Pure Michigan Pints

Silver Spruce Brewing Company

Traverse City, Michigan

My dad cued me in on this place during a family trip. When it comes to “traditionally made German beer” I’m skeptical. At least when I’m in America. You see, my mom is from Berlin, Germany—lived there the first 21 years of her life—and as a result I’ve visited the capital over ten times and went on a brief weeklong tour of Munich. A city renowned for its beer halls. They have what they call the big six, and I made it to five of them in the week I visited (sorry Spaten).

When it comes to German beer, I’m a picky MF. Especially, when it comes to my favorite: Hefeweizens—Paulaner Naturtrüb being my favorite.

Silver Spruce surprised me.

Beer Selection—2/5

As I said, they favored more European styles of beer, particularly that of a German variety. I felt anxious going in, knowing I’m difficult to please, worried it wouldn’t live up to my dad’s hype. Because of this hyper focus on a certain type of beer—which in itself isn’t bad and creates a niche for the beer community—they didn’t touch all of the basics of being a well-rounded brewery with multiple selections of beer.

When I went, they had around ten beers on draft. Again, I don’t think this or their selection was a bad thing but I’m keeping all craft beer drinkers in mind.

Vibe—2.5/5

This place looks industrial. Cement floors. At least some of their vats are on display to give the place a tiny bit of character, but it really could use some sprucing up (oh, yes, I did; pun intended) in this department to give the place more character and vibe.

Service—5/5

If I didn’t have such a friendly discussion when I cashed out, I would have given this a lower rating. But the server genuinely seemed to care about what I thought of the beers and discussed the beer with a depth of knowledge I’d like to see in every server.

Beer Quality—4/5

As much as I am a doubter in any American brewery to brew a good Hefeweizen, regardless of how much they claim to have “followed the recipe” or used “German ingredients” they shipped in, I must admit I was shocked.

99% of places that brew a Hefeweizen do a shitty American imitation one. Sorry, but it’s nothing close to the real thing. It’s a complete abomination.

While Germany has strict beer laws, I propose a new one: Never allow an American craft brewery to brew a Hefeweizen and label it with the word “German” ever again. And I’m not talking about breweries that combine the Hefe style with something else; that’s a fusion beer. For example, I’ve had a Hefe-IPA mix. A barrel aged Hefeweizen. Those are their own thing. American Breweries, for the love of Satan, stop describing the style as including the taste or aroma of bananas.

But … Silver Spruce Brewing Company has one of the best AMERICAN-made Hefeweizens I’ve ever had. It’s perfect and right on the money. If I’d compare it in a lineup of German Hefes, I think I’d have trouble picking this one out. This alone makes the brewery worth going back to. While Cedar Springs Brewery also has a good Hefeweizen, I’d dare say this one could give it a run for it’s money. (Blind taste-test sometime? I’d be up for that.)

Food—4/5

I don’t have the best take on their food truck, Bull & Bear Kitchen. It appears tacos are the truck’s staple, and I only tried the chicken one. If you’re a Karen and can’t handle any heat, it might be too much for you. They did serve an All-American burger that my dad and I both had; it was spot on. As for the tacos I cannot speak on all of them. Get that burger if it’s there.

Overall

This goes to show you, don’t pre-judge breweries too harshly. And even if you have predictions about how it will turn out, keep an open mind. I completely expected their German beers to suck. I left feeling like my pre-conceived notions were proven false. Go here. Get the Hefeweizen! (Especially if you can’t get one in Munich.)

Total—13.5/20

Note: This appears to be a lower rating, but I actually do recommend this brewery. I said I judge harshly. If a brewery ranks between 10-15 I recommend checking it out. Above 15 means I consider it a great brewery. Below 10 means it might be a hit or miss for you, but I can’t personally recommend it (most times).