South Haven, MI advice

The closest store that I'd recommend is actually almost to Kalamazoo, although Oshtemo is the actual address for this Mega Bev location. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/42033/?view=ratings It's right on the route going from South Haven as you approach the Kzoo area (about a half mile on the right before you get to US 131). It will take you about 30 minutes or so. Maybe someone from the SH area can advise of something more local.

If you go that direction with the intent also to go to Bell's, watch the social media for the Eccentric Cafe. Right now they have limited days and hours for outdoor drinking/dining ONLY in the beer garden. I think the General Store is open every day, but I think their hours are a bit condensed when compared to pre-pandemic.

 

Just came back from South Haven! It was my annual golf trip and if you like golf, Hawkshead is a great course. Anyway, I'll just let you know that there is a brewery called South Haven Brewpub. They have cans to go and food. They have an outdoor area that is pretty cool, kind of in a downtown type area. I was worried nobody in MI would give a crap about masks but people were fairly reasonable there. The beer was not good to be honest and not a great selection of styles but the food was considered good pub food from everyone in my group. We also hit Transient and Tapistry on the way back. Transient is ok but Tapistry was wonderful...amazing tap list and great food.

 

I’d recommend stopping at Barneys in New Buffalo on the way in to pick up beer to go - it’s not far off the freeway and has lots of selection. I went to The Depot right in South Haven as well and think it was decent selection if you’d rather just stick with a store there. There also Liquor Locker in St Joe that is close to the freeway as well. That’s about all I know.

If you’re willing to go to Kalamazoo, follow Wax Wings on IG and look for an upcoming release. Their stuff sells out SUPER fast though so you’ll have to be on top of it. They’re the newest hype brewery in MI.

 

You are the first person I’ve ever heard say anything good any Tapistry. They go down as one of the worst brewpub experiences I’ve had in my life. I’d have to be paid to go back there.

 

It must have been a bad day for them or you when you were as Tapistry. I think most people consider them a bit above average for beer and food. But we're all different. Maybe you were just coming from Transient across the street and were comparing Tapistry to them. People go ga-ga for their special-release beers, although I didn't go that high with them for their standard stuff. (I've never had any of their special releases.)

 

Old Nation stuff is typically available at Meijer stores (regional supermarket if you're not familiar with them in MO) and is on sale every time I see it, so it's cheaper than bottle shops. M-43 and Boss Tweed and two very good ones and usually on the shelf at my Meijer store. Check dates on the bottom of the cans. Sixty days to drink them is my rule. Maybe newer stuff is found in bottle shops.

Transient always has some standard stuff in bottles in their pub, but special releases are the talk of the town. Apparently a release just occurred and there is stuff still left. https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/transient-artisan-ales-2020.640135/ Maybe you can order and pick-up at the time of your visit.

All the other breweries that listed are easy to find, although No Rules isn't in that category as far as I know.

Both distribute on a limited basis (especially Witch's Hat) but mostly on the east side of the state. I see Kuhnhenn occasionally in west MI but never Witch's Hat.

 

Ha, this isn't my first rodeo . Definitely not comparing them to Transient. I like Transient but don’t think they are amazing like others on here (definitely above Tapistry though).

Every beer my wife and I tried was bad to average, with the exception of their saving grace, a robust porter. As far as food, we intended to eat, but never got the chance. The service was the real deal breaker, and we were sitting at the bar with only a few customers at tables (in other words, it was not crowded at all).

Maybe it was a bad day for them or they’ve gotten better, who knows (It’s been over 4 years since we went). But with all of the options in a 30 mile radius, there’s no reason for me to go back.

 

They're right across the street from each other. One parking space will do you well if you do both.

 

I don’t think No Rules gets distributed at all. Pretty sure the last two years it’s been at the brewery only.

 

Honestly, me as well. Been twice, with time between visits. No reason to go back with Transient across the street or Haymarket around the corner.

Another couple of options from South Haven would be The Livery in Benton Harbor, Watermark in Stevensville (great outdoor space) and Arclight in Watervliet. Lots of other options as well if you use the "Places" tab here.

 

To-go bottles are only sold at the brewery but I’ve seen other places have it on draft occasionally.

 

Also, I’ll say that you’re not missing much by not having No Rules. If you really need to, find another sweet beer and then dump a bunch more sugar into it. Some hooligans around here consider me a pastry boy, and I even think it’s sweet...although it is good for what they’re going for I guess. I just wouldn’t get too hung up on that particular beer.