The Prep:
As I looked over the plans for my upcoming trip, I knew that quality outfits could help make this trip be that of legend. Since it was the Summer of Tanks, I knew my only options for shirts had zero sleeves. So, I packed accordingly: Reagan Bush 84, Texas Flag, American Flag, Camo: America's Away Colors, RageChill, and God SEC USA. Now that was out of the way, I called my uncle to let him know I would heading his way (Ann Arbor) and mentally prepared myself.The Journey, Day 1:
I had to get from Madison to Ann Arbor in the first day. Along that drive, I planned on seeing several breweries, so the day started early. It was 3 hours to my first destination.Three Floyds (http://www.3floyds.com/)
3Floyds is located in Munster, Indiana... This is not a thriving metropolis, but the brewery is worth the stop. |
| Cool sign |
After purchasing some dry goods, I had some other tourists take a picture of me:
 |
| My aim is a little off... |
Time to head to Sawyer, Michigan...
Greenbush Brewing Company (http://www.greenbushbrewing.com/)
This brewery was a quick stop off the road, so I figured, "why the heck not?"
Their beer was decent. I gave their Retribution a whirl. Overall, it had good flavor. The big find on this stop was a new tank... So you know I had to get one.
Well, the day was moving right along, so I needed to be as well. I headed up to Kalamazoo where my buddy Garry was going to meet me.
Bell's Brewery (http://www.bellsbeer.com/)
This was the second of the Top 25 breweries I would hit... And this place lived up to the hype: quality atmosphere, knowledgeable bartenders, and amazing beers.
The home of Oberon...
You have probably heard of this brewery. They had an amazing beer garden.
Garry decided to be a little rule breaker...
Garry and I headed across town to the other brewery in Kalamazoo.
Olde Peninsula Brewpub (http://oldepenkazoo.com/)
This brewery was a stop more of convenience than anything else. I wanted to hang out for a bit longer, so I enjoyed a flight of their beers. This was more like a restaurant (as the name suggests).
I got my goodies together and headed out. I knew I needed to make it over to Ann Arbor, but first I made a quick stop in Marshall.
Dark Horse Brewing Co (http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/)
I had been hearing about Dark Horse from the other brewers. This place sounded really gritty and real. I knew I had to check it out. Even though I was in a rush, I dropped in to grab a taste of what they were doing. |
| To Go Window? |
I have to say, the beer was good, but the atmosphere wasn't as edgy as I imagined. I think I would have been more impressed had I not heard any other reviews... but now that I say that I realize, had I not heard these opinions, I probably would not have heard of this brewery. Catch 22.
I got back in Neytiri (yes that is the name of my blue Subaru Outback wagon... judge me) and headed to Ann Arbor to meet up with some family and get some rest.
After I got in, I was able to catch up with my uncle and my cousin for a bit. We decided to head downtown.
Arbor Brewing Company (http://www.arborbrewing.com/)
We selected this place.
I tried the Olde Number 22 German Alt beer. It was good. I really enjoyed the downtown of AA. It was a cool college town. Had similarities to Madison, but it still remained unique.
From there we wandered to another bar.
Mash Bar (http://www.mashbar.net/ma/index)
This was our last stop. I enjoyed a Dragonmead Final Absolution (http://www.dragonmead.com/).After this, I needed some rest. We made our way back to the house, and I prepared myself for Day 2.
With that, I will leave you hanging again.
TALLY SO FAR:
7 breweries
**If you have read this far, keep reading... Day three gets crazy.
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