Brewery Spotlight: Old Boys' Brewhouse
With the dog days of summer right around the corner, grab your dinghy and tie up at Old Boys' Brewhouse, located on the channel between Spring Lake and Lake Michigan.
Walk past the giant bone, the gift shop and into the pub, named in reference to owner Melissa Brolick's dearly departed Chocolate Labrador, Brutus, or Old Boy. The tall walls are plastered with art and pictures of patrons' pooches. Your hound could be famous, too -- if you bring in a snapshot, they'll find a place to hang it.
The canine theme doesn't end with the décor. There are references sprinkled throughout the dog-shaped menu. Appetizers such as Scooby Snacks and Pluto's Pickles are included alongside pizzas, burgers, salads and entrees with locally sourced ingredients, prepared by head chef Dan Paquin.
Cocktail Waggers like the Barkarita or the Toilet Bowl will cool down two-legged lappers who are soaking up the sun on the spacious deck, while a Hot Dog is best sipped in colder months while stretching out in front of the brewery's centrally located fireplace.
Dogtail IPA, Rover's Waggin' Red and Kennel King Imperial IPA are just a few of the 10 beers that typically fill out Old Boys' bone-shaped brewery board. The head (and sole) brewer Dave Bayes has been with the brewery since it opened in 1997. His specialty Bourbon Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout smells boozy enough to combat even the worst doggie breath while the Berry Weiss offers a sweeter treat for the summer months.
The brewery is open year-round, while the deck is open when weather permits. Visit the website for hours, which are extended in the summer. And don't forget to grab a photo of Fido to paper the wall when you visit Old Boys' Brewhouse at 971 Savidge, Spring Lake; (616) 850-9950; oldboysbrewhouse.com.
Beer of the Month: Grand Rapids Brewing Company's Rockslide Pale Ale
When the original Grand Rapids Brewing Co. opened in 1893 at the corner of Michigan Street NE and Ionia Avenue NW in downtown Grand Rapids, it was the largest beer producer in West Michigan.
One prohibition period and 100 years later, the brewery reopened in its current location near Woodland and Centerpointe malls, catering to those who need something stronger than an extra large ginseng and wheat grass smoothie to power through an afternoon of digging through the clearance racks.
Grand Rapids Brewing Company's Rockslide Pale Ale reflects the brewery's classic heritage, serving up a straightforward IPA with a palate-pleasing balance of malts and hops. There are no crazy flavors or additives; just the basics done right.
| Grand Rapids Brewing Company's Rockslide Pale Ale OG: 1.056 IBUs: 75 ABV: 6.25% Cost/pint: $4 |
Named for its use of Summit and Cascade hops, this is the first time brew master Stuart Crittenden has brewed Rockslide. With a rotating list of pale ales in the brewery's six-tap rotation, Crittenden says he usually makes several batches of each pale ale before moving on to his next creation.
"All our pale fans have liked this one," says Crittenden, who expects Rockslide to be available at least into June. "It's pretty hoppy, and in my opinion, spring is hops season."
The brewery has a recently revamped menu, with plenty of delectable selections to complement the brews. Try Rockslide with the kickin' Pickles and Brew appetizer, which is a glass each of deep fried pickles and jalapenos, served with chipotle ketchup and your choice of two samples of the house brews. Get it at Grand Rapids Brewing Company, 3689 28th Street, Grand Rapids; (616) 285-5970; grandrapidsbrewingcompany.com.
Beer News
Beer and music lovers rejoice — The Pyramid Scheme at 68 Commerce SW in Grand Rapids is now open! Not only does the mid-size venue feature live music, but 10 drafts from Short's Brewing will be on tap at all times. A prime night to check it out is Wednesday, May 4, when Joe Short will bring five extra brews to celebrate.
Mud, Sweat & Beers, a mountain biking race to benefit Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreation Area, will be held in Traverse City on Saturday, May 7. As the presenting sponsor, Right Brain Brewery will serve four of its beers in commemorative glasses to riders and spectators.
There are more than 250 beers to sample at the World Expo of Beer, held May 20–21 in Frankenmuth. Entry for the annual event to benefit the Frankenmuth Jaycees is $7 plus the cost of beer tickets.
The outdoor Michigan Beer & Brat Festival is held on Saturday, May 28, at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville. Listen to music from Nick & Jason and The Outer Vibe while washing down locally made brats with samples of more than 50 Michigan microbrews.
American Craft Beer Week is May 16–22 ... celebrate by drinking local!
