Pure Michigan Pints

Jamesport Brewing Company

Ludington, Michigan

Have you ever changed your opinion of a brewery?

I think we all have. Sometimes our opinions remain the same (love or hate), and that’s okay too. But it’s interesting when we change our minds.

Why we like the breweries we do? I often find myself wondering this—if it’s the ambience, the service that particular day, or the time I remember fondly with friends and family. Of course, there’s the beer too; there’s no getting around the selection and quality of beer being an important factor.

This past summer, I revisited a brewery I thought I didn’t like. Jamesport Brewing Company in Ludington.

This definitely was not on my list of favorite breweries. I’ve visited this one about three or four times over the years. I went in my early 20s, and was unimpressed by the beer. (I think I’ve had food here before at this time too, but I can’t recall it in my memory, and, despite being a foodie, beer lives longer than food in my memories.) My last time was surprisingly the best. But maybe that’s what I needed—to see a brewery I’ve been to before after eight or more years, and see it differently.

Generally, I try not to assume much about a brewery before going in. I try to experience the moment, find brews I enjoy, and feel the place out.

This time around I walked around downtown Ludington. I’d love to live in one of those tall apartments overlooking the water with those balconies. They also had more bars than I realized; while I was in the area the evening before, I’d came from a beer fest and didn’t need that excitement in my life.

Anyway, back to Jamesport. The brewery is in an old building. I arrived before opening time. Sure enough, ten minutes before three cars pulled right up to the brewery and there was a small line before they opened their doors.

Beer Selection

Their ten draft beer selection is a little light for being around as long as they have been. Maybe it’s what the people of Ludington want: to keep it basic? As I’m not a native, it’s hard to say. I can appreciate the directness of the beers; however, my pallet craves a little more spice.

They have your light beers, a few IPAs, a fruit beer, and a stout. They hit the markers in a way. Assignment met, but not perfected.

But then the question to ask is: Is simplicity wrong?

Vibe

One thing I liked more than the previous times I visited aside from the historic building itself: the old-school bar. First time sitting at their bar, and I wasn’t disappointed. The place had that old-school feel of a place steeped in history. It’s a very restaurant/pub/brewery feel, but it’s a more mature version of it; as a result, it doesn’t feel as “forced” as other places can be.

Service

The person managing the bar was a gentleman. He and the other workers did everything right. They were timely. When one stepped out to manage a task, the other stepped in. I can’t remember my service the previous times I went here which means: 1) It wasn’t bad service, and 2) They didn’t leave an impression or stand out.

But this time was a different experience for me. I felt valued, which isn’t always a given.

Beer Quality

The one beer that stood out the most to me was the blueberry wheat. They put actual blueberries in the beer which floated around when poured; it added a nice touch.

When I visited in the summer, it was the perfect beer for the occasion.

The beer quality is lacking a bit for my personal taste. The beers weren’t necessarily bad, but they also weren’t outstanding. I wished they could have offered a bit more to me in the realm of memorable.

Food

They offer typical pub fare—a common theme among many breweries (and more breweries than I realized until I started writing these reviews). I got some cheddar jalapeño cheese curds. They were less like cheese curds and more small pieces of bread filled with the above. It’s a food trend I notice sneaking in among “cheese curds.” I insist we must stay purists; otherwise we’ll commit a disservice to cheese curds everywhere. We want breaded cheese with an emphasis on the cheese, when we want cheese curds.

It was still good. However, I did forget about them shortly after writing this review.

I’d go back and check it out again to experience more of their food.

Overall—Recommend

I’d recommend heading to Jamesport for the history of the building alone. It offers a nice location on the water. I’m glad I gave this brewery a second chance. And in retrospect, I formed my initial opinion of this place before my beer pallet was fully formed.

Remember first impressions aren’t the only ones that matter.

Total—15.5/20