Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids MI

Post date July 7, 2023

7 July 2023

This is my third visit to Brewery Vivant and I’ve loved it every time. It’s also my favorite funeral home (with the indoor dining area in the old chapel).

The parking lot was full but the taproom certainly wasn’t. I started off with a flight, of course, of their four Mainstays:

Grand Lager (4.5%) – This may have been my favorite of the flight today – it was just so easy-drinking and tasty.

Farmhand (Farmhouse Ale, 5.5%) – If this wasn’t a close second to the Grand Lager, nothing was. This was also a clean, easy-drinking ale with just enough character to make you want more.

Rapid IPA (American IPA, 7%) – So well-balanced, this was a very close third to the first two. I could see myself drinking this all day while sitting outdoors in the shade, reading.

Tart Tangerine (Tangerine Farmhouse Ale, 5.5%) – I really liked this at first, then decided it was too sweet, then liked it again – it was interesting. The tangerine wasn’t overpowering but was definitely present and enjoyable.

Their menu has changed a bit year-to-year and today’s item that grabbed my eye was this wonderful burger with some of the best truffle fries I’ve ever had. I’m also glad the burger was only 6 ounces so I’d still have a bit of room for what came next:

Tropical Saison (Mango & Pineapple Ale, 5.5%) – This is definitely an appropriate glass for this beer! It really did taste like a glass of mango and pineapple juices, but I found it just a hair on the “too sweet” side … not sickly sweet, but I certainly would have preferred it a bit less so.

Brewery Vivant used to have Gin & Tonic on tap. They didn’t this year, but as the waitress pointed out, “We have Gin and we have Tonic Water,” so I ordered one. They use a locally-produced gin from Broad Leaf distillery and it makes a fine drink.

And finally, a distinctly not-grainy Key Lime Pie! They have a dedicated pastry chef and it really shows in delectable desserts like this one. The tart key lime flavor is complemented by Chantilly Creme, Blackberries, and mint leaves. Mmmm.