The Michigan Brewing Company Review

The Michigan Brewing Company, Webberville, Michigan.

In 2010 my wife and I took our son on his first long road trip.  We visited Cleveland, Ohio as well as Lansing and Detroit, Michigan.  Heather and I have driven to all forty-eight contiguous states and have visited Hawai'i but we've managed to visit only forty-three state capitals.  We've also been to twenty out of thirty major league baseball stadiums.  On this particular trip, we were able to add a new state capital and two of those twenty stadiums.  Of course, we made sure to make a few beer-oriented stops along the way!

During our drive to Lansing we stopped at the Michigan Brewing Company in Webberville, Michigan.  It was a very interesting place because it appeared to be equal parts local bar, small restaurant, and chic outdoor cafe.  Since it was a gorgeous evening, we decided to sit outside to enjoy some good food and some good beer.  Part of the fun of visiting brewpubs and breweries is that I never know quite how many beers they have available or how many comprise their flights.  I've made it clear in previous posts that I appreciate being able to sample everything a brewery has to offer...but I almost met my match here.

The first half of the sampler...

 

...and then part two.

Naturally, I was thrilled as I handed the car keys over to my wife and I set about tackling this massive array of beers.  Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for the food to arrive and thus I was able to pace both my meal and my imbibing as we enjoyed our time at the brewery. 

I was curious about the Celis beers that I saw because they seemed to be very different from the others.  As it turned out, Celis had previously been an independently operated brewery based in Texas but it was bought by the Michigan Brewing Company.  More interesting still is the fact that the eponymous brewer's first effort was the Hoegaarden Brewery and brand of the same name.  When the brewery succumbed to a fire, the recipe eventually made its way into the hands of Anheuser-Busch, which still brews the beer today.  Pierre Celis went on to open the Celis brewery in Austin, Texas and brewed Celis White--a witbier that received a perfect score from renowned beer writer Michael Jackson.  The brewery was eventually sold first to Miller and then, after an unsuccessful stint there, to the Michigan Brewing Company.

Though the Celis beers were quite good, I also enjoyed those that were brewed specifically by the Michigan Brewing Company.  Many had clever names inspired by local or state references--something that I particularly appreciate.  I love when a beer's story extends beyond its list of ingredients and includes a little bit of history; it shows an additional level of care and detail on the part of the brewer.  Arguably the most bombastic brew (at least in terms of its self-promotion) was the Badass American Lager, which was brewed in conjunction with local Michigan legend Kid Rock.  I would imagine that it was quite popular in the area both because of its benefactor and its similarity to the typical American Adjunct Lagers that dominate the taps at most watering holes across the nation.  For what it was, it wasn't terrible but it's not something I'd order during another craft beer drinking session.

Me contemplating the meaning of life...and of how I
could possibly finish all of that beer.

As I progressed through my sampler, I grew philosophical.  My belly swelled as the day advesperated, filling me with sated satisfaction: I was enjoying good beer and good food at a great spot with my two favorite people in the world.  I looked around and saw a motley mix of travelers also enjoying their respective brews.  I caught a few disbelieving glances towards my sampler and smiled.  A few adventurous souls went on to order one for themselves while other groups shared pitchers, pints, and plenty of conversation.  Bikers rubbed elbows with twenty-somethings--old couples with young ones.  It was just a wonderful evening--one that was among the highlights of the trip.  I was tested by that sampler and ultimately succeeded in taking it down--another notch in my ever-expanding beer drinking belt.  I think of it as a slight rotundity that I can wear with pride.

Plus, I can always write it off as an occupational hazard.

Sweet success

GRADING 

The Michigan Brewing Company offers one of the largest samplers I have ever come across--one that is filled a diverse array of great beer.  The food was very good and the ambiance of the place really tied the entire experience together.  With that said, I give the Michigan Brewing Company a grade of A and it comes very highly recommended to anyone traveling through Michigan.  I did not get to visit the Lansing location so my grade applies solely to the Webberville one.

BEERS SAMPLED
Michigan Brewing Wheatland
Michigan Brewing Superior Stout
Badass American Lager
Michigan Brewing High Seas India Pale Ale
Michigan Brewing Peninsula Porter
Michigan Brewing Majestic Nut Brown Ale
Michigan Brewing Big Mac Beer
Michigan Brewing Imperial IPA
Michigan Brewing Sunset Amber
Michigan Brewing Bavarian Dark
Celis Raspberry
Celis Pale Bock
Celis Grand Cru
Celis White
Michigan Brewing Barley Wine

*Please note that beer, no matter how delicious, should always be consumed in moderation especially when you will be driving later on.  I'm a pretty big guy and I handle my alcohol well so I was able to tackle the bulk of the sampler (my wife took a sip here and there of the beers that I thought she would enjoy) but I also made sure to hand the keys over to her immediately.  I drink only what I can handle without getting sick or turning into a drunken mess and I always make sure to have transportation arranged for myself, whether it's my wife, a friend, or whomever; I implore you to do the same.

For more information on the Michigan Brewing Company, please visit their official website here.

Cheers!

--Beer Whisperer Matt