The Livery-Hand Forged Brewing

Last weekend we traveled to the eastern coast of Lake Michigan to spend time with some good friends and to visit the first Michigan microbrewery I have been to. I have been hearing about many from Northern Indiana through Michigan and was excited about being able to go here. My excitement was well-founded, because the Livery proved to be worth all that I have heard.

Describing itself as a maker of hand forged micro-brews, the beer list was extensive (15) and they were serious about their beer. They offered a variety of styles for all sorts of tastes, some available on hand pull. Besides their beer, ciders and pop, they offered some local wines, and that's it. No hard liquor or non-Livery beer sold there. But, with the list they had, why would you want any other?
The bar itself was downstairs, and had an industrial feel to it, yet welcoming, thanks to its friendly customers and knowledgeable staff. I think we knew we were in the right place when one of the customers had embroidered into his shirt hop vines.

Among the things I liked here the most was the names of the beers, such as Telewhacker, Lawnmower Lager, Kilt Tilter, Mt Baldy and Hoppy Chick. But throughout the night and later at a local restaurant we were able to try quite a variety of choices.


We sampled 4 beers, throughout the course of the evening, and I think there was a good mix of their offerings. My tastes differed a little than those of my drinking partner, Bingo, so I wanted to try those with a little less alcohol, especially after the blaster we had first.

This first one we tasted, the Runemeister, was described as an Imperial Honey Pilsner, with its 9.25% ABV. Served in a snifter it was one of the best beers I have ever had, a classic. Slightly sweet thanks to the caramel malts and Michigan honey yet its rusty color was warm and inviting. I prefer a stronger alcohol taste, especially for my first of the night so it worked well for me. Rating: 6. (My first ever!)
The second I tasted was the Mandau Man, served in a pint glass, was reddish in color and was listed as an English Red Ale. I prefer the ambers and reds and this was one also good, but maybe too much of a bite, maybe not a good enough balance of malts.
Still good and definitely repeatable: Rating 4.
Next, we tried the Bungtown Export Lager, which was served at a local restaurant we visited for dinner, Clementines. Sure, we left the bar for this, but it was worth a try and when you think about it, since it was only exported a few blocks away and was draft it is about the same.
The Bungtown had the familiar feel of a lager, comparable to Sam Adams Lager. It is a Dortmunder, a regular summertime lager beer, but was a bit heavier and with a slightly metallic taste which changed greatly as it warmed up. I was quite surprised by that. I think it was a good beer, just nothing to brag about. Rating: 3.
We did a taster of the Lawnmower Lager but apart from the name it was a lot like Coors regular, a straw colored session beer that I wasn't terribly thrilled with either.
Lastly on our way back home we swung back and picked up a quick Red Canoe, a dark red lager that had a surprisingly bitter finish that was quite enjoyable. I would like to return and try another of these. My rating: 4.

Can't wait to return to Livery, where hopefully I can try some of the others. I think its my kind of place.