Dragonmead Brewery

Photo courtesy of me.

Dragonmead Brewery is located in Warren, MI.  I was first introduced to Dragonmead Brewery when a friend graciously brought some to a party at our house.  Warning….be very careful when consuming certain types of their beer, some have a higher than average ABV (alcohol by volume).  Since experiencing Dragonmead’s beer I have always wanted to visit the brewery, so I took this opportunity to check it out.



Photo Courtesy of me.

Mosaic. Photo Courtesy of Dragonmead Website.

The brewery has beautiful handcrafted features that you may look over if you aren’t looking for them or if the brewery were extremely crowded.  For example the oak wrap around bar that was completed in sections between 1998-2004.  There are 2 leaded art glass windows one called The Knight’s Window and the other The Dragon’s Window.  Both windows are beautiful to admire and the craftsmanship shows.  The shield mosaic is a 7 square feet mosaic made of over 7,000 titles, the mosaic houses all the beer taps. For additional details on all of these handcrafted features see their website at http://bit.ly/1waq9Ms.



The Knight's Window. Photo Courtesy of Dragonmead Website.

The food selection is not the best but according to the menu the brewery welcomes their guests to bring any food they would like.  I have never heard of this before.  I mean as a mother of two very different children I have brought Taco Bell into McDonald’s but never into an establishment nicer than fast food.



The Dragon's Window. Photo courtesy of Dragonmead Website.

Last but not least….the beer! I have always been extremely pleased with all the beers I have tried from Dragonmead.  And still very happy with the beers I tried during my visit.  My two all-time favorites are Final Absolution and Under the Kilt.

Dragonmead Brewery is a must try!  The brewery was also voted The Best Microbrewery for 2014 by readers of Metrotimes.

**Disclaimer-I am in no way being compensated for this review**

The Tale of Two Breweries!

Granite City Brewery in Troy, MI was an experience like none other.  Upon walking up to the building I was very impressed by the architecture.  The building is beautiful inside and out.  However, I could not bring myself to patronize this brewery.  Granite City is not what I think of as a brewery.  Looking at the beer selection…nothing special!  Boring, Boring, Boring!  I am 100% sure the food is excellent based on the crowd waiting to be seated.  Oh and it’s a chain restaurant/brewery, a 20+ location restaurant chain.  I am just not convinced that a chain brewery knows how to provide unique, great tasting beer.  However, if you want to see and be seen this is your place.  Just make sure you are dressed to the nines or you won’t fit in!  So back in the car we went off to a different location.  A short drive down the street from Granite City we arrived at Black Lotus Brewery in downtown Clawson.



Black Lotus Sign. Photo courtesy of me.

Black Lotus Brewery is exactly what downtown Clawson needed 10 years ago.  Prior to Black Lotus moving into Clawson the night life was less than par.  Not only is the brewery serious about their beer but also musical talent that is displayed a couple nights a week.  And with no surprise after looking into the background of the owners, one is a musician.  The brewery has an extremely laid back atmosphere including an outdoor patio to enjoy the beautiful days and cool nights that Michigan is notorious for spring/early summer.

 

I can’t place why I felt this way hanging out in Black Lotus but I felt as if the brewery had an “Ann Arbor Feeling”.  My husband went with me to Black Lotus and thought the brewery had a “College Town Feeling”.  Regardless “Ann Arbor Feeling” or “College Town Feeling” it feels like jumping back to an easier, carefree time…even if just for a night!

Beer Board @ Black Lotus. Photo Courtesy of me.

Oh and don’t forget the whole reason for visiting a brewery, the beer.  The beer was wonderful, from the names to the taste of the various brews.  Some of my favorites were Detroit Hip Hops and Funkin’ A Apricot Wheat.

 

So if any of my fellow Wolverine’s need to get that “Ann Arbor Feeling” visit Black Lotus Brewery!

**Disclaimer-I am in no way being compensated for this review**