It’s astonishing to me how many quality breweries are located in southwestern Michigan—Greenbush in Sawyer, Tapistry in Bridgman, Saugatuck in, well, Saugatuck. One of the latest additions is a cool little spot called Cultivate Brewing Company located on a country road in Berrien Springs.
An inviting modern taproom sits on a few acres of land where beer ingredients are grown. That’s right, you can sip on a pale ale while gazing out on a small hop yard. That doesn’t mean every beer is brewed entirely with ingredients grown on site, which would likely require a lot more room, but it’s a great reminder of the ingredients that make beer special.
Of course, if the beer sucked, Cultivate wouldn’t be worth the visit. But quality options pour from the taps. Explore Coco Stout has a nice dark chocolate flavor and Resonate Imperial IPA has a tasty smooth bitterness. Those styles were great, but Cultivate seems to excel at Belgians. Plenty were tasty, but my favorite was Illuminate, an oak-aged Belgian Dubbel with cherries. The cherry flavor was prominent and I bought a bottle to store for the winter.
Southwestern Michigan has plenty of options for a weekend brewery crawl. Don’t skip Cultivate if you’re in the neighborhood.
Barley Pop of the Week
I pulled a bottle of Deschutes Black Butte XXVI Imperial Porter out of my beer fridge last week, and I’m glad I did. The amazing brew blends dark chocolate and a hint of booziness from bourbon barrel aging and brings it all together with the subtle fruit flavors brought by pomegranate molasses and cranberry. Deschutes deserves a gold star for this one.
Quick Taps
Three Cellars is opening a second location in Menomonee Falls (N72 W13400 Lund Lane) this spring. It looks like it will be pretty darn cool.
Bell’s Hopslam shipped last week. Look for it to creep into the Milwaukee market soon.
The 19th annual Midwinter Brewfest is set for Feb. 21 at the Milwaukee Ale House (233 N. Water St.). Tickets are $45. Sample craft beer and raise money for the MACC Fund.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Jan. 19: From 5 to 8 p.m., Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) hosts a 3 Sheeps beer dinner. Check out the menu and look at the intriguing first course of curried ginger corn chowder paired with Midnight Bourbon Barrel Ale. Wow. The $40 dinner is open seating, but call 414-762-5010 to ensure a reservation.
Tuesday, Jan. 19: Ballast Point is pouring a few special brews at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 20: Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) is bringing in some tasty libations from Plover. O’so is taking over the taps and Great Northern Distillery is providing whiskey for lucky patrons to sample.
Wednesday, Jan. 20: The Milwaukee Beer Society celebrates its second anniversary at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) at 6 p.m. by tasting the group’s best beers from 2015. This meeting is special and only open to 60 MBS members. Cost is $20 and tickets are required.
Wednesday, Jan. 20: Potosi goes up against Central Waters in a split tap takeover at Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) and drinkers get to vote on their favorite. Both breweries are bringing out the big guns, including Potosi Templeton Slugger Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Stout, Potosi Ice Breaker Bourbon Barrel Baltic Porter, Central Waters Barrel-Aged Stout and Central Waters Barrel-Aged Chocolate Porter. Everybody wins.
Thursday, Jan. 21: Try the newest release in Lakefront’s My Turn Series at 8 p.m. when Josh Imperial Black IPA is released at Yield (1932 E. Kenilworth Pl.).
Saturday, Jan. 23: Wisconsin beers are the tasting of the day from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.).
