I'm hanging out just north of Detroit (north edge of Lake St Clair) and need to know if there are any decent breweries around. Bell's is three hours west so that's not going to happen although I may have to go find some in the stores.

Thoughts?

Danno, there are about 16 breweries in metro Detroit. Some recommendations:

Dragonmead Microbrewery (the Final Absolution is great stuff) 16400 11 Mile rd, Warren 586-776-9428
Detroit BC 1529 Broadway Detroit 313-962-1529
Atwater Block BC 237 Joseph Campeau, Detroit 313-877-9205
Kuhnhenn BC 5919 Chicago Rd Warren 586-979-8361

Have fun!

I'd second Dragonmead; also check out Royal Oak Brewery - they've won a few medals and it's a decent place with decent brew.

Oh, and I'd also second Detroit BC, but I went to the one on Woodward close to downtown, also closer to where you are. Good stuff and a couple of years ago I spoke with the brewer - good guy (actually a young Brewmaster educated in Germany). He treated me to an off-tap brew that was exquisite - a hop-spicey type of brew that is traditional in Germany but I've yet to see anything like it here.

check out the beerfly app on beeradvocate, should get you some good ideas. i would skip atwater and detroit bc (both fairly subpar), check out kuhnhenn and dragonmead and also check out bastogne, big rock chop house and copper canyon.

Went to Sherwood Brewing in Clinton. It was the only one within a reasonable distance whith the snow that we're getting. Typical boring beer line up... Blonde, Wit, Amber, IPA, Nut Brown, Brown and Stout. The beers were good but uninspiring. I miss Portland already!

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Dragonmead looked interesting but just abit too far of a drive.

Things are looking up. I hit one of the local beer & wine stores and picked up a six pack of Bell's Oberon. I wanted to get a variety pack but the store wouldn't let me.

The Oberon was as good as a wheat beer could be. Very well balanced and refreshing. I had heard lots of good things about it and they are true. Now I need to go get some other types as I cannot live by wheat alone.

wow, thats actually a really outdated oberon...they stop making that in august...shocked to hear its held up that well...

I was at a bar the other night here in GR (not Hopcat, Jeff) that still Oberon on tap. It could not have been very good.

Danno, if you liked the Oberon just imagine how good a fresh one would have been.

Danno,

I am not sure how far on the north edge of Lake St Clair you are...but you can take I-94 South to I-696 and hit up both Dragonmead
and Kuhnhenn. Must stops.

Also you have to check out Champane's. Its a beer and wine store on 13 mile rd. Just around the corner from Kuhnhenn. Their prices and selection are amazing.
http://www.champanes.com/beer.html

Lived in kalamazoo for 8 years just moved last year. Went to Bell's twice, sucked both times. Bell's is a disappointment and Oberon is overrated. It does reminds me of spring so I will buy a case when it comes out and is fresh. Oberon also changes in taste from year to year and this past year was its worst, which is probably why I'm beating it up here. Bell's Hopslam is one of their best brews and if you can find it, grab it, it's about $18 a six pack but it is fantastic. Dragonsmead is your best bet out there, the other side of the state has got some good breweries with New Holland in Holland and Founders in Grand Rapids. Arcadia is an okay brewery to stop by as well in Battle Creek, they have a wonderful sweet stout.

Speaking of Bell's if anyone goes there and gets bored just a block or two down is Shakespeares Pub they have about 30 beers on tap with anything from Hopslam to Bar Harbor to Great Lakes to Magic Hat anyways alot all for only $2.50 a pint on Sun and Mon

IMHO Hopslam is one of the very best beers to come out of Michigan. Awesome.

I have to say though that Oberon is my basic "go to" beer when I need something off the shelf, especially during the warm months. I think it's a great beer.

If you were in Holland, I'd say New Holland Brewery. Maybe try to find some bottles (Black Tulip and Dragon's Milk are good - oh and the stout - The Poet.)