The little brewery that could...Greenbush

As some of you know, hubs works in Michigan and will sometimes come in with information on a place we should go or something we should try.  We've gone to a few places as a result, but sometimes, he's just so happy to get home that going back up to Michigan on a weekend is not on his list.  Not that there is anything wrong with Michigan!

One of his suggestions was Greenbush in Sawyer....he had heard a few things and wanted to give it a go.  I like Sawyer and the Garden Center; planning to visit both would be a good "day trip".  Back then,  it was easy to find a table and we enjoyed a couple of beer choices.  We did not order a "flight" or sampler of six or so beers, although, looking back we should have and next time I go, I think I shall. Our waitress was a sweet red head who happened to be the granddaughter of the government teacher at our local high school.  She was charming and provided us with a nice history of the brewery and the upcoming remodeling.

Back to the beer.  Greenbush opened in this small community, next door to a popular restaurant and in front of a more popular garden center, on the "main drag".  Already different than Three Floyds in the industrial park, Greenbush set their eyes on a small batch goal and would have considered themselves successful if they had met a 300 barrel production their first year.  They had a great marketing plan in place, a great location and a great product.  They hit over 2500 barrels that first year, 2010, and haven't looked back or slowed the pace. 

A small location, Greenbush was undergoing an expansion that first time there and would be adding more seating.  The decor is very cute, a kind of industrial vibe and a nice view of the busy brewing area.  It's energetic, loud and fun.  Family friendly ~ although I'm sure there are better locations for the kiddies, they are welcome.  We were there recently, on a Saturday evening in the freezing cold, and had to wait about 45 minutes for a table.  Standing outside was not an option, so we were a little crowded in front of the merchandise display...which is extensive...but, we could have beers, we were with my son and his fiance, so we enjoyed ourselves, even though standing.  We were given attention by the staff and soon we were seated at a high top in front of the windows. 

Like Three Floyds,  they aren't there for the food.  However, the food they do is done very well.  Our first time, they had four sandwiches on the menu.  I thought that brilliant...a beef, a ham, a turkey and a grilled cheese.  I wasn't hungry the first time but hubs had the the beef and reported it to be very good.  I did, however, fall in LOVE with the blue cheese and bacon dip and chips.  Wowzer.   Great with beer.  A lot of folks also love the pretzels and cheese, and they offer pulled pork and brisket on the weekends; still a small menu which is absolutely fine by me, it's a brewery not a restaurant.  Anyway, you'll see folks standing outside in the warmer weather, waiting for a table.  In fact, they were so crowded on a recent fall "drive by" that we didn't even stop but went on to somewhere else.

So, which beer? Greenbush offers a great seasonal selection and a solid regular rotation.  We've tried quite a few as have been to Greenbush a few times now.  You can also find them on tap at other bars and restaurants in the area if you are lucky and ask!  Retribution is always good.  As for something a bit lighter Dunegras is good, and one of their most popular brews.  I have spelled it correctly but don't have the little double dot thing over the "a".  Brother Ben is the one, I'm telling you, for a serious pint of good beer.  A bit high on the alcohol content, a great pint.  I've heard good reviews of Red Bud, but have only had a sip of it myself, and well, if you go for the black IPAs, you'll find a nice option in Anger. 

Greenbush has continued to develop quite a following and have added a bottling process just recently.  Yay! That is good news for you, me and all those folks from Illinois who stop in at Greenbush as a regular habit when coming our way.  I appreciate something Scott Sullivan, the owner, said in a recent article when asked if he considers Greenbush a "Chicago brewery".  He responded that he enjoys and respects their history and reputation with their Chicago base and continue to have great representation there, but he is a Michigan brewer.  Give Greenbush in Sawyer a try ~ expect great beer.  greenbushbrewing.com