Pure Michigan Pints

Brewery 4 Two 4

Holland, Michigan

This is my own subjective review. I’m highly opinionated. It’s out of 20 total (based on Beer Selection, Vibe, Service, and Beer Quality; I grade harshly and my 4 is probably most people’s 5. Also, I don’t count food against breweries in the total because not all breweries need food to be good, and some are in a partnership with nearby restaurants.

When I first moved to Holland in 2019, I visited this brewery within the first two weeks of my move—not knowing what to expect or receiving any previous recommendations. I only knew it was the closest brewery to my apartment (within 1.5 miles), and I was itching to try all the breweries in Holland. At first, I didn’t even understand the reasoning behind the name. (424 is the area code for the north side of Holland).

Upon entry I was greeted with the pungent smell of hops, could see the vats in the background, a bar with a board displaying a diverse selection of beers. I started with a flight. They had unique beers like Quixote Windmill Cookie Stout (coming in at a whopping 13%). I don’t remember exactly what else I ordered in the first flight, but I remember being blown away not only by the sheer tastiness of the beer, but the higher abv beers. (I ordered the beer I wanted in a to-go can, and opted for a lighter beer to drink in the brewery.)

Over time, this brewery has become a staple of mine. It’s my favorite brewery in Holland. Hell, I’ll say it:

It’s the best brewery in Holland. Hands down.

Selection—4/5

Brewery 4 Two 4 tends to mix it up with their selection. Aside from Juice Weasel (a juicy New England IPA), they don’t really believe in “mainstays.” Sure, you’ll see regulars make an appearance such as Breakfast in Maui (an imperial coconut coffee stout) and Very Berry Pie (a fruit beer with the grains as the crust and added lactose for that whipped cream finish), but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options.

Have you ever had a gin-barrel Saison? I have, but only at this brewery. Generally, you can find beers all across the board from light, to hazy, to more traditional IPAs, to stouts, to fruity. They touch on everything. (The only reason I’m not giving this a 5/5 is because I’d like to see at least three or four solid mainstays, but for having a rotating tap menu, I have not seen anyone pull it off better.)

Vibe—3/5

You get standard brewery vibes here. Nothing crazy going on. No gimmicks. A bar and tables. Brewery equipment visible in the background and the smell of beer when you walk in. It looks nice, but nothing really pops out to make it rise above all of the other breweries. I find it like a second home, but I only assume it’s because of how often I’ve made an appearance.

Service—5/5

I haven’t had one bad costumer experience here. This says a lot about the people who work here. I’d expect them to be off at least once, but even if there’s only one bartender and they are swamped, I’m still met with solid service.

They’re friendly, glad to share more about the beer, the brewing process, and simply chit-chat.

Beer Quality—5/5

As stated before, I can’t say enough positive things about the beer. They blow my mind with their risky but clever choices. I’ve never had a solid 15% stout except for theirs (Thicker Than a Snicker).

My personal favorite beer in Holland: Orange Push-Up—an orange creamsicle ale with Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans blending into that delicious orange taste; it’s like something out of my childhood they’ve resurrected into adulthood. It’s like a dream, and each time I get sad when the beer winds down because I want it to last forever.

You really can’t go wrong with many of the beers here. I know I was surprised and impressed.

Food—3.5/5

While Brewery 4 Two 4 doesn’t boast their own food menu, Sluggo’s pizza—a Holland staple—is next store and if you place the order at the pizza shop, they’ll deliver it to the brewery. Sluggos has many great specialty pizzas, including my personal favorite: Jalepeno Popper pizza with jalepenos, bacon, feta, cheddar, mozorella, and provolone on an alfredo sauce. They have a phenomenal selection of bread sticks that will satisfy any stoner’s munchies (the locals have fond high school memories of this). I have had a few items that failed to slap, such as their chicken parmesan sub, and their taco pizza (way too much damn lettuce; felt like I ordered a salad).

But overall, if you’re hungry and at 424, I recommend Sluggos. 

Overall

So here we have it: currently the quiet heavyweight brewery in Holland that often goes unnoticed. Currently: the best brewery in Holland. If you only go to the breweries downtown, you’re denying your tastebuds Beer Nirvana.

Total—18/20