Michigan Breweries/Stores (2021)

I've been to Five Shores and agree that it is a worthy visit. I had 4 beers on a sampler flight and found those beers to be above average, although I didn't put anything into the exceptional category. (My review is on their BA page if you want to read it.) It was a quickie visit (we were in a hurry to get to Stormcloud) but I'd go back again to evaluate the beers further.

 

Texas Corners is only about 35 miles from my house, so of course I've been there.

I've been back there several times since my initial visit back in 2015 when I think they were newly opened. I just re-read my review and probably could bump up my ratings a little bit based on my more recent visits, but the general description of the place is still accurate. My wife and I always enjoy going back there, and I still think the food is better than the beer but the beer is catching up.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/40418/

 

^^^^ this ^^^^
Food better than the beer though I haven't been there in a while. I remember liking the cider more than the beer but none of the beer was bad just average from what I recall

 

Another brewery in Grand Rapids that deserves some love in this thread is City Built. When they originally opened I thought their beer was decent but well below the high stand set by their food menu (top notch Puerto Rican cuisine). I've visited a few times this spring and thought they really stepped up their beer game to match the excellent food options. Add in the awesome opportunity to sit outside by the river while the city has expanded their outdoor drinking areas and I think City Built has firmly planted themselves on the "must visit" list for GR.

 

I agree. I was thoroughly impressed with this brewery. They brew a line-up of premium stouts that I'd like to investigate further. Some details are in my review about them (https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/50093/?view=ratings) or more info is on their website. I don't recall if these stouts are available year-round.

 

I'm down in Fenton, but get up there a few times a month for work and try to stop by.

 

Agreed, their beer is much better than initially, but their food is second only to Vivant in GR

 

Not really, We have merchants which can be pretty hit or Miss, and VGs which has a decent selection for a grocery store. My go-to place is Oliver Ts in Grand Blanc, they are probably the best option in Genesee county.

 

Hey, me too! I just booked a place for a week in Union Pier in July. Definitely look forward to hearing about this Seedz from you @bgrzywa2 since it looks like I can walk there. Wonder what their policy on FIB children is...

 

The big American name I know would be Bierstadt in Denver. Their beer is phenomenal. It's at the very top of my list to visit next time I go see my brother who lives out there. More locally, the main one that comes to mind is Goldfinger in Downers Grove. They're making some great beer. Someone else that likely is doing slow pours is Dovetail in Chicago - I don't know that 100%, but considering their wheelhouse, I'd be very surprised if they weren't.

 

I’ve had several from Barrel & Beam. All have been good, some great. The most interesting was Boron Brux. It’s a Brett stout. Delicious and unlike any stout I’ve ever had.

 

I haven't had that one yet. I'll look to see if it's in my store. Thanks for the tip.

 

Found a real gem recently a few miles south of Charlevoix just off 31. Bier's Inwood Brewery is making some of the best beers I've ever had.
They don't bottle, and likely never will, but they do fill growlers.
Another hidden gem in south west Mi. is Arclight brewing in Watervliet.