Pure Michigan Pints

Cheboygan Brewing Company

Cheboygan, Michigan

The last time I visited Cheboygan Brewing Company was nearly eight years ago. Things definitely changed (but maybe not as much as you would think). When I previously stopped by they had only five or six beers on draft—I got to try every single one of them. This time their menu shifted, they upped their seating and had a killer outside area/roof.

Beer Selection—5/5

As stated, they really offered quite a bit more beers than before. Of course they have their main stays—Blood Orange Honey, Blueberry Cream Ale, Lighthouse Amber, and Blackberry Blonde Ale—and you’ve probably seen them in your local grocery stores. But they offered a bit more including a Mexican lager, a stout, an imperial Cinnamon Hefeweizen, and an imperial blood orange old fashioned ale. They generously poured these in flights of four in 7oz glasses.

Vibe—4/5

It’s small but cozy. The bar provided a great area to sip and enjoy. They have a few tables as well and an outside and upstairs area. The place was small last time—memory may fail me here—but it remained relatively the same? The outside addition and rooftop addition I don’t remember last time (but could have been here).

Service—3/5

The service was average. They served me. Did they go out of their way to make sure they were always attentive? Not really. Nothing to write home about.

Beer Quality—4/5

Their mainstay beers rock. I’ll regularly pick up beers like Blueberry Cream Ale, Blood Orange Honey, and Dark Cherry Blonde ale at my local Meijer. They also had Oatmeal Cookie Stout on draft which impressed me. Their IPA didn’t really stand out. But their Imperial Cinnamon Hefeweizen with a sugar rim rocked. I had this same beer at a beer festival and thought I didn’t like it. I don’t understand the difference here, but I can tell you at the brewery it hit differently. And I swear the Blueberry Cream Ale tastes better and fresher on draft.

Food—???

They had no food at the time I came in. I’ve been told they sometimes have food trucks.

Overall—Recommend

If you can make it here, I highly recommend it. They have some good beers worth checking out and the atmosphere is awesome. Is it a place that’s regularly on my way? Not so much; I know I won’t make it back too often, but if I’m ever around I won’t hesitate to swing by or I’ll hit it up on my way back from a UP Beer Tour.

Rating—16/20