Monday Bar Review: Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids Brewing Company
3689 28th st.
Grand Rapids, MI. 49521
NE Corner of 28th and E. Beltline by the Centerpoint Mall


I was at Grand Rapids Brewing Company this afternoon to work on a documentary (about beer) with my friend Kira, as talent. Who would have thought, I would be used as talent. As it turned out my old high school buddy (well kind of acquaintance) Stewart was in charge of brewing, small world. Since it was two o'clock in the afternoon, I didn't get a real impression of the clientèle or atmosphere that frequents the Grand Rapids Brewing Co. I did try their beer though.

From what I can tell, the beer is superb. The flavors are not so complex  that you feel like your at a wine tasting rather than a bar, but, if you wanted to wax with pretense you certainty could. For the lighter (beer) drinker the 'River City Red' has enough hops to let you know they are there and finishes relaxingly smooth. The 'Lumberman Dark' is a great early spring porter. It's thick enough to remind you that 'Lumberman Dark' is a porter, and that it is still cold outside, but has a bright body to transition you to the warmer months ahead. The 'Lumberjack Dark' is a perfect beer for those who are put off by the heaviness of darker stouts, but want to start expanding their beer drinking tastes. My favorite was their dopplebock, which didn't have a name yet, but will soon. I suggest Calder Bock. The dark amber dopplebock was smooth, malty  and finished like a beer with five percent alcohol (this one contained ten), in short, everything a good dopplebock should be.

Even though they are not bottling yet, you can still purchase a growler (half gallon) for eleven bucks and eight for a refill. The food is reasonably priced, chain restaurant ballpark, and as I hear, delicious.  I would recommend the Grand Rapids Brewing Co. to anyone with a little extra time to kill while in GR and looking for a good beer but does not want to have to eat bar food.

Score: 2,4 +.10 for knowing the brewmaster, +.10 for a modern 19th century feel.



Final Score
2.6