Pure Michigan Pints

Saugatuck Brewing Company

Saugatuck, Michigan

This is an interesting brewery in the sense I don’t hear people who are in the middle about it—people tend to love it or hate it. I’m the outlier as I appreciate a middle-ground. Overall, I’m a fan but there are a few tweaks that could improve this brewery. And looking at it subjectively, I understand an argument for the people who don’t care for it much. (And the ones who do.)

And, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure where this polarization is coming from.

Beer Selection

They have a pretty decent selection here and tend to touch on many styles. It could be more eccentric, but I accept they have lighter brews, hoppy brews, darker brews and a few others. They don’t tend to have anything on the crazy spectrum, but have some mainstays as well.

It’s enough to build a flight off of. Am I happy with the flight I can build? Not exactly. It does always feel like something in the spectrum of flavorland is missing. (But it’s hard to place my finger on what exactly.)

Vibe

After going here multiple times I’ve had a hard time pinning down their vibe, but if I was completely honest, the first word that comes to mind is lazy. The weird shaped bar works for me. However, the regular tables and booths are not only out of date but uncomfortable. Think less retro and more “I don’t want to pay money to re-model.”

The back room—I’m not sure if it’s a room booked for special events or more of an overflow room—looks cooler than the main room of the actual brewery. (Not something you generally should be proud of.)

Service

The service here is normally pretty decent—the servers and bartenders are friendly enough and will chit-chat with you if they have time; I can’t say I ever remember really testing their beer knowledge too much, and none of our conversations (surprisingly) involved much about the beer itself.

Are they that interested in beer? My guess would be they’re not as into as they are at some breweries.

Another thing worth noting: they are understaffed.

The last 3-4 times I’ve been here the bartender has been friendly but way overworked. He’s running around like a madman and they could really use more help. They’ll devote one server to the entire place for lunch.

Beer Quality

It’s a mix between being happy with the beers I tried and partially disappointed. Beers such as their Oval Beach miss the mark for me, but I do enjoy their signature, award-winning, Neapolitan Stout, a stout with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate—and, yes, you can taste all three; their blueberry lemon beer is a satisfying thirst quencher for those summer months as well as their Cottonmouth Crusher (raspberry sour ale).

I compared the barrel-aged Neapolitan and the regular side by side. While there are merits to both, the regular one won out; the barrel didn’t add enough to the overall taste to further the notes.

Other beers such as their Bonfire Brown and Nitro Oatmeal Stout simples fall flat and lack flavor.

But then, the G.O.A.T, is a great oatmeal stout.

Food

I am a fan of their food here. Is it always the bestest ever? No, I’m not claiming that and it’s definitely missed the mark a few times, but more than often I’ve been happy with what I ordered. I’ve a fan of their incorporation of gyros and chicken Shwarma into the menu.

But I’ll admit if you’re looking for The Best ___ Ever, chances are you’re not going to find it here. The fries are seasoned amazingly with parmesan but don’t rival the notorious Cosmik Fries of HopCat (but it was a good effort).

The menu changes a bit and I suspect they need a little more consistency, but I’m not a Saugy local, so I won’t go there …

Overall—Kind of Recommend

Definitely check out this brewery—especially since there are only two brewery options (yes, The Mitten has an over-priced outlet in the heart of Saugatuck; avoid this location). You’ll get some old school vibes, some quality brews to try, and decent food.

Total—13/20