Just a couple of blocks over from The Library is one of the bigger breweries that the Upper Peninsula has to offer, Keweenaw Brewing Company. The brewery opened in 2004 and has been serving their community and beyond quality beer from the very beginning.
In addition to their taproom in Houghton, Keweenaw has a production facility in South Range, Michigan which is just Southwest of Houghton. This is where they produce their beer for statewide distribution.
When it comes to the brewery itself it seems small on the outside, but then you walk in and realize that this place is actually massive. Keweenaw operates a 3,400 square foot taproom that has tables scattered throughout the area for your gathering and drinking pleasure. They even have a fireplace inside that you can cozy up next to and enjoy some of their outstanding beverages. There is not one but two bars that are constantly pouring their delicious beer. One of the bars is a little smaller with the capacity to seat approximately 10 people at it, and the main bar can seat about 20 people at it comfortably. On top of all of that, there is not one, but two porches on the back patio for you to enjoy some fresh air while drinking a few pints.
There is no kitchen here at Keweenaw Brewing Company, but they do allow you to bring outside food in at all times. Most of the places in the area will even deliver food right to their doorstep for you. Another thing that they offer on occasion is live music, so check their socials to see if any live music might be playing during your visit.
Now when it comes to the beer, the first thing that I absolutely have to mention is the price. This is by far the most reasonably priced brewery you will visit in the entire State of Michigan. All pints are $3.75 in the brewery, this is the price for everyone. You don’t have to be a mug club member or anything to get this price, you can’t find a brewery in Michigan with cheaper priced beer than this.
As mentioned before, they distribute statewide. You can find their beer at most liquor stores, they even take up shelf space at a lot of your local grocery stores. Their core lineup of year-round beers include Pick Axe- Blonde Ale, Red Jacket- Amber Ale, Red Ridge- Citrus Ale, November Gale- Pale Ale, and Point Trail- Rye IPA. Their summer time releases include Hefe Royale- Hefeweizen, Wequetong- Cherry Wheat, and U.P. Witbier. Fall and Winter releases include Early Autumn Ale- Amber, Borealis Broo- Coffee infused Amber, Olde Ore Dock- Scottish Ale, Level 92- Black IPA, and Lift Bridge- Brown Ale. You can not go wrong with any of their standard or seasonal offerings, all will be excellent choices to enjoy on your visit.
Now you may have noticed I left one beer off of their year-round list, and that beer is an all time favorite of mine from Keweenaw Brewing Company, The Widow Maker. This is an excellent example of a Black Ale, it is a light-bodied, smooth, dark, malty ale that has a mellow hop profile, but they are definitely there. Widow Maker has slight hints of smoky molasses and notes of coffee from the malt profile. Checking in at 5.0% ABV, this is a beer that even though it is dark black, you can casually drink this one all day if you would like.
When you are traveling through the Upper Peninsula on a brewery tour, if you don’t stop at Keweenaw Brewing Company, you are missing out on some of the best beers that the Upper Peninsula has to offer. They haven’t been around for 20 years for nothing. Cheers!
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