It's only fitting that worshipers at the alter of ale would have blind faith in microbrews produced inside an old funeral home chapel. Before even opening its heavy wooden door to the public on Dec. 20, Brewery Vivant had sold more than 100 "Monk Club" memberships.
"People joined our mug club before even tasting our beer," said Jason Spaulding, who co-owns the brewery with wife, Kris.
The brewery has nearly reached its 500-member Monk Club capacity in just three months, and is evolving quickly. This might have something to do with the fact that Spaulding has done this before, as co-founder of New Holland Brewing Company.
What sets Brewery Vivant apart is the fact that all its beers are produced in a Belgian style.
"We focus on exploring that style of beer because it's what we're most passionate about," Spaulding said.
With 10 beers on tap, the Vivant family includes mainstays Triomphe IPA, Farm Hand farmhouse ale and Solitute abbey ale, which will be the first to be offered in cans when the brewery starts distributing in April.
"It's mostly due to sustainability and the environmental benefits," Spaulding says of the beer's aluminum vessels. "Also, the flavor of the beer is better protected because no light can shine through."
Spaulding thinks the cans will be a hit in West Michigan, especially with boaters and golfers who don't want to take glass bottles on the water or the course.
"We're trying to overcome the mindset that good beer doesn't come in cans," he said.
The brewery itself is very "Belgianesque," with a high, wood-beamed ceiling, stained glass windows and long, community tables. The beer garden, which will open as soon as weather permits, runs the length of the building and has windows that provide a glimpse into the brewing room.
Though a few patrons initially seemed uneasy about drinking in a former funeral home, Spaulding says most have had fun with it.
"Our servers have been spreading rumors that the tables are made from coffins."
To dedide for yourself if its truth or a just rumor, visit Brewery Vivant at 925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 719-1604; breweryvivant.com.
Though not technically microbrews, Vander Mill's line of hard ciders can hold their own with other local libations. Produced in Spring Lake, Hard Apple Cider is the cider mill and winery's flagship alcoholic beverage. Others include Apple Blueberry Cider, Cherry Hard Cider and Michigan Wit, a Belgian-style cider.
With blend of Michigan Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Gala and McIntosh apples, the hard apple cider is never pasteurized or filtered.
"We use 100 percent of the juice, so we're reliant on what Mother Nature gives us," says Paul Vander Heide, co-founder of Vander Mill. "We try to use same blend to maintain consistency, but it's possible that you could notice differences from batch to batch."
| Vander Mill's Hard Apple Cider 7% ABV $10.95/bottle, $3.50/pint |
The seven percent ABV beverage was first brewed in 2008, and is available year-round in 750 ML bottles and by the pint at Vander Mill's Cleveland Street location. The pale yellow beverage is surprisingly mild — not tart, sugary or overly carbonated like many commercially produced hard ciders.
"More craft beer drinkers are trying our hard cider, because it's not terribly sweet and has a higher alcohol content," Vander Heide says of the semi-sweet cider.
Hopheads who are still skeptical about swilling a cider can try floating Guinness to make a Black Apple, or adding Harp or a favorite craft lager to make a Snakebite.
The Schmohz Achilles 5k Run will be held Saturday, April 16 at the brewery. As one of the only races where participants are encouraged to hydrate with beer, the run usually sells out in advance, so visit schmohz.com/race to pre-register.
Also on April 16 is Founders' 10th Annual Black Party. The celebration of dark beers includes a long list of the brewery's favorite stouts and porters, with music provided by Oracle and Four Finger Five. Cover is $8 and includes a commemorative glass filled with beer.
Siciliano's Market is in the final stages of an expansion to increase the size of the specialty market by about 30 percent. The extra space will allow the Grand Rapids store to de-clutter while offering more home brewing ingredients and equipment.
Yet another source for home brewers, O'Connor's Home Brew Supply opened in March at 613 Lyon Street NE in Grand Rapids. Owned by husband and wife duo Ben and Allison O'Connor, the shop offers equipment for novice and experienced home brewers.
The annual Short's to Short's Paddle will take place Friday, April 29. Kayakers and canoeists paddle through all or part of the 27 miles of rivers and lakes connecting the Bellaire pub to the Elk Rapids production facility. Plan a weekend trip so you don't miss the brewery's seventh anniversary party the following day.
