One of the most recognizable names in the Michigan brewing industry is located just outside of Saugatuck in nearby Douglas, Michigan. I am of course talking about Saugatuck Brewing Company. Saugatuck has been producing high-quality beer for their community and far beyond since 2005.
Saugatuck has become so successful since opening their doors, that in 2019 they added a second location in Kalamazoo, when they overtook the building that used to house Gonzo’s Bigg Dogg Brewing Company. They have since moved into the building that previously housed Olde Peninsula Brewing Company in Kalamazoo. They added a third location in Grand Rapids when they acquired the space that used to be occupied by Creston Brewery in 2021. Saugatuck has been making all the right moves on their way to becoming a name synonymous with the Michigan beer industry.
A really cool feature that Saugatuck offers at the Douglas location is a brew on premise program. They are the only brewery in the state that provides this service. You make an appointment and for a fee they provide the ingredients, the recipes, the brewing equipment and their expertise to help you brew your own beer on their premises. You then return 3 to 4 weeks later and bottle your own beer to take home and enjoy.
Each batch that you brew on site will produce approximately 60- 22 ounce bottles of beer for your enjoyment or to share with your friends. Contact the brewery in order to set up your brew session. There are additional costs depending on styles of beer, specialty beers such as Double IPAs, Baltic Porters, and various other beers will cost more. They do not offer barrel-aging as a part of this program. This is a really cool concept that I promise to take advantage of in the future.
All three of Sugatuck’s locations feature a kitchen with a full menu. The menus are pretty much the same between all the locations. They feature burgers, wraps, sandwiches and salads. The Grand Rapids location does offer a brunch menu from 10-3 on Sundays. Brunch options include various breakfast foods such as burritos, burgers, omelets and sandwiches.
When it comes to options for those that are not fans of beer, Saugatuck does offer various cocktail and liquor beverages at the brewery. Another option that they offer is Wine. For those of you that are alcohol abstinent, Saugatuck Brewing Company has options that include soda, root beer, coffee and various kid drinks (milk, chocolate milk, apple juice). So they will have a beverage for visitors of all ages at all times.
There are a few events that Saugatuck holds on occasion, including but not limited to murder mystery dinners and various comedic acts that come through town for performances. Check their website to see if the location you are visiting happens to have an event during your beer adventure. Saugatuck also offers private event rentals for your next party, check with the location that you are interested in renting for pricing and availability.
I feel like I had a lot to say about Saugatuck Brewing Company before we got to talking about this page’s best friend…..THE BEER. Saugatuck has made their name brewing year round favorites such as Oval Beach Blonde, Neapolitan Milk Stout, Rainbow Rodeo IPA, Bonfire Brown, Lake Street Lager, Blueberry Maple Stout, Cottonmouth Cusher, and their Melon Ball- Double Juicy IPA. They have a few seasonal beers which include their Blueberry Lemonade Shandy, and Peanut Butter Porter. Saugatuck also has limited releases such as Maggie’s Irish Stout and various Barrel-Aged versions of the Neapolitan Milk Stout. As far as beers go Saugatuck Brewing Company will always have something on tap for any beer lover.
On your next visit to the Westside of Michigan, stop off in either Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Douglas and try a beer or two from Saugatuck Brewing Company fresh from the source. I promise, you will enjoy whatever you order from them. Prost!
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