Pure Michigan Pints

Arvon Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

This brewery was HIGHLY recommended to me in my Facebook beer group when I asked what breweries I should check out in Grand Rapids. What can I say? I’m a follower, not a leader. I took this as an opportunity to form my own opinion of them. I’ll admit I may not have been enthralled as some of them are, I can definitely see a case for visiting Arvon if you ever get the chance.

The people I went with were first to notice their little nod to the UP in their logo. It’s good to feel included; however, should we really include the UP in our southern dealings? I’d argue, no.

Vibe

“Industrial” is the first word that pops in my head when I walked into Arvon Brewing. Not that this is a bad thing; many places have cement floors, a slightly “unfinished” look about them—it’s clear these breweries were solely made for the intention of drinking craft beer. (And, again: that’s NOT a bad thing.)

It’s also not like I require porcelain, glass chandeliers, and crystal glasses either. I’m saying it’s not like this place completely “popped” for me. An interior decorator might be able to spruce the place up a bit. (No disrespect; just honest.)

For what they have, I’m sure they did as good of a job as they knew how.

Beer Selection

The place does not offer flights (or at least did not on my visit) but will provide tastes. There’s definitely a bit lacking across the spectrum, but I do think it’s important to mention they hosted Hop Fest the day before my visit. This was reflected across their take home beers—around 80% of them were either IPAs or DIPAs. Overall, to my understanding, they are primarily known for the IPAs and their sours.

Service

I notice I keep saying the same shit for this section; it gets old after a while. There’s not really a way to make this section great; either it was good or it wasn’t. (Occasionally, there’s that in between.) And I don’t want to be that douche bitching about how it took two minutes to get a refill. In future sections, I’m going to dismiss this section or attempt to be more colorful. (Or I’ll have to brainstorm something else.)

Beer Quality

They have some great beers coming from here. Their sour game rocks—the Orange Push (a kettle sour with Cara Cara oranges, vanilla, and marshmallow coming in at 6%)—proved to be my favorite that they had on draft. I’ve since experience Berry Cobbler and it’s safe to say my life’s never been the same since; just when I thought they couldn’t get in any better they managed to completely outdo themselves.

I didn’t fully explore their IPAs to where I should have. A deeper dive is necessary to explore their quality here.

Food—N/A

Overall—Recommend

Don’t be surprised if you’re not quite as enthusiastic about this place as your friends are. (Not saying this to hate.) This place has decent enough beer and is the worth the stop to form your opinion on. Does it stand out against the masses? I’d say no, but that’s just my take on it.

Rating—14/20

Side Note:

The art on the take home cans was amazing. The Wookie Love proved to be a good IPA. They’re definitely capable of greatness here and if I’d do it all over again, I’d purchase these cans just to view the artwork on them.