Michigan Breweries/Stores (2021)

It's good that your wife booked you into Traverse City instead of the Houghton Lake area because I have no strong recommendations for breweries close by to there. I've been to a few in the surrounding areas, but nothing that's in a must-visit category.

I like each of the recommendations above by other posters. All of the breweries in TC are worthy to visit with the exception of Mackinaw Brewing. It's been years since I went there (before I started writing BA place reviews), but no one on this site has much good to say about the beer at that place. (I've not been to Farm Club and Silver Spruce, so those two aren't included in my 'worthy' statement above.)

My favorite in TC is Jolly Pumpkin, which means you need to like sours to really enjoy a visit there, although they have a couple non-sours plus some of North Peak Brewing's beers that are also a non-sour alternative. The food there is very good too. Even if you've been to other JP locations this one is a bit different, if just for the scenery to drive out there on the Old Mission Peninsula.

BUT, if you want to know my favorite place within 50 miles of TC, it's Stormcloud Brewing in downtown Frankfort. (Not the production brewery that you see when coming into town.) They do a great job on Belgian-inspired beers, although they also have some that are more mainstream. The food there is very good too. Caution: it's that time of the year that tourists jam everything in Frankfort, probably notwithstanding the pandemic. (I think it's worse than TC.)

Enjoy your trip.

 

I was there 2 years ago when it was called monkey fist brewing, the beers were all pretty good. They had a couple guest taps as well, I would definitely recommend rare bird brewing as well, had some great beers here.

 

Like @Mikecd234 I was there when they were called Monkey Fist. I think I was neutral on their beers then, and have not bought anything that I've seen in cans at my store under the Middle Coast name. So I can give you any guidance to go there. They are located inside a mini indoor mall with 2, 3-4 other businesses there, including a pizza place or deli or both, so food is available if you need food while there.

 

Yep, but I'm guessing only in Michigan. I don't think they're big enough to get out of state.

 

Are you using the Places feature here on BA? Here's a link to the Breweries, Bars and Eateries in TC that area in the BA database.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/place/...&c_id=&submit=Search&brewery=Y&bar=Y&eatery=Y

7 Monks is at the top of the list and is probably the best bar in TC. I think they are renowned for their burgers (along with the tap list).

 

I would skip Middle Coast for sure, you'd be better off at Brewery Terra Firma, the Workshop, or Silver Spruce. All of them have beer to go.

 

Will be in the TC area soon.

Farm Club is highly recommend by s friend.

Hop Lot is fine. I like Rare Bird, Workshop, and Filling Station.

Went to Silver Spice, tried the German Pils to see if they brewed as well as the hype. One and done there.

 

I've been to Seedz several times now and would highly recommend it. Focus seems to be on lower ABV beers and everything I've had is brewed right to style and very flavorful, especially given the lower alcohol content. Nice facility indoors and outside, pet friendly and nice people. Brewer/owner Ryan has been there working every time we've been there and place is very well run.

Well worth a visit.

 

Has anyone checked out Dog and Pony show Brewery in Oak Park? Grand Opening is next Friday but they’ve been open for service. Looking at their Untappd the brews look pretty good and the place looks legit. I believe that’ll be the 2nd brewery in OP once the guys from Rouge River open their new spot.

 

We were heading to Suttons Bay. Stopped at Silver Spruce to see how good the beers were. A pilsner is my litmus test. This one was drinkable, but had some issues. I used to live in Germany, judge beer, and homebrew. I was ready to have my socks knocked off, but that didn't happen. Le sigh.

 

Form your own opinions by sampling the beer. Breweries improve and backslide.

I will stop at Hop Lot, didn't like their beers the first stop years ago. They have steadily improved. Didn't like Rare Bird's beers on the first visit after they opened, but they got it figured out fairly quick. My gripe with many up in TC is that the beers have signs of poor water chemistry knowledge.

Will stop at Brew Farm on recommendations from industry people up there.

Two K is a must for us this trip to load up on cider. But we must not talk about cider

 

Excuse my brain fart, it is Farm Club.

https://www.farmclubtc.com/