717 E. Bridge St., Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 204-6601
Have you ever pulled up to a new brewery and knew instantly you’re going to love it?!? That’s how I felt pulling into Old Mill’s parking lot. I LOVE history and this building oozes it.
(copied from their website)
History of the Old Mill
“The Old Mill was once the Sunshine Four Mill and the second largest producer of buck wheat flour in the country. The west side of the Old Mill was originally built in 1869 in downtown Plainwell on the south side of Bridge Street, purportedly to house a roller rink. The East side of the building (the elevator) was built on site in about 1870-73 by an original owner who has not been identified. In 1891, John F. Eesley (then the operator of the nearby D. B. Merrill flour mill) partnered with three other local entrepreneurs to establish the Sunshine Flour Mill at the Bridge Street site. In 1903, Eesley moved the mill building from its original site to the current site, joining it to the elevator which was already at this location. He renovated both buildings to create a single structure.
At its height, the Sunshine Flour Mill produced 600 barrels of buckwheat flour per day, making it the second largest producer of buckwheat flour in the nation. Eesley operated the mill at this site until his death in 1929. Shortly after, the mill was taken over by the Plainwell Elevator Company. The Plainwell Elevator Company operated the building as a feed mill until the 1990s. The building was renovated in 2006 and Old Mill now houses a brewery, restaurant and catering company.”
Road trippin’, Michigan history, and MI craft beers made for a great Friday afternoon. Windows down, stereo up.... cruising over 50 miles of back road farmland.
My first pour was a pint of their Plainwell Pale Ale. Adding a flight of five to get a true taste of their beers. Including the MILLie VANILLie Vanilla Porter, Crazy Beaver Cream Ale, Blue Shoes Hefeweizen, Island City IPA, and Railside Red Ale. All good beers but had two favorites. The Blue Shoes is a true summer beer. Adding Michigan blueberries to this beer made it tart and refreshing. The MILLie VANILLie stood out over all six. Vanilla, coconut, and coffee really created a flavor explosion. Both impressed my tasted buds!
Another unique part of this brewery, the PEZ Dispenser collection. That’s right PEZ! 100’s and 100’s of them. I thought it was pretty cool. Different for sure. Something to enjoy on your way to the restroom.
Old Mill Brewpub and Grill sits just east of 131 north of Kalamazoo. A great stretch of road to create your own brew tour. Add Liquid Note Brewing, Openroad Brewery, 5 Lakes Brewing Co. to this stop for a great day full of Michigan Craft Beer!
