601 S Lafayette St., South Lyon, MI 48178 (248) 486-2595
Witch’s Hat Brewing Co.
There are many times I feel I’m preaching to the choir. This is one of them.
What can I say about Witch’s Hat that hasn’t already been said 1000’s of times before? Each and every time I stop by for a seat in the taproom or for carryout I’m blown away by their beers. Bonus, many of their beers can now be found in your local bottle shop! Being able to pick up a 4-pack on lunch or my way home is a great way to taste Witch’s Hat’s brew.
2020 and into 2021, although severely shitty in many ways, one positive was I found myself consuming much more Witch’s Hat than years prior. Often during the shutdowns, I was out riding at DTE Energy Foundation Trails. They’re 1/2 way between my place and Chelsea. This provided a great opportunity to swing by for some carryout beers. Their curbside delivery was very convenient and always running smooth. Me crushing a can of Martin’s 68 Special. A lite and crisp pilsner, helping to rehydrate after rolling through the woods.
They actually have another beer that made for an even more enjoyable post ride beverage. Their Blueberry Lemonade Gose. The first time I sipped this was after a loop around Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Gatorade ain’t got nothing on this beer. Refreshing, full of flavor, and just enough tart. To me this is the ultimate summer beer!
There were so many other 2020 carryout beers from them. Dames And The Giant Peach Farmhouse Ale, Under The Red Light Red Ale, Defloured NEIPA, & Edward’s Portly Brown Ale are just a few more that ended up in a glass or straight from the can after a pedal.
It’s now 2021, and the hits just keep on coming! Back in January I was treated to a can of their Nice Whip! Sour. THANK YOU MEGAN :) Follow me here… a Smoothie style sour made with pineapple, lime, pink guava and marshmallow fluff. As I probably say too often, a true flavor explosion! This beer has so much going on.
Now the calendar turns February 16th. As I sit at work eating my lunch and day dreaming about beer, Witch’s Hat posts on Facebook. BIG DOEDISH DOUBLE IPA has returned!!! In my list of Top 10 Michigan Beers, Big D. sits high up at #5! Coming in at a strong 9.5%, this west coast style IPA is made with massive amounts of my favorite hops, Simcoe. Big Doedish came out 2/16, I'm sitting in the brewery 2/17.
I remember the first time this beer hit my lips. It was the summer of 2015. Walking thru the masses at the Woodward Dream Cruise, I popped into Vinsetta Garage for a burger and a beer. Never having or hearing of it prior, a 9% IPA sounded great. DAMMMMMNNNNN. The hooks were in. The following April I was lucky enough to have it again. This time an overly large pour at Shelby Pub & Grill. Even more delicious the second time around.
I’ve had it a couple times since. Once my buddy brought a growler full to our weekly poker game. Needless to say, it was quite popular and I didn’t get the fix I needed.
I’m sitting inside Witch’s Hat perusing the beer menu. There it is! BIG DOEDISH on tap. Have to have a pour, right? Yes! I could/should but wait, listen to these beers. SK8 or RYE IPA, love me some rye beers. Love Train IPA w/ cherry, hibiscus, and orange zest. Again, another beer with all the flavors. Slyger Kettle Sour Lager. Out of the three, this was the nights favorite.
SK8 or RYE
LOVE TRAIN
SLYGER
So, did I end up with a pour of Big Doedish tonight? Nope. There were just too many other new beers I had to try. What did I end up with? Three 4-packs of Big D to take home! 144oz of goodness sitting in my fridge. Actually, 132oz now. Immediately cracked one open once I was home.
Their tap list and To-Go beers have never been better. On the drive home my passenger seat was occupied by Fear The Darkness Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pumpkin Fear The Darkness, Baby Traxxx Session Pastry Stout brewed with peanut butter, vanilla and chocolate, and of course more Nice Whip! Sour.
Witch’s Hat Brewing Co. is and has been one of the best breweries in the state. That’s my humble opinion of course. I just barely scratched the surface on their beers. This Guy Double NEIPA, every Night Fury variant, and one of my other favorites Well Water Barleywine. So many amazing beers are made here.
We’re very lucky. Oakland County is stacked with a tremendous number of great breweries. I’d be hard pressed to find one that produces and many hits as Witch’s Hat!