breweries lately, my only answer is because we've been lazy. And now I hit the road for some work related travel. I promise, more Michigan Brewery reviews to come (many are old, but a few have been freshly checked off the list).
Friday, September 3, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Some Beer Humor
If you've never read, The Oatmeal, it's time for you to start. It's so funny. Here's some fun beer facts via The Oatmeal:
20 Things Worth Knowing About Beer
20 Things Worth Knowing About Beer
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Campaign for Real Ale
Wait - isn't ALL ale REAL ale? Apparently not. "Real Ale," according to Randy Mosher, was "once the national drink [of England]," and is sadly now "a specialty beer." The general rarity of such a beer has spawned some beer afficionados to launch the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Also known as "Cask Ale" or "Hand Pull," Real Ale is defined by CAMRA as "beer brewed from traditional ingredients...matured by secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed, and served without the use of extraneous carbon dioxide." Thus, the cask or keg is stored usually in the pub's cellar, at a temperature of between 50 and 55 degrees fahrenheit, and connected directly to the hand pump, which is used to dispense the beer and inject a little natural carbonation. Us Americans are used to our cold cold beer, so to many, Real Ale tastes warm and flat, but it's the more traditional way to serve beer (at least according to the Brits).
With the ever growing craft beer movement, CAMRA seems to be picking up steam. At least that's how it seems - more and more brewpubs feature one or two Real Ales on their menu. Once you get over the idea that Real Ales aren't super cold, you'll find that many are quite tasty!
With the ever growing craft beer movement, CAMRA seems to be picking up steam. At least that's how it seems - more and more brewpubs feature one or two Real Ales on their menu. Once you get over the idea that Real Ales aren't super cold, you'll find that many are quite tasty!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Grand Rapids area breweries
When we first moved to Grand Rapids, we were less than impressed. Both of us came with some preconceived notions about the conservative nature of GR. Yes, it is VERY socially conservative, but I don't feel beat over the head by it (maybe because I've managed to find some of the liberals in town to associate with), nor do I feel like people can tell I'm not one of them just by looking at me. Anyways, we've come to realize that there are some cool things in Grand Rapids (some have been here for years, and some have arrived in the five years that we've been in town). Oddly enough, GR has developed itself quite the happening bar scene; our bars, of course, make their own beer!
Founders
Oh Founders, how we love thee. Jeff told me he couldn't possibly blog about Founders, as its greatness should go without saying. I argue that for prosperity's sake, we must review ALL breweries we've attended. Thus, I will attempt to blog about our Cheers, also known as Founders.
So, we're being a bit dramatic. Not everyone knows our name. But some people do....at least they know Jeff's mug club number. Founders was created in 1997 - sadly we didn't know about Founders when it was in its original location - a real dive, so we've been told. I think we would have liked it, apart from the smoke. Founders as we know it is in an old warehouse, complete with garage style doors that open to a porch covered in climbing hops. Founders prides itself on STRONG beers - if you come in looking for something light, you may well get laughed out the door. Its staples includes their Pale, IPA, Red's Rye, Dirty Bastard and Oatmeal Stout. They also brew up seasonals, special batches, and super special, super high ABV brews (so high, you only get a half pour). Jeff's favorite is probably the Red's Rye - an IPA laced with Rye and, you guessed, red in color. I dig the Pale and the Oatmeal Stout. I wish they brewed more wheat beers, but you can't get everything you want in one place, I suppose.
Founders also makes some damn tasty sandwiches which are perfect compliments for the brews. You can also eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor - a surefire sign that this is a place that you can hang comfortably. My one beef with Founders - and this isn't really a complaint - is that they've become very popular. In part because people are catching craft brew fever. In part because of this new bar scene; though its pretty easy to tell the people who are there for the beer and the people who are there because they heard it was cool (they're the ones asking for light beers).
B.O.B Brewery
Housed in the B.O.B. (aka. the Big Old Building), across from Van Andel Arena, is the B.O.B. Brewery. Jeff describes the clientele as "the Grand Rapids eccentrics." I think he means people from GR who think they're really cool because they drink local microbrew beers, even though the B.O.B. is a bit of an obnoxious scene for people who could really care less about beer but want to hook up on the weekends. The beer is very mediocre, but the food (if you're coming before 8 on the weekends) is pretty ok. This is probably our least favorite brewpub in GR, which is why we've only been there maybe twice.
HopCat
I think THIS is where the Grand Rapids eccentrics go. Again, a bit of a weekend hotspot for people who don't necessarily like beer, but like to THINK they know a lot about the subject. They probably have the best selection of microbrews on tap in GR, but not all are local. They do have a few homebrews - Jeff like Hoppapatamus (an IPA, surprise surprise), but you go to HopCat if you want to try out some other small batches from both in and out of state. But don't go on evenings during the weekend - you won't get in. It's too close to Van Andel, and again, a bit too trendy. Head there on a weeknight or during the day on the weekend, saddle up to the bar and order yourself a beer and some crack fries!
Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Yes - they brew beer. But this is a restaurant - let's not be mistaken. They have a similar (but not nearly as good) menu to North Peak and Grizzley Peak. Pretty decent food and a nice family atmosphere. The beer is ok. I've had a couple mildly good ones (a winter seasonal spiced ale comes to mind) and a couple not so good. They usually only feature 5-6 beers at a time, and most are mediocre at best. Oh yeah, it's by the mall on 28th street - that automatically lowers it a notch in my mind (I'm a snob, I know).
Hide Out
I have to confess, I've only been here once. Jeff says, "The name says it all." It's way on the north side of town, and you have to drive through an apartment complex to get there. It's in a building that used to sell hot tubs and it still smells a tad like Chlorine. It's a pretty easy jaunt for Jeff on his way home from work (though he usually stops at Founders).
Jeff rates this as the second best brewery in GR. I think he likes the free popcorn. :) But seriously, they do have some pretty tasty brews. They maybe have 6-8 brews at a time, with standards like IPA, Pale and their Abbey Ale. Any guesses which one Jeff drinks?
Oh yeah - and in warm weather, you can play lawn games out back. Awesome!
Schmoz
Talk about your dive bar. It's off 28th street in what looks like an office building (much like Michigan Brewing Company, only smaller). You walk in and it looks like nothing's been updated since the 80's. The owner is clearly a fan of Michigan Tech hockey, which of course makes Jeff happy. They also have free popcorn and peanuts - you can't go wrong with free food. The bartenders are always super friendly, as are the regulars (there's bound to be at least one hanging out at the bar). They have some really good beers and some mediocre. Jeff loves the Hopknocker - a double IPA. But I've had a couple that I wasn't super impressed with - like a Cream Ale that wasn't at all creamy - way too crisp. But I kind of love how incredibly low key this place is - too bad it's on the other side of town. Oh yeah - bring the kids for home brewed rootbeer and arcade games straight out of 1984.
Founders
Oh Founders, how we love thee. Jeff told me he couldn't possibly blog about Founders, as its greatness should go without saying. I argue that for prosperity's sake, we must review ALL breweries we've attended. Thus, I will attempt to blog about our Cheers, also known as Founders.
So, we're being a bit dramatic. Not everyone knows our name. But some people do....at least they know Jeff's mug club number. Founders was created in 1997 - sadly we didn't know about Founders when it was in its original location - a real dive, so we've been told. I think we would have liked it, apart from the smoke. Founders as we know it is in an old warehouse, complete with garage style doors that open to a porch covered in climbing hops. Founders prides itself on STRONG beers - if you come in looking for something light, you may well get laughed out the door. Its staples includes their Pale, IPA, Red's Rye, Dirty Bastard and Oatmeal Stout. They also brew up seasonals, special batches, and super special, super high ABV brews (so high, you only get a half pour). Jeff's favorite is probably the Red's Rye - an IPA laced with Rye and, you guessed, red in color. I dig the Pale and the Oatmeal Stout. I wish they brewed more wheat beers, but you can't get everything you want in one place, I suppose.
 |
| Celebrating my 30th in style - at Founders with beer and cake! |
B.O.B Brewery
Housed in the B.O.B. (aka. the Big Old Building), across from Van Andel Arena, is the B.O.B. Brewery. Jeff describes the clientele as "the Grand Rapids eccentrics." I think he means people from GR who think they're really cool because they drink local microbrew beers, even though the B.O.B. is a bit of an obnoxious scene for people who could really care less about beer but want to hook up on the weekends. The beer is very mediocre, but the food (if you're coming before 8 on the weekends) is pretty ok. This is probably our least favorite brewpub in GR, which is why we've only been there maybe twice.
HopCat
I think THIS is where the Grand Rapids eccentrics go. Again, a bit of a weekend hotspot for people who don't necessarily like beer, but like to THINK they know a lot about the subject. They probably have the best selection of microbrews on tap in GR, but not all are local. They do have a few homebrews - Jeff like Hoppapatamus (an IPA, surprise surprise), but you go to HopCat if you want to try out some other small batches from both in and out of state. But don't go on evenings during the weekend - you won't get in. It's too close to Van Andel, and again, a bit too trendy. Head there on a weeknight or during the day on the weekend, saddle up to the bar and order yourself a beer and some crack fries!
Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Yes - they brew beer. But this is a restaurant - let's not be mistaken. They have a similar (but not nearly as good) menu to North Peak and Grizzley Peak. Pretty decent food and a nice family atmosphere. The beer is ok. I've had a couple mildly good ones (a winter seasonal spiced ale comes to mind) and a couple not so good. They usually only feature 5-6 beers at a time, and most are mediocre at best. Oh yeah, it's by the mall on 28th street - that automatically lowers it a notch in my mind (I'm a snob, I know).
Hide Out
I have to confess, I've only been here once. Jeff says, "The name says it all." It's way on the north side of town, and you have to drive through an apartment complex to get there. It's in a building that used to sell hot tubs and it still smells a tad like Chlorine. It's a pretty easy jaunt for Jeff on his way home from work (though he usually stops at Founders).
Jeff rates this as the second best brewery in GR. I think he likes the free popcorn. :) But seriously, they do have some pretty tasty brews. They maybe have 6-8 brews at a time, with standards like IPA, Pale and their Abbey Ale. Any guesses which one Jeff drinks?
Oh yeah - and in warm weather, you can play lawn games out back. Awesome!
Schmoz
Talk about your dive bar. It's off 28th street in what looks like an office building (much like Michigan Brewing Company, only smaller). You walk in and it looks like nothing's been updated since the 80's. The owner is clearly a fan of Michigan Tech hockey, which of course makes Jeff happy. They also have free popcorn and peanuts - you can't go wrong with free food. The bartenders are always super friendly, as are the regulars (there's bound to be at least one hanging out at the bar). They have some really good beers and some mediocre. Jeff loves the Hopknocker - a double IPA. But I've had a couple that I wasn't super impressed with - like a Cream Ale that wasn't at all creamy - way too crisp. But I kind of love how incredibly low key this place is - too bad it's on the other side of town. Oh yeah - bring the kids for home brewed rootbeer and arcade games straight out of 1984.
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