A visit to Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids Michigan

November 20, 2007

Guest post by:   Josh Marenger

Being from the central U.P., it’s not often that I visit western Michigan.  By pure coincidence, a weekend visit with a high school buddy in Grand Rapids coincided with Founders new brewery opening.  No, really.  Well that’s fine if you don’t believe me.

In any case, the new facility is a definite upgrade in all areas.  The taproom as well as the bar itself are about 3 times the size of the old one.  As I’m sure most of you have read, it is now non-smoking.  There is an area outside for smokers to enjoy their beers, almost like a concrete deck with tables/chairs as well as a rail all along the edge to set your drinks.  The pool table now has a dedicated space to the right as you walk in, so the shooters won’t be bothered by people around them while playing.  They’ve done a good job of creating an “industrial” atmosphere with exposed ceiling beams/pipes and suspended lighting.  The brew room can be seen off to the left of the bar via several large windows.  There also appeared to be a large mural on the wall behind it (hop vines?) but I didn’t check it out closely.  This is the area where the bands played as well.  Fortunately the music was not too loud, so conversations could still be had easily.  Three HDTVs were spread around the room so you can easily watch sporting events from almost any seat in the house.  Overall I was pleasantly surprised with what they’ve done and can’t wait to go back.  Even though the place was packed when we showed up at 10, it started to thin out after awhile and fun was had by all.  The new facility is a must-visit the next time you’re in the Grand Rapids area.

Taplist while I was there is as follows, but I have heard that it varied a bit over the course of the weekend.

IPA
Dirty Bastard
Breakfast Stout
Harvest
Vanilla Porter
Oatmeal Sout
Pale Ale
Red’s Rye
Devil Dancer
Backwoods Bastard

Posted in Brewery/Brewpub