West Michigan is home to some of the best breweries in the region, favorited by locals and out-of-towners alike. This summer, get out and sip some of our favorite shoreline staples. Here are a few of the best West Michigan breweries on the lakeshore.
#1 Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven, MI
Located in an old piano factory in downtown Grand Haven, Odd Side Ales is known for unique flavor combinations (try the Blood Orange IPA or the Java Chip Mint Stout) and inviting atmosphere. With a family friendly taproom, every patron in this small town brewery feels like a neighbor. Odd Side features over 50 beers on the menu. With choices from dark and malty stouts to light and fruity lagers and IPAs, you’re sure to find something for every taste preference.
In addition to beer, Odd Side also makes their own hard ciders and selzers. Their tasting room is conveniently located just minutes from the beach, while the nearby production facility is set up to distribute across Michigan and the Midwest.
#2 New Holland Brewing, Holland, MI
New Holland Brewing is one of the most popular West Michigan breweries. Not only are they well-known locally, but they also distribute across the country, and are particularly recognizable for their series of bourbon barrel aged stouts branded as Dragon Milk. In the tasting room and restaurant, New Holland maintains a streamlined selection of beers that include all the basics: stouts, ales, lagers, and IPAs. They also have seasonal sours and a Pumpkin Ale that appears in the fall.
New Holland Brewing also distills a range of spirits, including bourbon, gin, rum, and vodka. They sell canned cocktails to upgrade your next cookout. Be sure to try the Holland Mule made with their Knickerbocker Gin as well as the fruity Rum Punch.
#3 Saugatuck Brewing, Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck Brewing has been a fixture in the Saugatuck-Douglas community since 2005. Since their original location on Enterprise Drive, they’ve moved to a larger operation where they house their full production facility and have a tasting room and restaurant. While staying local to their roots, all beer is brewed on the premises and served in their restaurant or on the outdoor patio, set up to allow for proper social distancing.
Saugatuck Brewing offers 6 year-round mainstays, with several seasonal offerings and experimental batches available throughout the year. Be sure to try the Neapolitan Milk Stout and pick out the vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate notes of this rich, complex brew.
#4 Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon, MI
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. honors the hard-working blue-collar spirit of Muskegon. The original Pigeon Hill was a landmark and tourist attraction. Though it no longer stands, the emblem lives on in the brewery’s efforts to honor its hometown. The tasting room is full of memorabilia of the city’s history, from the photographs on the walls to the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, to even the local traditions of Michigan breweries used to craft excellent quality beer. The modest beer menu includes all the essentials brewed just right, including IPAs and double-IPAs, stouts, lagers, amber and blonde ales. The brewer recommends Beach Please, a light summer ale. Balanced and mild, this easy-drinking brew is the perfect choice for your trip to the Michigan Lakeshore.
Three Blondes Brewing, South Haven, MI
Founded by three South Haven locals and blonde sisters, Three Blondes Brewing exists to create a space for family and friends, locals and out-of-towners to gather and share a refreshing drink. They have a small but accommodating beer menu, with just six items on tap: A lager, a porter, an imperial stout, an IPA, a blueberry pale ale, and a barleywine aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels. The beer selection is thoughtfully paired with an extensive food menu. Ranging from upscale bar food to inventive vegan dishes, everyone will find something they love at Three Blondes Brewing.
Bonus: Burzurk Brewing Co., Grand Haven, MI
Coming soon to east Grand Haven is Burzurk Brewing Co. Although new to the craft beer scene of Grand Haven, the owners have been experimenting with home brewing for a few years. The brewery and taproom have been in progress since last year, though things haven’t been easy for them. Building delays pushed back the planned Fall 2019 opening, and then 2020 happened. With an optimistic opening date sometime this year, Burzurk Brewing Co. is one you will want to add to your list. They plan to offer 8-10 beers on draught, with some seasonal offerings and bitters and sours available on a small-batch, rotating basis.
If you’re ready to become a regular at one of these fantastic West Michigan breweries, consider moving to a beautiful home on the lakeshore with some help from BlueWest Properties. We represent properties from South Haven to Muskegon and are sure to have something you’ll love.
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