Grand Rapids Beer economy

[mjlo]

Best Beer Scene Winners: 2017 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards

Grand Rapids named best beer scene by USA today. This is the first list that wasn't shamelessly promoted by local media for votes. Perhaps the city really is branding its image

[Geo-Aggie]

So.. I'm kind of a beer noob (blame Utah and my cultural upbringing...)

But in my exploration of the beer world, I've decided that I really like wheat beers, like Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Oberon. Shorts makes an American Lager that I quite enjoy as well. I've tried many IPAs and Pale Ales, but can't seem to get past the bitter taste. Are there any microbrews I can pick up at a grocery store or liquor store in Metro Detroit that any of you would recommend to me?

[mjlo]

Originally Posted by Geo-Aggie

So.. I'm kind of a beer noob (blame Utah and my cultural upbringing...)

But in my exploration of the beer world, I've decided that I really like wheat beers, like Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Oberon. Shorts makes an American Lager that I quite enjoy as well. I've tried many IPAs and Pale Ales, but can't seem to get past the bitter taste. Are there any microbrews I can pick up at a grocery store or liquor store in Metro Detroit that any of you would recommend to me?

I'm kind of in your boat. I'm trying to make myself more of a beer person. Like you I haven't gotten past Lagers but I'm having my friends help me learn. I know there are people on here that can answer that question for you!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Geo-Aggie

So.. I'm kind of a beer noob (blame Utah and my cultural upbringing...)

But in my exploration of the beer world, I've decided that I really like wheat beers, like Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Oberon. Shorts makes an American Lager that I quite enjoy as well. I've tried many IPAs and Pale Ales, but can't seem to get past the bitter taste. Are there any microbrews I can pick up at a grocery store or liquor store in Metro Detroit that any of you would recommend to me?

If they sell Short's in your area, try the Soft Parade. My wife likes it. Or their Beach Wheat which is a seasonal ale.

I highly recommend getting away from the shock tops, oberons and blue moons of the world. They're made in massive quantities by large conglomerates and not nearly the best tasting you'll find. Oberon gets worse every year.

Just look for pale ales, hefeweizens and anything with "sun" in the title but a Michigan craft brewery. Meijer usually has rows and rows of craft beers from Michigan now.

[RegalTDP]

Originally Posted by Geo-Aggie

So.. I'm kind of a beer noob (blame Utah and my cultural upbringing...)

But in my exploration of the beer world, I've decided that I really like wheat beers, like Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Oberon. Shorts makes an American Lager that I quite enjoy as well. I've tried many IPAs and Pale Ales, but can't seem to get past the bitter taste. Are there any microbrews I can pick up at a grocery store or liquor store in Metro Detroit that any of you would recommend to me?

Also, try Arbor Bliss Wheat or Frankenmuth Hef. They're both from the East Side of MI and I think Meijer carries each.

[Coldjensens]

Stay away from the nasty uber hoppy IPAs and from the excessively sweet beers and pretty much everything I have tried from Michgian micro brews is quite good. Most micros will throw out a Meh beer or bad beer before they will ruin their reputation by sending it out to market (except overly hoppy IPAs, then they just rely on marketing to get everyone to say they taste great).

Like you I do not get the love for the super hoppy nasty bitter IPAs. I think people just order them because they think they sound cool and trendy by ordering them. Saying they are awful is a social faux pas and very anti-hip. Maybe it is just emperors new cloths syndrome. Can anyone really like those things?

I have been something of a beer connoisseur for about 30 years and I am not afraid to say those excessively hoppy IPAs are absolutely awful.

Try Porters, wheat, oatmeal, amber ales, and the better balanced IPAs. Generally you can get a platter of beer shots to taste each draft beer offered and figure out what you like.

If you like fruity beers, there are lots of those offered right now. I do not like fruity beer or any kind of fruit in my beer (if you have to add lemon or lime to make it taste decent, then it is not a good beer), but some love it.

[mjlo]

Currently the Jolly Pumpkin is renovating the space recently occupied by the Black Herron. There are also rumors of other big breweries within the state opening tap rooms along the bridge corridor. I've even heard it mentioned that some out of state breweries may be eyeing that area. In a couple years all of those breweries could become somewhat of an adult amusement park along Bridge St. Has anyone else heard rumors of more breweries coming?

[magellan]

It's going to be come a craft drink mecca for sure:

Three new Michigan-based pubs joining Bridge Street on the West Side - GRNow.com® - Grand Rapids, MI's local restaurant, event and entertainment guide.

I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see a few more announcements soon.