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 My Top 10 Michigan Beers

1) Wizard Burial Ground Belgian Quad, from Brewery Vivant 11.7%

2) Big Trouble in A Little Can stout, from Starving Artist Brewing Co. 17%

3) Northwoods Hospitality American Wild Ale, from Barrel + Beam 11.2%

4) Devil Dancer Triple IPA, from Founders Brewing Co. 12%

5) Big Doedish Imperial IPA, from Witch’s Hat Brewing Co. 9.2%

6) Gnomas English Barleywine, from Blackrocks Brewery 10%

7) Sweet Potato Souffle' Rye Ale, from Odd Side Ales 11%

8) Boxer NEIPA, from Old Nation Brewing Co. 7% (no longer in production)

9) MYKISS IPA, from Blackrocks Brewery 7.5%

10) Mutational Meltdown Barrel Aged Sour, from Speciation 8%

GREENBUSH BREWING CO.

Kevin McKinney
Southwest Michigan, Michigan craft beer

5885 Sawyer Rd., Sawyer, MI 49125, (269) 405-1076
Greenbush Brewing Co. 

Take a Sara, sprinkle in a little Jessie, topped off with some Annie. What do you get? Three ingredients that made my trip to Greenbush the best stop of the weekend! 

I've never been one to think new is always better. Give me something with character. Something with scrapes and bruises. Something that's been around for years with a story to tell. This building has that story. 

In 1952 a 16 year old named Ronald Sonnenberg, with two high school friends in his truck, struck a train traveling 45 miles an hour. The train was passing thru the little town of Sawyer, MI. The wreck caused a complete derailing of the train. One of the cars crashed into Zeiger Lumber Warehouse where Greenbush Brewing now stands. Fast forward 65 years and where a train was sitting inside this building now sat me. Sipping some of Michigan's best beer.

In between that accident and my beers here, the building had also been a barber shop, laundromat, internet café (insert that annoying dial up sound), a plumbing shop, and a car shop.

Greenbush Brewing

Greenbush Brewing

Greenbush has been brewing beer just over 6 years. In that time they've over doubled the amount of beer produced annually. Completely built out the back of the brewery to house all the equipment. Across the street they opened the Greenbush Annex. Where you can find cold 6-packs, a bunch of Greenbush swag, meat and cheeses to eat on their large patio, or order a specialty sausage cooked fresh for you. Along with all that, they do have 14 of their beers on tap. With fire pits, Corn Hole, and Bocce ball.

There's a reason a brewery in the heart of Sawyer, MI population 1500, has grown so much in a short period of time. IT'S THE BEER!!! For instance BROTHER BENJAMIN 10.1%, "this Imperial IPA is hopped intensely, and then balanced with local honey for a result that's both powerful and extremely drinkable". I love my double IPA's and this didn't disappoint. Have had it a few times outta the bottle, but beer from the source always seems to taste better. Or MR. HYDE Milk Stout 7.8%. You want coffee? This beer has it! I can see starting off a lazy Sunday morning with one of these. By the way, YES is the answer to your question. I have replaced my weekend java with beer heavy on the coffee. Don't judge me! YOGI BOREALIS American Pale Ale 6.1%, "sometimes the simple things in life are the best. A simple recipe of Pilsen malt and Apollo hops yields a light-bodied, yet fully flavored, hoppy brew". This is a beer I could drink all night. Last but not least one of their staples... STAR CHICKEN SHOTGUN 6.8%. a west-coast style IPA brewed with five different hops. Take my word on this one. Next time you're walking past the beer cooler look for the dancing chicken in the Elvis costume. You can thank me later.  

Yogi Borealis Pale Ale

Yogi Borealis Pale Ale

Star Chicken Shotgun IPA

Star Chicken Shotgun IPA

Bother Benjamin w/ Honey IPA

Bother Benjamin w/ Honey IPA

I can't thank Sara and Jessie enough for the conversation and knowledge they bestowed on me. I'm sure the entire waitstaff is amazing, but I highly recommend you grabbing a seat at the bar and asking if the "Double D" sisters are working. 

This beer stop ended with a tour from Annie of the production side of Greenbush. As I've said before I know very little of what it takes to brew a fine beer. But those big, silver tanks get me every time. It's like making an infants eyes light up with a shiny nickle. 

My wonderful view from the bar

My wonderful view from the bar

Sawyer, MI

Sawyer, MI

I was on a mission to another beer destination that day. Knowing that they great food where I was heading, I chose not to eat here. Still regretting it. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked fucking amazing!!! The Mac & Cheese with Brisket was calling my name. Guess I'll just have to make a return trip. 

Greenbush has also opened the Clean Plate Club. Directly next to the taproom, you'll find breakfast on Saturday and Sunday 8-11:30. Then a lunch/dinner menu afterwards and throughout the week. Still not enough? Let Greenbush cater your next event. What don't they do?

I can honestly say that I've never been more pleasantly surprised by a brewery. A little town that makes big beer. Take my word for it... Search out Exit 12 on your next trip to Chicago. Less than a mile off I-94, get out, stretch your legs, eat some food, and have some epic brew. Greenbush Brewing Company is putting Sawyer, MI on the map!

WATERMARK BREWING CO.