Brewery Review: Hideout Brewery - Grand Rapids, MI

This was the last of the breweries in the Grand Rapids area that we checked out during the weekend I biked up. That morning Eamon and I went to check out Schmohz, went back to his house for some recovery and then biked the long arduous road (literally, lots of hills) to the little nook of the town where the Hideout was located. So far since moving to Michigan just over 2 months ago, I've heard great things about this Brewery, so it was a must hit. And it definitely did not disappoint. These are the beers we tried:


Falcons IPA: Heavy looking amber. Strong cream colored head. Malt heavy with Belgian cane sugar and caramel. A bite of rich bitterness handles the second half. Thick mouthfeel. The stout body of an IPA.
Pale ale: Copper colored with a tint of amber. Minimal head with a speckled wet lacing. Subtle haze. Light body and medium sweetness of malt and brief biscuit. Bitterness is subdued, but still on the higher end of the spectrum. Drying semi fruit based bitterness with notes of grapefruit and a touch of the tropics.
Alley Cat Black Lager: Dark and approaching black.  Thin ring coats the glass. A neutral sweetness. Lacking the roast but still maintains an element of chocolate without the bitter tannins. Toasted malt bill.
Smuggler's Hazelnut Stout: Jet black with. Beige foam head. The mellow coffee roast makes up the aroma complimented by come toasted. Sweet malt base. Thinner base. Some smoke to the aroma. Medium carbonation and body.
Bitter Brown: Sweet biscuit toast base followed with a very appealing fruit bitterness. Reminiscent of pine and grapefruit rounding out dry. The deception falls with the color, primarily similar to a basic pale/IPA Cement Shoes: Chocolate and sweet. Very palatable stout boasting chocolate and assorted toasted malts. Clean at that. Lighter body and a crisper finish. Easy to throw down.
Crusaders' Seized: Big time opaque yellow with a dense white film set across the top of the beer. Cream flavor with a compliment of yeast and cloves. Heavier on the malt. I don't get too much of the banana, but some vanilla flavor. Very enticing flavor and fuller than most wheat beers.

The menu on the back wall

The Bar

Favorites: 
1) Pale ale
2) Alley Cat Black Lager
3) Crusaders weizened

The Bar Setting:
My first impression of the establishment was "could this really be a brewery?" The outside was in the corner of an industrial lot at the end of a winding road that cut through a small tree grove, and then through college looking sub divisions, finally ending at a small dumpy (no negative connotation intended) looking building hidden behind some conifers and rocks. The sign was peeling and somewhat covered as well. I didn't know what to expect as we entered. We parked our bikes right outside the door and walked in. What we found was pleasantly surprising. The atmosphere took a subtle British pub style look. We were greeted in a entry room which merged with the front of the bar. Posters layered the walls of beer and brewery related material. We sat down at the L-shaped bar that, though small, allowed for easy conversation with publicans at all seats. The vintage looking taps layer the corner of the wall parallel the bar (two of them with Nitro). Seating is minimal, and intended so. I enjoy the fact that this bar keeps their customers close. No television in sight and the entertainment is everyone's own company.
Though the bar itself comes off as small, the establishment is anything but. Just walk upstairs over the brewhouse and you can find yourself staring at a large game room complete with darts, table hockey and several other involving games (No electronic games - keeping it traditional). The room is also lined with 55 Ibs bags of Ruhl 2-row giving customers a more acquainted look at the raw ingredients that go into the beer they are sipping. Then, just look out the window and a rather large courtyard is visible with a grassy in-ground/concrete lined trough-like field (quite a description - eh?) for those interested in playing horse-shoe. Chairs and benches line the horseshoe playing field for spectators. I myself never went outside to get a better look, but it is certainly worth a go.

The Grain Case

Brewhouse:
I didn't get a too in-depth visual on the equipment, but a large display window just to the right of the bar was about everything I needed. A two barrel system (3-5 bbls I'm guessing) with a wood lined mash tun that pivots? and a typical stainless kettle. What really caught my interest (and potential idea for my own brewery one day) was the converted grain surge tank that was set upstairs above the mash tun. Converted from a septic tank it holds the grain prior to milling in. What a ingenious and sustainable idea! I never got a chance to see the fermentation room, or the cooler, but I'm guessing the majority of the taps are supplied through kegs (correct me if I'm wrong).
Experience:

Pale Ale

Well, Eamon and I arrived and we were immediately greeted by Theresa, new Co-owner (The Hideout was recently purchased from its past owners) and bartender. We tasted our way through a few beers and Eamon decided on the Alley Cat Black Lager and I settled on the Pale Ale. It was during this time that we took a gander around the place. Following, we sat back down ready for our next round. Tasted a few more and we resorted to two 12 Oz glasses of the Smugglers Hazelnut Stout and the Bitter Brown. At this point we talked to Mr. Wanhatalo, the head brewer/Co-owner about locally sourced hops, the Michigan Brewery Scene and other craft beer oriented banter. Finally we finished our pints, tasted a few more and checked out. I really wish I lived in the locale, as I see this place with its calm atmoshphere, pub oriented spirit and fantastic beer as a integral part of defining GR as the Craft Beer City, USA. Thanks to Theresa for making the experience so enjoyable. I'll be back!
Check them out:
www.hideoutbrewing.com/

Brewery Review: Schmohz Brewing Company - Grand Rapids, MI

To give a little context.... I had arrived in Grand Rapids the night before after biking 27 miles from Holland. The objective of the weekend was to check out the local brewery scene with Eamon. He graciously accommodated me with a place to stay (though I brought my newly purchased hammock just in case). We had been to Harmony Brewing Co and Vivant Brewing Co the night before. After a slow morning, a brief run and lunch we drove ( I know, but it was far) to Schmohz Brewery. I had only seen them before at the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter beer fest during my interview process with New Holland. We arrived Saturday Morning/Afternoon. These are the beers Eamon and I tried:

Bloody Red: Absolute clarity and a strong foam cream ring. Carbonation visible. Malt centered but with a toffee spicing to it reminiscent of rye, but I can't completely vouch for that interesting flavor. Starts with a bite from the carbonation and rounds out extremely smooth and creamy.
Pickle Tink: Golden color. Slight haze and a minimal foam white ring. White wheat fruit and a faint acidity. A typical light drinker but with a craft twist. Foamy biting zest and very dry resigned finish. Refreshing for sure.
Pilsner: Golden with a subtle haze. The lacing is speckled and styrafoamed. Carbonation visibly present. Brief malt base with an emphasis on the bitterness at the end. Some acidity exists near the end. Very drying in the end. Emphasizing The German nobles. Spicy.
Cream ale: Similar in color to the cirrus. Light malt sweetness of corn or rice adjuncts. Carbonation bites up front, but mellows into a foamy mouthfeel near the end. Some tartness present at the end.

IPA head retention

Cirrus Wheat: Yellow and cloudy, though not an opacity like a Hefe. No head and looks flat. Strong phenols of old world outdoorsiness and hay. Strong wheat and even vanilla near the end under the tongue.
Amber: Just as the beers name suggests...amber. Very clear with a basic white foam ring to make for the head. Still looking. Biscuit and toast malt base. Light body, but boasting a nice sweet malt flavor. Aroma is earthy but sweet.
Hop knocker: Basic amber with a color inhibitory cloudiness. Rich malt base of caramel and eatery of undertones of dark roasted dates and raisin. Alcohol is prominent but complimentary.
Razzmanian devil: Light amber with a tint of berry red. Little head in existence. Tart and berry fruit come through with a light body and strong carbonation. Little watery, but high drink ability.
Zingiberene gruit: Golden copper. Still looking. No head is present. High carbonation and zesty. Made with ginger but nice and light with a great bite to compliment a refreshing finish. Finish is dry.
IPA: Hazed copper amber with outstanding foam head. Fruity aroma, and the taste has a very eatery bite to it. Even some lacto going on to provide a tartness in the finish. Follows a more grassy hop profile.
Bone crusher: Extremely dark - oily black with a dark brown head with complete lacing down the sides. Server warmer. Smoky aroma with strong roasted barley. Carbonation held to a minimum but encouraging a velvety cream mouthfeel. Rich dark chocolate.
ESB: Darkened ruby amber with a dense film head with strong retention. Nice caramel toffee malt base with a pleated twist. Easy drinking and with a finishing spice
Pail ale: Copper with a cream film on top. Still with a faint cloudiness. Big biscuit malt base but with a grassy oriented buttering finish.  somewhat earthy

Brewery Experience: 
Eamon and I arrived and immediately sat down at the bar. Fascinated with the variety of options, we ordered a sample of all their beers. Two wooden paddles were laid out before us of which all got filled, and then some. I was fortunate enough to have Jen's IPAD so getting a quick note down didn't take very long. Nevertheless it took about 10 or so minutes to make our way through the tasters as we discussed the positives and short comings (if there even were any) of each beer. Chas, the brewer sat down at the end of the bar only a few minutes after we got there, with his laptop. It was amusing to see that only seconds later it seemed that a bunch of old guys sat down around him to talk beer. More than halfway through the tasted I felt the alcohol creeping up, so I retrieved some pretzels to shun it away. Once we finished (or at least I finished the reviews) we asked for a brief look around the brewery. Entering in a side door to a massive warehouse Chas gave us an opportunity to peruse the tanks and ask questions.
The Brewery:
At first impression the brewery came off to me with a dive bar theme and a Texas/western twist. And I still stand by that. Upon entry to are greeted with a very long room of seating, ping-pong tables, pool, dart and some arcade. At the very end of the long room is where the rather quaint bar stands. Several regulars were already in the midst of making their early afternoon rounds, establishing an impression that this bar often appeals to their locale and regular mug club crowd. The bar provided free popcorn and pretzels with their beer, always a plus. I found it an interesting choice with the copper bar top, which often stains with the acidity of beer, but nevertheless provided an aesthetic worn look to it. Seating at the bar was adequate enough for over 12 individuals and then some. Still, I felt the overall atmosphere quite homely and inviting. The brewery does put their stuff in bottles, and we did acknowledge its presence at a few other stops during the weekend, but "their overall tap presence in the community is spotty." Apart from that, I had difficulty deciphering the theme the brewery was trying to get at. An Indian man with a dagger and a machine gun? A pickle with a too-too? generally if I had to guess, there is a subtle medieval theme, but then there are quite a few random labels that don't fit (i.e. the pickle..).

Fermentation space and the bottle filler

The Brew House:
When Chas showed us around, I was surprised at the scale! They have a 20 bbl brew house with three tanks (Mash, Kettle and Whirlpool) enabling multiple batches to be made. Tank capacity ranges from 20 to 60 bbls with one very large Brite tank for carbonation and priming. Much of the beer is packaged in kegs, but some is also put into bottles. The bottle filler exists with 15 heads and can do around 55 bottles a minute. I was fascinated that the bottler hardly took up much room (relative to ours, and what I've heard are the drawbacks of bottling - space). The atmosphere in the brewery was a bit dingy/murky, but it was clean.... I think much of this had to do with the lighting. I wasn't able to see, but it looked like packaging and supplies took up nearly half of the warehouse! In any case it was a brewery and everything was intended to be as is.
Following the tour we returned to our beer, finished what we could, settled up and were on our way.
If you're in the Grand Rapids area, they should be a destination on your brewery list.
Check them out at:
Schmohz.com

Brewery Review: Harmony Brewing Company - Grand Rapids, MI

This was the first brewery stop I made as I got into Grand Rapids Friday evening. I called Eamon and we arranged to meet here to mark the start of the weekends brewery festivities. I had been here once before with Jen during her visit a couple weekends ago, but didn't have the chance to get a thorough experience. To start off, this is one of my favorite breweries I've been to this far since moving to Michigan over two months ago. But, lets examine the beers first:



Cranberry Wheat: Holding true to its expected color with a bright tinge of pink/red. Little head but still holding a ring around the glass. Carbonation remains to a minimum, similar with clarity. Fruity, tangy, crisp and tart. Everything I could ask for after a 27 mile bike ride. Biting carbonation.
Ale-Ian abduction: Black and extremely opaque. A brown ring caresses the glass. Rich roast and chocolate in the aroma. Seriously! The flavor has more of an astringent acidity, but gives you both of the elements of hops and roast you would expect, just to the extreme. Smells like a stout but bites like a bitter IPA. Interesting.
Black Squirrel: Dark with a brown milky hue around the edges. High turgidity. Strong roast at the front and finishes earthy, smoked and dry. Neutral bitterness, but quite strong. I dig the cloudiness it maintains, even as a dark beer.  Funny this is 4.4 alcohol, one would expect more.

Cranberry Wheat

Fiddlesticks IPA: Light golden in color. Cloudy. A long drawn bitterness throughout. Sweet honey and pine bitterness. Grapefruit kick and a pineapple spritz to it. End is run by tropical fruit complexities and a dry bitterness.
Heather beast: Deep cloudy opacity. Interesting spicy flavor of earth and floral undertones. No head. Nice caramel biscuit malt base. Some vegetal flavor with a peppery twist. Dry finish.

Black Squirrel

Grapefruit moon shandy: The Fiddlesticks IPA mixed with grapefruit juice. Citrusy, tangy, light and very refreshing.

Favorites:
1) FiddleSticks IPA - rich foresweetness and balanced with a grapefruit pine based bitterness
2) Ale-ian Abduction - brewed as a stout, hopped like an IPA. You get all the girth in the body and flavor from chocolate to roast, but with a rather strong bite of bitterness
3) Cranberry Wheat - Holding its color. Saving me from thirst deprivation.


The Brewery experience:
Harmony Brewing Company is the newest addition to the Grand Rapids brewing community. They are located on Lake Drive in Eastown, just across the street from Gojo's Ethiopian. My first experience with this place was just after Jen and I had eaten at the nearby Pita House, only to drive a few blocks down to find Harmony, not only serving good beer, but also concocting Wood Fire Pizza! That first visit was fortunately not as crowded as the following, so we were briefly able to check out their (5 barrel?) brew house and fermentation room.
Back to the present...
I arrived thirsty and dehydrated and was able to taste several beers prior to deciding on my first pint. The Cranberry wheat suited my overly parched palate the best. Eamon got there and ordered the Ale-ian abduction black IPA and I got one last pint of their Black Squirrel as we contemplated our next destination.
The Brewery:
The brewery itself has a simplistic front with aluminum and wood plating and an outside deck that has yet to be decided on its purpose. Upon entry, you are greeted with a small cedar looking bar with enough seating for maybe (just maybe) eight people. The bar has a single tap tower with oddly shaped bulbous wooden handles. The back bar holds a large mirror with what looks to be a wooden door behind it. The place also has a mediocre assortment of liquor for mix drinks and other alcoholic beverages (just their own beer though). There are three large six person booth's that line the front wall as well as several high top tables throughout the front room. I never did get a chance to experience the back room, but at a distance it seemed more dimly lit and quiet. The menu consists of a large chalk board that is visible to all in the room, as the same is written on one for the back room too. Beer-gharitas and beer based mix drinks take a side bar on the chalkboard, as well as a few wines. Below, a collection of posters/labels accumulate representing past beers that have been specially tapped at the brewery. I though that the overall theme with all of them came off looking very similar to garage band posters. The beer selection covers all the bases for the most part, as seen above, but they also incorporate several experimentals. The first time I was there they had a green tea beer on tap, while this time they had made an ancient interpretation of a Heather Ale. Pricing is typical with all pints standing at $4 and pitchers at $12. Sundays are brewery specials with pints only $3! The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable on the beer. There wasn't a moment where I suffered from a near empty glass without being asked if I wanted another one. Our final visit followed a long bike ride from the Hideout on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. I arrived alone while Eamon was visiting a friend at another local pub. I ordered a Fiddlesticks IPA and a pizza (the good earth) with caramelized onions, mushrooms, spinach, balsamic and a variety of cheese (perhaps the folks at Harmony can help me out with this?). It was devoured in 5 minutes. I know, I eat fast, but every moment was savored (with speed). After that, Eamon, and his friends Dave and Matt arrived. We briefly sat at the booth and contemplated our next stop.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge that Harmony represents the pinnacle of the perfect micro/nano brewery. They appeal to the local community as a great watering hole as well as a supply of grub paralleled by few. This trip made me feel like East town would be my ideal living location if it wasn't for the distance to work.
I would like to also note that I have had my fair share of pizza. The best being from Australia. Closing in on a close second comes from Three Floyd's and matching them in a tie, Harmony Brewing Company. Keep up the good work guys, you'll go far!
Check them out:
Harmony Brewing Co.

Brewery Review: Pike 51 Brewing Co - Hudsonville, MI

I came upon this brewery while browsing directions to get to Hudsonville’s White Flame Brewing Co.  It took me about 30 minutes to get there down Chicago drive.  Located right off Chicago drive next to a gas station. I’m unfamiliar on the history, but I know that the business originally started as a winery, but with demand for beer so high, they finally started producing. Beer was unfortunately served by ticket only and they refused to give me any type of sample (Wahh Wah). But, in any case this is what I tried:

Bavarian Hefe – Bright yellow with an orange hue. Extremely cloudy. The nose was represented of bread and a strong scent of cloves. To taste, the beer pushed the clove to the extreme but nevertheless represented the style. I found my mouth very dry from the phenols.

Kush IPA – Copper colored and mildly hazy. The head is dense and white, leaving behind a wet speckled lacing. The aroma is quite floral and pungent of pine. I found the flavor at first overbearing of a grassy leafiness, but gradually as the palate numbed, subtle notes of familiar hop based pine and orange rind develop. Carbonation is fine and encourages a soft Mouthfeel.
Belgian IPA - Amber colored with a hazed appearance. Head was sustained, even half way into the glass. Caramel and biscuit perfume from the surface complimented by a typical Belgian yeast scent. The Flavor is similar with a caramel base and strong Belgian farmhouse presence.  The finish left the palate in a similar manner the Kush did, dry, grassy and leafy. The beer was a lot smoother in feel, however.

Common to all: Can't really say much to this (I only had three!) but there was nothing wrong with any of the beers.

The brewery: Is an extension of a winery, and still taking on that characteristic. It seemed that the bar became dedicated to the beer while the wine was pushed to the front of the store. The theme came off to me like it was still undecided (it was, of course still their grand-opening party). There wasn’t anything on the walls and it all seemed very plain. Seating was plentiful inside, and I liked the small, half barrel (literally) tables that caressed the walls. Nevertheless the place was packed. I arrived along the side of the building where I was ID’d and given information, a wrist band and raffle tickets. I made my way to the bar to inquire about a tasting flight…denied. I then asked if they could at least give me a taste of a couple beers, or half pints of anything…denied, denied. I gave up and took a seat at one of the wall barrel tables and went and got a ticket for a beer. Oh, and when I asked what the internet password was…no one knew. So, I sit here writing this in Microsoft word. Overall I felt the staff (or temporary help) knew little about the beer, but again, I'm sure that will change in the coming months as the brewery establishes a name for itself.

Where the magic happens

Minutes later, I saw Ron from Saugatuck and his Girlfriend. They were more aggressive than I in respect to getting a showing of the brewing system. As I finished up the review of my Kush IPA, they went outside to ask for a tour. Minutes later they came back in with the brewer (Please, if you know - Insert his name here) and called for me to attend. That's where Andrew (from New Holland) and "Little Jon" enter as well.  We explored the 3 bbl system and admired its modern appearance. The Fermenters were about 6' tall. This is the kind of system I'm interested in, for one can open a brewery with limitless potential towards variety, and that is what I value the most (well, and quality). We also were shown the wine bottler (a one head bottler!) by which they do 4 bbl sessions at a time (~6.5-7 hrs straight) - Yikes, it's like full time homebrew bottling sessions.
Andrew was fortunate to get a taste of all their beers, being that he was in a larger group. Fortunately he gave me a taste of his last one so I could at least get at LEAST three beers jotted down. Check them out (Pike 51) I'm unsure of their weekday schedule, but things should be a be a lot less hectic. Hudsonville is now a new beer destination, thanks partially (Whiteflame is only two - three blocks away) to them.
That's all I have to say thus far, but I will be back in the coming weeks to see how things have developed.
Cheers!

Brewery (Cidery) Review: Vander Mill - Spring Lake, MI

Vander Mill's Cidery (and now, Brewery!)

Jen and I happened upon this place while browsing the "Michigan: The Great Beer State" Magazine. I had been to Spring Lake last weekend while visiting Odd Side Ales and Old Boys Brewhouse on my bike. However, upon my return, I found that I was less than a mile away from another fermentation based establishment. We found this place after spending an afternoon walking around Grand Haven. This is what they had to try:


Apple Cider - Turbid yellow and unfiltered. No head. Served cold as a condensation rapidly accumulates on the sides of the plastic cup. Tart, but still with an undertone of earthy apple fruit and a crisp finish. Not as tart as other hard crafted ciders. The carbonation provides a bite that in a way parallels the crispness that hops would induce on a beer. Light body, crisp, drying and leaving behind a cloying feel on the roof of the mouth.

THE apple Cider

 Totally Roasted - An opaque appearance that holds the look of an inside of a pear. Kind of white, but with a haze to add to an otherwise non-existant color. The aroma is fruity...of apples obviously, but with a faint hint of roasted nuts and caramelized sugar. The body is light and the finish is earthy. Carbonation is extremely low.
Ginger Peach - Another opaque, cloudy looking liquid. The scent perfumes fresh ginger. The flavor again exemplifies ginger, but in more of a faint manner. I find a candy base leaves a sweetness in the foretaste while the ginger and a peach skin taste is left on the tongue.
Half Pint Amber Lager - Just that, a light amber color with a very strong head and lacing to follow. Very clear. Faint hops are present against a brief biscuit malt based. The flavor reminds me definitely of a cream ale. Man, it sure does. Smooth creamy, but with that cream soda flavor. Big malt base and soothing dryness to the finish. Very clean tasting.
Apple Raspberry - Appearance is similar to that of a berry based lemonade. A foamy white ring coats the sides of the glass. Some sour pungence and berry tartness. Aromatics are limited. Still, a similar apple base but with the added addition of fruit. 

A scenic view of the establishment

The atmosphere is similar to a Wisconsin cheese shop. Simple, spacious but with a country/vintage look. Nevertheless the place is very clean and modern. The outside takes the appearance of a red barn house, surrounded by a gravel lot, a child playground, and outside seating with a white picket fenced in patio. Internally, half the room is divided with seating - the tables are supported by oak barrels - and the other half has stands, displaying product, beverage utensils, and other food/beverage related to the business. The Cidery itself is also a "micro" ice cream parlor, and it serves food (donuts too!).  We didn't get a chance to sample any of it, but the menu did look very unique and inventive. Only just recently did they start producing beer! (I cannot wait to see where that takes them). There is a unused corner bar and even barrels in fermentation in front of the entrance. Jen and I sat at the table by the door. The place had maybe five curious customers perusing the shelves, asking for samples or sitting at a the tables drinking pints of cider. It was a hot, sunny afternoon, but the cool atmosphere and the refreshing bite from the cider was a pleasant reward. Samples were unlimited because a tasting flight hadn't exactly been put into a finite option. So we tasted as much as we could, and also ordered a couple ($3.50/pint!) pints to at least become respected paying customers. The place also made "liquours" from berry based ciders they produced. I didn't get a chance to taste any of them, that's for the next trip. Vander Mill is also still in the developing stages, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they go.
To be continued...

Brewery Review: White Flame Brewing Company - Hudsonville, MI

White Flame Nano Brewery

I made my way here via bicycle on Saturday afternoon. It took about 30 minutes from Down Town Holland. (the way back was a bit more challenging...) The original plan was to head immediately here, but I happened upon the Grand opening of Pike 51 Brewing Co. that was literally two or three blocks away. And legend has it, Hudsonville having two breweries is an astonishing feat. I've heard there wasn't a too distant past where starting your lawnmower on Sunday was taboo!
But, that's the past, and today is a great time for the Hudsonville community to embrace the craft beer movement and become a destination for good beer!
Things aside, these are the beers I tried:

A generous selection from the new local nano brewery

Golden Boy – a pale gold color with a white trim lacing. Carbonation persists within. The scent reminds me of corn, but with a faint hint of yeast. I get a hint of creamed corn in the flavor. Smooth and easy to drink with a nice bite from the carbonation. Notes of grain finish out the end.

American Wheat IPA – Clearer Gold color with again a stronger carbonation persisting in linear form to the surface. Lacing is entire and cascades down towards the surface. Aroma has a touch of pine and lemon. Flavor is represented by a pale malt bill and notes of citrus oriented wheat. Hops are more present in the end. Soft and bubbly.

White Shoes Pale Ale – More of a coppered color with a soapy white head. A glimmer of haze persists. Flavor is mildly carameled with notes of haystraw in the foretaste. Medium body. Hops are withheld a bit leave more of a malt presence. Reminds me more in the direction of an amber or a mild.

Super G IPA – A legitimate Amber with a light soapy ring. Complex and spicy with notes of crystal malt in the foretaste. Nice grapefruit and undertones of nectarine emerge once the palate adjusts. The bitterness matches the style well with this one. My favorite so far...

Check out that lacing! (Super G IPA)

Eagle Eye Rye – Lighter in color than the IPA but still maintaining a similar appearance. The Head is a creamy texture. Lacing is fantastic! Rye is pleasant and full. Caramel and complimentary hop characteristics. Slight earthiness.

Pale Otter Porter – Dark coffee brown with a thin foam around the glass. A nice sweet roast erupts from the surface. It isn't the slightest bit acidic. The flavor is balanced by a sweet caramel and a darker, bitter roast malt. The end is refreshingly malty, but still falling on the lighter side. Some smoke is even present. A good porter I'd come back to.

Ugly Stick Oatmeal Stout - Great head retention. The foam is maintained 15 minutes as I taste my way through the sampling flight. Black color and robust. Smooth roasted chocolate malt and a tint of roast at the finish. Toasted malt makes the majority, with the deceptive colored black malt filling in the rest tending towards a nose of roast. Milky cream texture. My ideal stout. Nicely done.

Black Sheep - With little light, the beer looks extremely dark. However, the light reveals a nice clear red color. Entire white lacing. Scent has a mild chocolate scent, combined with notes of grapefruit. The taste is interesting. What initially starts as a toasted sweetness, develops into what you think will be a roasted, acidic bitterness. Only then are you faced with an abrupt change with a sweet bitter pine and floral flavor from the hops. Quite a change up. I think this should be a staple of the mainstay...
Options---> (mix black sheep and the Ugly Stick to dampen the hops)

Bill White running the taps

Favorites: 1) Super G IPA - Nice caramel malt base with a decent amount of darkfruit and grapefruit hops to counterbalance 2) Ugly Stick Oatmeal Stout - Rich, creamy and with a sweet chocolate base. Delightfully harmonizing toastiness and chocolate while not ending bitter from the roast 3) Black Sheep - Deceptive in its color, but rounding with a fortifying pine bitterness. Some dark malts come through as the beer warms. 4) Eagle Eye Rye - A typical run of the mill rye. It wasn't too strong to necessarily pick out if I wasn't told, but still flavorful and balanced.
I ended up getting a pint of the stout in the end, as I weighed the future suffering of biking home after having a pint of the IPA. 

A look at the bustling pub

Pub/Brewery: The exterior took the appearance of a little red dock cottage with a stair/ramp access to the front door. The brewery, even though it is on a side street, is easily visible from Chicago Drive. Walking it, the bar is quite large, to fit the many publicans that visited on this rainy Saturday afternoon. I was greeted by Bill White (Brewer bartending? What!), whom I briefly met at Pike 51 Brewing Co. only an hour earlier. I ordered a sampler of 5 which was only $6.00! unlike other local breweries who really pump up the prices on their samplers (Frown). Bill also poured me three of his "Special" taps consisting of the Wheat IPA, Black Sheep and the Eagle Eye Rye. I took a seat at one of the many 4-person black wooden tables and began jotting down notes. The Bar itself is extremely roomy (I've found that Michigan Breweries do not short their customers on seating space). At least 10-15 people can sit at the bar, and that's not to mention the other 20-30 or so who can sit at the tables. Pint glasses and Swag layered a side wall of the bar and the menu was jotted colorfully on a overseeing chalkboard against the back bar. As I got halfway into the reviews, the rest of the gang from the last brewery walks in - Andrew (New Hollands QC Lab specialist) and his family, Saugatuck's QC manager "Little Jon," their brewer Ron and his Gf? and the rest of the group. I stayed there for around an hour and a half enjoying the company and the beer.
People of all ages were there, showing that the atmosphere was inviting and open to all.
The setting was comfortable, new and clean. I thought the bear skin that was pinned to the wall was an interesting touch. And for a Saturday afternoon, having the bar that busy must have been extremely gratifying for Bill, as well as us brewers who see the movement growing larger and more successful every day.

The Group

I found a few of the beers with subtle hints of DMS (think creamed corn...) Particularly the Golden Boy and the Wheat IPA. However, the rest of the selection was fantastic especially the stout and IPA.
Next time I hope to get a look at the system and have more pictures up, but I understand it probably wasn't the right time to ask Mr. White for a tour.
Anyway, Hudsonville furthers itself as a beer destination, and supports the West Michigan Brewery scene as a whole. Thanks guys and keep it up. I will be back.

Cheers!

Brewery Review: Odd Side Ales - Grand Haven, MI

Odd Side Ales is a small brewery in the center of Grand Haven downtown. I had first tried their beer at 8th St. Grille and was interested in checking them out, being that they were within biking distance. I did just that. Taking a a free Saturday afternoon and turning it into a trip, I biked the 22 miles to Odd Side in a little over an hour, and a trip well worth it. I ordered a tasting flight and talked to several of the publicans to find what they felt about the brewery. Then got down to work at one of their large bench tables. Thanks to Marlawn and Eric for being great bartenders and hosts!  These are the beers I tried:

Jen visited the next weekend and I wanted to show off this newly discovered Gem of West Michigan.  Dates posed in parenthesis.

Pineapple IPA - Light amber color with minimal head, yet a slight cascade of sticky lacing clings to the glass. Some carbonation seen. Fruity and tropical aroma. The taste is likewise with undertones of fresh hops and topical fruit flavor. Carbonation foams up a lot in the mouth. Light body and quite thirst clenching. Bitter, overall, but balanced.
ESB - Glowing copper color, but more so a mellow orange. The head is dense and puffy with a strong retention. Medium hazy. The taste holds a very familiar flavor to it, I want to say roasted nuts or toffee apple. Some tannic nuttiness in the back of the mouth. The texture is very foamy with a high carbonation. Finish is bittered and dry
Hoarder's Porter - Very dark with a rig of brown around the edges. Carbonation is visibly present. Cannot see through the glass, even when held to the light. A mild chocolate aroma with hints of light roast. The flavor is sweet with an acidic bite from roasted barley. The body is light and makes for an easy drinking beer.
Dutch Chocolate Coffee Stout - Similar in color to the porter, but a bit more muddy looking. Sweet foretaste, but with a bite from the coffee. I'd like to see what this beer would be light if the coffee was cold infused, perhaps helping dismiss the acidity that follows in the finish. Tastes a bit watery.
Imperial Jackalope Amber - Dark amber bronze with some sediment laddened throughout. Carbonation looks to be very fine. Head is bubbly and soapy. Hop crumbs form a thin layer at the base of the glass. Caramel and toasted malt with undertones of toffee and brown sugar. Tasted is balanced with a complex base malt and an equal parallel with floral hops. The beer is warming going down and smooth. This is something that should stay on the menu year-round.
Simcoe Sensation - A bold yellow color, bordering the look of a Hefeweizen. Cloudy and turbid. I got a large chunk of hop floating around in this. Huge tropical grapefruit rind flavor. Citrus zest and pineapple. A bite of drying bitterness counters the familiar fruit flavors in the beginning. Medium bodied and lighter than the rest on the carbonation.
Citra Pale Ale - Golden copper and clear. Dense foamy off white head. Floral and fruity with hints of apricot. T flavor falls under a similar profile with notes of pear as well in the end. Not as much of a bite of the astringent hops that were noted in the Simcoe Sensation. Reminds me of Joe Weitlispach. This is something I could drink often.
Baltic Porter - A lighter brown color, especially compared to the rest of the "darker" beers. Head was well sustained and beige in color. I get some dark fruit in the aroma, such as cherries. The taste is equally fruity with hinds of a dark roast malt masked by age. Boasting a nice flavor and drinkability. Some ash can be tasted, but is well complemented to the overall flavor profile.
Westcoast IPA (5/26)- One of the most appealing characteristics I find in a beer at first look - Glowing Orange copper with a milky texture and an optimally turbid appearance. Flavor is citrusy and rich in grapefruit complemented with a brief sweetness and tropical undertone.
Moonlight Jester (5/26) - Hazed blonde with a sustained white head and a dense film accumulated on the sides. Vanilla is hard to pick out in the aroma. Some wheat is present. The pink peppercorn and vanilla are very subtle, if existent.

West Coast IPA

Grapefruit Wheat (5/26) - Clear golden blonde in color with a slight haze present. Very little head and visible carbonation. Grapefruit present in the scent and a rind in the flavor. Aftertaste is floral and spiced.
Fat Bottom IPA (5/26) -  Cloudy orange/copper with a dense foamy cream colored head and a wet cascaded lacing. Mouthfeel was bubbly and nearing the realm of soda. Bright orange aroma. However the flavor boasted a rich grapefruit rind taste with an appealing finishing bitterness.
Mayan Mocha Stout (5/26) - Black oil in appearance (or given the dark lighting in the room) with a clear brown coloring around the edges. Aroma is rich in sweet milk chocolate and spice. Holy cow! The flavor is full of chocolate spicing and even balance with a faint burn in the end from the habanero. Smooth mouthfeel and even a bit drying at the end. This is so unique, but drinkable and flavorful. Please keep it on the menu!?

Common to all: (1) All beers seem to have quite a drying finish. (2) I dig the fact that none of these beers are filtered. To get pieces of hops floating around in this beer makes me smile. (3) Variety: There's new beer here every week! It's ridiculous. Locals, I'm jealous.

Favorites: 1) Mayan Mocha Stout -  Too much flavor, but really drinkable. Pepper and chocolate come together to create and rich play on competing flavors 2)West Coast IPA - milky colored (you know its healthier) and full of citrusy and juicy characters. 3) Imperial Jackalope - Extremely well balanced and flavorful. Large enticing malt base.
4) Pineapple IPA - Boasting a nice hop profile without going overboard on the fruit.
5) Citra Pale Ale - Easy going, drinkable and a flavor that doesn't overwhelm

Pub: The brewery itself kind of reminded me of a cross between a local coffee house, hipster gallery and newly renovated loft....in all, something coming out of Omaha, NE art district. I liked it a lot. The exterior fit with the rest of the business' with an outdoor patio. There wasn't really any signage out front to tell you it was a brewery, one would just have to have a keen enough eye to acknowledge the tanks in the window. While one door opened to the street, another was an entrance from an interior hallway that connected many of the local business' together. Selections of art laminate the walls encouraging the modern and weathered (but well kept) thematic environment. A lot of seating is provided, at that. Colorful mugs layer the back bar walls, which are split by a chalk board menu. I dig the grain mosaic design plastered in the bar. The 3-5 bbl fermenters literally are squished right next to the bar. Nevertheless, the whole area is quite spacious. The taps come right out of the walls with a selection approaching 15 different varieties of beer!
It seemed that a lot of younger couples went there, even with their kids, as the bar also provided root beer too. Overall I found it to be a very relaxing atmosphere and a terrific way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I wish I was closer to experience the night life. Perhaps a camping trip is in order.
I could definitely draw some ideas from this place when I start a brewery. If I were to say it in one word descriptions: Simple, Spacious, Hipster, Fun.

I'll be back here for sure, especially with the variety they produce and the awesome atmosphere.

My work station

Cheers!














Check them out: Odd Side Ales

Brewery Review: Millstream Brewery - Amana, IA

Ironically, this was my first visit to the brewery after living in the QC the last 5 years (and working at GRB for the last year). So it was long over due. Jen and I joined Joe Wietlispach an Rick Harris for an all day tour of the breweries in Des Moine, and everything in between, including a preliminary stop at John's Grocery in Iowa City. I've always heard great things about Millstream, especially their Oktoberfest party. And their recent win in the stout category at the Great American Beer Festival for their Back Road Stout. Anyway, these were the beers I tried:



Windmill Wheat - Pale yellow color, dense white foam head. High carbonation. Yeasty aroma and a lot of wheat...even doughy. Taste is spicy and a lot more flavor than light American lager (as it was compared to). Creamy smooth. Dry finish.
77/100
Johns Generations White Ale - Lot more haze. Foamy white head. More wheat in the flavor. Spicy and clove phenols in the aroma. Banana emerges more in the flavor. Smooth texture.
85/100

Schild Brau Amber - Medium copper color. Very clear. Faint kilned amber malt aroma head is well statured atop high carbonated look. Sweet and biscuity. Some graininess in the aftertaste.

84/100

Iowa Pale Ale - Definitely unfiltered and cloudy. Copper colored with a lesser head than the others. Tropical pine hop bill.. cascade for sure. Flavor is dry but pairs well with the base malt. Grain husk. Some grassiness in the aftertaste finishing dry. Carbonation complements the dryness in the finish very well. Smooth and refreshing.

89/100
Schokolade Bock - Bock colored...rustic red with a tint of brown. Wet lacing and a lesser head. Aroma is carameled and chocolaty. Taste erupts with a bittersweet chocolate while caramel takes a fore-hold. Dry with again, a grain flavor.
84/100

Back Road Stout - Wet lacing, beige cream colored head. Definitely turbid and milky black. Aroma is roasted and chocolaty. Flavor is of roasted barley, and black patton. Crisp burnt finish, but a mild malt bill to maintain very drinkable. Alcohol falls in at 6.5%. Bubbly texture.

88/100

Weizen Bock - Brewmasters reserve. Extremely hazy, orange amber. Off white cream color head. Entire lacing. Aroma is of wheat and kilned amber. Mildly biscuity. Rich and subtle hint of pears. Alcohol is high, but mouthfeel is crisp and dry. Almost viney, but still quite tasty.

87/100

The brewery is located at the end of the Amana "town" near a bubbling brook and a old fashion dam. Follow the signs, you'll find it. My first thought was, "Wow, that's rather a small establishment, I was expecting something so much larger." But inevitably I'm grateful for that because what they have currently is a cozy little building with a huge front patio, a deck (beer garden) and seating for at least a crowd of 50. We were there in December, but I could tell this place would be covered in hop vines in summer. There are turn-table benches out front, along with numerous other varieties of seating. The building takes on a rustic western look with weathered grey wood. Upon entry I was greeted by Tom, one of the owners who happily poured samples for us throughout our stay. Defined, this is their tasting room, which took on the appearance of more of a gift shop, yet with still the aged, rustic wood look to it. Inside were shelves and walls full of shwag (shirts, glasses, mugs) and other Germanic related gift ware along with sixpack and bomber sized bottles on display and for purchase. Planked floorboards and a tap system literally popping out of the cash register table gave a very unique look. Quite a variety and number of taps, including several soft drinks. Within, built into the far wall was a window that enabled customers a full side angle view of their bottling line, a massive contraption based primarily off a conveyor belt. There is even another room (aside for the two bathrooms around the corner from the entrance) which maintains a basic seating area complete with several metal patio sets as well as a massive flat screen TV. Each wall in this room has a hand touch from both owners, Teresa and Tom as well as the brewer, Chris. It's within this room that customers and publicans get a full frontal of the 24 bbl brewhouse as well as a peak at a couple of the brite tanks to the far right. (Definitely a plus, giving the brewhouse a face to the public). Ultimately, the brewery/tasting room took on a very cozy atmosphere, one that I have yet to encounter elsewhere. Its creaky floorboards and weathered paneling crossed with a modern dose of machinery just feet away really exemplified a great environment.

Overall the beers were good, especially the stout and pale. However I did notice a prominent graininess/grain husk to most of the beer.
Check them out:
http://www.millstreambrewing.com/


Brewery Review: 46/50

Brewery Review: Great Lakes Brewing Co. - Cleveland, OH

This was the final stop on our way home from New York. Originally we didn't have much planned after staying in Allegheny National park and Lunch at Barley Creek Brewery. However I had remembered talking to Sam at Fatheads Brewery that Great Lakes wasn't too far away. We literally drove in to Cleveland with no map/GPS/knowledge of where we were going. We stopped at a gas station, asked for directions and found we were on the opposite side of the city. A couple more stops which included one in the Flats eventually took us to where we wanted to be. After parking we decided to sit on at the outdoor patio of the brew-pub. Both James (our Server) and Bob (the supervisor) provided an exceptional experience, one that I wish every customer could experience. Because I've had many of the beers that reside on the tasting flight, I will simply direct you to the post that I've previously done. This is what I tried:

Dortmunder Gold Lager - [Haven't tried this one yet!]

Eliot Ness Amber Lager - See Review

93/100

Burning River Pale Ale - See Review

89/100

Commodore Perry IPA - See Review

90/100

Edmund Fitzgerald Porter - See Review [Pending]

87/100