Pure Michigan Pints

Starving Artist Brewing Co.

Ludington, 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.

This brewery has been on my GO-TO list for years. Finally, in the summer of 2023, I made the trek. I snuck a spot into Ludington State Park Campground. (Normally, it’s booked solid during the summer.) Not only this, but Suds on the Shore was held the same weekend.

Naturally, I made my way to Starving Artist. It’s kind of in the middle of nowhere. But there is a big sign “Brewery” announcing its presence. My parents visited the brewery about six or so years prior. In my very early twenties I attempted to find the brewery but failed to do so. (Why? That remains unclear. It could have been navigational era on my part, or I was looking at the wrong address.)

It’s a red barn. I swear I snagged one of the last parking spots—although later people parked alongside the road. Safe to say, only a few hours after opening, the brewery had quite the amount of visitors. The owner/head brewer served people from the window of the barn and all of the seating was outside.

Beer Selection—4/5

Starving Artist had ten beers on draft when I visited. Admittedly, this is more than I expected. I predicted there’d be between 4-6. The beers are mostly funky, which I like. Off the beaten path. Something a quirky person who doesn’t follow the rules would brew. None of the beers on draft (perhaps with the exception of the cream ale) followed a textbook style of beer.

But the selection ranged from a Rhubarb beer with lactose, to a kettle sour with vanilla bean, lavender, and orange all the way to two stouts—a cherry and a coconut coffee. There were two IPAs on draft as well.

My only problem with the beer selection is that I didn’t get a chance to try all of them.

And to be clear: the only reason I’m marking them down in this section is because I know there are people out there seeking the more traditional styles of beer.

Vibe—3.5/5

It’s farm country, baby! Like I said before, it’s literally a red barn. No gimmicks here. The outside area works nice. Some barrels and benches surround the barn for seating. Standing is welcomed as well (in designated areas). There’s even a porta potty out back. This was more than I expected.

In this sense, the place appears to be evolving. But there’s also nothing crazy here. I’m not sure how service works on rainy days or in the winter months.

The board the flight was served on was artsy and creative. Full pours were served in plastic cups, but designed ones that say, “Judge Beer, Not People.” (Available for $2. I got the T-shirt version of this.)

Service—5/5

Andy, the brewer and owner, has no problem chatting you up. He asks questions about personal likes and dislikes and where you’re from. Overall, he seems like a cool dude and I’d love to grab a few beers with him.

He even gave me the mug club discount (I suspect because I got a flight, a beer, beer to-go, and a shirt).

Beer Quality—5/5

Sea Rex, a “raw” IPA with sea salt and rum barrel chips was probably my favorite this time around. Beautiful Mess—a crazy kettle sour with vanilla, lavender, and orange—surprised me; it’s not a style I care for but worked, dare I say: beautifully. The coconut coffee stout was on point. Pineapple Excess, a pineapple milkshake IPA hit as well.

The cream ale and the cherry porter fell a little flat for me as they weren’t as outstanding as the other beers mentioned.

When I can’t decide which one of a sampler I want a full beer pour of, it’s a good problem to have versus the question, Can I stomach a whole pour of any of these? And, believe me, I’ve been there.

Food—N/A

Overall

Starving Artist is not only a must-travel to beer destination in Ludington, but in Michigan. I can’t recommend their beer enough.

While every single beer I tried wasn’t a hit for me, I guarantee if you like creative high-quality Michigan-made beer, this place is worth checking out.

Total—17.5/20