I used to live up there and my wife's family still ives up there so I only get up there once or twice a year. I plan on visiting Pauly's and Siciliano's to pick up bottles. As for breweries Founders, Perrin, and Vivant are definitely in the mix along with others possibly. It's been a while since I was up there this time of year and was wondering what beers I shouldn't miss. Favorite styles are DIPA, IPA, big stouts, anything barrel aged, saisons, and sours. Also, we have some local friends that want to take us to Harmony Brewing. Is it worth it or should i spend the short time I'm there going somewhere else?
Harmony's beers are okay or better, and their pizza is outstanding. I'd say it's worth going there. If they are jammed (it's a small place) then right around the corner is Brewery Vivant. Close to HopCat is Grand Rapids Brewing, and they do a good job too. Nearby to both is a restaurant called Stella's where you can get the best cheeseburger in GR. They have an 'okay' tap list too. There is also a place that supposedly always has a lot of Short's beers on tap, but I'm not able to think of the name right now. (I've never been there.) Someone else can fill in that blank.
Founders Harvest Ale and Backwoods Bastard Shorts Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster Jolly Pumpkin makes great sours and will be available on shelves where ever you go. La Roja snd La Parcela specifically are top notch BCBS might be out by the time you visit but don't expect to find it on the shelf, have to ask a employee at whichever store you go to. New Holland Dragons Milk BB Stout Arcadia BB Shipwreck Porter Also do yourself a favor and drive the 45 minutes to Bells, its worth it.
Thanks for the specific tips! Some of these I've had and love and the others I've been wanting to try. When does BB officially drop here? Love that beer as well and can't wait to get some again. Does Kuhnhenn ever get to GR? I've had a few stores say they get it on rare occasions.
BB is already out and you should be able to pick some up at Founders. Regarding Kuhnhenn, I think west michigan people have said Kihnhenn rarely ever get over there.
Good luck with Shorts Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. Most stores sold out in a very short time. You might have better like finding Kuhnhenn on tap in GR, specifically at Hop Cat, than finding bottles, but there is always a chance. Art of the Table http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10598 , about 2 miles East of Founders on Wealthy, has a decent beer cooler, and often times is under the radar of other beer geeks. This might be your best chance for Galactic Blaster. Have a great time, it's a great beer town.
I would agree on picking up some bottles of the BB Shipwreck Porter. It's a tremendous beer and ages incredibly well if you do that sort of thing. Harmony would be good for dinner if it's not packed. I would recommend checking out HopCat, Vivant, Perrin, Grand Rapids Bewing Co, and Mitten in that order.
