This three part series will go over the different breweries throughout West Michigan. Part two takes us through Central Michigan. Try out all the breweries and see why West Michigan is the beer capital of the United States! If you missed part one, you can check it out here.
The market for craft beer has been steadily increasing for well over a decade, and West Michigan is home to a plethora of fantastic breweries and each has a unique lineup of their signature craft beers. Having beer brewed so close to home gives West Michigan the luxury of drinking fresh and local.
So what is craft beer? According to the Brewers Association, craft beer is three things: small, independent, and local. These breweries are small in the sense that they make less than 6 million barrels of beer annually. They are independent if less than 25 percent of the company is owned by an alcohol industry member that is not a craft brewer and traditional if the majority of total beverage alcohol volume in the brews are traditional or innovative ingredients or fermentation methods.
What does West Michigan have to offer? Craft beer is brewed all over West Michigan. Make sure to check out one or all of these great breweries near and around Grand Rapids!
Central Michigan Breweries
Founders Brewing Company
Founders Brewing Company has built its brewery on the exploration of recipe development and brewing techniques. Carving a niche out of the craft industry, they have built their reputation on producing very unique beer and have been recognized by beer enthusiasts around the world.
Fun Fact: Founders has won six World Beer Cup medals, four European Beer Star medals, and three Great American Beer Festival medals across eight different beers.
Brewery Vivant
Brewery Vivant is a fantastic East Hills Neighborhood microbrewery and pub located in a sustainably renovated historical chapel. They combine their passion for great beer and food, environmental sustainability, service, and a focus on community.
Fun Fact: Much of the inspiration behind Brewery Vivant comes from the small breweries that dot the countryside in Southern Belgium and Northern France.
Cellar Brewing Company
Cellar Brewing Company is a Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery located in Sparta MI and provide their guests with a relaxed casual atmosphere. They have 16 beers on tap and always keep them filled for your consumption!
Fun Fact: Cellar Brewing Company’s Mug Club program gets your great discounts and you even get to drink out of your own mug every time you go in! Mugs are personalized with your name and number!
Perrin Brewing Company
Located in a small farming community just 10 miles north of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, Perrin Brewing Company isa microbrewery and taproom which strives to bring a world class experience to every person who walks through their doors.
Fun Fact: Perrin does a Yoga + Beer summer series! $5 at the door gets you one hour of yoga and a beer!
Rockford Brewing Company
Rockford Brewing Company produces world class beers using traditional and innovative brewing techniques and ingredients. They strive to create unique beers with influences from countries around the world including the newest emerging craft beer location that has the world watching; Michigan.
Fun Fact: Rockford Brewing Co.’s flagship beer is Paradigm MPA, which is a Michigan Pale Ale produced with 100% Michigan grown ingredients!
New Holland Brewing Company
New Holland Brewing Company’s deep roots in the craft industry go all the way back to 1997. Their beer and spirits are served alongside fresh-made food in their Restaurant & Pub in downtown Holland. Their beer-centric food menu complements all of their beers!
Fun Fact: Many of New Holland’s draught only specialties are brewed on their nine barrel pub system!
Grand Rapids Brewing Company
The beer Grand Rapids Brewing Company produces includes a recreation of the iconic Silver Foam, along with several other beers brewed to honor their Grand Rapids heritage, leaders, landmarks as well as their Grand Rapids Brewing Company family.
Fun Fact: Grand Rapids Brewing Co. is Michigan’s only USDA certified organic brewery.
Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery & Supply
Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery & Supply was established in 2013 in Ada, Michigan. They have crossed the country with stacks of recipes kept in journals, sketched business plans on scrap paper, and enjoyed their evolving product along the way.
Fun Fact: Gravel Bottom offers a huge selection of the freshest brewing supplies and classes for every level. They’ll help you get started on your own brewing adventure!
Our Brewing Company
Our Brewing Company is a quaint craft brewery in Downtown Holland. They pride themselves on small batches, mad scientists, and neighbors on every stool. They’re always coming up with new and different beers like their Pickle Tickle Smash IPA and Pecan Pie Porter.
Fun Fact: Our Brewing Co. will have awesome live music the month of August including The Whiskey Charmers, Matt Plessner, Big Brother Jon, and Brotha James and they’re all free to attend!
Jamesport Brewing Co.
Jamesport is brewpub that brews their own beer onsite, as well as having a full-service bar, a great wine list and an assortment of domestic beers. Their full dining menu includes appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches & burgers, lunch entrees, desserts, wraps, dinner entrees, pasta, a kids menu, and both hot & cold drinks.
Fun Fact: Hoppy Hour at Jamesport Brewing Co. is Monday-Friday, 4pm-6pm.
Old Boys’ Brewhouse
Located on the Shore of Spring Lake, Michigan, Old Boys’ Brewhouse was founded in 1997 with a commitment to their community, fresh beer, and fresh food. Whether you drop in for refreshment or nourishment or both, their fantastic staff will make sure to make your experience fun and enjoyable.
Fun Fact: Old Boys’ Brewhouse has a canine-oriented theme to the influence and memory of a Chocolate Labrador!
