The craft brewing industry is still booming and Grand Rapids has their own contender. De Hops Brewing Company is Standale’s newest destination for people who craves for a unique beer experience. Located in 363 Cummings Avenue in Walker, Mich.
When visiting something for the first time, the first thing that we will notice is how the exterior looks; which in fact is very important. The appearance sets the mood of the visitor, it lets you communicate with them. And definitely, we can’t help but notice how beautiful the outside of De Hops is. This brewery will take you to Amsterdam, without leaving Michigan. The exterior has brick red walls, with some light fixtures attached finally, the little bulbs of light that hang on a string completes the rustic vibe. The flowers on the planters give a nice touch to the wall. Every detail of the design complements each other which is why it’s no surprise that local folks who visit DeHops love their patio. The outside is not only pretty but it also has a seating capacity of approximately 32 seats.
Owners Mark and Cathy DeHann are the proud owners of this beautiful brewery. Mark’s sharp business skills combined with his wife Cathy’s eye for design has made them a huge success in Grand Rapids. Cathy spent her childhood living in Amsterdam, which has heavily influenced the whole decor of their business.
In order for a brewery to be well-loved by the people in the area, it has to be inviting, enough for the people to come in. Clearly, the DeHanns has done a fantastic job in that task. But of course, it shouldn’t be just pretty, a brewery should be a total package. It has to have great beer, which would create regular customers and patrons. Back then, when DeHops was looking for the chosen one to be the head brewer, they hired a microbiologist to help them build a solid portfolio of beers. Brian Lindberg previously worked in Saugatuck Brewing Company as one of the members in the quality department, helped with laying out the foundation when they were still on the lookout for the perfect candidate to take the job as brew master. Working at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as an adjunct professor for sustainable brewing, Brian also was the college’s Brewery Operations Manager while having an additional job at DeHops.
The success of a microbrewery is dependent on the brewmaster himself. He has to be equipped with the basic skills and his knowledge about brewing is undoubtedly unquestionable. Not only that, his expertise must be proven by his experience in the industry. Finally, he should be able to adapt to the ever-changing trends. It might sound like you need a lot of people to do each task, luckily DeHops has all of those things in one person. Eric Plata is the head brew master of DeHops Brewing Company and Cafe.
Eric’s journey in brewing started in Chicago, Illinois which is hometown. During his undergraduate years, he was home brewing and working as an apprentice in order to learn the industry. He then got a job at Macushla Brewing Co. in Glenview as a head brewer after his assistant brewing gig in Peckish Pig in Evanston. Eric’s love for brewing lagers developed while at Macushla. Then he got another head brewer post at Midnight Pig Beer Company, which is now closed. Eric wanted a fresh start outside of his hometown, which brought him and his family to Grand Rapids. Their move to Michigan lead him to DeHops, which has brought the company significant growth. Since then, Eric and his brews have given DeHops a lot of recognition in the craft beer scene.
They have 14 beers on tap which rotates with the season that ranges from American to German styles. DeHops also offers limited small batches of experimental one-offs which are released if local and unique ingredients are available. DeHops boasts a few award-winning beers like their Shadow Box, a 4.9% ABV German Dark Lager. It has a moderate malt aroma that consists of roast and coffee flavor from Munich Malt and Debittered specialty grain. The Mittelfruh hops provide that medium bitterness. They also have an IPA called All The Boys, with 6.4% ABV. This Mango Milkshake IPA is brewed with lactose and flaked oats. It has a full body while allowing the hop and fruit notes to shine. Madagascar Vanilla bean is added that counterparts the tropical acidity of fresh mangoes. Brahms Best, a Vienna Lager that has 5.2% ABV, has a medium body and mildly bittered creating that approachable and authentic pint. This red lager has a complex malt character with enough hops, inspired by the Austrian tradition. Rauchbier is a smoke beer that originated in Bamberg, Germany. DeHop’s take on the classic had them bringing home the bacon. This gold medalist got its smoky character from German Beechwood Smoked Malt. Seven Secrets is a NEIPA that has 6.2 % ABV. Double dry hopped with Australian Vic Secret and Idaho 7 Hops. Brewed with oats, wheat, and milk sugar that has aromas of peach, mango and stone fruit. A drink that has a big citrus flavor and aroma, with a soft mouthfeel. Porter Fudgetastic is a porter brewed with walnuts, cocoa nibs, milk sugar, and vanilla to create a decadent beer. A big mouthfeel with mild bitterness and aromas from baker’s chocolate that gives a bit of sweetness. The finish is a blast of vanilla, chocolate, and walnut. Yum! Pump Out Stout is brewed with chocolate malt, debittered roast malt, wheat, and flaked oats. The drink has a medium body with a creamy mouthfeel with a roasty aroma and a few hints of baker’s chocolate and nut.
DeHop’s brew master Eric Plata has won a gold medal in the 2018 World Beer Cup for Nevin’s Hook and Hatchet which is a Vienna Style Lager. Shadow Box was previously known as Schwarzbier, which has won not only in the U.S. Open Beer Championship, but also in the World Beer Championship, London World Beer Awards, and Country Winner Best Dark Lager. Aside from Brahm’s Best Vienna Lager which has won silver in World Beer Championship, DeHops’ Maibock has also won silver in the same competition. Talk about a winner!