Haven’t you heard? There is some fierce competition for who puts together the best concoction of hops, malt, yeast and fermentation. With over 50 breweries in the metropolitan area, Grand Rapids has definitely earned its reputation and title as Beer City, USA. We believe this title should be Beer Region, USA. West Michigan arguably has some of the best beer in the United States. Join Blu House Properties as we review our favorite breweries in the West Michigan area.
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OUR BREWING COMPANY
76 East 8th Street (Holland) http://ourbrewingcompany.com
Our Brewing Company, or OBC for those in-the-know, features plenty of creative, fun and inventive beers for you to enjoy. Located next door to New Holland Brewing Company in downtown Holland, OBC has been brewing since 2012. The atmosphere is order at the bar, seat yourself, enjoy free popcorn and sip on your desired beverage. People come here to try such creative and experimental beers as Guava Saison, Unicorn Breath American IPA, Megalodon Barleywine, Pickle Tickle American IPA and our favorite, Coconut Porter. All of these creative experimentations have earned Our Brewing Company a 3.54/5.00 on the beer website BeerAdvocate.
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BREWERY VIVANT
925 Cherry Street SE (Grand Rapids) https://www.breweryvivant.com
Want to drink beer brewed in the Belgian farmhouse-tradition in a converted funeral home chapel? Come to Brewery Vivant. Believed to be the first LEED-certified microbrewery in the world, this brewery lures you with its old and charming European feel. Opened in 2010, this brewery has been packing in thirsty patrons and has become one of Grand Rapids’ cornerstone breweries. Those who frequent Brewery Vivant rave about Tart Side of the Moon American Wild Ale, Big Red Coq American Red Ale, Tropical Saison, Wizard Burial Ground Quadrupel and Ski Patrol Witbier. These traditional and experimental creations have earned Brewery Vivant a 3.83/5.00 on the beer website BeerAdvocate.
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FOUNDERS
235 Grandville Avenue SW (Grand Rapids) https://foundersbrewing.com
Celebrating their 20th year in 2017, this heavy-hitter undeniably put Grand Rapids on the national beer map. Soon, the fine denizens of Detroit will be able to sample its signature brews when Founders opens up their Detroit brewery in the Cass Corridor District. Founders is always busy and has many, many visitors from out-of-town. This brewery is HUGE. There are always events going on and they serve some of the best sandwiches around. Founders is the place to be during the warmer months, when patron can utilize one of the best patios in Grand Rapids. Responsible for the craft brewery industry’s most iconic beers, people come to Founders to sample Breakfast Stout, Backwoods Bastard Scotch Ale, All Day American IPA, Devil Dancer Imperial IPA and several other unique beers concocted by their expert brewers. This Midwestern brewing powerhouse has a 4.00/5.00 rating on the beer website BeerAdvocate.
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NEW HOLLAND
66 East 8th Street (Holland) http://newhollandbrew.com
The oldest and one of the largest on this list is New Holland Brewing Company. New Holland is responsible for putting Holland and West Michigan on the national radar for microbreweries. Located in quaint downtown Holland, this brewery has been in existence for 21 years. They have proven to be so successful, that New Holland opened a second brewery (The Knickerbocker) in Grand Rapids’ West Side neighborhood, sparking a renaissance on Bridge Street NW. Popular beers such as Dragon’s Milk Imperial Stout, Mad Hatter Belgian IPA, Cabin Fever Brown Ale, Night Tripper Imperial Stout and Ichabod Pumpkin Ale are lauded by critics and patrons alike. New Holland has a 3.77/5.00 rating on the beer website BeerAdvocate.
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ODD SIDE ALES
41 Washington Avenue (Grand Haven) http://oddsideales.com
Ready for a funky and creative beer after hitting the world-class beaches of Grand Haven? Come to Odd Side Ales, which is located in an old piano factory in downtown Grand Haven. Opened in 2010, this fastly-expanding microbrewery has been pleasing throngs of thirsty patrons with inventive, creative and crazy beer concoctions. People come here for Citra Pale Ale, Hipster Brunch Stout, Mayan Mocha Stout, Bean Flicker American Blonde Ale and El Dankerino Double IPA. Odd Side Ales has a 3.82/5.00 rating on the website BeerAdvocate.
Have other favorites? Think we are missing some? What are your favorite breweries in West Michigan?
