Like most breweries and superheroes, B.O.B. Brewery has its own origin story. It all started when a friend offered a beer to another and said he brewed it. Curious enough, this is how brew master John Svoboda started brewing his own beer.
A high school science teacher at the time, he is said to be called the Walter White of the brewing community of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took a part time job as a bartender at Grand Rapid’s first brewpub, Grand Rapids Brewing Co. The pub had a fast pace and he sometimes had to help with brewing the beer. Five months later, he became brew master. His knowledge from that job and his love for brewing became his tools in working at B.O.B.’s Brewery.
B.O.B.’s Brewery opened in 1997 and is also known as the first microbrewery to open in downtown Grand Rapids Michigan. The B.O.B., or the Big Old Building, has stood on 20 Monroe Avenue since 1903 as Judson’s grocery warehouse. The 70,0002 foot, four-story red brick building is now home to a variety of restaurants, a couple of bars, offices and of course, B.O.B.’s Brewery.
The microbrewery is located at the basement of the B.O.B. and it has been known to be part of Grand Rapids’ rise to become USA’s Beer City. Svoboda recalls that he believes that because of B.O.B., he grew with Grand Rapids’ craft beer industry. He recalls that it wasn’t long ago when all of Michigan’s craft brewers knew each other by first name.
Svoboda was one of the people who started Michigan Brewers’ Guild. Back then, all of Michigan’s brewers could fit in a small bar in Flint. Today, there are over 120 member breweries and is steadily growing. Michigan has risen to become the fourth top brewing states in the nation. Grand Rapids has over seventeen breweries with tap rooms.
As brew master, Svoboda has produced the B.O.B.’s best and most unique brews. The Peanut Butter Porter has a 30 IBU and an ABV of 6.6. It has peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar and milk. The porter has become one of B.O.B’s most requested brews. It is available on tap from Fall-Spring and costs $6/16 oz pint and $26 for a growler.
Another unique brew is the Spaceboy Stout, an English Oatmeal Stout. The stout has an IBU of 35 and an ABV of 6%. The stout is creamy, rich and satisfying. It is available on tap all season. It costs $5 a pint and $20 for a growler.
Other B.O.B. brews consist of the Crimson King, a delicious blend of bready malts and jammy English fuggle hops. Named because of how it appears, the brew is sweet but balanced with a mild bitterness. The brew has an IBU of 25 and an ABV of 5.8%. It costs $5 a pint and $20 a growler.
The Blondie is the brewery’s foundational beer. It has one malt and one hop. Just like the Crimson King, the Blondie is named because of how it looks. It is best for fellows just trying craft beer because of its 17 IBU and ABV of 4.5%. It costs $4 a pint and $18 a growler.
Saint John the Hoptist is a massively hopped New England IPA with intense aromas of pine, citrus, tangerine and some dank for a truly unique hop experience. It has an IBU of 40 and an ABV of 6.3%. The brew is said to have all the flavors without the bitterness. The ale costs $7 a pint and $26 a growler.
The Full On IPA is aptly named because it uses a subtle blending of Pacific Northwest American Hops. The juicy, floral, bitter and delicious blend of flavors is one of the reasons why this is B.O.B.’s Brewery’s signature IPA. An IBU of 65 and an ABV of 6.3%, this is definitely something for more adventurous fellows. It costs $5 a pint and $20 a growler.
The last brew, Spooky Action is nothing short of interesting. Described as a mix between a double or triple IPA, the Spooky Action is made with far too many hops. With a whopping IBU of 90 and an ABV of 8.5, this pale ale is for those of us who prefer the bitterest brews. It is priced at $8 a glass.
The B.O.B.’s Brewery brews are definitely special because they are only available within the B.O.B. Aside from being in one of Grand Rapids’ historical buildings, you also get to see where the Beer City’s brewing history started. You can also bring your favorite brews home by purchasing a growler or putting together a four-pack of 22 oz bottles.
Just like any Michigan brewpub, the B.O.B.’s Brewery also offers a Mug Club. Cheaper than most mug clubs, $35 would get you an annual membership. It also covers a personalized B.O.B.’s Brewery Mug, $1 off B.O.B.’s Brews everyday, $2 off on all brews from 4PM to 9PM for Mug Club on Thursday nights, 50% off Growler Refills on Mondays, and 20% off of B.O.B’s Brewery Apparel & Merchandise.
B.O.B.’s Brewery offers Cool Brews. Hot Eats during a month-long celebration of Beer Month, from February 15 to March 15. While the microbrewery doesn’t offer tours, it has only a pane of glass dividing the bar from the brewing equipment. Patrons can watch Svoboda brew while they enjoy their very own pint.
B.O.B.’s Brewery is known to be one of the breweries that built Beer City and is still being considered one of the best craft breweries that stood the test of time. John Svoboda has produced some of the most unique brews in the form of The Peanut Butter Porter, Tiramisu Stout, and Hoptics Gosé.
While more and more craft breweries rise, more local restaurants embrace the local breweries. More fresh, well-made pints are paired with equally delectable dishes and the craft brewing industry is once again rising. Times may have been changing but one thing’s for sure, B.O.B.’s Brewery is here to stay.