Breweries are popping up in almost every town in Michigan, and this is great! However, as a craft beer enthusiast, this makes it difficult to keep up with all the new ones that open. I always keep my eyes peeled as I drive through the mitten for breweries I haven’t tried yet. When I was driving through Indian River and spotted Northland Brewing Co., I knew I had to stop and see what they had to offer.
RELATED: Download the Michigan Brewing Map app, so you can find all of the breweries in Michigan.
I was impressed with the set up and atmosphere at Northland Brewing Co. There were indoor board games and outdoor yard games scattered around the brewery property. There were two fast food trucks on site, too! If you visit on the weekends, you would see one of the many live bands that play. Northland also participates in Harvest Hosts, a camping membership program where you pay to join and then camp right next to many locations, like breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more without a camping fee.
My wife, sisters, cousins, and I tried every beer Northland had on tap, and I picked my personal favorite to review in more detail. Every beer was good, but I loved the Mother McClutchey’s Irish Stout.
The beer was a rich, dark brown, almost black color with a foamy head that reminded me of the sands on the gulf side of Florida. Smelling the beer revealed the expected coffee aroma, but I also picked up hints of sweet toffee.
Irish Stouts are typically lighter-bodied beers with the full flavors of a more traditional Stout, and this beer lived up to that. With a lighter ABV and fresh mouthfeel, it didn’t weigh me down like most other Stouts. The carbonation was less, but enough that it didn’t feel flat.
The taste was very coffee-forward from the roasted barley, and there was little to no bitterness. The most enjoyable aspect to me was the exhale after I swallowed. I picked up an unexpected but very pleasant nuttiness that was present throughout the beer once I knew to look for it.
For a brewery that’s only been open for 14 months, they’ve put together a great place for hosting events in Indian River. Whether you’re traveling up north or want to make this little town your destination, stopped at Northland Brewing Co. is a must.
Disclaimer: Zach purchased this beer for review.
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