One should not underestimate this quaint, relatively small, unassuming brewery as the Schmohz Brewing Company is the second oldest craft brewery in Grand Rapids. Located along Patterson Avenue SE, Schmohz is a family-owned brewery that opened in Michigan during the rebirth of the brewing industry in the area, making it one of the founding breweries of Beer City USA.
According to owner and brewer, Jim Schwerin, it took years of researching about beers and dreaming about starting a beer brewing business before Schmohz Brewery finally opened its doors to the public. An engineer by profession who graduated from Michigan Technological University, he decided one day that he is opening a brewery because he could not find a beer he liked. Upon finding the former Robert Thomas brewery, Schwerin purchased the place and went on to turn his dream into reality in 2004. Today, he runs the brewery with the help of his wife, Laurie.
Years went on and Schmohz remained a go-to casual hangout spot in Grand Rapids. After more than a decade later, Schwerin opened a second taproom in Petoskey in 2018. In December 2019, Schmohz celebrated its fifteenth birthday.
Although situated close to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and a number of hotels, Schmohz remains to be an off-the-beaten-path destination. From outside, it looks like a humble, no-nonsense, local microbrewery. This small town feel is also reflected in its interior. When you enter the taproom, you instantly feel a sense of familiarity and belonging that is usually found in neighborhood dive spots. You will be welcomed with a pretty straightforward basic bar and some nostalgic old school decor. On one of its walls is a shelf of mugs which are labeled with the nicknames of their mug club members.
Schmohz is commonly filled with regulars, but newcomers are warmly welcomed as well. Guests may enjoy their beer outside at the beer garden, or inside by the bar, pinball machine, or pool. If you want to play some card games, simply ask the staff and some locals might even be happy to sit and play with you. Hanging out at Schmohz always feels like a rather comfortable experience, much like hanging out at your friend’s house.
According to beer engineer Chas Thompson, the Schmohz staff deliberately built this homey, inviting, and laid-back vibe. They even go as far as consciously learning the names, occupations, and drinking preferences of their patrons. This effort proves to be valuable as their regular customers would give back to the brewpub by socializing and helping new guests on which beers to try.
There is no doubt as to why Schmohz has lasted this long in the seemingly saturated beer brewing industry of Michigan — it is because they have a stellar variety of craft beers. They brew their beer with barley, old-world European style. There is nothing fancy about Schmohz, and this is exactly what the brewery’s charm is. It is not trying to be trendy or loud, instead, it lets its vast selection of beer speak for itself.
You can get a hold of Schmohz’s craft beers either at their taproom or in stores and restaurants because thankfully, Schmohz has been distributing their beers for sale all throughout Michigan since 2009. They have sixteen taps ready to serve you with more than thirty types of their artisan ales, lagers, and root beer. Led by head brewer Gabi Palmer, Schmohz have the classics like the BoneCrusher Stout and the Treasure Chest ESB (which won a gold in the 2017 US Open Beer Championship), as well as other seasonal uniquely-Schmohz ones like the Pickle Tink Strawberry Wheat Ale and the Oktoberfest Harvest Bier.
Perhaps one of Schmohz’s most popular beers is the Hopknocker, a remarkably fragrant imperial IPA with a 9.2% ABV that is fermented with a balanced mix of hops and barley for several weeks. It is full-bodied and quite hazy, giving off a bitter and dry finish.
Another well-liked option is the Zingiberene, a light malt-based 5.4% ABV ale that is spiced with ginger. It is extremely drinkable and refreshing, perfect for when you just want to relax and enjoy the good weather.
If you don’t feel like getting tipsy but still want the taste of beer in your mouth, you can get the only non-alcoholic artisan beer in MIchigan, the Schmohz 120. It is dark amber, a bit hazy, with just the right amount of bitterness. Although if you want to take a break from alcohol entirely, you can always order their house root beer or black cherry soda instead which are just as loved by regulars as their beers. Even those who cannot drink beer, like pregnant women or people who are taking medications that can interact harmfully with alcohol, have a place at Schmohz.
Additionally, they have daily specials, and on Wednesdays they have Brewers Choice so you can try out a different beer at a discounted price every week. The Schmohz mug club also offers its members $3 beers on Mondays.
Although Schmohz does not have a kitchen and therefore does not serve food other than free popcorn, they will sometimes have some barbecue at the beer garden. If you want some snacks to eat with your glass of beer, you can have them delivered at the taproom or bring your own. You can order as many boxes of pizza or pie as you want or even have a mini potluck party with your family and friends.
Whether there is a party that requires more than just a few bottles of beer or you just want to always have a ready stock at home, you can order sixth and half barrels at Schmohz. If you just can’t get enough of their beer, head over to their website to send them a request. All preordered kegs will be ready for pickup on Saturdays.
For great beers at great prices, you may visit the Schmohz Brewing Company at 2600 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan and their Petoskey taproom at 109 W Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan.