Pure Michigan Pints

Transient Ales

Bridgman, 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 is one of my favorite breweries in Michigan—a surprising favorite. Not that I walked in intentionally trying to dislike Transient Ales, but it took me by complete surprise how good the beer was.

Have you ever had a rum-barrel aged stout? I have here; it’s delish. Last time I visited they had a sour with lactose in it. Usually, sours and Scottish Ales are my least favorite styles of beers, but this place actually got me to like one of their sours. The lactose smooths the sour out, making it a surprising treat.

Beer Selection—4/5

Generally, they don’t have a crazy draft list—somewhere between 8-10 all the times I’ve visited. Granted, I don’t live in Bridgman, and it’s over an hour drive south (used to be two hours for me). If you’re expecting straight forward styles, like a stout without any additional flavors, a straight IPA, or anything like that, you might be disappointed.

The beer here normally comes with some kind of twist. Personally, I like this, but I also feel like it adds something. After all, you can go to nearby breweries if you want something on the more basic side.

Vibe—5/5

Somehow this place pulls off their vibe. Don’t ask me how. It’s a small place, with small chairs, but, for me, it works. It starts with the simplicity of it. There’s no bar in here (gasp!!!). It just gives off this mom-and-pop shop vibe. Go get beer at the very small counter. Bring it back and sit where you please. This place is dog friendly as well (always a plus).

Service—3/5

The servers are friendly; however, they don’t go out of their way to make you feel crazy welcomed. I haven’t had many discussions on beer styles and they haven’t shared their favorites with me. (Ironically, if you talk to the people in here, you’ll get tons of good suggestions. One of my favorite bottles I took home was a barrel-aged Saison a random guy recommended.)

Because of the fact there’s only one line, at times you can expect a little wait.

Beer Quality—5/5

There have been many hits for me here. Like I stated before, sometimes unexpected ones. The most important quality of this brewery is their ability to push me.

Transient Ales challenges my palate and expands my perception of what beer can be.

Every time I go here this is the case.

I applaud this challenge and enjoy being pleasantly surprised by new beers. Here—much like Brewery 4 Two 4—you’ll find a brewer who simply does not play it safe. I understand these styles of beers may not hit for everyone (particularly people looking for traditional styles of craft brews), but this works on absolutely every single level for me.

Food—N/A

Overall

Another thing I should mention: this place has never been cheap. Even before the inflation hike, it wasn’t a great place to score a deal on beer, and even the make it-yourself-flights are stupidly priced. It’s actually one of my only criticisms of the place. Thankfully, I can only make it here once or twice a year, so I tell myself not to think of the money. I suggest you do the same. If I was in Bridgman more, I would need to take out a loan so I can frequent this place.

You’d be seriously missing out by not checking out Transient Ales if you’re in the area. I can’t recommend this place enough. If you only have a brief time, go straight here. This place is definitely the best brewery in Bridgman and should be on any craft beer enthusiasts’ list of places to go in the Mitten.

Total—17/20