Ryan Meray was kind enough to join me for the media preview at the new Griffin Claw Brewing Co. last week. We had a blast drinking our way through their entire preview beer list (15 beers!!), sampling their food, and touring their production facility. Check out his thoughts Michigan’s newest brewpub!
Every now and then, you have the opportunity to see something amazing before its brilliance is readily apparent to the masses. Like a rough gemstone that just needs the right cut and setting, sometimes a craftsman lacks the environment, tools, or just the public’s awareness that he exists to be able to truly be appreciated. In many ways, Dan Rogers is one of those craftsmen. With Dan at the helm of the soon-to-open Griffin Claw Brewing Company, we’re about to witness the rise of Michigan’s next great brewery.
Dan has been putting out world-class beer at Birmingham’s Big Rock Chophouse for years, but despite a pile of accolades, his beer wasn’t as well-known as it could’ve been. It certainly wasn’t from lack of skill or pedigree. His experience as a homebrewer helped him to transition to the professional side while working in Las Vegas. Returning to Michigan to take a position with Michigan Brewing Company, he had the opportunity to both learn from legendary brewer Pierre Celis and mentor one of Michigan’s other craft brewing stars, Joe Short.
At Big Rock, the presence of his beer made the restaurant a rare (even now) combination of fine-dining and craft beer availability. Unlike some brewpubs, Big Rock had the faith in Dan to offer no beer other than what he brewed, a choice that may have turned off some patrons who were drinkers of macro lagers, but that undoubtedly helped turn others on to appreciate craft beer.
Despite all that, Dan might well be Michigan brewing’s best kept secret. Without the ability to distribute, his reach was limited geographically to the restaurant’s clientele, those who were lucky enough to sample his brews at beer festivals, and the die-hard craft beer lovers who revel in seeking out the finest and rarest beer.
Norm the Gnome keeps a watchful eye over the brewing process at Griffin Claw Brewing Company
That changes on July 18th with the grand opening of Griffin Claw Brewing Company. Years in the making, Griffin Claw might be one of the most ambitious new breweries anywhere, let alone in Michigan. With a completely custom brew system, a state of the art and one-of-a-kind mash filter, and a watchful gnome to keep an eye on things, Griffin Claw is poised to start production and distribution at a level that would almost instantly put them in the top 10 microbrewers in Michigan by volume. With a planned capacity of 15,000 barrels a year, that would put them solidly in the top 5 in Michigan once they hit their stride.
All of this is housed in perhaps one of the most unique and striking buildings I’ve seen. Eschewing common brewpub staples such as wood, dark colors, and a rustic elements, Griffin Claw strikes a distinctly industrial, modern aesthetic, sporting polished stainless steel, clean lines, shiny tile, and a grayscale color scheme. Its large, partially-covered patio is sure to become an instant hit during whatever portion of the year Michigan’s climate permits.
Of course, none of that matters if the beer is swill. Thankfully Dan has seemingly had no problems adapting and scaling his recipes to the new brew system.
We drank our way through the entire beer list!
We made our way through a broad selection of beers that may be offered once Griffin Claw opens. Across the board, the beers were solid. I cannot say there are many breweries that don’t have at least one meh beer in their selection; not everyone can love everything. Despite this Dan has brewed up a selection of beers that will disappoint few.
I can’t say enough good things about even what may seem to be the most basic of his beers, the White Cap Wit. You can see the influences of Pierre Celis all over this one. This is a light Belgian witbier that somehow manages to have a ton of body, wonderful wheatiness, and enough zesty spice and citrus notes to finish it off without being overbearing.
There’s not much to say about the award-winning Norm’s Raggedy Ass IPA. It’s easily one of the best IPAs in the world. It might be the best, but I’d need a blind tasting to say that with a straight face. Either way, this one is not to be missed and is going to one of the beers that will be distributed in cans in the near future.
For the more adventurous, the Berlinerweisse is a low-ABV, sour and perky brew that can be adulterated with a dash of raspberry or woodruff syrup if you need a little sweetness to balance things out. I can already see a ton of this flowing from the taps on hot Michigan summers.
Flight of the big boys! Red Rock Flanders Red, Bourbon Imperial Stout, Coffee Bourbon Imperial Stout, and Barrel Aged Wheatwine
Dan’s famous Flying Buffalo Imperial Stout is wonderful as always and we tasted a bourbon barrel and a bourbon barrel coffee variant that were both fantastic. The addition of coffee takes an already amazing beer up another level.
The Black IPA, Tripel, Flanders Red, and Saison are out-of-this world good. These styles of beer are often love-them-or-hate-them, because so many brewers play up the extremes. At Griffin Claw, however, balance is the name of the game. The Black IPA, for example, delivers a strong dose of dark, roasty hops, but manages to avoid being bitter, as so many other Black IPA’s can become. The Saison is earthy and yeasty, without losing the refreshing quality that makes it a summertime favorite.
I hesitate to even mention the highlight brew for your Drink Michigan tasters, because there’s a part of me that doesn’t want everyone clamoring to try this one. But it’d be uncool of me not to say that if you have the opportunity to try the Rye Barrel Aged Wheat Wine, you should try the Rye Barrel Aged Wheat Wine. In the words of Trisha Verma, “It tastes like angel tears.” I don’t think my tasting notes can top that.
Griffin Claw’s Barrel Aged Wheatwine was good enough to make us cry, and the glassware is pretty bad-ass.
The food is a cut above most pub fare, fitting considering the menu was designed by Big Rock’s talented Executive Chef Brian Henson.
Griffin Claw Brewing Company opens Thursday, July 18th at 2PM. This gem is cut, polished, set, and ready to impress. If you like incomparable beer, stylish atmosphere and good food, you’re not going to want to pass up a visit.
Ryan is spot-on with his recommendation of Griffin Claw. This is a must-visit spot if you love craft beer. There isn’t a single thing on this menu that’s average or poor – every beer is well-done, the space is beautiful, and their staff is outstanding. Be sure to pay them a visit in the next few weeks to take advantage of their large outdoor seating area!
Griffin Claw Brewing Co. is located at 575 S Eton St in Birmingham, just down the road from Big Rock.
Ryan is a craft beer enthusiast and loves seeking out new brews to sample and collecting fine beer for cellaring. He also enjoys craft cocktails, whiskey, mead, tawny port, and dessert wines. A foodie, gamer, and diehard fan of Ferndale and Metro Detroit, Ryan runs computer service company C! Tech Solutions to stay out of trouble.
You can find Ryan on Twitter, Facebook, and Untappd.
