Pure Michigan Pints

Tripleroot

Zeeland, 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.

A random meeting brought me here (a.k.a: my physical—you know, that once a year occurrence  where you see the doctor; they tell you to exercise more, eat better, sleep more, etc.). Despite being in Holland for over four years, I haven’t been to Zeeland at all.

Spoiler alert: I wasn’t missing much.

To add to it, their downtown Main Street was under construction. I’ve heard mixed things about Tripleroot. Despite this, I wanted to form my own opinion.

Selection— 2/5

Tripleroot had a total of eight drafts (nine of board, one that wasn’t on). The categories were divided into “lighter,” “darker,” and “IPAs”. Three on the lighter. Two on the darker. Three IPAs.

They had a few cocktails on draft and appeared to have a bar selection (based upon their fifths of commonly known brands decorating the wall). But I don’t care about that; this is a brewery review.

Nothing unique stood out. They attempted to spread the thin menu but failed to meet a variety.

Vibe—2/5

The place is actually nice and has potential. Or it’s a place past it’s prime due to COVID or other reasons. Nice seating along a window facing the Main Street, not to mention, a TON of seating in general. Bar seating lacked, boasting of a staggering total of two seats. (Yes, two.) It’s cute, but its direction seems misguided. No signs directing patrons onto what’s going on or friendly bartenders explaining it. On first entrance, the place felt confusing. And I wasn’t the only one who had to ask, “What do I do?” Two patrons repeated the exact same questions I did.

“Where do we order?”

“Where is the food menu?”

I’m sure the regulars know. As someone who’s never been there, I had to ask … when I could find somebody to ask.

I’m a slob. I struggle to clean my own apartment. This place made me feel slightly better about myself. They had cobwebs on the floor, a floor that hadn’t been swept for well over a week, and an overflowing trash can in the bathroom. (You could argue and say it happens, but I arrived at 12:15 and they opened at 11:30. I doubt that many people flooded the bathroom with their towels.)

Service—1/5

I had to approach. I was not greeted. I had to ask all of the questions. No attempts at conversation where made. Aside from that, it was as if the bartender was looking to run off and never return.

The one person who got attention was a man who brought a dog in. He was promptly informed, “You cannot have a dog in here due to our license.” (Which is fair.) The bartender was persistent that he exit the premise immediately and seek outside seating. I guess if you want attention at Tripleroot, you have to bring a dog.

Beer Quality—2/5

I had their pale ale. It was average, but about what you’d expect out of that kind of beer. Nothing to complain about. I tried their Barn #9 (since they were out of the Mackinac Double). It was a drinkable double IPA. Not much else. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable.

The Mulletude Black IPA was ordered by a few people who appeared to be regulars and word on the street was it was recommended. This beer stood out but only in the fact it was slightly better than the other beers. It wasn’t a bad beer foresay, but it was far from a great beer.

In summary: nothing stood out. On the scale compared to average their beer would fall slightly below.

Food Menu—3.5/5

The crust on this Philly flatbread was amazing. Crispy and pillowy in exactly all of the right places. Served with brisket, sauteed peppers and mozzarella cheese. The presentation was rustic and refreshing. Not a bad flatbread at all.

I’d go there again if I was in the area for the flatbread.

But … the menu left quite a bit on the table. It was a stereotypical menu of two sandwiches, two quesadillas, nachos, and one flatbread.

No substitutions. If possible, I’d substitute a better menu. It felt like no effort was put into it.

Overall

I can’t say I recommend this brewery. Again, it gives the feel of either a place not developed or a place past its prime.

To punctuate the trip perfectly, it started pouring the second I exited the brewery. It only rained in Zeeland for a few minutes, but I took this as confirmation that The Beer Gods agreed with my assessment.

Total 7/20