Michigan trip

When I was at Beards Brewery last summer I felt they needed to do some tweaking of their beers; however, they were a newly-opened brewery at the time and maybe they have improved by now. I did enjoy going to Petoskey Brewing just north of town. Both breweries are only about 4-5 miles apart, so try both.

 

Yes, there are some very good breweries "above" Short's. Hit Black Rocks and Ore Dock in Marquette, and Brickside and Red Jacket Brewing in the Keweenaw. Have a great trip.

 

This man doesn't lie, but he sure "stretches" the distance to the limit.

 

Don't forget the Jolly Pumpkin (extension?) if that's still there in TC, it's been a grip since I've been up north.

 

Interested in TC advice as well. Will be up in August. JP was the only real thing on my radar, interested on how family friendly it is etc. I'm not going to be taking any long trips up to the UP or anything, mainly looking for family friendly beer spots within short drives of TC.

 

JP on Old Mission is extremely family friendly, a few JPs on tap, but everything including Noel and Biere de Mars in bottles. Food is good. It's an awesome location, great building. Bring the kids and check out the vineyard next store, etc. Worth the drive.
I'd also say right Brain, but last time I was there, both beers I tired were Diacytel BOMBs, so much so they were not consumed and I spent my money at 7 Monks.

 

7 Monks can be loud and not kid friendly, but early afternoon might work.
I recommend the Filling Station.

Have never been to JP on olde Mission, but it is always recommended by friends.

 

Right Brain is great, but doesnt have food. JP, and North Peak are my two go twos in that area. If you drive an hour north you have Shorts as you know. And heading home, you wont be that far outside of Grand Rapids, which is definitely worth the side trip. Founders, Brewery Vivant, and HopCat are all here, and Grand Rapids might be the coolest city in Michigan.

 

Agree with the Filling Station and North Peak. Both places have outside seating. Seven Monks had 46 beers on tap today and the pink skirt was tasty. I think PBR was the only non-crafty brew. Sounds like a great trip!

 

When I was there a couple of years ago the tap list included some JP beers and some North Peak beers, but they also had some beers brewed on site that were very tasty, and these are some that never go into distribution. The JP/North Peak/Northern United group (parent company) has gone through some organizational changes recently that may have changed what is brewed there, so maybe someone else can comment on that. The exterior surroundings on the trip to/from there are a huge part of the experience of going here. Don't go at night so that you can't enjoy the surrounding scenery.

 

The main old Mission JP production system (50+ barrels) is now in Dexter. The old 7 barrel from GP will land in Old Mission, where they will make some beer, cider, and spirits (I think). GP now has a 14 bbl system to supply the restaurant and the soon to be open Old German bar in the Basement.

The Dexter location is now in a large building in an industrial park. This gives more space for JP barrels and production of NP brands of beer. NUBCO has a lot of irons in the fire right now.

 

Yep they are doing the Civilized Spirits line up there. Got to check the distillery put two weeks ago, sampled some Organic 100 percent blue Agave liquor (Tequila, I guess).

 

I saw the Old German yesterday, it is to be open in July. The will have a German bierstube look, 2 Craftwerk serving tanks, and German beers with a limited German menu.

Like I said lots going on at NUBCO/2mission.

 

You're in the loop Jeff, I like it!
Will you be pouring for Wolverine at the summer beer fest? One of our dishwashers is making the trip, and I'd like to send him over to try some nice hopped lagers.

 

Don't know yet, probably GP or Arbor.

Pouring for GP at the UP fest in Marquette.

 

If you stop through the GH/Holland area again swing by 8th street Grill in Holland. Was there yesterday and they had Two Hearted (firkin), as well as some other yummies including bottles of BCBS and Backwoods Bastard.

 

A new brewery in Frankfort, MI called Stormcloud just opened up this past Friday. Just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes.