Handmap Brewing

Giving old school neighborhood bar vibes, the walk past the long bar takes you underneath a platoon of membership mugs to a decent number of both low and high tops. The brewery is underneath an event space, so it almost feels like a dive, of which the outer brick wall and wooden beams enhance, but the cleanly painted drywall on other side, as well as the tables and the renovated ceiling, are more sleek and modern, so it's quite cozy and inviting even if you bring a larger crowd.

And with our larger pre-wedding party, they handled us quite well, serving us endless pizza--cut up into sample sizes, which was quite tasty--while frequently visiting tables with portable POS units to courteously take our beers orders. The beer was not just good, but in many instances quite stellar. Not often do small breweries you've never heard of make an even remotely decent barrel aged stout, but i suppose with their pedigree it makes since that it was excellent. The Czech dark was fabulous as well. Overall great pick by the bride.

Large size, large bar with lots of tables. Friendly staff, 16 taps plus seltzer. Off street and parking lot. Appetizers available. Televisions throughout.

Lively, warm, and welcoming brewpub in Battle Creek. In my notes I wrote this might be the friendliest brewery I’ve ever visited—everyone, everyone I passed said hello. Good beer, music on weekends, nice eats. Card only. I’ll be back.

Edit #1: Wine is now available, a red or a white, both are a blend.
Edit #2 : Pizza is now available, and typically the kitchen opens about an hour after the taproom opens.

I visited this brewery on their grand opening date, 6/25/20. The pub is located in the entire lower level of an old building that was just rehabbed. The building is just off the main street in downtown Battle Creek (behind where Arcadia Brewing used to be). There is on-street parking and a city lot to the rear that has some 2-hour spots that do not require a permit. A city parking garage is a half-block away.

Being a recently remodeled place in an old building allows for some bare brick walls, exposed floor joists for a ceiling, etc. that adds great character. I liked the vibe. Ordering is done at the bar, so service was good. A small patio is just outside the rear door (which is the preferred entrance). Bar seats and high tables/chairs are separated per social distancing, but there is plenty of space. Four TVs were noted around the pub. The brewing equipment is visible when the true front door can be used for entrance to the pub.

There are 16 taps, but only 9 beers and one cider were available during my visit. I've had the opportunity to try 8 of the beers during this visit plus as curbside pick-up in cans prior to the pub's opening, and each of the beers is very well brewed to style. The brewery was originally going to open on St. Patrick's Day and they had an Irish Red Ale ready for that target date, but had to sit on it because of COVID. When I finally tried it 6 weeks later it had a bit of an old taste to it, but was still a decent beer. All the rest are above average in quality.

There were two beers that were available to-go in 16-oz cans, but all of the other beers have been canned in the past too and likely will again be for sale, so check to see what is available when you visit. I didn't see any evidence of growlers, howlers, etc, but that may come later. (Later edit: growlers are now available.) There is no food but I was told that snacks will be available sometime soon. This brewery is worthy of a visit if you're looking for good beer.