The West Michigan Tourist Association is shining the spotlight on craft breweries in Southwest Michigan. The group has compiled a list of suggested brewery stops in the region, including several in the immediate Tri-County area:
It’s no secret that West Michigan is known for its many breweries, and what better time to try some new ones than summer. No matter what area you find yourself in, there’s sure to be a great brewery nearby where you can raise a glass and toast to the warm weather. Not sure where to start? Check out some great options across West Michigan!
South West Michigan Brews
Taste the best of pure Michigan in St. Joseph with Silver Harbor Brewing‘s newest beer, a kettle sour, Five O’ Clock Parfait. Is this actually a fruit parfait? You’ll second guess it after a few sips. Generous additions of blackberry and boysenberry, while using vanilla beans and lactose to get a vanilla yogurt like taste, and granola in the mash to round it all off. Not into sours, no worries try one of their other 14+ award winning beers, local wine or craft cocktails.
River Saint Joe offers certified organic beer, often utilizing hops grown on-site by their partner farm, Flatwater Farms. The beer garden at RSJ overlooks the beautiful rolling landscape of the farm, which you can enjoy while sipping on their flagship beer, the Farmhouse Pale Ale. It has a firm bitterness balanced by flavors and aromas of orange zest and showcases the terroir of Southwest Michigan with Flatwater Farms’ Chinook and Cascade Hops.
The Livery in Benton Harbor is celebrating summer fun! They’re releasing the fan-favorite, “Easy Keeper” (New England Pale Ale) in early July to coincide with the return of live music to the brewpub. This easy drinking beer offers bold flavors of pineapple, orange zest, and hints of pine from the Citra and Berrien County-grown Chinook hops. And, of course, don’t miss The Livery kitchen’s fresh pizza, sammie, and soup specials!
For over three decades, Round Barn Brewery & Public House has strived to create brews that capture the essence of a moment. Locally inspired, their collection of craft beer has been created to transport you back to those warm summer days spent on the Lake Michigan shore or to nights spent crowded around the table with loved ones. Their beer products are only available at Round Barn locations and select retailers.
Battle Creek may be known for cereal, but they’ve got plenty of locally brewed beers to try in their new Social District. Drinks are allowed outdoors with their special Live It Up cup, so take you can take happy hour outdoors!
Downtown Coldwater is getting ready to welcome its first brewery this August, bringing a variety of crowd-pleasing beer and mouth-watering pub grub. Stay tuned for updates as they approach opening day!
Saugatuck is home to some great local breweries as well. Guardian Brewing Company has a welcoming environment where you can try any of their 22 craft beers on tap, or even take a class from their Beer School on a variety of brew-related matters! Saugatuck Brewing Company, with locations in both Saugatuck and Kalamazoo, is another great spot to grab a pint.
Beer-tasting opportunities are in abundance in South Haven. Experience where you can sample the goods created by local brewers. South Haven is fortunate to hold three craft breweries in town to fulfill your taste for a flight and hand-crafted food that pairs perfectly with your beer of choice.
Southwest Michigan’s Kalamazoo is a craft beer destination. What better way to celebrate than with a beer trail? The Give a Craft Beer Trail features the most well known breweries such as; Bell’s Eccentric Café, One Well Brewery, and Presidential Brewing Company. There is no better way to experience the beer scene around the 269 area code!
West Michigan Beer Tours in Kalamazoo takes beer lovers on a one-of-a-kind journey that shows the process, the people, and the pride behind Michigan beer. Whether you do a bus tour or a walking tour, both experiences provide unique experiences, such as brewer meet-and-greets, exclusive tastings, and more. Visit their website for the full list of upcoming tours.
Celebrate the Field of Flight Festival with a Balloon Ride, and a Hazy IPA. Handmap Brewing drew inspiration for a summer brew from Battle Creek’s big air show. Check Handmap’s schedule for live music and comedy, or just chill on the patio that overlooks the river.
Other beer destinations in South West Michigan:
Great Mead Hall & Brewing Co., Bangor
Virtue Cider, Fennville
Waypost Brewing Co., Fennville
