OverCarbonated: Beer Review: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bland Crappids or Grand “Time” Rapids

Beer Review: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Jason & Eric were in Grand Rapids for a history conference a few weeks ago. Jason went to present at the conference hung over. Here is how that happened:

HOPCAT

Voted third best beer bar in the world by Beer Advocate. They brew their own beer too but I would say go there for their awesome craft beer selection. Get there early if you want their daily special beers because they run out. The place was pretty cool. They have food there too but there's a sick pizza place a few doors down that is really good (ever have fully loaded baked potato zaa? I did).

Courtesy of the HopCat website

BREWERY VIVANT

Awesome location. It is in the church of a funeral home which became a day care and then a brewery. Great beers and ciders all made with Belgian yeast. If you like it sour go with the Farm Hand: French Style Farmhouse Ale, classic and delicious. The Sgt. Peppercorn Rye has a really good aroma and aftertaste of peppercorn, not too much though, and well balanced. Their Heavy Handed: Double Chocolate Stout seemed to be the beer they were most proud of at the time. They claimed that it takes 5 min to pour because of the thickness and the head of the beer because “perfection cannot be rushed.” The problem is that it’s far from perfect. There was a distinct metallic irony taste that seemed unintentional. I couldn't tell if it was a problem with the taps or just a flaw in the beer. I enjoy really wonky shit, but this was just unpleasant. Everything else was very good. Try some ciders even if you’re not a cider kinda person. The one I had was dry hopped.

Eric's Pictures

FOUNDERS BREWERY

Apparently the oldest brewery in town. Food was very good. All sandwiches which you order from a window and pick up there later. The servers are only for beer (real beer wenches!). The breakfast stout was yummy. My fav was the “Backwoods Bastard” which was an oak aged scotch ale. The one I had was 11% and the alcohol, malt, caramel and wood flavors went together real nice like! They have a nice big tap room with live music. The only problem: they charge for peanuts! WTF, who charges for peanuts! George Washington Carver would be ashamed!!!