Big Buck Brewery

After trying to visit two other locations we found success in seeking a Big Buck Brewery in Gaylor, MI. This very tourist oriented brewery features house tabs and a few other selections. You can guess that we stuck with the craft beers. The friendly service and yummy grub warmed us up for a fun evening. This visit was a little different then most since we all stuck to the same tab. I truly enjoyed the Raspberry Wheat, a great summer heff. The slight tart of the raspberry cut the sweet dirty wheat. I had my fill and would come back for more, I hope this is a seasonal would be a little out of place in winter. Josh bellied up for the Old Ale, a non traditional IPA. This is follows that trend to mix and cut IPA with other flavors to lighten the bitter taste. We had a special guest with us, a tour friend Robert, he was a little more adventurous trying the Farmhouse and Buck Naked Light. After sampling both he preferred the smooth flavor of the Farmhouse. The brewery has recently installed a distillery and will be unveiling a series of flavored vodkas in mid summer. I look forward to see how they do. All and all I will return!!!!

Hopcat - Grand Rapids, MI

With so many seemingly good stops in Grand Rapids following the advise of the desk clerk from the hotel was our only idea. His favorite spot is Hopcat is downtown, a freshly revived downtown. This local legend is a hot spot for good food, a HUGE variety of brews and good music. Their 48 active tabs and rotating nightly specials left us with a heavy task, what is choose. I think we did alright even with one from a local brewery that we plan to visit on our next trip. My advise let the server know what you like and ask them to pick, plus tip well.


Grassroots Saison - Great Lakes Brewing Co.; Josh thought this was the perfect way to start and will add it to the list of try again

Mad Hatter - New Holland Brewing Co

Hop Rocket, Arcadia Ales

St. Louis Framboise - Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck N.V; Very berry baby, liked it was one was enough

Bavarian Bliss - Arbor Brewing Co; This is from a local brewery that we will revisit

Red's Rye - Founders; Another local we will review

New Feature Added

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Barley's - Short North of Columbus, OH

Limited Selection but fun times can be found at Columbus' Barley's Brewpub. The atmosphere is your typical British Pub. The bartender was very friendly and helpful. She knew the house selections well in addition to what the other local breweries had.

I tried the Barley's Pilsner, good brew but nothing special. My husband had the IPA and dug it.

Elevator Brewery - Downtown Columbus, OH

Just a few steps from the Convention Center is one of the larger micros in Columbus, Elevator Brewery. This local gem supplies many of the area restaurants, like Schmidt's. They have twelve brews on tap, one is a monthly rotating seasonal. I had the Heifer-wiezen, big surprise here, it had a very distinct banana flavor with a lighter taste. Josh took on the IPA and was very impressed by the full flavor and richness of the finish.

We actually visited here twice and would love to eat dinner there again.

Schmidt's - German Village of Columbus, OH

A visit to Columbus Ohio can't be complete without a venture into German Village. After grabbing a cab and heeding the drivers advice we stopped into Schmidt's. This popular and historic location did not disappoint. The relaxed environment and healthy selection of German beers was only topped by the food. That's not what we are here for however. They feature a average selection of imports and a few custom micros from a local brew house called the Elevator. I would suggest ordering the Sampler, that includes all the local brews. The service was fine and the accordion player was excellent. This is not a gem but a good time.