Pure Michigan Pints

Our Brewing Company

Holland, Michigan

New year, new blog. These reviews are broken up into different criteria: beer selection, vibe, service, beer quality, and food. The three possible ratings are “Yay,” (meaning “yes”) “Nay” (meaning “no”), or “Ehhh,” (meaning “so-so”, or “okay”.)

This brewery has somewhat of a cult following. Among a crowd of late 20s to early 30s this is THE PLACE. A hipster paradise—even though Our Brewing is not really all that hipster despite their mustache design—that almost has underground vibes. Their mug club has limited availability. Once when I tried to sign up for this exclusive club, I was turned away. Not good enough to be one of the cool kids.

In November 2023, I was privileged enough to stand in line with all the cool kids—a line for membership renewal that began outside the brewery HOURS before it opened. Even though it was cold, to-go brews from Hops elevated the mood (and they had my favorite mass-produced beer: Paulaner Hefe-Weizen on draft). While I enjoyed this time, it still didn’t convince me to purchase a mug club membership when I could have.

Aside from meeting great people, and having great conversations, there’s nothing amazing about Our Brewing. (Feel free to send the hate this way, but I’m going to call it how I see it.)

Selection—Ehh

It’s rare to see more than 10 beers on draft here. It’s not uncommon for there to be 8 available. While the draft selection is limited, normally you can find one or two dark beers, a lighter beer (the occasional sour or pils), and a couple different IPAs. You won’t get blown away, but you’ll have options.

One of my favorite quotes in life is important to remember when it comes to the draft selection at Our Brewing:

Expect nothing in life. That way you’ll never be disappointed.

Vibes—Nay

There are comfy couches, long tables; it’s a good place to go if you’re meeting a group of people. Bring your whole crew. Although, admittedly, Our Brewing doesn’t have crazy space. There’s no one aesthetic that binds the place together. And, no, having playful mustache emblems doesn’t fill this void.

While the couches are comfortable, the bar seats provide an alternate experience—they’re far from comfortable and possibly the worst bar seats I’ve ever sat in.

The good and bad news here: Our Brewing is exactly what you make it.

Nothing takes away from the “vibe” of the place, but it doesn’t offer much of its own.

Service—Yay

The bartenders are friendly. They’ll get you a beer in a timely manner. They give off friendly warm vibes, will talk about the beer and what they know and admit when they don’t know the answer to a question. They’ll chat to the regulars and since I’ve been privileged to occasionally be on the fringes of this elite group, I’ve experienced the hospitality and convos as well.

Beer Quality—Nay

There are some good beers—particularly when it comes to the darker side of things—such as the Tabacoonist (porter), or Study Buddy (milk coffee stout). As far as an above average IPA, you can’t go wrong with Careless Whisper. But really, these beers don’t make up for the overall lack of quality beers coming out of this place.

Many of the other beers fall a bit below average and are frankly disappointing. The other IPAs fail to hit the mark, the Berliner Weiss is okay, and they’ve offered a few other odd balls that have only fell flat on my pallet.

All of their drafts are rotating so if there’s a particular beer you want, be prepared to be let down. But also be ready to be pleasantly surprised.

With Our Brewing, it’s best to walk in with absolutely zero expectations.

Food—N/A

You’re welcome to order from any of the downtown restaurants. I’m not looking to review all of the food in Holland, so you’ll have to check that out for yourself. (Hot take: You can get food from The Curragh which is over-rated. Even hotter take: You can get food from Hops, which is even more over-rated.)

Overall—Don’t Recommend

While I personally don’t recommend this brewery, I know many people who are part of the cult, and therefore crazy about Our Brewing. It is literally two doors down from New Holland, so if you’re already there, you might as well check it out and form your own opinion.

I don’t enjoy coming to this brewery alone. I’d pick any of the other four breweries in Holland for solo drinking. But I thoroughly enjoy coming here with friends. However, that doesn’t mean I’m going to shave my beard and switch to a stache anytime soon.