A celebration of beers in Southern Michigan at Pavlov’s Brewing, Four Keys Brewing, and Ramshackle Brewing.

Southern Michigan Beers with Pavlov’s, Four Keys, and Ramshackle

There are so many breweries in Michigan. I’d love to say that I’ve visited them all, but I haven’t even come close. While beer festivals, such as those by the Michigan Brewers Guild, are a great way to try beers you can’t get closer to home, there is something special about actually visiting a brewery in person. On top of the novel experience, it is vital to these small businesses that rely on in-person patronage.

So for my birthday, I gathered some lifelong friends to join me, Brenda, and a birthday beer cruise. Brenda was kind enough to be the designated driver. I set the course for some breweries that have been on my “to-do” list here in Southern Michigan. On a mild and sunny day in April, we headed out on our great Southern Michigan Beer tour.

Pavlov’s Brewing in Temperance

First stop was Pavlov’s Brewing Company in Temperance. The unincorporated community was started in 1859 and is your last hope before entering Ohio. After about a 45-minute drive south from Ann Arbor, we pulled into Pavlov’s Brewing.

The brewery is situated in a building that looks as if it had once been a bank. The old drive-through is still in place, but sadly does not dispense beer. On the other side, by the main entrance, is the lovely beer garden.

Inside, you are greeted by an open seating area and a delightful array of taps. We bellied up to the bar with our group, getting the West Coast Waggle IPA, Red Raspberry wheat, and the Shamus On You Irish ale. Each beer was on point. I particularly enjoyed the Irish ale, a balanced brew that reminded me of the easy-drinking beers found in Scotland and Ireland.

Pavlov’s does not serve food, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing some in from Carnales Taqueria (7400 Lewis Ave Unit E – just down the street from the brewery). We stopped in for lunch and it was fantastic with a capital “F”. I had the taco dinner, and it was so damn tasty. Brenda went for the win with the enchiladas. No matter what we ordered, it was all delicious and served up by the most friendly crew. Definitely include tacos from Carnales as part of your stop at Pavlov’s.

Four Keys Brewing in Blissfield

The sun was shining bright as we rolled into historic downtown Blissfield in search of Four Keys Brewing. The village of Blissfield was established in 1824. Back in the day the high school sports nickname was “The Sugar Boys” as the area had been known for sugar beets. Blissfield is about 30 miles due south of Ann Arbor on US-223.

Passing Four Keys Brewing in search of a parking spot, I noticed a few friendly folks sitting out front on the patio waving. It turned out to be Four Keys brewer and co-owner Ben, along with his brother Sam and Sam’s wife Tracie. After warm greetings, we made our way inside to get a beer.

Four Keys Brewing shares space with the Starling Lounge, a local coffee shop featuring Hyperion Coffee and a light food menu. Seating inside is wide open with tables, chairs, and a super comfy-looking couch. Next door is their event space, the Bloom Room, where they occasionally host live music.

Beers in hand, we headed back out to the street-side patio to enjoy. All the beers we enjoyed were exceptional. The first was the Head In The Clouds hazy IPA, which features Abstrax® Pineapple Express cannabis-derived terpenes. There is no CBD or THC in the beer, but you get a hint of dankness on the nose. The taste is very soft and extremely drinkable, making it perfect for a sunny afternoon.

I love a good smoked beer and enjoyed the Überwalf rauch helles. There was just a hint of smoke, which added a distinctive touch to this crispy and clean helles. Our friends gave me a taste of the Rustic Gnome Irish Stout and the Aunt Flora Kettle Sour with mango, pineapple, and hibiscus. Both of these beers were fabulous.

Ben brought out a birthday surprise in the form of cupcakes from the local bakery called Emmy’s Kitchen. The selection included a chocolate peanut butter, raspberry lemon, white on white, and caramel. They were amazing, with my favorite being the peanut butter. The raspberry lemon was a close second. The Starling Lounge offers these delightful baked goods for sale in case you are looking for a coffee and the perfect cupcake.

There was a bit of hilarity as Ben tried to light the candle with a reluctant lighter. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” with my buddy Jeff providing a version in Polish! We passed around the cupcakes and enjoyed a fantastic time at Four Keys Brewing. Thanks so much, Ben, for your hospitality, and to everyone for singing to me.

Ramshackle Brewing in Jonesville

Our last stop on the Southern Michigan Beer cruise was an old favorite, Ramshackle Brewing. Jonesville was founded in 1828 as a stop along the Sauk Trail. This famous Native American trail eventually became what today is U.S. 12. You’ll find Jonesville (and Ramshackle Brewing) about 55 miles Southwest of Ann Arbor.

Ramshackle Brewing may be small, but its beers are mighty. Punk Rock Squirrel IPA is my go-to favorite; however, the English Drizzle English IPA has that mellow feel you get with IPA’s from across the pond. A feature of Ramshackle that I love is their “Beer It Forward” wall. There just so happened to be a beer-it forward from the Ogma Brewing crew (in Jackson) that was open and I snatched it up.

If beer isn’t your thing, Ramshackle has seltzer. Jessie (co-owner with her husband/brewer Zack) has been creating fresh-fruit extract mixers using teas or other herbs. When mixed with seltzer, it creates a sort of craft cocktail experience. On deck this week was a green apple seltzer, which tasted like a slightly sweet and snappy green apple. 

Pictures

The Southern Michigan Beer Cruise was a full afternoon of fun at some marvelous Michigan breweries. There are more pictures from our tour in the gallery.