This three part series will go over the different breweries throughout West Michigan. Part one takes us through Southern Michigan. Try out all the breweries and see why West Michigan is the beer capital of the United States!

The market for craft beer has been steadily increasing for well over a decade, and West Michigan is home to a plethora of fantastic breweries and each has a unique lineup of their signature craft beers. Having beer brewed so close to home gives West Michigan the luxury of drinking fresh and local.

So what is craft beer? According to the Brewers Association, craft beer is three things: small, independent, and local. These breweries are small in the sense that they make less than 6 million barrels of beer annually. They are independent if less than 25 percent of the company is owned by an alcohol industry member that is not a craft brewer and traditional if the majority of total beverage alcohol volume in the brews are traditional or innovative ingredients or fermentation methods.

What does West Michigan have to offer? Craft beer is brewed all over West Michigan. Make sure to check out one or all of these great breweries on the south side!

Southern Michigan Breweries

Saugatuck Brewing Co.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. is dedicated to the entire experience of craft; from their creative food menu to their unique beers. The adventure started with creating a perfect beer, and they have kept that focus since their opening in 2005 with 15 rotating taps plus hard cider and a variety of wines.

Fun Fact: Saugatuck Brewing Co. is the only microbrewery in the state of Michigan to feature a Brew On Premise System where you can go brew your own beer in about four hours! Return in two to three weeks to bottle and sample your own beer!

Round Barn Brewery

With more than 30 years of fermentation experience and an award-winning reputation in the industry, Round Barn Brewery’s line of hand-crafted brews embody the satisfying bold taste you’ve come to expect from The Round Barn.

Fun Fact: In addition to being a brewery, Round Barn also has their own winery and distillery!

Dark Horse Brewing Company

Dark Horse Brewing Company is located in Marshall, Michigan and takes pride in serving great food and great beer using only the highest quality ingredients. All of their breads is made fresh locally, utilizing their own spent grain.

Fun Fact: Dark Horse Brewing Co. has a wicked sense of humor! Don’t forget to look around the pub, read the six-pack and holder your beers come in, and even the back of your growler!

Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery began in 1985 with a quest for better beer and a 15 gallon soup kettle. They currently brew over 20 beers for distribution as well as many other small batch beers that are served at their pub, the Eccentric Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo.

Fun Fact: On June 11, 1993, Bell’s Brewery became the first Michigan brewery to serve beer by the glass to the public.

Boatyard Brewing Company

Boatyard Brewing Company is on a journey to create superb craft beers through the exploration of artistic fermentations while also making a positive impact on their community!

Fun Fact: Boatyard Brewing Company has discount nights for those who come in on two wheels! Come in Tuesdays on your motorcycle or Wednesdays on pedal bicycles to get your discount! Founders Dan and Brian have spent countless hours developing some of the best traditional ale recipes, as well as their own unique offerings!

Beerfest at the Ballpark Fall – On The Field

Beerfest at the Ballpark is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th at Cooley Law School Stadium. Festival gates will be open from 5pm-10pm with a special VIP entry starting at 4pm. The fall festival will be held on the Jackson Field and will provide attendees the opportunity to taste more than 200 craft beers, and ciders from over 50 Michigan Breweries while enjoying the ballpark’s atmosphere. The fall event will also include 50 different German and Belgian beers. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and include entry, a logoed tasting glass, and 10 tasting tickets. Special VIP Tickets may be purchased for $40 in advance and include early entry to the festival at 4pm, a logoed tasting glass, and 15 tasting tickets.

Fun Fact: The fall event will also include 50 of the best German and Belgian beers so you do not want to miss this great festival!