Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in Michigan? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in Michigan so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Michigan, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Great Lakes State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#10 Perrin Brewing Co. – 3.84 average Untapped rating

Perrin Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Comstock Park, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Perrin Brewing Co.:

1. **Location**: Perrin Brewing Co. is situated in Comstock Park, Michigan, at 5910 Comstock Park Dr NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Comstock Park is a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan, known for its vibrant craft beer scene.

2. **Founding**: Perrin Brewing Co. was founded in 2012 by Randy Perrin, whose family has a long history in the Michigan beer industry. The brewery opened its doors with a focus on producing high-quality craft beers that reflect the spirit and character of Michigan.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Perrin Brewing Co. is dedicated to brewing innovative and flavorful craft beers using traditional brewing techniques and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality, consistency, and creativity in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection**: Perrin Brewing Co. offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. Some of their most popular beers include “Perrin Black” (a black ale), “No Rules” (an imperial Vietnamese porter), and “Perrin Gold” (a blonde ale). They also produce a range of barrel-aged and sour beers as part of their specialty lineup.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Perrin Brewing Co. operates a spacious and welcoming taproom at their brewery in Comstock Park, providing indoor and outdoor seating options for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rustic and industrial-chic ambiance, with communal tables, bar seating, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can sample a variety of Perrin’s beers on tap, enjoy food from on-site food trucks, and participate in special events hosted by the brewery.

6. **Distribution**: Perrin Brewing Co. distributes its beers regionally and nationally, making them widely available at retail outlets, bars, and restaurants across the United States. They package their beers in bottles, cans, and kegs, ensuring that craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy Perrin’s brews wherever they are.

Overall, Perrin Brewing Co. has earned a reputation for producing exceptional craft beers and for their dedication to quality, innovation, and community involvement. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Michigan, a visit to Perrin’s taproom promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#9 Hop Lot Brewing Co – 3.84 average Untapped rating

Hop Lot Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Suttons Bay, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Hop Lot Brewing Co.:

1. **Location**: Hop Lot Brewing Co. is situated in Suttons Bay, Michigan, at 658 S West Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Suttons Bay is a charming village located in Leelanau County, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

2. **Founding**: Hop Lot Brewing Co. was founded by Steve Lutke and Drew Lutke. The brewery opened its doors in 2015, with a vision to provide high-quality craft beers in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Hop Lot Brewing Co. is dedicated to brewing fresh and flavorful craft beers using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They focus on creating a diverse range of beer styles, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties, to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

4. **Beer Selection**: Hop Lot Brewing Co. offers a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, with an emphasis on hop-forward and sessionable styles. Some of their most popular beers include IPAs, pale ales, and seasonal offerings brewed with ingredients inspired by the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Hop Lot Brewing Co. operates a spacious and inviting taproom at their brewery in Suttons Bay, providing indoor and outdoor seating options for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rustic and laid-back atmosphere, with picnic tables, string lights, and fire pits creating a cozy ambiance. Visitors can relax with a pint of beer, play games, and savor the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

6. **Distribution**: While Hop Lot Brewing Co. primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, they occasionally distribute kegs to local bars and restaurants in the Suttons Bay area. They also offer growlers and crowlers for customers to take their favorite beers home.

Overall, Hop Lot Brewing Co. has become a beloved destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Northern Michigan, known for its dedication to quality, community, and the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a visit to Hop Lot Brewing Co. promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#8 New Holland Brewing – 3.86 average Untapped rating

New Holland Brewing Company is a well-established craft brewery located in Holland, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of New Holland Brewing:

1. **Location**: New Holland Brewing Company is situated in Holland, Michigan, with its main production facility and brewpub located at 417 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Additionally, they have a pub and restaurant in Holland, Michigan, located at 66 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423.

2. **Founding**: New Holland Brewing Company was founded in 1996 by Jason Spaulding and Brett VanderKamp. What started as a small brewpub in Holland has grown into one of the largest and most respected craft breweries in Michigan.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: New Holland Brewing Company is committed to brewing innovative and high-quality craft beers that showcase their creativity and passion for brewing. They combine traditional brewing techniques with innovative ingredients to create a diverse range of beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

4. **Beer Selection**: New Holland Brewing Company offers a wide variety of craft beers, including year-round staples, seasonal releases, and limited-edition specialties. Some of their most famous beers include “Dragon’s Milk” (a bourbon barrel-aged stout), “Mad Hatter” (an American IPA), “The Poet” (an oatmeal stout), and “Tangerine Space Machine” (a New England IPA). They also produce a range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and rum, under their New Holland Artisan Spirits brand.

5. **Taproom Experience**: New Holland Brewing Company operates several taprooms and restaurants where patrons can enjoy their beers and spirits. The taprooms offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options, live music, and special events. Visitors can sample a variety of New Holland’s beers on tap, enjoy food pairings, and take brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution**: New Holland Brewing Company distributes its beers and spirits regionally and nationally, making them widely available at retail outlets, bars, and restaurants across the United States. They package their beers in bottles, cans, and kegs, ensuring that craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy New Holland’s brews wherever they are.

Overall, New Holland Brewing Company has earned a reputation for producing exceptional craft beers and spirits, as well as for their commitment to innovation, quality, and community involvement. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Michigan, a visit to one of New Holland’s taprooms promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

 #7 Left Food Charley – 3.87 average Untapped rating

Left Foot Charley is a unique winery and cidery located in Traverse City, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Left Foot Charley:

1. **Location**: Left Foot Charley is situated in Traverse City, Michigan, at 806 Red Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. Traverse City is well-known for its thriving wine and cider industry, as well as its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

2. **Founding**: Left Foot Charley was founded by winemaker Bryan Ulbrich in 2004. Ulbrich, a Michigan native, established Left Foot Charley with a vision to produce high-quality wines and ciders using locally sourced fruit and sustainable practices.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Left Foot Charley is dedicated to crafting artisanal wines and ciders that showcase the unique terroir of Northern Michigan. They focus on using locally grown and sustainably farmed fruit, including apples, cherries, and grapes, to create wines and ciders that reflect the character and flavors of the region.

4. **Product Offering**: Left Foot Charley offers a diverse selection of wines and ciders, including traditional grape wines, fruit wines, and hard ciders. Their product lineup includes dry and sweet wines, sparkling wines, rosés, and specialty ciders crafted from a variety of Michigan-grown fruit.

5. **Tasting Room Experience**: Left Foot Charley operates a tasting room at their facility in Traverse City, providing a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for patrons to sample their wines and ciders. The tasting room features a cozy interior with rustic decor and outdoor seating options during warmer months. Visitors can enjoy flights of wine or cider, participate in guided tastings, and learn about the winemaking and cider-making process from knowledgeable staff members.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving wines and ciders at their tasting room, Left Foot Charley distributes their products to select retail outlets, restaurants, and bars throughout Michigan. They also offer online sales and shipping to customers within the state.

Overall, Left Foot Charley has become a beloved destination for wine and cider enthusiasts in Traverse City and beyond, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and the celebration of Northern Michigan’s agricultural bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to the world of cider, a visit to Left Foot Charley promises a unique and memorable tasting experience.

#6 New Union Brewery – 3.87 average Untapped rating

New Union Brewery is a craft brewery located in Lowell, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of New Union Brewery:

1. **Location**: New Union Brewery is situated in Lowell, Michigan, at 400 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331. Lowell is a small city located in Kent County, Michigan, known for its historic downtown area and outdoor recreational opportunities.

2. **Founding**: New Union Brewery was founded by Adam and Angie Winkle in 2015. The brewery opened its doors with a mission to provide high-quality craft beers to the local community and beyond.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: New Union Brewery is dedicated to brewing innovative and flavorful craft beers that showcase the creativity and passion of their brewers. They prioritize using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and strive to create beers that appeal to a diverse range of tastes.

4. **Beer Selection**: New Union Brewery offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, stouts, porters, pale ales, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their rotating lineup of beers, with new and seasonal releases frequently added to the tap list. New Union Brewery also offers non-alcoholic options and guest taps for those looking for alternatives.

5. **Taproom Experience**: New Union Brewery operates a taproom at their brewery in Lowell, providing a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a cozy interior with rustic decor and outdoor seating options during warmer months. Visitors can sample a variety of New Union’s beers on tap, enjoy board games, and participate in special events hosted by the brewery.

6. **Distribution**: While New Union Brewery primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, they occasionally distribute kegs to local bars and restaurants in the Lowell area. They also offer growlers and crowlers for customers to take their favorite beers home.

Overall, New Union Brewery has become a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Lowell, known for its dedication to quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a visit to New Union Brewery promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#5 Five Shores Brewing – 3.89 average Untapped rating

Five Shores Brewing is a craft brewery located in Beulah, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Five Shores Brewing:

1. **Location**: Five Shores Brewing is situated in Beulah, Michigan, at 310 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617. Beulah is a charming village located in Benzie County, near the shores of Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

2. **Founding**: Five Shores Brewing was founded by Matt Demorest and Nick Wierzba. The brewery opened its doors in 2019, with a mission to provide a welcoming gathering space for the local community and visitors to enjoy craft beer.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Five Shores Brewing is dedicated to brewing high-quality craft beers that reflect the spirit and character of Northern Michigan. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and strive to create beers that appeal to a wide range of palates.

4. **Beer Selection**: Five Shores Brewing offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their rotating lineup of beers, with new and innovative brews frequently added to the tap list. Five Shores also offers non-alcoholic options and craft cocktails for those looking for alternatives.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Five Shores Brewing operates a taproom at their brewery in Beulah, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a cozy interior with rustic decor and outdoor seating options during warmer months. Visitors can sample a variety of Five Shores’ beers on tap, enjoy live music, and participate in special events hosted by the brewery.

6. **Distribution**: While Five Shores Brewing primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, they occasionally distribute kegs to local bars and restaurants in the Beulah area. They also offer growlers and crowlers for customers to take their favorite beers home.

Overall, Five Shores Brewing has quickly become a beloved destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Northern Michigan, known for its dedication to quality, community, and the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a visit to Five Shores Brewing promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#4 Rake Beer Project – 3.96 average Untapped rating

Rake Beer Project is a craft brewery located in Muskegon, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Rake Beer Project:

1. **Location**: Rake Beer Project is situated in Muskegon, Michigan, at 794 Pine St, Muskegon, MI 49442. Muskegon is a city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor recreational opportunities.

2. **Founding**: Rake Beer Project was founded by Josh Rake in 2018. The brewery opened its doors with a focus on producing innovative and high-quality craft beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Rake Beer Project is dedicated to exploring new flavors, ingredients, and brewing techniques to create unique and memorable beers. They embrace experimentation and creativity in their brewing process, often incorporating unusual ingredients and fermentation methods to develop distinctive and complex flavor profiles.

4. **Beer Selection**: Rake Beer Project offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, sour ales, stouts, and barrel-aged specialties. They are known for their small-batch releases and limited-edition offerings, with a rotating lineup of beers that showcase the brewery’s commitment to innovation and quality.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Rake Beer Project operates a taproom at their brewery in Muskegon, providing a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a modern and industrial-chic design, with communal seating areas and a lively ambiance. Visitors can sample a variety of Rake Beer Project’s beers on tap, purchase merchandise, and engage with the friendly staff.

6. **Distribution**: While Rake Beer Project primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, they occasionally distribute kegs to local bars and restaurants in the Muskegon area. They also offer crowlers and growlers for customers to take their favorite beers home.

Overall, Rake Beer Project has quickly become a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Muskegon, known for its innovative brews, welcoming taproom, and commitment to quality and creativity. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a visit to Rake Beer Project promises a unique and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#3 Founders Brewing Co – 3.96 average Untapped rating

Founders Brewing Co. is a well-known craft brewery located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Founders Brewing Co:

1. **Location**: Founders Brewing Co. is situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Grand Rapids is recognized for its thriving craft beer scene and is often referred to as “Beer City, USA.”

2. **Founding**: Founders Brewing Co. was founded in 1997 by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers. The brewery started with a vision to produce high-quality craft beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles and techniques.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Founders Brewing Co. is dedicated to brewing bold and flavorful beers with a focus on quality and innovation. They strive to create beers that are both approachable and complex, using the finest ingredients and brewing methods. Founders is known for its commitment to brewing a diverse range of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to rich and robust stouts.

4. **Beer Selection**: Founders Brewing Co. offers a wide variety of craft beers, including year-round staples, seasonal releases, and limited-edition specialties. Some of their most famous beers include “All Day IPA,” “Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS),” “Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale,” and “Centennial IPA.” They also produce barrel-aged series such as the “Barrel-Aged Series” and the “Mothership Series,” which feature unique and complex flavor profiles.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Founders Brewing Co. operates a taproom at their Grand Rapids location, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Visitors can sample a wide range of Founders’ brews, enjoy live music, and participate in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution**: Founders Brewing Co. distributes its beers nationally and internationally, making them widely available at retail outlets, bars, and restaurants across the United States and select markets abroad. They package their beers in cans, bottles, and kegs, ensuring that craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy Founders’ brews wherever they are.

Overall, Founders Brewing Co. is a cornerstone of the craft beer industry, known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and community. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to craft beer, a visit to Founders Brewing Co.’s taproom promises a memorable and enjoyable experience.

#2 Speciation Artisan Ales – 4.11 average Untapped rating

Speciation Artisan Ales is a craft brewery located in Comstock Park, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Speciation Artisan Ales:

1. **Location**: Speciation Artisan Ales is situated in Comstock Park, Michigan, at 3729 Monroe Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Comstock Park is located near Grand Rapids, a city known for its vibrant craft beer scene.

2. **Founding**: Speciation Artisan Ales was founded by Mitch and Whitney Ermatinger. The brewery opened its doors in 2017, with a focus on producing innovative and complex sour and wild ales.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Speciation Artisan Ales is dedicated to crafting unique and expressive sour and wild ales using traditional and experimental brewing techniques. They specialize in mixed fermentation, barrel aging, and blending, allowing for the development of complex flavors and aromas in their beers. Speciation embraces creativity and innovation in their brewing process, often incorporating unusual ingredients and fermentation methods to create distinctive and memorable brews.

4. **Beer Selection**: Speciation Artisan Ales offers a diverse selection of sour and wild ales, including fruited sours, barrel-aged blends, and spontaneous fermentation beers. They are known for their small-batch releases and limited-edition offerings, with new and experimental beers regularly added to their lineup. Speciation’s beers often feature bold and complex flavor profiles, with characteristics ranging from tart and fruity to funky and earthy.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Speciation Artisan Ales operates a taproom at their brewery in Comstock Park, providing a cozy and intimate setting for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rustic and industrial-chic ambiance, with limited seating and a focus on quality over quantity. Visitors can sample a variety of Speciation’s beers on tap, purchase bottles to-go, and engage with the knowledgeable staff.

6. **Distribution**: Speciation Artisan Ales primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, with limited distribution to select retail outlets and bars in Michigan. They occasionally release special releases and collaborations in bottles or cans, which are highly sought after by craft beer enthusiasts.

Overall, Speciation Artisan Ales has established itself as a destination for sour beer aficionados in Michigan, known for its dedication to quality, creativity, and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to the world of sour ales, a visit to Speciation Artisan Ales promises a unique and memorable craft beer experience.

#1 Arvon Brewing Co – 4.15 average Untapped rating

Arvon Brewing Co is a craft brewery located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of Arvon Brewing Co:

1. **Location**: Arvon Brewing Co is situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 1006 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Grand Rapids is known for its thriving craft beer scene and is often referred to as “Beer City, USA.”

2. **Founding**: Arvon Brewing Co was founded by brothers Brett and Bryan Bristol. The brewery opened its doors in 2017, with a mission to create unique and flavorful craft beers that reflect their passion for brewing and experimentation.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Arvon Brewing Co is dedicated to brewing innovative and high-quality craft beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They embrace experimentation and creativity in their brewing process, often incorporating unique ingredients and flavor combinations to create distinctive and memorable beers.

4. **Beer Selection**: Arvon Brewing Co offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and barrel-aged specialties. They are known for their rotating lineup of beers, with new and exciting brews frequently added to the tap list. Arvon Brewing Co prioritizes quality and consistency in their brewing, ensuring that each beer meets their high standards of excellence.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Arvon Brewing Co operates a taproom at their brewery in Grand Rapids, providing a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a modern and industrial-chic design, with ample seating and a lively ambiance. Visitors can sample a variety of Arvon’s beers on tap, enjoy brewery tours, and engage with the knowledgeable staff.

6. **Distribution**: While Arvon Brewing Co primarily serves its beers on-site at their taproom, they occasionally distribute kegs to local bars and restaurants in the Grand Rapids area. They also offer growlers and crowlers for customers to take their favorite beers home.

Overall, Arvon Brewing Co has quickly become a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Grand Rapids, known for its innovative brews, welcoming taproom, and commitment to quality and creativity. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a visit to Arvon Brewing Co promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.